Sightseeing

Sightseeing in Northern Ireland

The Mourne Coast and the County Down Area

• Newcastle - This seaside town is a good base for exploring the Mourne Mountains. Slieve Donard, the highest peak in that range at 2,796 feet, overlooks Newcastle.
• Mourne Mountains - The mountains only have about a dozen peaks that top 2,000 ft. However, this is a lovely area for walking and driving. Be sure to stop off at Silent Valley; the area is closed to cars, but you can enjoy the walk to the top of Ben Crom Mountain and view the beautiful lake reservoirs and wild flowers.

Causeway Coast

• Giant's Causeway - This natural phenomenon is the only World Heritage Site in Ireland. The causeway is a series of 37,000 basalt columns, mostly hexagonal in shape. Legend has it that these columns were laid by the giant, Finn MacCool, to provide a path across the sea to his love who lived on the island of Straffa in Scotland where similar columns are found. Sightseers can feel free to walk amongst the formations and along the footpaths that follow the cliffs above the formations. There is a bus which takes you from the visitor center at the beginning of the formations or you may enjoy the walk at your own pace.
• Dunluce Castle - This 13th century well-preserved ruin come easily into view as you drive the Causeway Coast road. The castle was the main fortress of the MacDonnells, chief of Antrim. Although the roof is gone, the twin towers and other features are can be explored.
• Carrick-a-rede-Rope Bridge - This unusual tourist attraction hangs 80 feet above the earth and is not for the faint hearted. The swinging bridge is made of planks strung between wires and provides access to the salmon fishery on the tiny island across the 65-foot chasm. In order to reach the bridge, you must walk ? mile from the parking lot and then down 161 stone steps to reach the entrance. It is a thrill to cross and the perfect chance for a great photo to take back home. Take a hint and do not carry anything in your hands, as you will need them both to hold on.
• Old Bushmills Distillery - The oldest distillery in the world, its Grant to Distill was given in 1608. However, whiskey was made there several hundred years before that. Old Bushmills is a blend of a single malt and a single grain instead of a blend as in most whiskeys. The tour of the distillery ends in a tasting session in the Potstill Bar which was formerly the malt kilns.

Londonderry/Lough Erne Area

• Ulster-American Folk Park - This extensive history park depicts life in Ireland during the 18th and 19th centuries. There are more than 30 reconstructed and replica buildings which are divided into the Old World section and the New World section. Interpretation is provided by costumed guides. A large library and database allows visitors to trace their family roots. Plan to spend several hours in the Park as much is to be learned here, especially if you have Irish roots in your background.
• Belleek Pottery - This basket-weave pottery has been made here since 1857. You may wander around the factory and watch the craftsmen shape delicate bowls and plates of latticework. There is a 20-minute video presentation and an opportunity to purchase the a piece before you leave.
• Lough Erne - This immense lough can be explored by boat, weaving among the 200 islands, or you can enjoy the shore by car, foot, or bicycle. The most interesting island is Devenish Island, where you will find the ruins of a 13th century parish church, the shell of St. Mary's Priory (1449) and a well-preserved round tower where you can get a fabulous view over the lough and the islands.
• Marble Arch Caves - The tour of these semi-flooded caves lasts 75 minutes and combines a boat ride into the depths of the caves and then a guided walk around the stalagmites and other limestone formations. It is best to call ahead before visiting as sudden rains can cause the caves to close. Tel: 028 6634 8855.
• Castle Coole - Just outside of Enniskillen, this property is one of the finest Neo-Classical homes in Ireland. The house was commissioned in 1790, and most of the home's original furnishings are still in place, including many family portraits from the 18th century. The guided tour will tell you the story of the first Earl of Belmonte whose wife left him alone in this huge house.
• Londonderry/Derry - This city is called Londonderry by loyalists and Derry by nationalists. The main tourist attraction here is the walk around the 17th century city walls, which are among the best preserved city fortifications in Europe. The walls are 26 feet in height and in some places 30 feet wide. A self-guided tour of the many historical attractions around the walls is suggested.

Belfast and Surroundings
Belfast is an attractive which has experienced its share of troubles in the past. However, visitors will find the city to be extremely friendly and welcoming. Some must-see sights in and around the city include:

• The Grand Opera House - This lovely building was bombed in the past but has been restored to its best with gilt plaster and woodwork, gold adornments, and red plush seating.
• Ulster Museum - The museum covers the Ulster area from local history, archeology, art, geology, natural history, and technology.
• City Hall - Built in 1906, this building is the hub of Belfast City. It has an elaborate tower at each corner and a central copper dome that rises to 173 feet. There is a statue outside of Edward Harland, founder of Harland and Wolff, the shipyard that built the Titanic.
• Ulster Folk and Transport Museum - This two-part museum is divided by the A2 with the Folk Museum on one side and the Transport Museum on the other. The Folk Museum consist of several old buildings where traditional crafts are demonstrated. The Transport Museum is dominated by the hangar that houses the Irish Railway Collection. Other parts of the museum exhibit transportation made in Ulster.
• Mount Stewart House - This fabulous 19th century house was once owned by the Londonderry family. The most famous person who lived here was Lord Castlereagh, British Foreign Secretary from 1812 to 1822. The house is wonderful, but the magnificent gardens are the main attraction
• Carrickfergus Castle - This 12th century castle is the best preserved Norman castle in Ireland. The castle was in continuous use until 1928 and has changed hands many times. The history of the castle and the town of Carrickfergus is recreated in a series of audio-visual displays which one views while riding in a small cable car as you are transported from scene to scene.