I’ve been to Ireland but not Ulster. My dad was there throughout the early part of “the troubles”. He said it was a bizarre place.
My ancestors are from Ulster, so this trip...shortly after taking a day trip to Belfast was akin to taking a day trip to Baghdad...was a real eye opener to the “troubles” that had plagued them for so many, many years.
If you are ever, again, in that part of the world, I would highly recommend a trip to Belfast, if only to get a taste of what terrorism looks like. I’m not taking sides...it was horrible for both sides. Sinn Fein still has a headquarters there, and the murals around the city tell the tale of the struggles that both sides have had.
We had lunch upstairs across the street from the most bombed building in Europe...the Europa Hotel. It was the Crown Bar, and the food was fantastic. I was raised on cheese and pickle sandwiches, but this is the only time I’ve seen them on the menu. It was absolutely delicious! The pub downstairs is very old, and beautiful. The tables had wooden walls around them so that, a long time ago, the women would be able to frequent the bar, and have their identity hidden.
It is a very interesting city. I believe the Titanic was built there.
Oh...you are from the UK!
So nice to make your acquaintance!