Ulster American Folk Park

This outdoor museum tells the story of emigration during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The Old and New World layout of the Park illustrates the various aspects of emigrant life on both sides of the Atlantic.

Traditional thatched buildings, American log houses and a full-scale replica emigrant ship and the dockside gallery help to bring a bygone era back to life a wonderful place to visit. Costumed demonstrators go about their everyday tasks in a traditional manner in authentically furnished buildings. Visitors are able to taste traditional fayre and see demonstrations on traditional Irish and American crafts and agriculture including spinning, printing, blacksmithing and textiles. The museum also includes an indoor ‘Emigrants’ Exhibition and includes a Centre for Migration Studies/library which is accessible to all visitors.

A full programme of special events is organised throughout the year including the award winning annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival (first weekend in September) and the ever popular Hallowe’en Festival.

Now in its 17th year the Annual Appalachian and Bluegrass Festival has become one of the largest bluegrass events outside of North America.

The Annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival runs over three days and features a range of attractions including the ‘Bluegrass in The Park’ outdoor musical performances and three major evening concerts in the festival marquee.

Opening times here. Museum close 6.30pm.

Prices: Adults 5.50 Concession (children 5-18, senior citizens, persons with disabilities) 3.50 Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) £15.50 1 Adult and 3 children, £11.00 Children (under 5 years) Free of Charge.

Opening times: April - October: M -F, 10.30am - 6pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays 11am - 6.30pm. November - March: M -F, 10.30am - 5pm, closed weekends and Bank Holidays.

Contact Details: 2 Mellon Road Omagh Tyrone BT78 5QY

Tel: (028) 8224 3292 Fax: (028) 8224 2241

Directions: Take the A5 from Omagh to Strabane. The Ulster American Folk Park is located 6km from the outskirts of the town on the right hand side. Read more places to visit in ireland

Sperrins Cycling Routes

The Sperrins offer excellent options of 12 circular waymarked routes where you can discover a unique landscape, rich in natural and archaeological heritage and folklore. You are guaranteed to enjoy the experience as it unfolds. The Sperrins Cycle Routes each have an individual leaflet with a detailed map and other useful information to guide you. Each leaflet also highlights points of interest along the way, where you can stop to explore, have a rest or a bite to eat.The routes vary in distance from 11 miles to 41 miles (17km – 66km) and are suitable for the average cyclist. All the Sperrins Cycle Routes are clearly waymarked with brown and white route markers. These indicate the route number and provide directional markings.

1 . The Gold Cycle RouteDistance: 31 Miles, 50 KmDiscover: Gold, Glens and Tranquil ValleysDescription: A scenic route, with little traffic taking you through the ancient valleys and spirit lifting heights of the Sperrins. Explore the breathtaking Glenelly and Owenkillew Valleys as you cycle through the dramatic Barnes Gap and the wilds of Sawelabeg and Doraville.

2. The Sawel Cycle RouteDistance: 30 Miles, 48 KmDiscover: Mountains, Glens and Blanket BogDescription: Discover the very essence of a landscape millions of years in the making. Savour the magnificent height of Sawel, the quiet solitude of Learmount Forest or simply enjoy the wonderful views afforded by the Glenelly Valley.

3. The Strule Valley Cycle RouteDistance: 37 Miles, 59 KmDiscover: Rolling Hills and Meandering RiversDescription: Explore the Strule Valley and its hinterland on this route, which follows the National Cycle Network. Visit the attractive villages of Newtownstewart, Gortin, Plumbridge and Sion Mills.

4. The Lough Fea Cycle RouteDistance: 41 Miles, 66 KmDiscover: Loughs, Country Roads and Peat BogsDescription: A delightful route taking in the archaeology of Beaghmore Stone Circles, the remote Glenelly Valley, the charm of Lough Fea and the hustle and bustle of Cookstown.

5. The White Hare Cycle RouteDistance: 36 Miles, 58 Km Discover: Archaeology and LegendDescription: A delightful cycle route, which passes by many of the archaeological features found in the area including Creggandevesky and Aghascrebagh Ogham Stone, and through the Villages of Carrickmore, Greencastle and Mountfield.

6. The Derg Valley Cycle RouteDistance: 30 Miles, 48 KmDiscover: Country Estates, Castles and MillsDescription: An idyllic cycle along parts of the Strule and Derg Valleys, affording magnificent views of both the Sperrin and Donegal mountain ranges.

7. The Banagher Cycle Route Distance: 28 Miles, 45 KmDiscover: Windmills, Waterfalls and Old ChurchesDescription: A challenging cycle route around the Sperrins foothills passing through towns and villages, farmland and upland, providing an opportunity to explore Banagher Glen, religious sites and see renewable energy generation in action.

8. The Slieve Gallion Cycle RouteDistance: 25 Miles, 40 KmDiscover: Mountain and Plantation HeritageDescription: A challenging and very scenic cycle route circumnavigating Slieve Gallion with spectacular views and taking in Springhill House and the plantation towns of Moneymore and Draperstown.

9. The Moyola Cycle Route Distance: 11 Miles, 17 Km Discover: Leafy Lanes and Meandering Rivers Description: A gentle cycle along the flat leafy lanes between Tobermore and Maghera crisscrossing the Moyola River.

10. The Swatragh Cycle RouteDistance: 15 Miles, 24 KmDiscover: Linen, Dams and Gentle StreamsDescription: Enjoy this route with impressive views of the Glenshane Pass snaking away in the distance and the ancient woodland and dolmen as you pass along the way.

