Better Homes and Gardens episode 28 2023 – Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an unforgettable road trip adventure with Joh and Adam as your enthusiastic guides. Cruise along winding coastal roads dotted with quaint villages, pause to marvel at the emerald hills rolling gently into the distance, and soak up the dramatic cliffs plunging into sapphire waters below. Your final destination – the vibrant, historically rich city of Belfast awaits, with its iconic murals commemorating the past, bustling markets brimming with local flavor, and dynamic blend of trendy cafés and time-honored pubs.
Meanwhile, Dr. Harry warmly welcomes you for a behind-the-scenes encounter with Angie, a most extraordinary goat known for her distinctive curly horns – a rare and wondrous sight. Admire her playful spirit as she frolics in the meadow and observe with fascination her unique physiology. Angie is sure to capture your heart, providing an unforgettable window into the world of these charismatic creatures.
Tempt your taste buds next with Ed’s mouth-watering rhubarb pie, packed with the tart yet sweet flavor of ruby-red stalks baked lovingly inside a flaky, golden crust. Inhale the comforting aromas as the pie comes fresh from the oven, then savor the velvety custard and fruit bursting with every bite. Ed’s time-honored recipe will leave dessert aficionados sighing with delight.
Finally, allow Graham to be your informative guide through the sprawling National Arboretum, where a living collection of over 14,000 trees and 150,000 shrubs from diverse corners of the world thrive. Wander shaded pathways lined with every imaginable variety, have your senses immersed in vibrant colors and fragrances, and gain fascinating insights into the beauty and usefulness of Earth’s magnificent flora. You’re sure to leave this verdant oasis with a deeper appreciation for nature’s majesty.
Better Homes and Gardens episode 28 2023 – An Unforgettable Irish Adventure with Better Homes and Gardens
Buckle up and prepare yourself for an unparalleled road trip experience, as Joh and Adam lead you with unbridled enthusiasm through some of the most scenic routes imaginable. Picture yourself cruising along meandering coastal roads, each turn revealing quaint villages that tell tales of old and offer an authentic taste of local life. Take moments to pause, breathe in the fresh air, and be captivated by the vast emerald hills that roll endlessly, painting a landscape that feels like it’s been pulled straight from a dream. Let your gaze wander to the dramatic cliffs that commandingly plunge into the deep sapphire waters below, a sight that will surely remain etched in your memory.
But this journey is not just about the landscapes. As you approach your final stop, the city of Belfast beckons with its rich tapestry of history and modernity. Here, you’ll be greeted by iconic murals that whisper stories of the city’s turbulent past, while bustling markets teem with the sights, sounds, and aromas of local produce, crafts, and culinary delights. Dive deep into the city’s vibrant culture, where a harmonious blend of contemporary cafés stands side by side with age-old pubs, echoing the timeless traditions and spirited ambiance that Belfast proudly showcases to the world.
A Dramatic Coastal Drive Along Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route
Joh and Adam begin their journey along one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the world – Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route. This 120 mile stretch of road hugs the coastline from Larne to Derry~Londonderry, passing through picture perfect villages and awe-inspiring natural landmarks.
The first stop is Ballintoy Harbour, a quaint seaside fishing village with just 200 residents. Joh and Adam take in the breathtaking views as the road winds precariously along steep cliffs before leading down to the tiny harbour nestled along the coast. “This is absolutely spectacular,” Joh exclaims, clearly awestruck by the landscape surrounding them.
Further along, they pull over to take in the magnificent sight of Dunluce Castle, perched dramatically atop a cliff 100ft above the sea. The now ruined medieval castle is steeped in history, dating back to the 16th century. More recently, its cinematic setting has attracted the cameras of HBO’s Game of Thrones which filmed on location here.
As the drive continues, the intrepid hosts stop to admire the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge which has linked the mainland to a small island since 1755 when salmon fishermen first erected the bridge. The current incarnation allows visitors to experience exhilarating views of the crashing waves 100 feet below. While Joh opts for firmer ground, Adam dares to cross for the full effect.
Delving Into the History and Whisky-Making of Killowen Distillery
After savouring the natural beauty, Joh and Adam explore Killowen Distillery to unearth the secrets of hand-crafted Irish whiskey.
Killowen prides itself on staying true to historic methods, using local water, turf, and small copper pot stills to create an authentic taste. “Years ago, the only heat source was peat,” explains manager Brendan. “When you heat it, flavours come out into the whisky.” Killowen even manually stirs their mash just like centuries ago.
The entire distillery focuses on sustainability from its solar-heated water to upcycled dairy equipment repurposed during construction. “We have to respect the environment,” Brendan emphasizes. Joh and Adam wholeheartedly agree as they sample the amber liquid, closing their eyes to relish the smoky, smooth flavour created through time-honoured tradition.
Mastering the Ancient Craft of Dry Stone Wall Building
A ubiquitous sight criss-crossing the emerald landscape, Irish dry stone walls have stood the test of time. These meticulously constructed rock walls commonly date back generations with many still in use today. Joh and Adam try their hand at this ancient skill with guidance from expert stonemason Mark at his scenic Green Holiday Cottages.
