A steak in every Guinness...

I couldn't have asked for better weather. The Emerald Isle is not well known for perfect weather, and it might only come round one week per year. Thankfully, that was the week that we went to Northern Ireland.

It's been just under 14 months since I was last able to visit Northern Ireland and so a visit was definately overdue. It's even more important to keep up frequent visits, as my Granny is now in her 92nd year and although she's still going strong, I want to try and visit her as much as possible. It was especially exciting, as I was able to introduce Dan to everyone, and meet my new baby cousin Lucy who is 8 months old and an absolute doll.

On Saturday, after a lunch of formalities at Granny's house and Granny's successes to force feed Dan with real Irish butter, we took a trip to the Giant's Causeway. Situated just outside the town of Bushmills, we were hoping to pop into the famous distillery but unfortunately, they were closed for the day. Ah well, there's always next time.

Full of sea breeze and hunger, we trekked off to the small seaside village of Portrush where we partook an early dinner at 55 North. Needless to say, the food was of very high standard and my grilled goats cheese salad was done to perfection. If only I could say the same for the standard of service.

But let's not dwell on that. We headed back for a lovely evening at The Clarendon where Dan was able to taste a real Guinness poured in Ireland. He reported back that it didn't taste any different from those we get in England, and if anyone says otherwise, it's just all in the head.

Bacon baps were on the table for breakfast and the old red sauce brown sauce debate was the hot topic. Kelley (my cousin) was outvoted 4.5 to 1.5 in favour of red sauce with Deborah (Kelley's sister) sitting on the fence.

All in all, an amazing weekend full of promises to return the visit. See you on the 22nd, Kelley!