Co-Skipper and TideMaster Jan calculated the departure time to 3am in order to maximze the benefit from the currents on our way through the North Irish Channel.
Belfast was for me the most interesting stop in Ireland. The maritime heritage is huge and well presented. The political history not less interesting but comes with a pinch of bitterness.
Next stop: Scotland!
Fair winds…
To me, the above slogan somehow summarizes the spirit here in Belfast. It might be a bit polarizing but the industrial revolution was incredible and intense in this part of Ireland during the 19th and early 20th Century. Workers were needed and they came from all over Ireland into Belfast.
The Dock Cafe next to our pontoon here in the Titanic Quarter has got an interesting concept based on donation. Any sober business man or woman would shake his or her head around it not investing a single pound or even penny, whatever the equivalent in sterling might be.
We went there and grabbed a coffee and one of the delicious cakes. Cosy, friendly and accommodating.
Honesty works since March 2012!
We have been in numerous public houses since our arrival in Ireland but Madden‘s Bar is without doubt top notch. It got it all – even on a Monday night!
A bit outside the core city centre, the political couleur shall become clear before you join the crowed inside. Read on the photo, if in doubt. Latest when the whole pub roars “Back Home in Derry“ someone should not even think about a conversation around the crown.
We will go again tonight for a final pint or two or…
It was a long ride today but I was keen to round Strangford Lough to get a first hand impression. It was nice but not spectacular. Although not much traffic at all I am impressed about the respect cars give to bikers.
Fair winds…
The rainy day was perfect to visit the futuristic Titanic Museum next to our marina. Multimedia at perfection got our presence and attention for more than three hours. A fantastic journey through time, from incredible enthusiasm and proudness to shock and pain. Very impressive!
Fair winds…
After twenty four hours of sail we have now arrived in Belfast/Northern Ireland. Moored next to the RMS Titanic leftovers, this stop shall not only entertain us in the maritime sense but also educate us politically.
Plenty to explore within the time frame we have got.
Fair winds…
A twenty four hour weather window came up, which we decided to catch for our further journey North.
No doubt, our stay in Dún Laoghaire and Dublin was too short again but we have to sail with the winds and also want to have some days left to explore Scotland a bit.
17°C under the cockpit tent requires some warm layers and plenty of hot tea.
Fair winds…
Pubs have quickly become part of our life. Rankings seem to be important. While ‘‘Jonny Fox‘s‘‘ ranking remains undisputed, “The Brazen Head“, claiming to be the oldest Pub in Ireland, got many contenders. Cheers! 🍻
Fair winds…
One of my long time favourite songs…
Loch Lomond, performed in a Pub in Inverness.
Despite today’s weather was not as charming as forecasted, we got compensated by some magnificent landscape in the county of Wicklow. Chilly but rewarding, not only caused by the pitstop in Ireland’s highest pub!
Fair winds…
The two photos aside represent how colorful the city of Dublin presents itself. Traditional and modern aspects go hand in hand in many ways. Our walk took us around to explore both areas at the same time.
Lunch was served in “The Brazen Head“, which claims to be the oldest pub in Ireland, dating back to 1189.
Today’s walk was another nice experience supported by Komoot to get around in this exceptional capital city.
Dublin seems to be a biking city. There are not only serious cycling tracks downtown but also here in the suburb of Dún Loaghaire. Today‘s ride took me to some of the nearby local attractions. Pretty impressive, I think.
Fair winds…
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