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Mövzu: Northern Ireland ( places of interest)

Eschewed by visitors for years, Northern Ireland has made a comeback

following The Good Friday Agreement of 1998, a power-sharing contract seeking to
promote peace. Since then, Ulster (as Northern Ireland is also known) has rebounded
both economically and culturally and is one of the world's must-see destinations. Most
recently, Northern Ireland's role as the filming location for Game of Thrones has
brought another wave of tourists. For those in the know, even during the bad times,
this corner of Ireland was always high on the sightseeing agenda. Legendary natural
attractions, such as the mystical Giant's Causeway, join newer arrivals, such as Belfast
Titanic, as top things to do.

The power-sharing government has invested massively in making Ulster

attractive to visitors. There's great shopping, world-class restaurants, a remarkable
history and culture, outstanding golf, and a lively music scene. These add up to plenty
of places to visit in Northern Ireland for families, couples, and solo travelers, all of
whom can be assured of a warm and friendly welcome.

If visiting from the Irish Republic, remember you're crossing the border into a
separate sovereign country. Here, you'll need pound sterling, not the Euro as used in
the south. Learn more about the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions
in Northern Ireland.

The Giant's Causeway

Famed around the world for its columns of layered basalt, the Giant's Causeway
is Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site. These polygonal-shaped
natural features (there are around 40,000 of them) were created by a volcanic eruption
60 million years ago. Today, they are the prime focus of a designated Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty.
 Three different periods of volcanic action birthed the Lower, Middle, and Upper
Basalts. The Middle Basalt rock forms the famous amphitheaters of columns shaped
like hexagons. That's the science.

However according to legend it was carved out by the mighty giant Finn
McCool who left behind his ancient home to do battle with his foe Benandonner across
the water in Scotland.

Various names bear testament to this engaging myth: The Giant's Boot, The
Wishing Chair, The Camel, The Giant's Granny, and The Organ high up on the cliffs.
Weather permitting, you might even see Scotland in the distance.

The Causeway Coast and Dunluce Castle

Naturally, most visitors' first stop along this scenic coast is the World Heritage-
listed Giant's Causeway. The surrounding coastline, however, is magnificent and
shouldn't be bypassed. Many treats await, including the beautiful beaches, dunes, and
rolling waves at Portrush (where there's a world-class golf course) and Portstewart. If
you're feeling brave enough, either is perfect for a bracing dip.

An easy 10-minute drive west, through the picturesque village of Bushmills,

brings you to ruined medieval Dunluce Castle (Dún Libhse). It's impossible to miss,
perched precipitously on the cliff edge, the kitchen having plunged into the thrashing
waves below one terrible night many centuries ago.

The only survivor, apparently, was the kitchen boy who was perched on the
windowsill and had to be rescued. Exterior shots of the castle were used in Game of
Thrones.

Naturally, most visitors' first stop along this scenic coast is the World Heritage-
listed Giant's Causeway. The surrounding coastline, however, is magnificent and
shouldn't be bypassed.
 Many treats await, including the beautiful beaches, dunes, and rolling waves
at Portrush (where there's a world-class golf course) and Portstewart. If you're feeling
brave enough, either is perfect for a bracing dip. An easy 10-minute drive west,
through the picturesque village of Bushmills, brings you to ruined medieval Dunluce
Castle (Dún Libhse).

It's impossible to miss, perched precipitously on the cliff edge, the kitchen having
plunged into the thrashing waves below one terrible night many centuries ago. The
only survivor, apparently, was the kitchen boy who was perched on the windowsill and
had to be rescued. Exterior shots of the castle were used in Game of Thrones.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

An easterly drive from the Giant's Causeway of around 15 minutes brings you to
another of Ulster's must-sees, the vertigo-inducing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
Located near the beautiful coastal village of Ballintoy, this spectacular attraction,
though, is not one for the faint-hearted.

The vertiginous rope bridge joins to a tiny island, where fisherman would catch
salmon. While access to the grounds are free, if you dare to cross the bridge itself, a
fee is required.

The Titanic Belfast

A striking landmark, this star-shaped building representing the White Star Line
logo traces Belfast's maritime history and honors the story of the RMS Titanic. Belfast
was once the powerhouse of British Empire shipbuilding, a fact that can't be missed in
this part of the city. There are nine interactive exhibitions on this spot where the
infamously ill-fated ocean liner Titanic was built.

Enjoy a guided tour around the slipway and dry-dock and, for an additional fee,
visit the SS Nomadic.
 Built in 1911, this tender would carry passengers from shore to their waiting
ocean liners. There's a restaurant, café, and gift shop located on-site, too. This truly is
a world-class tourist attraction.

The Glens of Antrim

It's not just the North Antrim coastline that beguiles. Inland are the nine Glens of
Antrim - usually referred to simply as "the Glens" - each exuding its own charm. Drive
from Ballycastle towards Larne along the main A2 coast road, and serene lakes,
tumbling waterfalls, forest trails, and rolling hills await. Glenariff, the "Queen of the
Glens," is the most famous of the nine.

