Exploring Ireland: Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge, Ballycastle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland


One thing on our list for our trip to Northern Ireland was a visit to the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge, located not too far from Balintoy Harbour. Owned by the National Trust, this wooden rope bridge was first erected by salmon fishermen in 1755 and is a Game of Thrones filming location. Even if you're not a GoT fan, it's well worth a visit.




Once you've bought your ticket - it's about £6 -, it's about a 15 minute walk from the ticket office to the bridge with lots of stunning scenery on the way. The electric blue of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged cliffs are breathtaking and truly a sight to behold. Sometimes I can't quite believe this is the UK when it feels like you are a million miles away from home. I feel incredible lucky to have this part of the world a mere 50 minute plane journey away.

The rope bridge connect two cliffs and is suspended almost 100ft above the sea. It's a slightly terrifying walk across. My legs were like jelly and I couldn't bear to look anywhere other than straight ahead. It didn't help with my boyfriend behind me wobbling the bridge and making the experience even less enjoyable... Despite not really enjoying it, I really did enjoy it and it was something I'm so glad I did. Everyone should do it! The view from the other side was gorgeous - well worth the six quid fee for that.

Keep in mind there will be lots of crowds. Even in January we counted three huge coaches full of tourists. It seems other people have discovered how beautiful this part of the world is too...

2 Comments

Recipe: Thai green meatballs


During this cold snap - although hopefully set to change! - there's nothing quite like a spicy curry to help blow the winter cobwebs away and put some hairs on your chest. A Thai curry is one of the ultimate comfort food dishes for me so when Heck got in touch to offer me the chance to try their new Thai bites veggie balls, it was a dish I immediately created. The delicious balls (lolz) are made from a tasty combination of Thai pesto, sweet potato and sticky rice making them vegan, dairy free and gluten free.

Feeds 2

Ingredients
1pack of Thai bites veggie balls*
1 can of half-fat coconut milk
1 lime, zest and juice
2 crushed cloves of garlic
A pinch of chilli flakes
2-3 teaspoons of Thai green curry pas (depending on how hot you like it)
1 pack of sugar snap peas
1 pack of mini corn
1 bunch of spring onions
1 tablespoon of olive oil




To serve
A bowl of brown rice - I used Uncle Ben's microwavable rice because I'm a lazy one

Method
1. Put the oil in a big casserole dish and cook the sugar snap peas and mini corn for about 5 minutes.

2. Add the crushed garlic and spring onions before cooking for a further 5 minutes.

3. Put in the coconut milk, veggie balls and chilli flakes. Give it a good stir for a couple of minutes.

4. Add the paste, give the mixture stir and bring to the boil. Once boiling, cook for about 10-12 minutes on a high heat. Keep stirring to ensure nothing sticks to the base of the pan.

5.  Spilt the rice between two bowls and serve the curry.

As always let me know if you make it and tweet me a picture. Happy cooking!

4 Comments

Why you need a pair of rose gold heels in your life






Outfit:
Grey and purple ombre coat: ASOS (similar)
Colour block shirt: Boohoo
Washed out black skinny jeans: New Look (similar)
Rose gold court shoes: 4th & Reckless*
Red liquid lipstick: Kat Von D

I love shoes. In particular I love a pair of heels. No evening out for me is completely without wearing a pair of high heels. Court shoes and barely there sandals are my weapon of choice. I have far too many pairs to even want to count. That way I can just pretend I have none and buy more right?

I was kindly gifted these rose gold court shoes and realised they were exactly what I was missing in my wardrobe. Sometimes you just don't know until it falls into your lap. They're neutral to go with everything in your wardrobe yet they pack a punch. They help to jazz up a simple outfit but are plain enough to go with a busy outfit too. Basically everyone needs a pair of rose gold heels in their life.

Take a look at more rose gold shoes below - go on, treat yourself!


9 Comments

Search This Blog

About me

About me
A Essex based lifestyle blogger who lives a champagne life on a lemonade purse!

Get in touch at
sophie.warner89@yahoo.co.uk.

As from July 2015, all PR samples will be marked with a *.
Follow

Blog Archive

Design by elevatormusik. Powered by Blogger.

Copyright

All content copyright to The Story of a Girl Who Lives Above Her Means unless stated otherwise.