Summer is over here in Northern Ireland. Trees starting to change colours, crisps in the air, chilly mornings  and cozy weekend nights. Autumn is definitely here!

I am not ready to let the summer go yet! So let me tell you how we spent our long Bank holiday weekend up in the North Coast.

CastleRock

We took the NI train from Botanic to CastleRock station. The train is packed because of "The Open" - a golf event hosted by Northern Ireland this year and the kick off happens to be on the same day we headed North. Not complaining - we still had comfortable and a nice window seat.


It was sunny but very windy when we arrived. Castlerock is a very small coastal town and it is very easy to get around. Just a few steps from the train station on the main road we found our lovely Airbnb. A 3 story detached house, the entrance is on the main street opposite the convenience shop and the coffee hut. We checked in to our massive en-suite bedroom with sea view of the Castlerock Beach and the overlooking of Donegal, Republic of Ireland. It was worth the price!

As soon as we are settled we went out to grab some lunch and hit the beach! We just spent the whole afternoon walking along the beach and exploring the wee town. We attempted to go to the Temple but we dont know which way to go and it was kinda getting late and decided to just go back early morning so we dont need to rush.



The next day, woke up very early and hike our way to the Downhill House and Mussenden Temple.

How to get here

From the beach there is a black stoned gate leading up to the caravan site. Walk straight up to the end of the caravan site. There is a grassy pathway - follow that (We had some troubles finding this path, luckily a very nice fella from the caravan home showed us the way).

surprise surprise. It's on the other side.

The walk continues around the headland and then drop a slope towards a lake. The view is absolutely stunning.

the  Downhill House facade

It was a very nice  morning hike. When we reached the place, I imagined that it will be full of tourist but to our surprise, there's none. We have the house all to our selves.

This is what the inside looks like. It goes straight up to the temple.

There were no other tourists, we've seen some hikers and runners about. The down part is that the temple is closed. We didn't mind because the view is absolutely gorgeous! And and it was a very nice weather.


 

TIP: I knew there is a small admission fee if you go on the entrance but because we hike our way up and came from the other side we didn't pay for anything. If you go this way make sure you have a proper shoes and dress accordingly (not like my dressy dress!!) because there are sharp bushes especially down the slope towards the lake.

Portrush

After the hike we catch the train to Portrush. It wasnt that far and should have direct trains but due to "The Open" we were re-routed and needed to change trains in Coleraine. There were far too many people.



It was my second time in this town but it has never been this beautiful. So warm and sunny. There are actual people sunning them selves on the beach! I couldnt believe my eyes, some are even swimming! Imagine how cold the water is but to these people this is what summer feels like.

Where to eat

Ramore Wine Bar has been my go to place. Good food, good service, and oh the deserts are amazing! It's a very busy place but it was all worth it. We were seated at a nice table overlooking the harbour.
I had a slow cooked beef and bebe had fish and chips. This beef melts in the mouth. Oh it was so good. I ate the whole thing.

 

After our delicious lunch, we walked to the east strand. We planned to go on the sandy beach but it was so so busy. Instead we had ice cream and just chill on one of the benches along the coast. I actually had a nap. lol

Portstewart

Portstewart was the highlight of our trip. I fell in love instantly. I think it's the combination of the perfect weather, the beach and the people. It was just so beautiful.

Portstewart was not even part of our plan. The initial plan was to go to Derry-Londonderry. I heard so much about this small town and I needed to see it. I clearly made the right choice. I mean look at that! My photo doesn't even do justice.



 

We grabbed some drinks and lunch at the Harry Shack. Loved the salmon salad!

 

We had a very small time and was not able to explore the town centre. We rather spent the day by the beach with a pint of beer. It was an absolutely amazing mini getaway!

Drop me a comment if you have questions. :)