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Northern Ireland was created after partition of the island of Ireland in 1921. Its six counties were part of Ulster, one of Ireland’s four traditional kingdoms. In 432AD St. Patrick landed at Saul in County Down, later founding a church at Armagh, which is still the spiritual capital of Ireland. It was most probably in Ulster that Christianity first ousted the old Celtic pagan beliefs. Most of Northern Ireland is agricultural with the exception of Belfast, which is industrialised.
COUNTY TYRONE
What's on in Tyrone
Tyrone is the largest county in Northern Ireland and is surrounded by three counties of Northern Ireland, and County Donegal in the Republic.
Main attractions:
Ulster History Park
At the Ulster History Park you can travel through time with full-scale models of structures built by successive waves of settlers in Ireland. Ranging from a Mesolithic hunter’s hut covered with animal pelts, dating from 7000 BC, to a seventeenth century Plantation village. There are Mesolithic burial tombs, a crannog from the early Christian period and a Norman motte and bailey.
Ulster-American Folk Park
Here is the cottage where Judge Thomas Mellon was born. He immigrated to America and founded a vast business empire. The outdoor museum has life-size exhibits including nineteenth century streets, a meeting house, an emigrant ship and a dockside gallery. The Centre for Emigration Studies is based here.
Welbrook Beetling Mill
This is a relic of Ulster’s old linen industry. ”Beetling” was the process of hammering the cloth to give it sheen. Open from Wednesday to Monday (p.m. only) July and August; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from April to June and September.
Ardboe cross
One of the best examples of a High Cross-in Ulster is on view at this sixth century monastery. Its twenty-two sculpted panels depict Old Testament scenes on the east side and New Testament ones on the west.
Beaghmore Stone Circles
The alignment of several stone rows, seven stone circles and a number of less prominent features dating from between 2000 and 1200BC, correlate with movements of the sun, moon and stars. An impressive sight.
Hostels:
Omagh Independent Hostel
9A Waterworks Road,
Omagh
Tel. 028-82241973
Fax. 028-82241973
www.omaghhostel.co.uk
eMail. marrella@omaghhostel.co.uk
COUNTY DERRY
What's on in Derry
Derry City
St. Columbia founded a monastic community here in 546AD and called it Doire, later anglicized to Derry. Later settlers from London imposed their identity and their name, creating the country and city of Londonderry.
Main attractions:
St. Columb’s (Protestant) Cathedral
Built in 1628, in 'Planters Gothic' style, this was the first cathedral to be founded in the British Isles after the Reformation. It contains the Chapter House, relics from the siege of 1689 and the seventeenth century locks and keys of the city. Open from Monday to Saturday.
Tower Museum
Built in the sixteenth century, the Tower Museum traces the city’s history. It has a display of artifacts from the ships of the Spanish Armada, several of which were wrecked in nearby Kinnagoe Bay. Open daily in July and August; and Tuesday to Saturday in September and June.
Guildhall
This Neo-Gothic construction built in 1890 has had a troubled history, including a fire in 1908 and a bomb in 1972. It has magnificent stained-glass windows, and copies of original documents recount the city’s history. Rear of the Guildhall is Derry Quay, from where Irish emigrants sailed to America in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Open from Monday to Friday.
Earhart centre
The Earhart centre, near the Guildhall, houses a statue of the American aviator Amelia Earhart, the first woman to complete a transatlantic solo flight in 1932. Open from Monday to Friday.
The Diamond
The war memorial in the main square, known as the Diamond, was erected in 1927. It was originally made for the city of Sheffield in England.
Roe Valley County Park
At Roe Valley County Park you can see the weaving-shed museum and the watchtowers that overlooked the riverbanks where linen was laid out for bleaching by the sun.
Mussenden Temple
The Mussenden Temple was built in 1785 by Frederick Augustus Hervey. The design was based on the Temple of Vesta at Tivoli outside Rome. The National Trust maintains the structure in excellent condition. Open daily from July to August (p.m. only); Saturday, Sunday and public holiday from April to June and September (p.m. only).
Benone Strand
Magilligan Point
A Martello tower built during the Napoleonic wars stands guard over this bottleneck entrance to Lough Foyle. Open daily.
