My flight to Ireland was cancelled for some unknown reason just ten minutes before boarding and I lost two days waiting for a rescheduled flight. I didn't have enough time for my planned trip to Dingle, Co. Kerry, so we decided to head up to the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland instead. What a wonderful place!!! I think the area is right up there with the Cliffs of Moher, Cinque Terra or the Amalfi Coast.

Although I lived just two hours away in the Republic of Ireland for twenty five years, I had never been up to Antrim due to security concerns during the 'Troubles' of the 70's and 80's. Fortunately, all is peaceful in the North now and the Antrim coast should be on everybody's itinerary to Ireland.

These pictures are taken at the Giant's Causeway, one of N.I.'s best known attractions. The stepping stone formations are basalt lava. Basically, the lava crystalized into almost uniform hexangular columns during the cooling process. The fifty million year old columns, which are up to forty feet high are segmented vertically into perfectly formed ball and socket joints.

Suggestions and comments, including any memories of your Antrim visit are greatly appreciated.

More Mini Themes of Antrim to follow .