Northern Eire was some of the atmospheric and exquisite locations I’ve ever visited. There’s simply one thing very particular about Eire, and Northern Eire has an untouched and rugged magnificence. The world has every thing you’ll count on and extra from a hip capital, an more and more vibrant meals and music scene, cool whiskey distilleries, a shocking unspoiled shoreline, attractive nationwide parks, historic castles, cosy pubs heated by roaring log fires, and yep nonetheless very a lot visited former Sport of Thrones units. From my time spent exploring listed below are 20 of essentially the most stunning locations to go to in Northern Eire…
Causeway Coastal Route – should you do one factor in Northern Eire positively do that!
If you’re out for a highway journey then that is the place you have to be, this is among the most atmospheric and exquisite highway journeys I’ve ever been on. The highway from Derry to Belfast is filled with sights to see alongside the way in which. It’s solely 120 miles, however there’s that a lot to see that you must plan at the very least three days on your journey. You’ll additionally discover a number of of the points of interest talked about all through this put up.
Set out on the highway from Belfast and head north, your journey will terminate in Londonderry. There’s the odd detour on the route, relying on how a lot time you could have, be sure you take a look at the next…
Carrickfergus Fort
Probably the greatest-preserved medieval constructions in Northern Eire.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
A singular, enjoyable, and barely scary suspension rope bridge over a 100ft drop to the ocean.
Ballintoy
A painter’s paradise and one of many areas used to movie the Sport of Thrones tv, this place was used because the ‘Iron Islands’ You’ll a small harbour on a raised seashore in a quaint fishing village.
Torr Head
Count on tough seas and gorgeous views over to the Mull of Kintyre.
Dunluce Fort
A haunting fortress with fabulous views and dramatic seascapes and one other Sport of Thrones set.
Large’s Causeway
A pure and picturesque surprise that’s each mythological and geological and some of the stunning locations to go to on the planet.
Bushmills Distillery
I beloved this place and the tour is enjoyable and fascinating. Make it on the finish of a day and possibly deal with your self to a pattern of the great things.
Castlerock Seashore
A sweeping tranquil and sandy seashore that’s backed by a few of the oldest dunes in Eire.
Ballycastle
This can be a stunning city topped with a fortress which is the Japanese Gateway to the Causeway. Additionally a Sport of Thrones location.
Mussenden Temple Castlerock
A hanging and extremely photogenic historic round library that’s over 200 years outdated, accompanied by stunning sea views.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, County Antrim – an awesome attraction to go to in Northern Eire
Are you able to study somewhat little bit of Gaelic?
Okay Carrick-a-Rede truly means ‘rock of the casting’, and refers back to the island, not the rope bridge which you will discover right here. Will you be courageous sufficient to strut the 20 metres over the 100 ft drop beneath? If you’re you then’ll have achieved one thing. There are lots of who’ve gone a method and misplaced their nerve, preferring as a substitute to be picked up from the island by boat.
The unique bridge was constructed as a manner for fishermen to get to the perfect salmon spots, nevertheless now it’s a standard vacationer attraction attractive round half 1,000,000 guests per 12 months. When you have acquired your glasses on and the climate is obvious, you would possibly simply have the ability to spot the western coast of Scotland winking at you from over the horizon.
Large’s Causeway – one of many famously stunning locations to go to in Northern Eire
In case you’ve been to take a look at Carrick-a-Rede then you’re solely a brief hop from Giants Causeway. This is among the Island of Eire’s most iconic landmarks and is a must-see go to. You’d be forgiven for pondering these pillars and columns are man-made. They don’t seem to be. They’re fashioned by layers of basalt which over numerous millennia have tilted of their axis till you’re truly seeing a cross-section of tens of millions of years of various compacted sediments on their facet.
Don’t get too slowed down within the Geology, simply go and luxuriate in. You’ll discover shoreline laden with fables about giants, and a delegated UNESCO world heritage web site in addition. Relying on the time of day, the granite plinths change color, from virtually black, to heat and mellow brown. Make certain to take your digital camera.
Dunluce Fort County Antrim – some of the iconic monuments to discover in Northern Eire
In case you love your historical past you’re in for a deal with. Granted Dunluce Fort would possibly want a little work doing to it to make it habitable, however it’s stuffed with surprise and sits like a damaged tooth looking to sea. The fortress is over 500 years outdated.
After you could have marvelled and questioned what it should have seemed like again within the day, take a stroll and see should you can uncover the close by city which the fortress protected. There are archaeological digs and bits of historic buildings in all places. In case you time it proper and make your manner right down to the seashore you’ll have the ability to take tremendous brooding and atmospheric photographs of the sundown.
This fortress additionally doubled as Thrones fortress in Sport of Thrones.
