Ram's Island

It has been a dream of mine to visit Ram's Island, a small island in the middle of Lough Neagh. For years it was almost impossible to reach, unless one had a boat, and even then the island had become overgrown and neglected. In recent times, Michael Savage has been at the helm of a conservation project and along with a band of volunteers and charity funding he has lovingly restored the island to its former glory.

We set sail on Saturday 9 September on Island Warrior, the ferryboat used to take visitors and volunteers to the island. The weather was dreadful, but it was a smooth crossing. When we arrived Michael invited the group into a renovated barge, which now serves as a clubhouse, for tea and coffee. The island is around one mile long and one mile wide, and so it is very walkable. It belonged to the O'Neill family, and in the 19th century it served as their summer retreat. As I said before, it is a woodland, and as such it is well sheltered from the elements. A lot of the ancient trees were vandalised by American soldiers during WW2, and you can still see their carvings in the bark (they were stationed at Langford Lodge in Crumlin). Although I was attracted by the wildlife and nature aspect, I was excited to visit the ruins of the O'Neill summer house and the remains of a round tower, dating back to an ancient monastery settlement.

We'll definitely be back!

Portglenone Forest

As with many of our trips, this trip to Portglenone Forest happened on the spur of the moment. Mark directed me through Randalstown along the country roads which had stunning views of the Lough, to the ancient woodland, it was quite a drive but worth it, that is, if trees are your thing.

I know nothing about Portglenone Forest, except that I've never been there..."Portglenone Forest continues a history of mature woodland cover since ancient times, which protects the woodland flora and fauna. As such, the 26 hectare main area contains extensive colonies of ancient woodland flower species - Bluebell, Wood Anemone, Wild Garlic and many broadleaves and riverside walks. The swathes of bluebells in spring are especially remarkable, as is the Grove dedicated to Dr. Augustine Henry." More at Discover N.I.

We walked through the forest, taking the path which led over a wooden bridge along to the River Bann. Lola was her usual charming self and tried to attack any dog which passed us, which can be quite tricky when we're out for the day, we hate to leave her at home but we also hate having to restrain her. And, because of this, we had to have a look at the Bann and then walk away, people were fishing with their dogs next to them and we didn't want to disturb them.

The sunny weather has gone, (just my luck, I've been at work all week) and it was getting chilly in the forest. Mark told me the forest has a waterfall but we couldn't find it, I think he is getting it mixed up with another forest. Well, the forest itself is quite like Randalstown Forest, just trees upon trees, but it is better laid out with a lovely winding path, views of the fields, and a nice pond.

Tomorrow we are going to Botanic Gardens to visit the Victorian Palm House which grows all kinds of weird and wonderful plants, and then we'll stop off at the museum.

Climbing Slemish

Slemish mountain is not for the faint hearted...As we were approaching in the car I thought, oh this looks tiny, but believe me when I say it is hard work! First of all there is no pathway up the mountain and why should there be? It is a mass of spiked rocks which one has to maneuver around and climb over...and onto, by the time we reached the bottom of the rugged steps to get up the highest part of the mountain I was gasping for air. At first I thought I was very unfit until I noticed a rambler leaning against a tree doing the same thing. It sounds insane, but I think the altitude is the problem for I was getting light headed, ears ringing, funny eyes etc. I climbed to the middle point and decided to return to the bottom, my brother continued on to the top. As I was descending the mountain my legs were shaking and I had one main objective- not to slip! I was also carrying a rather fidgety small dog...

I reached the bottom, stumbling over rocks with the strong winds whipping my hair every which way and obscuring my vision and sunglasses that wouldn't stay on...and then I decided, I'm either going to be sick or fall flat on my face! I lay down on the grass completely worn out, probably looking like a dead body and my parents, who were waiting at the bottom began to laugh at me. Well....my mum climbed to the bottom of the mountain and had to return and my dad was worn out! So you see, it really is a nightmare.

The scenery from the top is amazing, you get to see the patchwork fields and Sperrin mountains in the background. And then the dark clouds moved inward and it began to rain heavily. At this point my dad was up the mountain and I was locked out of the car, bliss.

So, after a scenic drive home I shunned some ice cream and headed for bed. Slemish really wore me out!