A private tour took us to Dunluce Castle, the Giant’s Causeway, and Bushmills Distillery; all different, all amazing. The tour of the distillery was interesting because I never thought whiskey could smell so strong. There is a book published in 1896 on all the distilleries in the United Kingdom. I had read the book prior to coming to Ireland. I discovered today that very little has changed in the distilling process (the machinery yes, the bottles and corks yes) from 1608. The Reserve 12 year is quite nice but also quite pricey…I passed.
Dunluce Castle dating from around 1500 was the center of power for the MacQuillans who were ousted by the MacDonalds who conflicted with the O’Cahans…etc., etc. The castle perches on a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. One can only imagine what life must have been like in this manor house with all the land about. Given the land by Elizabeth I, MacDonald set about bringing over lots of his Scottish family and friends so that the Irish would not be able to rebel. They were a rowdy lot and in 1642 MacDonald was arrested by General Robert Munro, Governor of Carrickfergus at the beginning of the Irish Rebellion. His wife salvaged many of their possessions and shipped them to Chester where they were stored until seized and sold off by Cromwell’s agents in 1651.
Next on the tour was the Giant’s Causeway, an extraordinary beach area of giant rocks and boulders showing a rugged but beautiful coast line. We had the traditional big Irish lunch with our tour guide, Michael. I bought a hat…wait until you see.
Tomorrow we do a little touring still in Derry. I want a close up of the Bogside Bay and the history of the Troubles. I have read extensively about the Derry Troubles and Bloody Sunday when I directed Brian Foster’s play: Maire-A Woman of Derry. I tried to meet Brian here in Derry, but he has a family emergency at the hospital. Next time. Then it is off to Belfast to catch an overnight ferry to Liverpool.
Leara Rhodes 