Darkish Hedges – a magnificence spot that famously appeared in Sport of Thrones
Do you wish to return to a time when issues have been easier, made sense and folks weren’t full of bitter disappointment? We aren’t speaking true historical past after all, oh no. We imply season two, episode one among Sport of Thrones, sure earlier than Hodor died, John Snow was plain outdated ‘John’ and Theon was nonetheless within the good books.
In case you pay this highway somewhat go to you might really feel it’s barely acquainted. That’s as a result of it was one of many filming areas for Sport of Thrones. Okay so there isn’t all that a lot to see, however it’ll go an hour. The highway is eye-catching as a result of it lined by a twisted collection of 200-year-old Beech timber that twist and lean making a pure tunnel. It’s critically spooky particularly should you go in direction of twilight.
Tollymore Forest – the primary state forest park in Northern Eire
In case you go right down to the woods at the moment, you’re positive of an enormous shock. As curiosities and hidden gems go this is among the finest areas in Northern Eire. It’s somewhat eclectic, however that’s what makes it nice. You’ll discover a barn that appears like a church, quaint grottos and rocky outcrops, all combined with a unusual structure that could be a mix of various influences and kinds.
Once more, there’s a hyperlink to the titanic right here, as a lot of the wooden utilized in its development got here from this property. Put in your strolling boots and luxuriate in one of many color coded river walks, the place you’ll observe babbling streams and encounter picturesque stone bridges.
Belfast Metropolis Corridor – one among Belfast’s most iconic buildings
Belfast is an more and more cool and hip metropolis and is among the finest locations to go to in Northern Eire. When exploring be sure you go to right here. At over 100 years outdated this eye-catching centrepiece speaks of a time of prosperity and forward-thinking. When you have the time, it’s actually price taking a tour inside because it has one or two hidden secrets and techniques.
The inside of the Metropolis corridor was designed and furnished by the exact same individuals who constructed the Titanic, and because of this, you possibly can see lots of widespread options particular to the age. Stroll amongst big halls, marble staircases and attempt to think about males in high hats and ladies with umbrellas strolling amongst the white columns.
Gleno Waterfalls – one of many lesser-known hidden treasures in Northern Eire
There’s little higher than a pleasant stroll with one thing stunning to see when you get to the tip. All of it makes it worthwhile. I can consider no higher instance than the Glencoe waterfall.
Dappled glens and a winding paths will finally take you to a picturesque cascading 30-foot waterfall that appears like one thing out of a Tolkien novel. It’s a little steep so may not be for little legs or these with mobility points. Nevertheless, if you’re feeling up for it, it’s effectively price a go to.
Roe Valley Nation Park – a scenic and tranquil park to discover in Northern Eire
Inexperienced, lush, and totally attractive. The Roe Valley Country Park will current you with a lot to do while being surrounded by pure magnificence. Consider chattering streams, twigs crunching underfoot, and leafy trails to discover.
Whether or not you get pleasure from a spot of angling, mountaineering, canoeing or simply getting out and inhaling splendidly recent air there’ll be one thing for you right here. Situated on the outskirts of Limavady the Roe Valley Nation Park additionally boasts a museum, customer centre, and several other buildings giving a nod to its former industrial heritage.
Cliffs of Magho – a magnificence spot providing really gorgeous vistas
For drives via breath-taking forests and windswept vistas look no additional. You’ll have the ability to absorb superb views of the close by Lough Erne and even have the ability to see the Atlantic Ocean.
The climb as much as this limestone escarpment could be fairly steep so take some sturdy footwear and maybe one thing cool to drink for alongside the way in which. The bottom of the cliffs is usually a little difficult to get to, so take your time and cease to ask for instructions if you have to.
Craft Village Derry – a fairly place that gives an eclectic mixture of artisan craft outlets
If you wish to see a spot the place the outdated and new mix seamlessly then Derry Craft Village is for you. Situated within the coronary heart of town you’ll discover whitewashed cottages and thatched roofs sitting shoulder to shoulder. They’re full of trinket outlets, espresso homes, artisanal crafts, and the odd restaurant.
It’s like stepping again in time while having fun with all the advantages of contemporary civilisation. Store ‘til you drop after which take the load off with a pleasant brew.
Bangor Fort – a shocking nation home to discover in Northern Eire
That is a kind of conditions the place should you take one thing’s identify too actually, it will probably all get somewhat complicated. Nevertheless, offered you’re in actual fact in Northern Eire, and never Wales you ought to be alright. That mentioned this isn’t truly a fortress within the conventional sense of the phrase. It’s in actual fact a council workplace that was constructed round 150 years in the past. All that mentioned it’s nonetheless fairly pretty.
