Dublin to Cumbria - Day 3

The hotel in Dublin was a great one and we had a fabulous breakfast to fortify us before we headed North in Mike's little green car. Getting out of Dublin was much easier than getting in and before we knew it we were heading North on the motorway and before too long stopped to take the roof down and put on our winter coats before making the most of the sunny, warm weather as we headed back into Northern Ireland. The entrance back to the UK was very subtle, there are no signs it is purely the change in road signage, distances in miles as opposed to kilometres that lets you know you have changed countries.

We were taking a detour and heading along the scenic coastal Mourne driving route which takes you along the coast from Newry to Bangor and then onto Belfast. We had no idea how long this would take and had until 3pm to check into our ferry. The drive was incredible with small narrow roads and beautiful scenery. Mike was driving like a demon and the little car bustled along the small country lanes in its element, no longer showing its antiquity. After all on roads this small and windy you can only go so fast and it no longer matters if you are 45years old. He was obviously really enjoying himself but I would be lying if I didn't admit that on occasions my eyes were closed!

At one stage we had to catch a ferry across from Strangford and Portaferry and we took this time to calculate our time, realising that it was becoming a bit tight to catch our ferry home, so we decided to forgo our lunch and press on, finally reaching the port at Belfast with only 45 minutes to spare.

The rest of the journey was uneventful and we arrived home safe and sound to Boy who had become rather lonely on his own.

The washing machine is now churning and the iron is working overtime. Andrew had done really well with the finances, and just eaten us out of house and home and spent the rest on take-away curries and sweets. It is clear that student life is starting to kick in again!

I enjoyed Ireland and found the people really friendly and welcoming. I really felt that I was in Europe, the signage, modern buildings, kilometres and Euro's all combined to make me think I was further away from home than reality. It is hard to believe that only 20 years ago we would never have dreamt of making the trip in our little car due to the violence in the region. I am so glad that the two countries seem to be moving forward in such a positive way and Mike is talking about taking me to the battle of the Boyne next year. I am heading back again in 4 weeks time to study Yin Yoga in Cork, so more Irish adventures coming soon.

It is nice to be home with Boy and the cats before Andrew heads back to university. More journeys heading your way soon.