Portstewart
Porstewart Strand
A magnificent long sandy beach protected by the National Trust.
Portrush
A family resort with an abundance of souvenir shops and amusement arcades.
Royal Portrush Golf Links
You can stroll along the beach to view the White Rocks, limestone cliffs which have been carved by the wind and waves into caves and arches.
Hostels:
Derry City Independent Hostel
44 Gt James St,
Derry City
Tel. 028-71377989
www.derryhostel.co.uk
eMail. derryhostel@hotmail.com
Downhill Hostel & Pottery
12 Mussenden Road,
Downhil,
Coleraine, BT51 RP
Tel. 028-70849077
eMail. info@downhillhostel
.com
Rick’s Causeway Coast Hostel
4 Victoria Terrace
Portstewart
Tel. 028-70833789
Fax. 028-70835314
eMail. rick@causewaycoasthostel.fsnet.co.uk
COUNTY ANTRIM
What's on in Antrim
Surrounded on three sides by magnificent coastlines, County Antrim has areas of outstanding natural beauty, most famously the Giant’s Causeway, the Mountains of Mourne and the Erne Lakeland in the west of the region.
Main attractions:
| Giant’s Causeway The Giant's Causeway is formed of an estimated 37,000 basalt columns, extending from the cliffs down into the sea. Close to the shore they have been eroded to form the Grand, Middle and Little Causeways. Nothing can destroy the magic of this place, with its looming grey cliffs and shrieking gulls, and many paths along the coast allowing you to explore at your leisure. |  |
Dunluce Castle
Perched vulnerably on a steep crag, Dunluce Castle was the main fortress of the Mac Donnells. Dating back to the thirteenth century, it is still well preserved, with its twin towers, gateway and some original cobbling intact. Open daily from April to September; Tuesday to Saturday from October to March.
Ruins of Dunseverick Castle
Possibly a stronghold dating from as far back as the Iron Age, this is a much earlier fortification than Dunluce and only one massive wall remains.
Carick-a-rede Rope Bridge
The rope bridge, slung across a deep ravine, is one of the most unusual and scary tourist attractions in Ireland
Old Bushmills Distillery
This is the site of the world’s oldest licensed distillery. Though it was first ‘officially’ distilling in 1608, thirteenth century records tell of soldiers being fortified with aqua vitae, otherwise uisce beatha, (whiskey) the water of life in Gaelic.
Tyrone Crystal
At the factory of Tyrone Crystal, you can watch the intricate and delicate process of glass blowing. Open 9am to5.30pm Monday to Saturday;1-5 p.m. Sundays and for 10 days at Christmas.
Hostels:
Castle Hostel
62 Quay Road,
Ballycastle
Tel. 028-20762337
info@www.castlehostel.com
eMail. info@castlehostel.com
Sheep Island View
42A Main Street,
Ballintoy,
Ballycastle
Tel. 028-20769391
Fax. 028-20769994
www.sheepislandview.com
eMail. info@sheepislandview.com
BELFAST CITY
Belfast was the only city in Ireland to experience the full force of the Industrial Revolution. It dates from 1177 when a settlement grew up around the castle built by John de Courcy. Being situated at the entrance to Belfast Lough it was frequently contested, until the lands reclaimed from the sea were granted to Sir Arthur Chichester, Governor of Carrickfergus and Earl of Donegall, in 1603.
Main attractions:
Donegal Square
City Hall
This Classical Renaissance style stone building was completed in 1906 on the site of the former White Linen Hall to mark Belfast’s new status as a city. Statues around the building include a glum-looking Queen Victoria outside the main entrance, and on the east side is the Harland and Wolff shipyard where the Titanic was built. A memorial to those who died when the Titanic sank in 1912 stands close by. Open 2.30 p.m. daily; all other times by appointment. Å028-9032 0202.
Grand Opera House
The Grand Operal House was designed in 1894 by the renowned theatre-architect Frank Matcham. It was restored to its full glory in 1980. Å028-9021 0411.
Crown Liquor Saloon
This flamboyant Victorian-drinking palace dates back to the 1880s. It has an impressive multi-coloured tiled façe, and is the only public house owned by the National Trust. Open daily. Å028-9024 9476.
