Carrickfergus Castle Folklore: Ghosts, Myths and History Article Summary What this article covers: The folklore of Carrickfergus Castle, from the Gaelic myth of King Fergus to the ghost of Buttoncap and the Islandmagee witch trial,... Navan Centre and Fort 360°: The Complete Visitor Guide to Emain Macha Article Summary What this article covers: Navan Centre and Fort in County Armagh; the practical difference between the free ancient earthwork and the ticketed visitor centre; the mythology... Belfast Castle: A Complete Visitor Guide to the Estate and Cave Hill Article Summary What this article covers: Everything you need to plan a visit to Belfast Castle, including free admission and opening arrangements, how to reach the estate on... The Giant’s Causeway: Unravelling the Tapestry of Geology and Mythology Article Summary What this article covers: The legend of Finn McCool and Benandonner, the volcanic process that formed the basalt columns, the link to Fingal’s Cave in Scotland,... Dundrum Castle, County Down: History and Visiting Guide Article Summary What this article covers: The full history of Dundrum Castle in County Down from John de Courcy's 1177 motte through King John's capture in 1210, the... Fullerton Arms, Ballintoy: The Game of Thrones Door 6 Article Summary What this article covers: A visitor guide to the Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy, County Antrim, covering Door 6 of the Journey of Doors, the Game of... Glenariff Forest Park: A Guide to the Queen of the Glens Article Summary What this article covers: How to plan a visit to Glenariff Forest Park in County Antrim, including all four waymarked trails with distances and times, the... Valley Park, Newtownabbey: The Complete Visitor Guide Article Summary What this article covers: A practical guide to visiting Valley Park in Newtownabbey, County Antrim, covering the V36 civic park, the Skate 100 skatepark, the 3G... The Morrigan: Ireland’s Triple Goddess of War and Fate Article Summary What this article covers: Who the Morrigan is, the three sisters who make up her triple form, her powers and animal shapes, and the Irish sites... Belfast Tours: Choosing Your Route Around the City Article Summary What this article covers: How to choose between Belfast's bus, black taxi and walking tours, and which of the city's landmarks, quarters and viewpoints are worth... Carnfunnock Country Park, Larne: What You Can Still Do Article Summary What this article covers: The closure of Carnfunnock Country Park near Larne, what is still accessible during the works, the estate history behind the site, and... Belmore Forest and Pollnagollum Cave, County Fermanagh Article Summary What this article covers: How to walk the Belmore Forest loop to the Pollnagollum Cave viewing platform near Enniskillen, what the limestone country around Boho is,... Ballygally and Ballintoy: A Guide to County Antrim’s Coastal Gems Article Summary What this article covers: A practical and cultural guide to Ballygally and Ballintoy in County Antrim, covering the castle, the harbour, the drive between them, and... Newcastle, County Down: Things to Do, Beaches and Mourne Walks What this article covers: A practical guide to Newcastle in County Down, Northern Ireland, covering the beaches, forest parks, the Slieve Donard walk, places to eat and stay,... Lakeside Bar & Grill at Killyhevlin Hotel: A Lough Erne Dining Guide Article Summary What this article covers: A practical visitor guide to the Lakeside Bar & Grill at Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel in Enniskillen, covering the menus served across the... County of Armagh: History, Heritage and Where to Visit County of Armagh sits in the southern part of Northern Ireland, a compact county built around a city that has shaped Irish religious life for more than 1,500... Dates in Belfast for Couples, from Free Days Out to Under £30 Article Summary What this article covers: Twenty dates in Belfast sorted by what they cost, from free to around £30 a couple, plus days out elsewhere in Northern... Tuatha de Danann: Origins, Prophecy, and Legacy in Irish Mythology Article Summary What this article covers: Who the Tuatha Dé Danann were in Irish mythology, where the stories say they came from, the four treasures they brought with... Bogside Murals: Derry’s People’s Gallery Explained Bogside Murals cover more than a dozen gable walls in Derry's Bogside neighbourhood, turning a quiet residential area into one of Ireland's most striking outdoor galleries. Painted mostly... Enniskillen Castle Museum, County Fermanagh: A Visitor’s Guide Enniskillen Castle Museum, County Fermanagh, sits on the banks of the River Erne and has done since the fifteenth century, though the building you'll walk into today looks... Pollnagollum Cave, Enniskillen: Fermanagh’s Hollow Hill

