I have never ceased to be fascinated by the landscapes of this wonderful country. In fact, when you go along the north coast of Northern Ireland, it is normal that you find many signs that indicate that the area you are in is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it is true, my eyes have never been so delighted to see natural landscapes as beautiful as those offered by this island.

I recently had the opportunity to visit a spectacular place on the north coast, Ballintoy Harbour. Honestly, its name wasn't too familiar to me, nevertheless, I could remember having heard about this place precisely because this harbour was used for some scenes of the Iron Islands in Game of Thrones.

Game of Thrones filming location for the Iron Islands

A new discovery

Ballintoy Harbour is a well-known place for locals of this island, many grew up enjoying the beaches of this area and the views and sunsets that this place offers. However, as a person who has just arrived on this island and is eager to explore and know every corner of it, I always try not to stop being amazed by every wonder I see, and of course Ballintoy Harbour was no exception.

To begin with, the harbour does not seem to be easily accessible to everyone, and therefore it makes sense that it does not have a great deal of advertising for tourism, since tourist buses cannot access this area.  So, before you go, you have to plan your trip very well to know how to get there and how to return; Game of Thrones tour packages usually include this destination among their list of places to visit.

I'm in love with this place

I should also mention that for you to enjoy this experience, you must bring a pair of wellies. It is a very muddy terrain, and I am sure you will not want to spoil your white sneakers during this adventure, so try to wear shoes that can get wet or dirty with mud, so that they are very easy to clean later.

A therapeutic adventure

I understand that when one normally visits these touristy places, the main interest is in taking great pictures to preserve beautiful memories. However, beyond being photographed, Ballintoy Harbour deserves more of your time and appreciation. The experience I had there was therapeutic, relaxing, meditative, and all the positive sensations I can imagine.

Many things worked in my favour to make this experience so, but mainly the fact that the weather was perfect and that I was in no rush to return home. I allowed myself to fully immerse myself in the place, to feel that I was part of it and make it part of me, to think of myself as another element of the landscape, and to contemplate the beauty of this coast in its fullness.

Don't ask me how I got back down...

At Ballintoy Harbour you are going to see a lot of things, you can see the harbour and a small landing for some boats, but if you keep walking you will find many landscapes and many different beaches. You will be able to enjoy hills full of grass, where sheep and rabbits roost.

You will also be able to see cliffs, and many caves, rocky beaches, sandy paths, rock piles that form small mountains, and rock arches left by nature. It's easy to stop and appreciate every detail of the scenery, focus on small things, or dare to tie yourself to an experience. I enjoyed climbing the rocks and walking near the sea with my wellies.

Wearing wellies was the best choice

Immerse yourself in the experience

I feel that it is always important to enjoy the possibilities of really BEING in a place, to fully immerse yourself in a fundamental experience to capture the essence and magic of a place. Beyond simply taking photos, it involves absorbing the sounds, scents, and sensations around you, and immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of each destination.

This active immersion allows you to connect more deeply with the beauty of the place, creating meaningful and lasting memories that go beyond a simple image. By living in the moment with all your senses, you open the door to authentic and enriching experiences that will last long beyond the click of a camera.

This is the famous elephant, I went back the next day to see the sunset here

From Ballintoy Harbour I was able to memorise its colours, the hues of the sea when the sun shone over it, and how the colour changed when a cloud covered the light. The smell of salt water in a cave, the feeling of every rock, the green of the grass and the sound of the breeze. I spent about 3 hours exploring the place, getting to know it and connecting.

That was all that existed for me being there, that moment and that place. I fell so in love with this place that I decided to return the next day and at a different hour, just to see it in different colours, I was able still to feel the magic.

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Information for students from Colombia

Isabella Barros De La Rosa Violence, Terrorism and Security | Postgraduate Student | Colombia Hello, my name is Isabella Barros, I am 24 years old and I am from a beautiful city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia called Barranquilla. I am currently pursuing my master's in Violence, Terrorism and Security at Queen’s. I am very into running and outdoor activities. That's why Belfast is so amazing to live in, because of the landscapes, and the spaces for this kind of hobby. Besides running and studying, you can find me in any bookstore, wandering around the city, or enjoying a pleasant coffee in a cute cafe!