Northern Ireland, often overlooked in favour of the South, is a pocket sized destination where nothing is too far and choice of experiences endless. Below are some of our favourite things to see and do in easy reach of The Barn, including crossing the border!
The Causeway Coastline 1 hour 30 minute drive
Giants Causeway: Shrouded in legend, this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the greatest natural wonders in the United Kingdom. Thousands of hexagonal basalt columns stand against the wild winds and battering waves of the North Atlantic Ocean. Legend has it that the natural phenomenon was created by the Irish giant Finn MacCool after he was challenged to a fight by the Scottish giant Benandonner. Whether the honeycomb rocks were created by giants or intense volcanic activity is up to you to decide.
Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge: The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge connects the mainland to the minuscule island of Carrickarede. At 30-metres above sea level, the elevated bridge was first made by salmon fishermen over 250 years ago. Once on the island, you can spot the island’s only building, a small fisherman’s cottage and look out onto the Atlantic Ocean.
Dunluce Castle: An atmospheric ruin, set against on a steep cliff edge in north County Antrim, Dunlace Castle is imbued with myth and fable. The castle dates back to 1500, when it was made by the MacQuillan family. A local legend says that the castle was abandoned after the kitchen collapsed into the sea, taking the cooks with it. The mystery of the castle has inspired writers and filmmakers alike: from C.S. Lewis’s Narnia to the TV series Game Of Thrones.
There is also the Game of Thrones famous Dark Hedges and charming coastal port of Ballintoy
Hillsborough Castle 10 minute drive
Hillsborough Castle has been a grand family home and is now the official home of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and a royal residence. Members of the Royal Family stay at Hillsborough when visiting Northern Ireland. Viewed by some as a politically neutral venue, Hillsborough has played an important role in the Peace Process in Northern Ireland since the 1980s.
In 2014, Historic Royal Palaces took over the running of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and began an ambitious project to restore the house and gardens to its former glory. I now work here between the house and gardens!
Mountains of Mourne 30 minutes drive
The Mountains of Mourne are made up of 28 peaks. Rising highest above its siblings at around 850 metres, Slieve Donard is the tallest peak. Yes, it’s a tough climb, but the views out over Murlough Bay and the small town of Newcastle are worth the effort. Butter Mountain, Slieve Binnian, Slieve Lamagan and Slieve Corragh offer standout less difficult strolls.
Take Ben Crom for instance. A hike up its russet sides through the mountain heather and floating bog cotton is an experience in itself, but it’s at the summit where the magic really happens. Spread out at the mountain’s foot below is the Silent Valley; and looking down on the Ben Crom Reservoir is where the scale of the Mournes hits you.
Belfast 30 minute drive
Shaped by the turbulent events of the 20th century, the capital city of Northern Ireland is both historically and politically important. Yet over the years, Belfast has been shaking off its troubled reputation and today is a vibrant and exciting city with lots to offer. Whilst its history is divisive, Belfast today is a city with plenty of warmth and unity. Head to Cathedral Quarter to soak up lively scenes where street performers harmonise with locals and visitors alike to the sound of traditional folk song. This is a place very much celebrating the present.
To the west of the River Lagan is where you’ll find most of the city’s attractions, including the bustling St George’s Market, which has been a site of trade for over 600 years. Further south you’ll stumble across the grand buildings of Queen’s University as well as the Botanic Gardens, home to the Ulster Museum. Head north to the docklands and explore the Titanic Quarter, discovering original artifacts and marveling at the replica of the tragic ship, which was built and launched from this very site in 1912. On the northern outskirts of the city sits Belfast Castle, where on a clear day Scotland can be spotted on the horizon.
Black Taxi Tour: Enjoy a Black Taxi tour of the city with a local and learn more about the history of the city as you go. See the famous Catholic and Protestant murals that depict the colourful history of the city. Learn about what life was like in the city during the Troubles and sign your name on the world famous peacewall.
Belfast City Tour: The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is a vibrant city, rich in history and cultural heritage. World-class theatres, music and visual arts are just some of the things that put this city on the map. The Cathedral Quarter is a must for culture-seekers while the fascinating Titanic Quarter allows visitors a chance to see the very place the infamous ocean liner the Titanic was built and enjoy the diamond-shaped Titanic Belfast experience.
Titanic Belfast: Located in the heart of Belfast, on the very slipways where the Titanic was built, Titanic Belfast is spread over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition. Drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features to explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way; from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration centre.
Dublin 1 hour 30 minute drive
Medieval treasures are plentiful around this city, such as the grand St Patrick’s Cathedral and the Book of Kells, arguably the world’s most famous medieval manuscript. For a city so rich in historic treasures, its bold spirit has not been left in the past. Renowned for their lively spirit and fun-loving attitude, Dubliners certainly know how to grab the present with both hands.
When it comes to cultural experiences, Dublin doesn’t disappoint. It is filled with world-class galleries and museums, such as the National Gallery of Ireland featuring European art from the 14th right up to the 20th-century. However, if it is modern art that speaks to your soul, The Dublin City Gallery is famed for its exhibitions by contemporary Irish artists.
Golf Courses
Royal Portrush, Royal County Down, Lough Erne, Holywood Golf Club, Belvoir Park & Malone
The Barn Hillsborough 