Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 320
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[Page 320]
The moors are very interesting. Covered with gorse in full bloom, heather not yet in flower they looked very pretty indeed. Here and there are the bogs from which thousands of tons of peat were being taken for winter fuel. From BallyCastle we again took the coast road to Ballintoy and Giants Causeway. At the Hotel at the latter place we had lunch, and then inspected the huge cave and the Causeway from the sea, going round in a roomy boat, and returning over land. The formation is intensely interesting. I sat on the famous wishing chair and had the three wishes allowed by custom, later having a drink of clear water and another wish at the wishing well. Our guide told us all sorts of weird superstitious stories. We then motored on to Portrush, another fashionable summer seaside resort. Here we had afternoon tea and then returned homewards via Coleraine, Ballymoney and BallyMena to Randalstown. This latter town is where Rev. McKinstrey's Church and congregation are. He met us at his manse and then showed us the famous old grounds and Castle on the Banks of Lough Neagh, known as Shane's Castle. I have never before seen such a magnificent show of Rhododendrons, while the whole 2000 acres of the estate was in reality carpeted with prunises and bluebell. The River Main runs through the property and is open to invalid soldiers for fishing. The old Castle too is historic, and I was told the origin of the Red Hand of Ulster borne on the Arms of the O'Neill family who own the property. We returned to Belfast at 9 PM. In each of these journeys the party has consisted of Mrs. McKinstry, her son, two married daughters and myself and all have been intensely interesting and most enjoyable.
Sunday 3rd June
In the morning we went into the Botanical Gardens to see a magnificent display of Tulips as well as the content of glass houses and fernery. In the afternoon I left Belfast, catching train at 4 PM, and arrived in Dublin about 7 o 'clock. There caught train to Kingstown, boarded the Cross Channel boat, crossed to Holyhead and left there at 12.22 AM by train for London. Crossing rather choppy and I did not feel very comfortable. Holiday in Ireland most enjoyable.