Week two, I stayed will Carolina and Hugh Barr at their dairy farm about 20mins from the north coast. Once we finished feeding calves and morning chores Caroline and I set out to explore the north coast. I got to see The Dark Hedges, Portrush, Whiterock Beach, Dunluce Castle, Mussenden Temple, Giant’s Causeway. We were able to meet up with Hannah Kirkpatrick, delegate to Canada in 2015, and to see her business “Matter”. Hannah & Amy and I got to catch up over dinner. Carolina and I took the train that runs along the coast down to Londonderry which had beautiful views, and we spent the day exploring the city, walking across the peace bridge which was built to symbolize the end of the troubles! The Guildhall had a great exhibition on about North Ireland and Londonderry history. We finished the day by going to their friend’s farm supply store that had a very impressive collection of toy and model tractors. On Friday day we meet up with Lauren McRoberts, delegate to Canada from 2024 and the Austrian Delegates Bettina and Eve. We had a great time on the Distillery tour and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. We finish the day at Crumlin YFC meeting which was a clay pigeon shooting competition. This may not be my sport! On Sunday there was a picnic for anyone that had gone exchange. It was lovely hearing about everyone travels.
I was off to my next host Kristen Davis who had only recent got back from her Australian exchange. She lived on an Irish Moiled and sheep farm, and her family also owned an Equestrian Centre. I got to go to Mount IDA pottery owned by Trevor Wood past YF exchange. I spent the morning learn how to make different pottery piece and got to take home a great cow souvenir that I made and now sits proudly in my living room! The next day I got to help on the farm with checking to see if the cows were in calf. The next two day I got to ride a horse at the equestrian centre, I did tours of dairy farms, checked out the local site like Slemish, Lough Neagh, Cave Hill Country Park which had a great view of Belfast. While out exploring I happened to bump into the Northern Irish delegate who went on exchange to Australia in 1991, when my mother was there on exchange from JFAO. When he heard I was from Canada he asked if she was my mom…wow the world can be small! My last night in Northern lreland my host family went out in Belfast to check out some fabulous live music and pubs. That wrap my three incredible weeks in Northern Ireland. I would like to thank JFAO for this amazing opportunity to see the country in the most unique way.