Linen Hall Library
Founded in 1788, the Linen Hall Library is home to thousands of old books stored in dark wooden stacks. There is also a vast database of genealogical information and documentation of political events in Ireland since 1968.
Around the Albert Clock
Lagan Lookout Visitor Centre
From the Lookout Centre ou can see the view from the footbridge alongside the new Lagan Weir development. Five computer controlled steel gates maintain a fixed water level; and at night, the weir is lit by gas-filter blue light that shimmers across the water. Open daily during the week; Saturday and Sunday, p.m. only. Å028-9031 5444
Albert Memorial Clock Tower
One of Belfast’s best-known monuments, the clock tower was designed by WJ Barre. It leans slightly as a result of subsidence.
The Entries
The Entries are a series of narrow alleys between Ann Street and High Street where you can find some of the best pubs in the city, including White’s Tavern, reputedly the oldest bar in Belfast. In 1791 the United Irishmen, inspired by the new ideas of the French Revolution, was founded in a tavern on Crown Entry.
The cathedral quarter
St. Anne’s Cathedral
The Neo-Romanesque style of this Protestant cathedral, built in 1898, cannot fail to make an impression. You can admire the Misses Martin’s colourful mosaics here, one covering the baptistery ceiling contains over 150,000 pieces. Å028-9032 8332
Towards the Golden Mile and university area
Queen‘s University
Designed by Charles Lanyon in 1849, Queen’s University caters for about eight thousand students, many of whom live in the surrounding streets of terraced redbrick houses known as the “Holy Land”. A particularly fine terrace is the Georgian University Square, now owned by the university. Å028-9024 5133.
Botanic Gardens
A huge variety of plants – from fuchsia and begonia to lush tropical species – make the renovated nineteenth century gardens an essential visit. You can look down from the balcony to a sunken glen of exotic plants. Open daily. Å028-9032 4902.
Ulster Museum
There are exhibits ranging from ancient Egyptian mummies to dinosaurs at the Ulster Museum. You can see a unique collection of treasure here, including gold jewellery from the shipwrecked Spanish Armada vessel Girona, as well as displays on Irish history. Open daily during the week; Saturday and Sunday, p.m. only. Å028-9038 3000.
Outside in Belfast
Cave Hill
A popular climb up the Napoleon’s Nose of Cave Hill, past the Neolithic caves to the fort at the top, rewards the energetic with fine views. Open daily. Å028-9077 6925.
Belfast Castle
Built in 1870, Belfast Castle was once home to the Earl of Shaftesbury. It now belongs to the city and houses two restaurants and a new heritage centre that shows the area’s history.
Giant’s Ring
The remains of a Stone Age burial were found under the dolmen in the centre of the Giant's Ring. During the eighteenth century the ring was a popular venue for horse races.
Stormont
Built between 1928 and 1932, Stormont was designed to house the Northern Ireland Parliament. Since the parliament was disbanded in 1972 the building has been used as government offices. The debating chamber was badly damaged in a fire in 1994. Open by arrangement only.
Hostels:
Arnie’s Backpackers
63 Fitzwilliam Street,
Belfast 9 (Opp. Queen’s University)
Tel. 028-90242867
www.arniesbackpackers.co.uk
eMail.
The Linen House Hostel
18 Kent Street,
Belfast BT1 2JA
Tel. 028-90586400
Fax. 028-90586444
www.belfasthostel.com
eMail. info@belfasthostel.com
COUNTY DOWN
What's on in Down
Situated to the east, this immense county stretches like a long finger of land along the shore of Strangford Lough to the purple-and-grey granite peaks of the Mourne Mountains, and inland to the Georgian splendor of Hillsborough. Though associated by legend with St. Patrick, it has uncovered secrets of prehistoric times that suggest a culture in existence long before the arrival of Christianity in the fifth century. Today, farmers have expanded their traditional farming to explore such diverse activities as ostrich farming and daffodil cultivation.
Bangor and the Ards Peninsula.
The peninsula and some of Northern Ireland’s finest scenery begins east of Belfast at Bangor. This resort town is popular with holiday-makers and has a fine seventeenth century tower.
