IN NI

Hello,

So, as the palindromic title states, I am currently in Northern Ireland, schlepping about the sights that it has to offer. 

The dynamic is a bit different this time around, as I'm not going solo (if you know you know, but not saying who on the small chance that this post ends up going viral and a wrong'un realises that the people in question's home is vacant! 😂), so knowing that I don't have to ferry myself about may reduce some stress and anxiety, but I also do not necessarily have the flexibility to do the things I'd normally intend to do, as I'm too much of a cheapskate to get a hire car!

Furthermore, I am about a week into trying some medication for some mental health woes that I've been trying to get over for a couple of months, which will also potentially alter my mindset, so join me along for the ride to see what mental state I'm in come the end of the holiday! Oh, and obviously to find out about the places I've been to 😉

It's the first time I've ventured over the Irish Sea (quite literally) to this side of the pond, and first impressions are good. We're currently in the South of the North, arriving yesterday after a 12-hour journey, which included a 3.5 hour ferry crossing, which, contrary to the song, was not rough enough to make the boat go "this way, that way, forwards and backwards over the Irish Sea". In fact, it was surprisingly calm, both in terms of the journey, and my mood. I think the anxiety may have heightened had it not been for the fact that we had a cabin- a bit of a neurodivergent traveller 101- he says, in spite of the fact that he does not have a cabin for the return journey...


Before journeying up to where we're currently stationed, the mission was to find a chippy for lunch. Thankfully, the call for a chip shop that did not shut before 3pm was answered in a small place called Bettystown. After not being brave enough to eat the lunch out on the seafront, we ventured onwards in the trusty steed to where we are now.

We've spent the day exploring the Mourne Mountains, ascending the 678 metres of Slieve Meelmore. For those of you that know me, walking up hills is not my go-to activity, but by virtue of having been stranded out in the countryside if I were to stay at the accommodation today, I joined the party to fulfil my Peak quota. And after rambling over rocky terrain, we made it to the top. I have to say, the views were worth it, but am still not sure whether today's escapade will entice Me(el) to do More hill-walking.


After the first picnic of the trip, we headed to Newcastle (not the Geordie or Staffordshire one), a relatively sizable seaside town on the East Coast. We promenaded along the promenade, with its various sculptures and windy walkways, noting how it bears a strong resemblance to the likes of Barmouth and Fairbourne, two staples of my childhood holidays to Wales. Having said that, Newcastle maintains its authenticity- it's clean, has a variety of independent shops and has a nice park, which, after a small ascent (once again!), leads you to a pretty waterfall, as we found out following a tip-off from a local.

The waterfall in question

We decided to "Lough In" (as the kids say!) for the final leg of the trip, today, to search out Strangford Lough, which any Marine Conservation nerd will obviously know that it became Northern Ireland's first Marine Conservation Zone, in 2013. Whilst not going to Strangford itself, we caught sight of the Lough from a Country Park, which featured the "Strangford Stone". The stone was erected (using rope!) in the late 90s by a thousand locals from all backgrounds, with the aim of uniting the area through an act of common good. And that act is a testament to the power of collaborative co-operation- so much so, that a postage stamp of the stone's erection was commissioned.

Strangford Stone & Lough. Obvs not my picture- credit above...

Talking about cooperation, my mental health was quite cooperative on the whole today. I'm trying to get back into the swing of feeling like a fully functional human again, and doing these activities today, will no doubt be a reminder of the things that can be achieved in a day trip, whilst being undoubtedly mindful of how to cope should I not feel fully functional.


'Til next time,

Tom

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