Along the way, notice the Glendun Bridge, an excellent example of innovative
design and construction. Ballypatrick Forest Park has a 10-kilometer loop drive around
Carneighaneigh Mountain, which is especially scenic.

The small seaside resort town of Portrush, on the County Londonderry border, is
also worth a visit. It's home to the Royal Portrush Golf Club and one of the world's
most challenging links golf courses, the Dunluce Links.

Carrickfergus Castle

Around 20 minutes' drive from Belfast is the substantial town and port of
Carrickfergus, home to imposing Carrickfergus Castle. One of the best-preserved
medieval structures in Ireland, this Norman castle has seen off foes over eight
centuries.

Perched near the shore and dominating the town, the fortress is still intact and
the recreated banqueting hall is a particular treat, especially for kids. You can pick up
an audio guide at the visitor center and explore the interior and battlements at your
leisure.
 Nearby is the Andrew Jackson Centre, the reimagined ancestral home of the 7th
president of the USA.

Ards Peninsula

South of Bangor, at Donaghadee, is the start of the 32-kilometer-long

picturesque Ards Peninsula. From Donaghadee, a road runs along the Irish Sea coast to
Ballywalter with its beautiful beach, Ballyhalbert, and finally Cloughy, where it turns
inland to Portaferry.

Serene 18th century Mount Stewart House and Gardens is well worth stopping
off to admire and it's only a 10-minute drive or so from Ballywalter. On the west shore
of the Strangford Lough is the resort of Killyleagh, with Hilltop Castle overlooking the
town. On a good day, you'll see the famous Mourne Mountains shimmering in the
distance. Portaferry is on the peninsula's southern tip where there's a ferry link to
Strangford. Either that or make the drive, which skirts the west side of the peninsula
by the shores of Strangford Lough.

The Ulster Folk Museum and Transport Museum

Around 15 minutes' drive from Belfast city center brings you to this living
history museum, which allows visitors to experience Ulster life more than 100 years
ago. Tourists can stroll the village, which is home to nearly three dozen structures,
including both restored historic buildings and reproductions.

Among them are laborers' cottages, working farms, rural schools, and village
shops, many of which feature interpreters who go about their day in an early 19 th-
century life. Visitors can ask questions and learn about their various trades, including
basket-weaving; the carpenter's shop; and a print shop, where you can watch them
work.

Right next door is the Transport Museum, where you can clamber aboard steam
locomotives and explore its impressive collections of electric trams, fire engines,
motorbikes, beautiful vintage cars, and horse-drawn carriages. If you're visiting both
sites in one day, leave one to two hours to explore the transport museum.

The same non-profit foundation also operates two other excellent museums,
including a living history museum in Omagh, the Ulster American Folk Park. This is
dedicated to the mass emigration of Irish to North America during the 18 th and
19th centuries and includes homes, workshops, and other buildings with costumed
interpreters. The most fascinating exhibit here is the full reproduction of an emigrant
ship, allowing visitors to see and feel what it was like to make the arduous ocean
crossing.

In Belfast, there is also the Ulster Museum, which contains exhibits about
Northern Ireland's natural history and cultural heritage in a traditional museum setting.

Dark Hedges

The sight of Dark Hedges' centuries-old beech trees dramatically enveloping the
road is so fantastical that even the best photos don't seem real, appearing to be detailed
illustrations taken from the pages of a fantasy story instead of a living tunnel that you
can walk through in the real world.

Originally planted by the Stuarts in the 18 th century, the lane was designed with
the express purpose of inspiring awe in travelers as they approached the family's
estate. Time has only added to this effect, and today it is one of the most photographed
sites in Northern Ireland. Its beauty and grandeur have also made it the perfect
backdrop for film and television, most recently featured in Game of Thrones as the
"King's Road."

Today, it is a pedestrian-only lane that is free to visit and open to the public at
any time of day or night.

Londonderry (Derry)
 The second city of Northern Ireland, Londonderry – or Derry, as it's more
commonly known locally – lies where the River Foyle opens out into the sea-lough of
the same name.

The town has been robbed of part of its natural hinterland of Donegal by the
division of Ireland, yet remains an important port and industrial center with a
traditional textile industry, chemical and mechanical engineering plants, and ceramics
factories.

With its attractive surroundings it's a popular tourist center and a good base for
trips into the Inishowen Peninsula and Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. The town
itself has an almost completely preserved circuit of medieval walls and a number of
interesting old buildings.

Lough Erne

Two connected lakes combine to form Lough Erne, in County Fermanagh, a

favorite for fishing, kayaking, or exploring on a day cruise. Castles and manor houses
dot its banks, and its islands are a main attraction.

A 12th-century round tower dominates Devenish Island's ruined Augustinian

priory, and mysterious carved stone figures on White Island and Boa Island were the
work of Celts between AD 400 and 800. The 39-mile Shannon Erne
Waterway connects Lough Erne to the River Shannon in Ireland. Once you have seen
the highlights of Northern Ireland, you may want to cross into the Republic of
Ireland and explore its capital, Dublin. Or you might consider the options available by
ferry from Belfast.