Main attractions:
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum
Set in the beautiful parkland estate of Cultra Manor, this open-air museum depicts rural and urban Irish life over the past few hundred years. A huge hangar houses the Irish Railway Collection and includes examples of the Dandy Horse, the Velocipede, veteran motor cars and a 1982 De Lorean gull-wing stainless steel car. Aircraft exhibits include the full-scale model of the monoplane used by Harry Ferguson, the first Irish person to fly. Open daily except 24 to 26 December. Å028-9042 8428.
Scrabo Hill County Park
The summit of Scrabo Hill County Park offers excellent views of Strangford Lough. The Scrabo Memorial Tower, built in 1857 as a memorial to the third Marquise of Londonderry, stands here. At the opposite side of the park, the Ark Open Farm has rare breeds of sheep, cattle, and poultry. Open Saturday to Thursday, June to October; public holidays or by appointment from November to May. Å028-9181 1491.
Strangford and Lecale
Grey Abbey
This antique-shoppers’ haven was used as a parish church until the seventeenth century. The monks practiced herbal remedies in the romantic physic garden here, which has been re-created. Open Tuesday to Sunday, April to September. Å028-4278 8585.
Exploris
Exploris displays the surprising diversity of marine life in the Irish Sea and Strangford Lough. Open daily except 25 December. Å028-4272 8062.
Ballycopeland Windmill
This is Northern Ireland’s only working windmill and stands on the top of a small hill near the town of Millisle. Open Tuesday to Sunday from Easter to September and public holidays. Å028- 9186 1413.
Castle Ward in Ardglass
The estate of Lord and Lady Bangor, built in a paladian style in the1760's. You can admire the extravagant fan-vaulted ceiling based on Henry VIII’s chapel in Westminster Abbey, and Lady Bangor's favorite Gothic style which influences the garden façe. House open: Friday to Wednesday from June to August, (p.m. only); Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from April to May and September to October. Grounds open daily. Å028-4488 1204.
Patrick’s County
Downpatrick
A statue of St Patrick stands on top of the nearby Slieve Patrick. In 1176 John de Courcy claimed to have brought the remains of Saints Colmcille and Brid here; and it was he who added Patrick to the town’s name. It was once believed that Saint Patrick himself was buried on the great hill at Downpatrick, and a huge granite slab was placed on the hill in1900 to protect it from pilgrims removing handfuls of earth.
Down County Museum and St. Patrick’s Heritage Centre
Housed in the eighteenth century Old County Gaol, displays include refurbished cells and exhibits relating to St. Patrick.
Nearby are the Mount of Down earthworks, and across the River Quoile are the ruins of Insch Abbey, a twelfth century Cistercian monastery where Irishmen were refused entry. Down County Museum open daily from June to August (Saturday and Sunday, p.m. only); Tuesday to Friday, from September to May, (Saturday and Sunday, p.m. only). Insch Abbey open Tuesday to Sunday, from April to September.
Mountains of Mourne – www.newcastleic.org
Slieve Donard
Slieve Donard, 848m (2,796 feet), is named after St. Donart who lived in a stone cell on the summit.
Kilfeaghan portal tomb
This portal tomb has a capstone weighing an incredible 35-tonnes. Nearby, the ruins of Greencastle stand formidably at the entrance to Carlingford Lough. The castle was vacated in the seventeenth century after 350 troubled years.
Rostrevor
Rostrevor is a small nineteenth century estate built along the shores of Carlingford Lough, where the mild climate encourages palm trees and mimosas. An obelisk stands to its most famous son, Robert Ross, who captured Washington DC in 1814 and burnt the White House.
Newcastle
A popular resort since the early nineteenth century, Newcastle has a promenade overlooking a sweeping sandy beach.
Mid-Down
Rathfriland
Drumballyroney Parish School, just past Rathfriland, is the centre of the Bronte homeland. Patrick Prunty (later Bronte), father to the famous writers Charlotte, Anne and Emily, taught here before moving to England.
Legananny portal tomb
35 km (22 miles) north of Newcastle, the Legananny Dolmen is one of the finest and most photographed ancient monuments in the country.
