Flags

This is the Clock Tower in Bushmills Market Square. The tower was built in 1840 by the Macnaughten family as a focus point for produce and livestock. It was also where men, women and children were hired at a twice yearly Hiring Fair. The clock tower, modelled on the classic Irish round tower, was added in 1874. We bought some 'Freshly Dug' potatoes from a little cabin by the roadside and were served by a very bored school boy, earning a bit of money in the school holidays. I can't imagine he did any of the digging as the hired lads did.

The flags are up for the Marching Season, which culminates in marches on 12 July. The main flags - Union Jacks, and the Ulster Banner seen here, are currently all along the street everywhere we go. No good asking me what the marching is all about, as I am only just trying to figure it out myself. It is seeing this, and talking to people about it, that underlines the way that some politicians, through ignorance or lack of concern, have rashly underestimated the serious problems that Brexit could have for Northern Ireland. 

Most people just want it to go peacefully, especially as the world's press, looking for stories, will be around for the Open at the same time. 

Bushmill's main claim to fame, apart from the Distillery of course, is that it is the 'Gateway to the Giant's Causeway'. There are coaches everywhere - going back and forth all day long.