In the AM we headed to Stranmillis College to talk to one of Mark's professors about the education system in Northern Ireland. Apparently, it is equally as messed up as ours in America. That prompted a discussion with Maynard about the government system in Northern Ireland which was very interesting.
Next we drove up to the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world--Bushmills.
After a spot of lunch at The Coffee Shop we took the tour.
The rain was the worst I've seen it in Ireland ever, but no where near as bad as it gets in Pennsylvania (especially during Carnival and/or Football season.) The tour was really great.
From the mash room (the first room we entered)
you could get drunk off of the air...LOL It smelled heavenly! We learned as much as they'd allow you to know and I highly suggest the tour. At the end you get a sample. I chose the 12 year old reserve (non-blended) whiskey that they only sell at the distillery itself. It was
brilliant. The absolute best whiskey I have ever tasted in my entire life. And as much as I wanted to purchase a large bottle it's too much of a pain to get it back home with having to pack it in checked luggage and then pray to God it doesn't break in transit.
Unfortunately, between the weather (wind and rain) and our schedule it wasn't possible to do the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. (We'll have to save that for our next journey!) Next we headed to Ballymena to meet the Mayor and have a jaunt through the building. The Performing Arts center there is extremely impressive. It has a full fly system and retractable seating for 400. There is also a dance studio and art work from regional artists.
After Ballymena we undertook the climbing of Slemish Mountain. St. Patrick would have been proud! We headed up the "hard" way...straight up the mountain and up through the rocks. There's apparently a way with a path
around the mountain somewhere...but we never found it. LOL It's a moderately rough climb for non-hikers. The view was incredible the entire way up. And once we were at the top it was a wonder to behold. It really felt like you were on the top of the world and could just look our forever.
The way down was the interesting part. Brooke and Caitlin decided to go down the way we came. Katie and I decided upon "the road less taken" except by the sheep. The other side of the mountain was so gorgeous with the heather and all we decided to go that way. There was a trail to a point. But then it fizzled out and we were kind of stuck. We managed along the heather above the sheer cliff faces. But it was so slippery from the rain earlier today that it was really hard to get a foot hold. At one point I slid and only had the heather to hold me on the side of the mountain. It really got my adrenaline pumping! We managed the long way round but it was much more beautiful than coming down the way we went up! (If you decide to go....definitely bring a picnic lunch for the top.)
Tomorrow's schedule: I'm not sure where on the site but they should be broadcasting our trip end concert/presentation at 2:30PM EST somewhere on the Centre website http://www.saintpatrickcentre.com Please feel free to visit. The Ulster-Scots group will be talking about the things we've done while we were here and also singing a song in Ulster-Scotch called Braes o' Balquhidder. (Those of you who've been to Celtic Classic may recognize it as a song that is done by Charlie Zahm.)
Slemish Mountain in the distance
About halfway up the mountain.
And the conquerers at the top!
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