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ILLUSTRATED sunmnn TOUR IN ms NORTH or IRELAND. 41
rarity. For ourselves we found it hard to resist the temptation to
purchase the trifling pebbles seeing that we had to trust to the skill
and strength of the sellers to convey us back for a mile over a
tumbling sea. After a most pleasant voyage along the coast, we
landed on the Great Causeway, and proceeded to view the Giant's
Gateway, where the basaltic columns are fully exposed.
From the base of the cliffs, a narrow path winds its way to the
summit. This is known as the “ Shepherds’ Path,” and the active
and energetic should not fail to clamber to the headlands. The
view from the top amply repays one for the expenditure of labour‘
involved in the climb. Reaching Pleaskin Head, the sobbing and
sighing of the surf dies away, and only the shriek of the seagull,
as it swoops downward, falls on the ear. There is a profound lone-
liness on the giddy heights; and every breeze that stirs the air
bears in its wings health and freshness. The coast of Scotland is
plainly visible, with the islands of Islay and Arran pushing their
dark forms through the golden haze. Mallin Head, gaunt and
drear, limits the western view, while Fair Head, with its wild moors,
stands out distinctly in the east. The visitor will not regret the time
spent in Antrim after viewing the Giant's Causeway. It may be
reached from Belfast, Ballymena, Larne, or Portrush with ease,
owing to the capital facilities of the Belfast and Northern Counties
Railway and the connections of the Electric Tramway. The fares
are reasonable, and the hotels on the route are conducted on first-
class principles. Holiday-makers who have exhausted the charms-
of the south would add considerably to their stock of pleasure by a
tour in Antrim. We had evidence of the popularity of the country
in the eyes of Americans. In most of the hotels American
visitors outnumber the English tourists, and all speak in the
highest praise of the magnificent scenery of Northern Ireland. It
must be stated, however, that the visitors are increasing in number
every year, and it is to this source that many’ persons look for a
settlement of some of the difficulties which have recently formed
the subject of heated discussion.
DUNSEVERICK (DUN SOBHAIRACE).
On an isolated rock about three miles east of the Causeway stand
the remains of Dunseverick Castle. It is generally believed that on
this spot stood (no of the three first fortresses erected in Ireland.