Two ferry routes connect Northern Ireland to Scotland, one from Belfast and the
other from Larne, each about a two-hour trip. Ferries also depart Belfast for Liverpool,
in England, and twice a week ferries travel to the Isle of Man, in the Irish Sea, halfway
between England and Ireland.
Kodak Corner

A ramble up to Kodak Corner at sunrise is another of the top things to do in

Northern Ireland. This is a glorious spot with breathtaking views over Carlingford
Lough and you’ll find it in Kilbroney Forest Park in Down.

There’s a lovely 4.1km looped walk to reach the viewpoint known as the
Cloughmore Trail via Fiddler’s Green. Start the walk in the Kilbroney upper car park.
From there, follow the trail to the “Big Stone”, which according to Irish folklore, was
thrown from across the lough by giant Fionn mac Cumhail.

After the stone make a detour down along the dip to the left of the stone, and
follow the trail to Kodak Corner! Afterward, you can either go back to the stone and
follow the rest of the loop or walk back to the car park.

The Slieve Gullion Scenic Drive

The Slieve Gullion Scenic Drive is a gorgeous 10km drive through winding
mountain roads and forests. Start in the Slieve Gullion Lower Car Park, and follow the
one-way tarmacked road around the southern and western border of the mountain back
to the car park.

At the top of the drive, there’s a parking area where you can enjoy the views and
stop for a picnic, or hike to Slieve Gullion’s summit (the highest point in County
Armagh at 576 metres). The Peak has two Bronze Age cairns and spectacular views.
It’s 1.5km back and forth from the upper car park.

This is another good option if you’re looking for the best things to do in
Northern Ireland when it’s raining, as you can enjoy the views from the comfort of
your car.

Cuilcagh (Ireland’s Stairway to Heaven)

 The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (nicknamed Ireland’s Stairway to Heaven) is an
11km walk in County Fermanagh that weaves its way through Northern Ireland’s
largest patch of blanket bog.

You can either park in the Cuilcagh Boardwalk car park (it costs £6 and should
be pre-booked) at the entrance to the trail, or at Killykeegan Nature Reserve car park
(free) 1km past the trail entrance.

The walk is moderately tough, taking most people between two and three hours
to complete, but you’ll be rewarded with the most stunning views of the bog and of the
boardwalk meandering out of sight!

As this is one of the more popular active things to do in Northern Ireland, it can
get very busy at the weekends!

The Old Bushmills Distillery

The Old Bushmills Distillery is the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.
Few tourists attractions in Northern Ireland draw thirsty crowds like this place!

It’s been operating for over 400 years producing triple-distilled single malt
whiskey using 100% malted barley. Located just off the Causeway Coastal Route, it’s
a great little detour and the chance to tour a working distillery! Tours are around one
hour long, with the chance to learn about the distilling process and see the copper
stills, barrels, and casks. The tour ends in the 1608 bar, where you’ll get to taste one of
the most iconic Irish whiskey brands.

The Old Bushmills Distillery is the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.
Few tourists attractions in Northern Ireland draw thirsty crowds like this place! It’s
been operating for over 400 years producing triple-distilled single malt whiskey using
100% malted barley. Located just off the Causeway Coastal Route, it’s a great little
detour and the chance to tour a working distillery!
 Tours are around one hour long, with the chance to learn about the distilling
process and see the copper stills, barrels, and casks. The tour ends in the 1608 bar,
where you’ll get to taste one of the most iconic Irish whiskey brands.

The Sperrins

The Sperrins are one of the most overlooked places to visit in Northern Ireland,
but they’re well worth considering during your visit.

Located on the border of counties Tyrone and Derry, the Sperrins are a
designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and one of the country’s largest upland
areas. In the southeast of the Sperrin Mountain range, you’ll find the Beaghmore Stone
Circles, a circle of seven stones that date back to the Bronze Age.

For a truly unique experience, head to the Dark Sky Observatory in Davagh
Forest. The lack of light pollution makes it perfect for stargazing and there’s an
outdoor viewing platform.

The Cave Hill hike

The Cave Hill hike is arguably one of our favourite things to do in Belfast. The
hike takes you through the Cave Hill Country Park, although it’s not for the faint-
hearted. A challenging 7.2km loop, people usually start at Belfast Castle and follow
the green way-marked arrows.

Start by climbing the path from the car park, when you reach the top, turn right
and continue through the woodland. Go up through the trees to the plateau for some
amazing views of Belfast!

The Marble Arch Caves

The Marble Arch Caves are a series of limestone caves and underground rivers at the
foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain. Although only 1.5km are accessible during tours, the
cave and river system extends 11km underground.
A visit to the caves is the ultimate subterranean adventure, with a 60-minute guided
tour on offer. On the Owenbrean River – Walking Cave Tour, you’ll discover pools,
and hidden tunnels, and follow the river’s journey as it carves a path through the
stone.

Those lucky enough to visit when the underground water levels are high enough
will be automatically upgraded to the Martel Tour (an extra 15 minutes), which adds a
short boat ride!