Those Little Signs

‘Great things are done by a series of small things brought together’ - Van Gough 

I’ve always been someone who believes in signs, how when we are looking for an answer or that little bit of guidance there is a small sign ready and waiting to reveal itself. ‘Portstewart Heights’ has always been a special print to me because of my Granda’s love for Portstewart and how proud he always was to tell the story of how his Dad helped to construct the cross that dominates that Portstewart coastal skyline. Of all the prints on my Etsy shop it was ‘Portstewart Heights’ that was the first print to sell since his passing two weeks ago… something that I like to think is my little sign.

Portstewart Heights

Portstewart Heights

Summer Solstice

‘Summertime is always the best of what might be’ - Charles Bowden

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Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer! Today officially marks the beginning of Summer and a favourite season of mine. I love nothing more than those long Summer days spent on the coast, those dreamy Summer sunsets to end a perfect day and of course that warm Summer sunshine which will hopefully arrive sometime soon! Although I have no trips planned this year, I am looking forward to getting out and about with my camera and seeing where this new season takes me. Whether it be here in Northern Ireland or abroad to one of my bucket list locations, I sure am ready for some Summer sun and adventures!

World Oceans Day

WOD wm.jpg

‘The ocean is full of untamed magic’

There is no place I feel more at home than on a beautiful beach, looking out to sea and watching those waves come rolling in. If ever an escape is needed from everyday life then a dose of Vitamin Sea is your answer!

Yesterday saw the return of World Oceans Day, a day in which to celebrate the beauty of our seas and to encourage us to look after our planet by making small changes to our daily routines. It is well known that the ocean provides us with many valuable resources and so it is important that we do our best to preserve it. Something as small as purchasing a re-usable water bottle to reduce your plastic intake can have a major impact in helping to protect our planet and something that I have made a conscious effort in doing this year. Also taking part in community beach cleans or solo cleans during beach outings is another great way to maintain our oceans. Little by little we can help to keep our seas clean!

#TogetherWeCan

Fairhead Heights

‘To the shores of freedom, where no one lives’ - Joesph Arthur

It might be that the North Coast is known more today because of the HBO mega-hit Game Of Thrones, but it is a coastline that I have grown up with and spent many years exploring. From The Dark Hedges to Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Ballintoy Harbour to Larrybann and Murlough Bay to White Park Bay, all beautiful locations within their own right and places that I have been lucky enough to visit many times before they made their famous onscreen debuts! One location missing off my North Coast list though… Fairhead!

Fairhead is situated near the stunning seaside town of Ballycastle, a town that my family resides in and a landscape that I have seen in all seasons, but one that I had never seen from the top….until a few weeks ago that is!

Fairhead heights: The stunning views of Fairhead from Ballycastle’s Pebble Beach

Fairhead heights: The stunning views of Fairhead from Ballycastle’s Pebble Beach

Taking full advantage of the good Easter weekend weather I decided to hit up the North Coast to finally tick Fairhead off that bucket list! So, with the sun shining, my camera packed and walking shoes at the ready, it was time to explore Fairhead once and for all!

The stunning sights of Fairhead, a location that I highly recommend and one that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime for those beautiful coastal views! It is also an important location for Game Of Thrones fans, one that you mi…

The stunning sights of Fairhead, a location that I highly recommend and one that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime for those beautiful coastal views! It is also an important location for Game Of Thrones fans, one that you might just recognise from Season 7!

Standing 600ft above sea, Fairhead can be seen from many coastal hotspots along the North Coast, but getting to see those coastal hotspots from the very top is something else! To take a moment to stand along the famous cliff edge and truly appreciate the beauty of our coastline is a time that I will treasure. Looking out and seeing some of my favourite North Coast locations from such a height and distance is something that should be experienced by all!

Fairhead Blues: Who can resist a look down when rewarded with such blues!

Fairhead Blues: Who can resist a look down when rewarded with such blues!

Fairhead rising an impressive 600ft above sea level and said to be one of Ireland and Britain’s toughest climbs!

Fairhead rising an impressive 600ft above sea level and said to be one of Ireland and Britain’s toughest climbs!

Not only are you rewarded with stunning coastal views, but beautiful lakes and farm life too. A little something for everyone!

Not only are you rewarded with stunning coastal views, but beautiful lakes and farm life too. A little something for everyone!

The cliff walk along Fairhead to Murlough Bay is breathtaking and one I highly recommend continuing on with. It’s along this path that you will see the famous Fairhead lakes, Grey Man’s Path and the stunning views of Murlough Bay and Torr Head coming into view. What makes it even better is how secluded the area is, a perfect spot to take full advantage of the peace and quiet that mother nature has to offer! If you are looking for that moment of mindfulness then this is the for you! What better than the great outdoors, fresh sea air and coastal views to spend an afternoon!

The famous Grey Man’s Path, an unusual walkway created by mother nature herself! One to keep a lookout for when walking Fairhead as it can be easily missed!

The famous Grey Man’s Path, an unusual walkway created by mother nature herself! One to keep a lookout for when walking Fairhead as it can be easily missed!

Well hello Murlough Bay! Just when you think the views can’t get any better, along comes the stunning headland of Murlough Bay!

Well hello Murlough Bay! Just when you think the views can’t get any better, along comes the stunning headland of Murlough Bay!

The stunning sights of Murlough Bay and another beautiful location used for Game Of Thrones!

The stunning sights of Murlough Bay and another beautiful location used for Game Of Thrones!

A visit to the top of Fairhead…. tick!

February Meets Summer

‘One must maintain a little bit of Summer even in the middle of Winter’ - H.D. Thoread

What a difference a year makes! Last year we saw the end of February become a Winter wonderland due to ‘The Beast From The East’ hitting the UK. This year it seemed that Summer came to play instead! Although it is alarming that temperatures in February were reaching up to 20 degrees in some parts, it seemed a little wrong to waste such beautiful weather stuck behind a computer screen, so… a trip to the coast was in order! The small perks that self-employment brings!

As I wanted to take some new beach photographs and take advantage of the weather to play around with my drone (still very much a newbie), I had the perfect location in mind. So, I packed my kit, filled my car and hit the road with some great tunes for company! It was time to escape to the stunning and picturesque White Park Bay!

Just a girl and her drone at play!

Just a girl and her drone at play!

White Park Bay is a beautiful sandy beach located on the North Coast of Northern Ireland. Not only is it a coastal drive to remember, but once parked up the views are incredible! What really stands out is the unusual walk down to the beach, it’s here that you are met with an old country lane that leads to sand dunes and chalk grasslands before reaching a beautiful stretch of 1.4 miles of sandy goodness! It really is the perfect secluded spot to get that much needed dose of Vitamin Sea!

The stunning White Park Bay and a view that I will never tire of!

The stunning White Park Bay and a view that I will never tire of!

Hello blue skies and vitamin sea!

Hello blue skies and vitamin sea!

The beautiful golden sands of White Park Bay with Portbradden in the background

The beautiful golden sands of White Park Bay with Portbradden in the background

Such great heights, above the waves!

Such great heights, above the waves!

Any one who knows me knows just how much I love the beach. There is no better feeling than taking some time out to feel that coastal breeze, to hear those crashing waves and to clear your head in such beautiful and inspiring surroundings. It doesn’t matter the weather, a beach day is always a good idea!