Hillsborough Fort
Built around 1650, Hillsborough Fort stands beside St. Malachy’s Church. This artillery fort was remodeled in the eighteenth century for banquets held by the descendants of Arthur Hill, founder of the town. Open Tuesday to Sunday, (p.m. only). Å028-9268 3285
Hillsborough Castle
Hillsborough Castle has played a central role in Irish politics through the years. Many negotiators have passed through the magnificent wrought-iron gates, which were taken from Rich Hill Castle in County Armagh. Open Saturdays only.Å028-9268 1309
Hostels:
Cornmill Quay
Annalong Marine Pk,
Annalong
Tel. 028-43768269
www.cornmillquay.com
eMail.
Cnocnafeola Centre
Bog road, Atticall
Kilkeel
Tel. 028- 41765859
Fax. 082- 41769519
www.mournehostel.com
eMail.
COUNTY ARMAGH
What's on in Armagh
Armagh is the smallest county in Ulster and ranges from the reclaimed wetlands on the peaty shores of Lough Neagh to the orchard regions around Loughgall and Portadown.
Armagh City
Named after the Celtic queen Macha, it is one of Ireland’s oldest cities, dating back to the age of St. Patrick and dawn of Christianity. Armagh's story is told at the visitor complex of St. Patrick’s Trian, which chronicles the development of the town through the ages. Here you can discover historic Armagh, the life and work of St. Patrick, and the Land of Lilliput from Gulliver’s Travels, relating to the time Jonathan Swift spent in the region. Open daily. Å028-3752 1801
Main attractions:
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
This 200-year-old observatory has the largest public telescope in Ireland. The Planetarium houses the star theatre, while the ‘Eartharium’ Gallery is designed to give visitors a 'global view of our home'. Observatory Grounds open daily, Å028-3752 2928. The Planetarium is currently closed for renovation work. Phone for up-to-date information. Å028-3752 3689.
Mall
This park was the site of cock fighting and horseracing until the eighteenth century Church of Ireland primate, Richard Robinson, decided that these were unsuitable activities for a seat of learning.
St. Patrick’s (Church of Ireland) Cathedral
The story of St. Patrick's Cathedral is told in the ninth century Book of Armagh, currently on display at Trinity College, Dublin.
St. Patrick (Catholic) Cathedral
Built between 1840 and 1873, the twin spires of St. Patrick (Catholic) Cathedral are visible across the valley.
Archbishop Robinson’s Demesne
A thirteenth century Franciscan friary, dissolved in 1542, was the original site for the beautifully restored Georgian Palace Stables and Courtyard. Much of the friary's stone was quarried for use in the demesne building.
Around Armagh
Navan Fort
In legend, Navan was Emain Macha, ceremonial and spiritual capital of ancient Ulster. The site is said to have been used as early as 4,000 years ago, but seems to have been most active around 100BC when a huge timber building, 40m (130ft) across, was erected over a giant cairn.
Navan Centre
At the Navan Centre you can explore Celtic and contemporary Navan through journeys into real and other words. Open daily except five days at Christmas. Å028-3752 5550
Loughgall
This is Ireland’s apple region - surrounded by orchards. It is home to the museum of the Orange Order, which contains sashes, banners and weapons from the Battle of the Diamonds in 1795. This took place on Diamond Hill between Protestant Peep o’ Day Boys and Catholic Defenders, after which Protestant farmers founded the Orange Order.
Lough Neagh and north Armagh
The legend is that the giant Finn MacCool created Lough Neagh by picking up a piece of turf and hurling it into the Irish Sea, forming the Isle of Man in the process.
Lough Neagh Discovery Centre
Open daily from April to September; and Wednesday to Sunday, October to March, except 25 & 26 Dec. Å 028-3832 2205.
Peatlands Park
Park open daily. Visitor centre open daily from June to August, (p.m. only); Easter to May and September, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays (p.m. only). Å028-3885 1102 www.peatlandspark.co.uk
The Newry Canal region
Lurgan
Lurgan was once a prosperous industrial area due to the manufacture of damask linen at nearby Waringstown. The industry still survives, but operates now as a small, high-quality business.
Portadown
A former linen town.