A rustic home completely located amongst well-manicured gardens. The home was a daily stopover for the wordsmith CS Lewis who described it as “heaven”. If it was ok for him, it’s ok for us.
Donaghadee – Northern Eire’s closest level to Scotland
If you’re a daily reader of the positioning, you’ll know that we love a fairly coastal village. This harbour city is fairly good trying and even affords you views throughout the Irish sea in direction of Scotland.
Go for a scenic stroll alongside the marina, head out to the brilliant white lighthouse on the causeway and watch the fisherman and, in order for you somewhat historical past, go and take a look at the distinguished ‘Motte’ which dominates the city and was constructed over 1000 years in the past to repel the pesky Norman raiders.
Mourne Mountains – the best and most dramatic mountain vary to discover in Northern Eire
The mountains of Mourne does sound somewhat bit ‘Lord of the Rings’ don’t you assume? However that mentioned they’ve views to match. They’re bedecked by jutting Granite tors (which is a fancy identify for enormous boulders).
They’re hanging and eerily stunning to be truthful. In case you resolve to embark on a ramble amongst the quite a few trails and paths you’ll be struck by the sense of drama and foreboding which appears to ooze from the hills themselves. Time it proper and also you’ll really feel like the one particular person within the nation.
Castlewellan Forest Park – a spot of excellent magnificence to discover in Nothern Eire
For an awesome time out make your technique to Castlewellan Forest Park. There’s completely zero probability of being bored, that’s for positive. As you’d count on there are quite a few color coded trails so that you can observe that, relying on which route you are taking, will give gorgeous views in direction of the foot of the Mourne Mountains.
The park even has routes for many who are barely much less cellular. Alongside the way in which, you’ll discover an Arboretum, a Moorish tower, and a youngsters’s play space in case you have energetic firm.
Portbraddon – one of many prettiest villages in Northern Eire
Photograph © Rossographer (cc-by-sa/2.0)
Quaint fishing villages are all good and effectively, however generally you need a bit greater than nets and whitewash. Effectively right here is the reply and a small shock…Fairly actually. Portbraddon is residence to the smallest church in Eire.
There’s a number of conspiracy theories as to the way it took place, because it was solely constructed within the 1950’s, and hearsay has it that it was truly a cleverly disguised cowshed. Both manner, it’s a spot of curiosity. Apart from the church, you’ll discover this village quiet, it’s acquired a inhabitants of about 20 (common sized) individuals.
Silent Valley and Ben Crom – a completely gorgeous valley to discover in Northern Eire
The Silent Valley and Ben Crom stroll takes place within the coronary heart of the Mourne Mountains. The very best bit is that as a result of it’s alongside a dam, it’s comparatively flat, making it accessible for nearly everybody.
The entire enjoyable of the mountains with out having to have legs like a mountain goat! At 6.2 miles it’s a great few hours stroll, however that mentioned you don’t should do all of it. You’ll discover the same old fare alongside the way in which, together with a present store and customer centre, a café, and a few facilities.
Carnlough Harbour – residence to some of the stunning ports on the Antrim coast and one other Sport of Thrones location
So, should you lived in Antrim it’s truthful to say there are a good few fascinating issues round. Considered one of which is Carnlough Harbour. Apart from being pleasing on the attention, it’s one other location that was used within the filming of Sport of Thrones…You’ll recognise the stone staircase main from the water’s edge, it’s the place Arya escaped after being stabbed and went on to turn into a plot-ruining ninja (we aren’t bitter).
Bitter endings apart there are a variety of small ‘quirks’ to this city. See if you will discover the memorial to Paddy the Pigeon, whose record-breaking English Channel crossing in World Conflict II earned him a medal and a plaque.
Cave Hill Nation Park – gorgeous cliffs and beautiful countryside
Simply to the North of Belfast, you’ll discover Cave Hill Nation Park. You’ll get bits of every thing that makes a great stroll should you embark upon one of many many trails. Craggy cliffs, rolling meadows, and views that justify the sweat you’ll have on by the tip.
The nation park is definitely an iconic a part of the Belfast panorama and could be seen all through a lot of the metropolis. Its inexperienced bosom additionally offers a house to Belfast Fort, no matter you do, be sure you don’t fall down Napoleon’s Nostril! Google it!
White Park Bay – some of the stunning seashores to go to in Northen Eire
It might seem that County Antrim will get all of the luck! An enormous white sandy seashore is what dominates this space, backed by excessive sided dunes. It may be somewhat windswept and rugged, however that’s a part of the appeal.
The seashore is three miles lengthy so even on busy days you’ll have the ability to choose your individual spot. For a little bit of curiosity see should you can catch sight of the cows which often wander down onto the seashore from the fields surrounding it. Take pleasure in your stunning journey to Northern Eire!