Pollnagollum Cave sits tucked into Belmore Forest near Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, and it draws two very different crowds. One half are hikers after a decent forest walk. The... Portballintrae, County Antrim: A Beautiful Causeway Coastal Town Portballintrae, County Antrim, is the kind of place people drive past on their way to somewhere louder. That's rather the point. This small horseshoe-shaped harbour village sits four... Portaferry, County Down: Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula Portaferry sits where Strangford Lough narrows sharply into the Irish Sea, a small harbour village on the Ards Peninsula in County Down. A short ferry crossing links it... Scrabo Tower, Newtownards: History, Views and Visitor Guide Scrabo Tower stands on Scrabo Hill above Newtownards, County Down, and has been the first landmark many people from the Ards Peninsula look for on the way home.... Titanic Dock and Pump House, Belfast: A Visitor’s Guide Titanic Dock and Pump House Belfast is where the Titanic actually stood before she ever touched water. Not a replica, not a museum built later on the site,... Crawfordsburn Beach: Walking Guide to Helen’s Bay, Bangor and Holywood Crawfordsburn Beach is the easiest stretch of the North Down Coastal Path to underestimate. Sandwiched between Helen's Bay and Bangor, it looks like a simple stop on a... Bushmills Town: Beside Bushmills Distillery and Dunluce Castle Bushmills Town sits at the heart of County Antrim's Causeway Coast, wedged neatly between two of Northern Ireland's most visited landmarks: the Old Bushmills Distillery and the ruined... The Giant’s Ring, Belfast: A Neolithic Henge Guide The Giant's Ring sits in open farmland at Ballynahatty, a few miles south of Belfast, and it's one of the largest Neolithic monuments still standing in Ireland. Stone... Pickie Park Bangor: What to Know Before You Visit Pickie Park Bangor is the open-air fun park on Bangor's seafront in County Down, best known for its giant swan pedalos and its miniature train, the Pickie Puffer.... Castlewellan Forest Park: History, Trails and the Peace Maze Castlewellan Forest Park sits on the northern edge of Castlewellan village in County Down, Northern Ireland, and it packs three distinct attractions into one 450-hectare estate: a Victorian... Discover the Charm and Heritage of Northern Ireland Northern Ireland is a region that blends rich history, cultural vibrancy, and stunning natural beauty. Though compact in size, it offers an incredible diversity of experiences, from bustling cities with industrial heritage to wild coastlines and tranquil rural retreats. Whether you are drawn to urban culture, outdoor adventure, or storytelling traditions, Northern Ireland provides a unique journey for every traveller. Belfast – A City of Culture and History At the heart of Northern Ireland lies Belfast, a city with a fascinating industrial past and a modern, creative spirit. Once the centre of shipbuilding, Belfast is famously home to the Titanic, and the award-winning Titanic Belfast museum tells the story of the ship’s construction and tragic voyage. Beyond its maritime legacy, Belfast is filled with Victorian architecture, vibrant street art, and a thriving food and music scene. The Cathedral Quarter, with its cobbled streets and traditional pubs, is perfect for soaking up live music and local atmosphere, while St George’s Market offers everything from artisan foods to handmade crafts. The Causeway Coast and Natural Wonders One of Northern Ireland’s most iconic attractions is the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its striking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. Legend attributes its creation to the mythical giant Finn McCool, adding a layer of folklore to its natural splendour. Nearby, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge offers breathtaking views and a thrilling experience for adventurous visitors. The Causeway Coastal Route itself is one of the most scenic drives in the world, featuring rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming villages like Ballintoy and Cushendun. Mountains, Lakes, and Outdoor Adventures For those who love the outdoors, Northern Ireland offers no shortage of opportunities. The Mourne Mountains, immortalised in C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, are perfect for hiking, climbing, and exploring. Slieve Donard, the highest peak, rewards walkers with panoramic views stretching as far as the Isle of Man on a clear day. Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, provides a peaceful retreat for birdwatching, boating, and cycling along its shores. The Fermanagh Lakelands, with their network of waterways and islands, offer activities such as kayaking, fishing, and scenic cruises. Derry – A Walled City with a Story to Tell Derry, or Londonderry, is another highlight of Northern Ireland, famous for its intact 17th-century walls and cultural vibrancy. Walking along the city walls offers views of historic landmarks, the River Foyle, and murals that tell the story of the city’s past. Derry is also known for its festivals, including the world-renowned Halloween celebrations and the Foyle Maritime Festival, both of which draw visitors from far and wide. Culture, Cuisine, and Warm Hospitality Northern Ireland’s cultural life thrives through its music, art, and cuisine. Traditional music sessions can be found in pubs across the region, while theatres and galleries showcase local talent. The food scene blends traditional dishes like Irish stew and soda bread with modern gastronomy, featuring fresh seafood and locally sourced produce. Above all, it is the warmth and friendliness of Northern Ireland’s people that leave a lasting impression. Visitors often comment on the genuine hospitality and eagerness to share local stories, history, and traditions. A Compact Destination with Endless Possibilities With excellent transport links, Northern Ireland is easy to explore, whether you are driving along its coastal routes, hiking in the mountains, or enjoying the culture of its cities. Its combination of history, natural beauty, and welcoming atmosphere makes it a destination that offers far more than its size might suggest. Discover the Charm and Heritage of Northern Ireland Northern Ireland is a region that blends rich history, cultural vibrancy, and stunning natural beauty. Though compact in size, it offers an incredible diversity of experiences, from bustling cities with industrial heritage to wild coastlines and tranquil rural retreats. Whether you are drawn to urban culture, outdoor adventure, or storytelling traditions, Northern Ireland provides a unique journey for every traveller. Belfast – A City of Culture and History At the heart of Northern Ireland lies Belfast, a city with a fascinating industrial past and a modern, creative spirit. Once the centre of shipbuilding, Belfast is famously home to the Titanic, and the award-winning Titanic Belfast museum tells the story of the ship’s construction and tragic voyage. Beyond its maritime legacy, Belfast is filled with Victorian architecture, vibrant street art, and a thriving food and music scene. The Cathedral Quarter, with its cobbled streets and traditional pubs, is perfect for soaking up live music and local atmosphere, while St George’s Market offers everything from artisan foods to handmade crafts. The Causeway Coast and Natural Wonders One of Northern Ireland’s most iconic attractions is the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its striking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. Legend attributes its creation to the mythical giant Finn McCool, adding a layer of folklore to its natural splendour. Nearby, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge offers breathtaking views and a thrilling experience for adventurous visitors. The Causeway Coastal Route itself is one of the most scenic drives in the world, featuring rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and charming villages like Ballintoy and Cushendun. Mountains, Lakes, and Outdoor Adventures For those who love the outdoors, Northern Ireland offers no shortage of opportunities. The Mourne Mountains, immortalised in C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, are perfect for hiking, climbing, and exploring. Slieve Donard, the highest peak, rewards walkers with panoramic views stretching as far as the Isle of Man on a clear day. Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles, provides a peaceful retreat for birdwatching, boating, and cycling along its shores. The Fermanagh Lakelands, with their network of waterways and islands, offer activities such as kayaking, fishing, and scenic cruises. Derry – A Walled City with a Story to Tell Derry, or Londonderry, is another highlight of Northern Ireland, famous for its intact 17th-century walls and cultural vibrancy. Walking along the city walls offers views of historic landmarks, the River Foyle, and murals that tell the story of the city’s past. Derry is also known for its festivals, including the world-renowned Halloween celebrations and the Foyle Maritime Festival, both of which draw visitors from far and wide. Culture, Cuisine, and Warm Hospitality Northern Ireland’s cultural life thrives through its music, art, and cuisine. Traditional music sessions can be found in pubs across the region, while theatres and galleries showcase local talent. The food scene blends traditional dishes like Irish stew and soda bread with modern gastronomy, featuring fresh seafood and locally sourced produce. Above all, it is the warmth and friendliness of Northern Ireland’s people that leave a lasting impression. Visitors often comment on the genuine hospitality and eagerness to share local stories, history, and traditions. A Compact Destination with Endless Possibilities With excellent transport links, Northern Ireland is easy to explore, whether you are driving along its coastal routes, hiking in the mountains, or enjoying the culture of its cities. Its combination of history, natural beauty, and welcoming atmosphere makes it a destination that offers far more than its size might suggest. Join Our Mailing List Sign up to our travel blog newsletter for ideas, tips & advice on global destinations by bloggers