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Beauty: Isaiah 61:3

Boyne Centre, Drogheda, County Meath

Boyne Centre, Drogheda, County Meath

The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, Oldbridge House, Drogheda, County Meath

The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, Oldbridge House, Drogheda, County Meath

Goodness and Mercy: Psalm23:6

Portrush, East Strand, County Antrim

Portrush, East Strand, County Antrim

In Northern Ireland, a spell of good weather often brings people flocking to the north coast. Portrush and nearby Portstewart are favourites since both have excellent beaches, as well as good shops and eating places, etc.

 There’s plenty of choice and places of interest on this northern stretch of coastline including Ballycastle, Kinbane Castle, Carrick-a-Rede with its famous rope bridge, Ballintoy, Dunseverick, The Giant’s Causeway, Portballintrae, White Park Bay, and then the popular towns of Portrush and Portstewart.

With the Covid travel restrictions, the word ‘staycation’ has become a buzzword as we’ve had to face the uncertainty of being able to travel abroad without quite a bit of hassle. Instead, many have made the most of holiday destinations closer to home – places like the north coast. Fortunately, in Northern Ireland we have plenty of suitable places to enjoy a break. It’s even better when we get those temperatures that we’ve been enjoying this year.

Some will remember the days when The Arcadia was a popular Ballroom. Nowadays it's a popular beach cafe.

Some will remember the days when The Arcadia was a popular Ballroom. Nowadays it's a popular beach cafe.

Portrush East Strand is just one of a number of beaches along this northern stretch of coastline.

Portrush East Strand is just one of a number of beaches along this northern stretch of coastline.

Peace: John 14:27

Peace: John 14:27

This is Cahir Castle, on the River Suir, Cahir, County Tipperary. The castle was built in two parts, with the side closest to the road being built from 1142 by the Prince of Thomond, Conor O’Brien. 200 years later the second side was added; it now houses an audio-visual show for visitors.

In 1375, the castle was granted to the newly created Earl of Ormond, James Butler, for his loyalty to Edward III. It was enlarged and remodelled between the 15th and 17th centuries, then fell into ruin in the late 18th century. The Great Hall was partly rebuilt in 1840.

In 1961 the last Lord Cahir died and the castle became the property of the Irish state and was named a National Monument. It is now managed by the Office of Public Works, who maintain it and operate tours.

Mercy: Psalm 106:1

Ruin of a 5th Century monastic site at Nendrum, Mahee Island, County Down

Ruin of a 5th Century monastic site at Nendrum, Mahee Island, County Down

Fortified Tower: Proverbs 18:10

The Martello Tower, Magilligan Point, County Londonderry.

The Martello Tower, Magilligan Point, County Londonderry.

The Martello Tower at Magilligan Point, is an important historical site in County Londonderry. Built in 1812, the tower was strategically positioned at the entrance to Lough Foyle, so that a 24 pounder cannon, mounted on the top, could be fired against any invading fleet. The round structure had massively thick walls and a flat top so that a gun could be pointed in any direction.
 
The tower was built to withstand a seige, being built on top of a spring, so that any troops trapped inside would at least have a supply of fresh water. There were living quarters below the gun platform and the ground floor was used to store powder and ammunition.
 
The tower is located in a picturesque setting looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, close to the lovely beach of Benone Strand. From here, there is a splendid view of Greencastle and the Donegal Hills on the other side of Lough Foyle. 
 
Martello Towers are named after a fort at Mortello Point in Corsica, which successfully withstood bombardment from the British Royal Navy in 1794 during the Napoleanic wars. The British were so impressed with the strength of the tower that they copied the design and built their own, placing them in strategic locations around the coast of England and Ireland. This one at Magilligan is one of the most northerly in Ireland. There is a similar tower in Greencastle, on the other side of Lough Foyle.
The tower was a defence against any invading fleet entering Lough Foyle

The tower was a defence against any invading fleet entering Lough Foyle

Just across the sand dunes, Benone Strand, a popular beach in Northern Ireland

Just across the sand dunes, Benone Strand, a popular beach in Northern Ireland

There were no further attempts to invade Ireland after 1798 and the garrison stationed here didn't ever need to fire a shot.

There were no further attempts to invade Ireland after 1798 and the garrison stationed here didn't ever need to fire a shot.

Guard Your Heart: Proverbs 4:23

Guard Your Heart: Proverbs 4:23
Guard Your Heart: Proverbs 4:23
Today’s post shows the ancestral home of Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the United States. The original building was a traditional thatched cottage from the 1750s, which has been refurbished. It was the home of Andrew Jackson’s parents before they emigrated to South Carolina around 1765.

The site, at Boneybefore, close to Carrickfergus town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, also houses the US Rangers Museum, paying homage to the soldiers of the First Battalions of the elite US Rangers.

The cottage is a tourist attraction and open to the public five days a week; although currently temporarily closed to the public due to COVID restrictions.

 Andrew Jackson lived from 1767 – 1845 and was an American lawyer, soldier, and statesman, before taking office as the seventh President of the United States from 1829 to 1837.

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