Things to do
We are situated 7.5 miles (25 minutes) from the centre of Belfast in the beautiful Co. Down countryside and approximately 20 minutes from Belfast City airport. The International airport is a 40 minute journey.
There is a vast array of things to do in Northern Ireland, with something to be found for everyone, whether you prefer to be active and outdoors, or to enjoy the culture and "the craic" in our pubs and restaurants.
We have included information on a few of the attractions on offer, however this is only a small selection of what Northern Ireland has to offer.
For further information/planning please visit: https://discovernorthernireland.com/
Good Food
Several local restaurants were successful in the recent Irish Restaurant Awards, which attracted 30,000 nominations across numerous categories. The recent Irish Restaurant Awards are a joint venture between the Restaurants Association of Ireland and The Irish Times.
The Northern Ireland award winners are as follows, with links attached.
Best sustainable practices - No. 14 at The Georgian House Comber
Best Gastro Pub in Ireland – The Poacher's Pocket, Lisbane, County Down
Best Ulster Restaurant and Wine Experience – OX, Belfast
Best Newcomer – Deanes EIPIC, Belfast
Best Hotel Restaurant (Ulster) – Ardtara Country House, Upperlands, County L'derry
Best Casual Dining (Ulster) – Graze, Belfast
Ulster Folk Museum.
Fish and chips, Titanic Hotel, Belfast
Ulster Folk and Transport museum
The Ulster Folk Museum is one of Ireland's foremost visitor attractions illustrating the way of life and traditions of the people of the north of Ireland.
The Ulster Transport Museum, contains a detailed history of the all forms of Northern Ireland's public transport as well as information and models of the H.M.S.Titanic, built locally in Belfast.
Game of thrones
On the Game of Thrones Tour in Belfast you will get the chance to see 7 iconic sites from Series 1 to 5 from your very own tour guide. Your local guide will take you through both the books & TV series and will discuss information from the Game of Thrones series, recall incredible tales of legend and local history that could come right out of the books.
http://britmovietours.com/bookings/game-of-thrones-tour-of-locations-belfast/
Most of Game of Thrones is filmed in Northern Ireland, either outdoors in the rugged landscapes, glacial valleys, sea caves and golden beaches, or in the Paint Hall Studios in Belfast, where the indoor scenes are filmed.
The best locations from previous seasons include the spooky tree-lined avenue near Ballymoney, Co. Antrim known as the Dark Hedges, where the branches of the beech trees have twisted together to almost form an arch. This is where in season two, Arya Stark escaped King's Landing, and in real life it's said to be haunted by a ghost called the Grey Lady.
For more information visit -www.discovernorthernireland.com/gameofthrones/
Scrabo Country Park and Golf Course
Scrabo Golf Club is a formidable 18 hole, 5,722 yards, par 71 'challenge' course situated in the beautiful County Down countryside winding its way around Scrabo Hill and Tower. The course and clubhouse afford fabulous views, over looking Strangford Lough. The narrow fairways demand accurate driving of the tee and approach shots.
Titanic Quarter
Titanic Belfast is a visitor attraction and a monument to Belfast's maritime heritage on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard in the city's Titanic Quarter.
Titanic Belfast is the world's largest Titanic visitor experience, exploring the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way. In 2016 the World Travel Awards voted Titanic Belfast the best tourist attraction in the world.
Giants Causeway
Legend has it that the Giants Causeway was built by the Irish giant, Finn MacCool, so as travel across the sea to confront a Scottish giant.
The World Heritage Giants Causeway is now Northern Ireland's number one tourist site. The site also boasts an 8km-stretch of well-signposted, coastal pathways that overlook 90m-high cliffs and a series of bays.
Mourne mountains
Regardless of weather and season, the Mournes are one of Northern Irelands most popular destinations.
Rain, hail or shine, on a long warm summers evening or in the depths of winter hordes of people make their way to County Down to spend some time in what is undoubtedly Irelands most picturesque location.
It is a recognised area of outstanding natural beauty and it isn’t hard to see why with dozens of granite peaks squeezed into an area only 15 miles by 8 all giving outstanding views.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
The famous 80 foot high Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge connects the mainland to an island originally to allow fishermen to bring their salmon catch ashore.
Although no injuries have been officially recorded, the occasional boat trip is made to rescue stranded visitors who cannot face the return journey. Carrick-a-Rede has been voted one of Northern Ireland's finest attractions.
Mount Stewart
Mount Stewart is located on the shores of Strangford Lough in County Down. Following a three year £8 million restoration programme, this 19th- century house has been significantly transformed, making it a must-see attraction on the island of Ireland.
Visitors can enjoy the beautifully landscaped and informal grounds surrounding the picturesque lake walk. There is opportunity to view the restoration of the walled rose garden, gradually being brought back to life. There are miles of new walking trails to discover, taking in the stunning vista from the Temple of the Winds, or explore a magical woodland playground.
The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre
The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre is the starting point for any visit to Lough Neagh. With its superb setting on the shores of Lough Neagh, disabled access and environmental events, the Centre is an excellent destination for day trips, family days out, wildlife enthusiasts and group visits.
Navan
Navan is a system of very impressive earthworks, settlement sites and sacred places. This area of unparalled archaeological importance reflects over 7,500 years of activity. The Navan centre complex offers visitors a rich understanding of history.
Castle Ward
Castle Ward was built in 1765 and has a classical designed south front and a Gothic designed north front. Its design was therefore a compromise by including both styles in the structure; this division of style was applied to the interior as well. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and walks with 23km of trails to explore, there is plenty for the whole family to enjoy.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-ward
Castle Espie
Castle Espie Wetland Trust can be found close by the banks of the stunning Strangford Lough where almost the entire population of Light-bellied Brent Geese reside during the winter months. Throughout the year this tranquil and friendly visitors centre is a real delight and a must for the whole family.
For children seeking adventure they can feed grain to the birds, scale a climbing wall and play to their hearts content in the natural wooded play area.Castle Espie also play host to the annual puddle jumping contest.
The cafe boast beautiful views of Strangford Lough and the wildlife that can be enjoyed after a busy day exploring.