Mark begins by explaining the wall’s structure. Large foundation stones form the base row. Successive layers interlock the gaps until stones merge seamlessly without any bonding material. “The ideal dry stone wall is just held there by weight and balance,” Mark describes. Joh and Adam quickly realize mastering the technique requires focus and patience to find the right fit. “Everything has a purpose and will find its place if you just take perseverance and work with it,” Mark encourages them.
While challenging at first, Joh and Adam persist, rotating and inserting rocks until they stabilize. They step back proudly admiring their handiwork – two new additions to Northern Ireland’s 50,000 miles of weathered stone walls blanketing the countryside.
Whipping Up Traditional Irish Soda Bread with Tracey
While Adam navigates the picturesque Strangford Lough via paddleboard, Joh rolls up her sleeves to bake quintessential Irish soda bread with Tracey of Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen. This treasured quick bread, baked daily in homes across the Emerald Isle, requires only four simple ingredients – flour, baking soda, buttermilk, and salt.
Tracey demonstrates her time-tested technique honed growing up on homemade soda bread. She emphasizes not precisely measuring, but adding flour and buttermilk by feel. After lightly kneading, the dough gets shaped into individual farls then griddled on a hot skillet for a crusty outer shell and fluffy interior. Still warm from the oven, Tracey tops the toasted wheaten-brown slices with homemade butter and jam. Joh savors her first mouthful of the wholesome bread, delighting in the subtle tang and toasted nuttiness. Soon after, Adam returns via paddleboard, right on cue to enjoy this iconic Irish treat.
A Guide to the Majestic Trees of the National Arboretum
The final stop on Joh and Adam’s journey is the National Arboretum, a sprawling oasis displaying over 14,000 trees. Here visitors are immersed in lush gardens showcasing collections from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas and Australia. Joh and Adam marvel at the diversity, from towering eucalyptus in the Red Centre Garden to vibrant cherry trees in the Grove of Asian Maples.
The arboretum’s most prized possessions are two gnarled Japanese Black Pines dating to 1951 – the oldest bonsai trees in Australia. With origins going back over 70 years under the care of renowned practitioners, they now teach visitors about this living artform.
Joh and Adam also explore the National Bonsai Collection with curator Leigh giving insights into the 120 miniature trees on display. Ranging from natives like casuarinas and banksias to maples and junipers, the exhibit reflects Australia’s botanic heritage and deep roots in this exacting practice. Leigh emphasizes getting involved with local bonsai clubs to learn firsthand how to craft and care for these timeless natural sculptures.
Bringing Ireland’s Musical Spirit to Life in Belfast
Joh and Adam complete their Irish adventure in the vibrant capital of Belfast. To immerse themselves in Irish culture, they join a musical pub crawl to experience traditional tunes and dancing.
At the first stop, skilled musicians demonstrate their mastery of traditional instruments like the fiddle, flute and bodhrán drum. Dancers wearing soft shoes shuffle and tap their feet at lighting speed while maintaining pinpoint precision. Joh and Adam do their best to follow along, laughing at their amateur attempts to match the seasoned performers.
As the night continues, the group pops into cozy pubs where lilting melodies drift through the air as patrons sip pints and tap toes to the beat. Joh and Adam bask in the crackling energy and communal spirit unique to Irish music. Their fantastic journey through Northern Ireland’s natural and cultural treasures comes to a close but the spirit and vivid memories will endure.
Conclusion
From scenic vistas along the Causeway Coastal Route to tasting unique artisanal whiskey and baking traditional soda bread, Joh and Adam’s road trip adventure through Northern Ireland offers an unforgettable experience. The rich history and culture shine through in ancient castles, dry stone walls, and lively music. Natural beauty abounds from rolling emerald hills to lush forests at the National Arboretum. This journey provides an insider’s perspective into Northern Ireland’s iconic landmarks, captivating coastal drives, and enduring traditions. Exploring this magical region with engaging guides allows you to fully immerse yourself in the destination, creating lasting memories to cherish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Causeway Coastal Route so spectacular?
The Causeway Coastal Route offers incredible diversity along 120 miles of Northern Irish coastline. Dramatic cliffs plunge into the sea, picturesque fishing villages hug the shoreline, and the landscape changes from sandy beaches to rolling green hills. Iconic natural landmarks like Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge astound visitors.
Why is whiskey unique at Killowen Distillery?
Killowen uses historic methods and local ingredients to create an authentic Irish whiskey. They distill small batches in copper pots, smoke malted barley over locally-sourced turf, and repurpose old dairy tanks. This tradition-based process results in a distinct smoky, smooth flavor.
How were the dry stone walls built?
Dry stone walls have stood for generations without any bonding material. Craftsmen precisely placed interlocking stones of varying sizes and shapes to rely on weight and balance alone. Building these walls was incredibly labor-intensive, requiring great skill and perseverance.
What makes Irish soda bread special?
Irish soda bread has just four basic ingredients – flour, buttermilk, baking soda, and salt. The buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to create a quick bread with a subtly sweet and tangy flavor. It’s crunchy on the outside yet soft and billowy inside. Irish soda bread makes a comforting, hearty accompaniment to any meal.
Why is the National Arboretum so unique?
The National Arboretum contains an unmatched collection of 14,000 trees showcasing global diversity. It also houses renowned exhibits like towering native pines and intricate bonsai specimens. Visitors experience numerous themed gardens plus gain education on cultivation, conservation, and the importance of trees.
