The Ulster-American Folk Park, outside Omagh, Co.Tyrone, is a fascinating experience, portraying the lifestyles of Ulster men and women who lived in the area and emigrated to the United States in the early 1800s. It is located on the grounds of the former Mellon Family farm, of Carnegie Mellon fame. I loved the juxtaposition of the American farmstead rail fences with the Irish foliage.
Although the name was officially changed to Liffey Bridge, it has always been known as the Ha'penny Bridge, which was the toll to cross the bridge….1 old halfpenny, which was collected at turnstiles on either end of the bridge. Until 2000, when the Millenium Bridge was built, this was the only pedestrian bridge across the River Liffey. Studies in 2001 showed pedestrian traffic in excess of 27,000 people per day and also that critical repairs were needed. The were carried out by Harland and Wolff of Belfast, the company which built the Titanic.
Currently, the main concern with the Ha'pennyBridge is the removal of the increasing number of "love locks" which are being attached to it and damaging the paint. Love locks are padlocks upon which couples inscribe or paint their names, attach and lock to the bridge, then throw the keys into the Liffey as a symbol of their undying love and connectedness. The Dublin City Council is now cutting these off on a weekly basis.
About an hour outside of Belfast, I came upon this gorgeous waterfall in the hamlet of Downhill, in the Glens of Antrim. County Antrim has so many wonderful locations, including the Mussenden Temple, the Giant's Causeway, the Old Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce Castle, the Portstewart Golf Club, soaring sea cliffs, golden strands, mountains and, yes, waterfalls!