July 25th. After spending the night in Belfast, we got breakfast and then headed to the Titanic Museum. I think Manuel was into it more than I was (I like to be outside exploring) but the museum was really cool. They definitely put a lot into the place (and it was air conditioned)! The outside of the building was interesting as well.
When I was researching things to do in Antrim, I saw that there is a place called Aunt Sandra's Candy Factory where they do tours and kids get a chance to make their own sweets. I figured I HAD to take the kids there. We called for a few days ahead of our trip, but not once did anyone ever answer the phone. That should've been a red flag to me, but we figured we should just stop in and see what the place was all about. The building was on a main street and looked like a lot of other small Irish towns. It was definitely easy to spot because the building is pink, so we decided to go in. Isandro was asleep and I put Benicio in my sling. We went in and there was only one lady working in the place. She was getting ice cream cones for a few people so we were waiting a while. The place was a bit of a disappointment, and things were kind of just all over the place. While we were waiting, their phone was ringing, and the lady said to the other customers, "Oh, that's the phone... just let it ring!" Surprise, surprise, that's what happened to us for three days trying to call them! Turns out the tours are only on the weekends, and after she described what they do, it didn't seem to be all it was cracked up to be, so we got Lina an ice cream cone and decided to continue on our way to see more exciting things!
You know a boy is tired when he sleeps through ice cream cones and falls asleep on hard plastic chairs!
Lina with her bubble gum ice cream cone!
We headed towards Larne, then started our drive up the coast, called the Causeway Coastal Route. Absolutely stunning, and a drive that we really enjoyed. One stop right along the coast was Carrickfergus Castle. It was another beautiful, sunny, and warm day (not your typical Irish weather)!
I love the bright doors of Ireland's homes and cottages.
At Carrickfergus Castle.
Next, we headed to Carnfunnock Country Park. Great park to run around and explore, with a hedge maze (Lina LOVED this) and huge kids playground, train, and more.
Lina laughing her butt of while we chase her around the hedge maze.
This guy was enjoying the weather too! Love his smile.
A little view of the hedge maze.
Sticking out that tongue!
This is his cooing/babbling face.
Benicio talking to dada while Lina and Isandro study their maps of the park.
At this point it was dinner time and we were hungry! We continued our drive along the Causeway Coast and drove to a charming town called Carnlough, where we got some yummy dinner at a place called Londonderry Arms Restaurant. They even had a parade going on, so the kids had a little free entertainment during and after dinner.
Finally, we decided it was time to head to our B&B (bed and breakfast) for the night. B&B's are really popular and plentiful here in Ireland. You basically rent a room for however many nights you need, at someone's home. So it's like a motel in a sense, but the best part is that you are served a home-cooked breakfast in the morning! The place we stayed at was called Dieskirt Farms, near the town of Cushendal. We were cutting it a little too close and almost had trouble finding a place, but this place had a vacancy. From the outside, the house didn't look that impressive, but the land and scenery was gorgeous! The inside was very nice and cozy, and the view from our room was amazing... tons of green grass, trees, donkeys, and sheep! The breakfast was great too, and the lady running everything was a great host.
Part of our view driving up to the B&B.