Moneypenny’s Lock
Moneypenny is the last lock before the canal joins the river. The restored lock-keeper’s house here offers a glimpse of past life on the water.
Newry
Newry got its name after a tree said to have been planted by St. Patrick.
Cistercian Monastery
This Cistercian monastery was established here near a twelfth century stone castle, which was repeatedly attacked throughout the centuries.
Newry Castle
The castle was destroyed by Shane O’Neill in 1566. In 1578, Bagenal used the rubble to construct the first Protestant church in Ireland, building it to sit astride the river on a three-arched bridge, thus making it half in County Down and half in County Armagh.
South Armagh
Bessbrook
Founded in 1845, this village of local granite buildings was laid out around two squares and became the inspiration for the Cadbury village of Bournville in England.
COUNTY FERMANAGH
What's on in Fermanagh
Enniskillen and Lough Erne
 | The town of Enniskillen sits on an island between Upper and Lower Lough Erne. It is a good base for exploring the region, offering various cultural pursuits. |
Main attractions:
Enniskillen Castle
Enniskillen Castle was one of a ring of castles built to guard Lough Erne, which dates back to the fifteenth century. It now houses the Fermanagh History and Heritage Centre. The regimental museum of the Royal Enniskillen Fusiliers – the Watergate – is a fairytale, twin-turreted tower, best admired from the far bank of the river. Open daily, phone for times. Å028-6632 5000
Castle Coole
Originally designed by Richard Johnston in 1790 after by the fashionable English architect James Wyatt, and finished in the 1820's, Castle Coole is one of the finest Neoclassical homes in Ireland. Family portraits from the eighteenth century line the walls of the dining room. In the lavish State Bedroom there is a bed made especially for King George IV on the occasion of his visit to Ireland in 1821, however he never came to sleep in it. Open Friday to Wednesday (p.m. only), June to August; Saturday, Sunday and public holidays (p.m. only), April, May and September. Å028-6632 2690
Marble Arch Caves
The Marble Arch Caves are a fascinating natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, and chambers. Tours lasting 75 minutes consist of a boat ride into the depths of the cave complex and a guided walk leading past stalagmites, calcite cascades and other curious limestone formations. Open daily from April to September. Å028-6634 8855
Around Lower Lough Erne
This area has much to offer the visitor with its ancient religious sites and monuments, contemporary crafts and music.
Main attractions:
Belleek Pottery
Founded in 1857, Belleek Pottery was supposed to resemble the famous Parian marble of Ancient Greece. The pottery began with the discovery of feldspar deposits in Castle Caldwell in 1857 and has been famous for over 140 years. Open daily from April to September; Monday to Friday, October to March; and ten days at Christmas. www.belleek.ie
Castle Caldwell Forest Park
The park’s wooded peninsulas are a sanctuary for birds, and you can watch waterfowl from hides on the shore. You can see great crested grebes, the common scoter duck and maybe even an otter.
White Island
The Romanesque church on White Island has bizarre pagan-looking figures set into one wall. Of uncertain origin, they probably adorned an earlier monastery on this site. Ferries to the island leave from Castle Archdale Marina in summer.
Castle Archdale Country Park
Castle ruin and its eighteenth century replacement.
Tully Castle
A charming seventeenth century style herb garden has recently been planted alongside this fortified Plantation house. It is situated off the scenic Lough Navar Forest Drive.
The Islands
Main attractions:
Boa Island
Named after a war goddess of the Celts, Boa is the largest island in the group and is joined to the mainland by a bridge. Two curious double-faced figures stand in the Christian cemetary of Caldragh on the island.
Devenish Island
This is the site of Lower Lough Erne’s most important monastery, raided by Vikings in the ninth century and burnt in 1157. It remained an important religious centre up to the early seventeenth century. Several buildings from the medieval monastery have survived, including Teampall Mor, built in 1225; St. Mary’s Priory, from the fifteenth century; and a twelfth century round tower, which stands some 25m (82ft).
Upper Lough Erne and Surroundings
Main attractions
Galoon Island
Galoon Island has a small farming community with some ghoulishly carved gravestones in the churchyard.
Knockninny Hill
A splendid view of the islands can be had from the summit of Knockninny Hill in north Derrylin.
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