Bangor

We took our sightseeing out of town yesterday.  The kids and I nervously hopped a train and headed to Bangor (pronounced like it rhymes with Hanger) it lies to the east of  Belfast.  Lagan River, Belfast or Queens Lough all seem to originate at Bangor.

first train ride

Sarah and Sabrina

Steve and I observed several sail boats heading out of the marina in front of the apartment.  That seemed to be a sign that maybe we had a good day ahead.  We will continue to watch the sailboats.  It was a fabulous day.  18 degrees is a hot day, brr but the sun was shining so it was enjoyable.

Bangor is more like an upscale resort town.  The difference between Bangor and Belfast felt like the difference of North Van and Burnaby.    They both have water one is just way nicer and cleaner water.

Flowers with the train station in the back

flower garden commemorating the Queens Diamond jubilee, (right)

We walked along the Eisenhower Pier.  "It was formerly called the North Pier but was renamed in 2005 by the granddaughter of US President D D Eisenhower to commemorate his relationship with the town and his addresses to the Allied warships heading to bombard the German positions at D Day"

Eisenhower Pier that protects the marina

Light beacon and historical mosaic

plaque to commemorate D Day

Upon reading our visitors guide we discovered that the first old pier we ventured onto is called the Long Hole.  It was created in about 1815 and was used as a boat harbour.  The water must have been deeper at low tide back them.  The houses in the back ground are of the Victorian era.

stairs built into the rock of Long Pier

Sabrina and Samuel using the stairs

amazing workmanship

Sarah and Samuel collecting shells

We had a quick lunch then headed to the Pickie Fun Park.  It is a fun little place with a number of things to do.  There activities that fit every age group.

Samuel and I on the giant swans

Sabrina and Sarah on the swans

Samuel freezing in the water park

Sarah in the water park

 Then we headed to a little patch of beach that had appeared to have sand on it.  We could see it from the end of the Eisenhower Pier.  It was not quiet sand but still very fun to play on.

Sabrina and Sarah enjoying a different kind of splash park

The kids made friends.  They were up from Belfast for the day as well.

Our kids and their friends on top of the rock

Samuel trying to catch a shrimp

Sabrina, Samuel and Sarah checking out shells

Mermaids and Merman

Seeing all the jagged nasty rocks around this area of Ireland it makes you wonder how anyone ever landed a boat on these shores.  The rocks are nasty and really sharp.  There must be other beaches for up to explore.  this one was still lots of fun. 

We made a pit stop at the Poundworld and bought ziplock baggies to bring home the kids shell collections.  I got them to check and make sure they did not bring home any shells with residents.  Thank goodness they looked.  Sarah had five with little slimy guys inside.  She released them back to the river.

the sand.