11. The Eagle’s Glen Cycle RouteDistance: 14 Miles, 22 KmDiscover: Mountains, Monuments and MythsDescription: A very scenic cycle route through the ancient Errigal landscape, centred on the picturesque Glenullin Valley with the lowland raised bog as its prominent natural feature. Enjoy spectacular views as you cycle along quiet country roads and stop off at various ancient sites and monuments along the route, many of which have interpretation on-site.

12. The Bann Valley Cycle RouteDistance: 16 Miles, 26 KmDiscover: Country Roads and Gentle FarmlandDescription: Enjoy the quiet country roads traversing the fertile landscape of the Bann Valley, with views towards the Bann corridor and beyond towards the Antrim hills. The busy rural market towns of Garvagh and Kilrea offer opportunities to explore local heritage and culture and enjoy traditional hospitality. Read more

‘Our Limestone Landscapes’ Exhibition

The ENFO Centre in Dublin housed the exhibition throughout November and December 2007. A reprint of the exhibition has been commissioned to be on permanent display at an information centre in the Burren, Co. Clare. Castle Archdale Country Park, Fermanagh will house the exhibition from 23rd May – 31 August 2008 and will host the launch on 23rd May 2008.An exhibition promoting the value of Our Limestone Landscapes. The exhibition was developed to promote the value of our visually stunning limestone landscapes. This rare habitat, formed over millennia, supports a unique mix of flora and fauna. The exhibition aims to raise awareness of the threats to this habitat and the need for conservation of its biodiversity.The exhibition is a joint project between the Environment and Heritage Service, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Irish Wildlife Trust. Our partnership has arisen from our activity with the UK and Ireland Limestone Pavement Biodiversity Group. The launch will coincide with the start of European Geoparks Week. This is a European - wide festival aimed at raising public awareness of geoconservation and promotion of geological heritage. Activities such as public talks, activity days for schools, guided walks, exhibitions and workshops are coordinated and promoted in the same week across the whole European Network. The aim is to raise awareness of the European Geoparks Network (EGN) and the role that each individual Geopark plays within this. In addition the year 2008 has been proclaimed by the UN General Assembly as the International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE), Planet Earth Week will also run alongside European Geoparks week from the 26th May to the 2nd June 2008.Come and enjoy the striking images on display at Castle Archdale Country Park, Fermanagh.

Date Info: 23 May – 31 August 2008

Contact Details: Castle Archdale Country Park Tel: (028) 9056 9290 Read more

Ballycastle Golf Club

Founded in 1890, the Club lies at the foot of one of the Glens of Antrim, Glenshesk and the excellently maintained course offers a challenge with a variety of terrain combining parkland and links holes. The magnificent new clubhouse was opened in 2005 and offers extensive factlities in luxurious surroundings including:- Lounge bars and separate restaurant with panoramic views of course and coastline.- Visitor locker rooms.- Private function, presentation and meeting rooms.- Wheelchair access, lifts and toilets for disabled.- Well stocked Professional's shop with full hiring and teaching facilities.- Ample car parking space.The excellently maintained 18 holes provide a variety of golfing terrain. The opening 5 holes are parkland bordered by the Margy and Carey rivers. The short 3rd hole is adjacent to a 12th century Franciscan Friary.From the 6th to the 8th, the course is a links area known locally as "The Warren". The beach and the Sea of Moyle bound this area of rolling dunes. The 9th, a testing par 4, leads to the upland sections.Commencing with a unique pitch hole across a chasm, the next 8 holes command panoramic views of Fair Head, Rathlin Island, The Mull of Kintyre, Glenshesk valley, Knocklayd mountain and the town of Ballycastle.The descent from an elevated tee to the par 3 17th hole leads to the final hole at the clubhouse. Although not a long course by modern standards, only great accuracy with the wedge will set up birdie opportunities!

SSS: 70

Green fees: Midweek £25 or £10 with a memberWeekend/public holiday £35 or £15 with a member.

Golf Club: Part parkland part links

Best days to play: Any day, restrictions Saturday mornings.

Length in yards: 5927

Par of course: 71

Handicap/certificate requirements: None required

Contact Details: Cushendall Road, Ballycastle, Antrim, BT54 6QP

Tel: (028) 2076 2536Fax: (028) 2076 9909

Directions: From Ballycastle Town Centre take the road towards Cushendall (A2). Read more

Ballydougan Pottery at Bloomvale House - My Grandmother was born in this neck of the woods! x

Welcome to the historic grade II listed Bloomvale House, home of the award-winning Ballydougan Pottery, The Linen Barn Coffee Shop, Gift Shop & Courtyard Cottages.At Ballydougan Pottery, the tradition of excellence is carried on to this day by a team of highly skilled potters. In the workshop each piece of pottery is thrown and decorated by skilled hands to produce a comprehensive range of kitchenware and giftware items. Each piece is designed to be used and enjoyed and is as strong and reliable as it is beautiful.After viewing the potters at work, take time to meander through the historic 18th Century Gift Shop, where a full range of Ballydougan pottery and other quality crafts are on display. Then relax in The Linen Barn Coffee Shop and enjoy fine Ulster cooking at its best, freshly prepared in our kitchens using the finest local produce....morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea. Be inspired by the Ballydougan experience and make a pot yourself in our studio pottery or maybe organize a group of friends to get together for a night of pottery making craic. Group demonstrations available & classes to suit individual requirements.For those who wish to stay a little longer, Ballydougan Pottery Courtyard Cottages offer 4 star comfort and quality while you share a romantic break with someone special, or as a homely base for visiting family and friends and exploring Counties Armagh and Down.A warm welcome awaits you... one visit will never be enough.

Opening times: Mon-Sat: 9am - 5pm.(Coffee Shop open 9am - 4.30pm)
Open every Tuesday and Thursday night in December until 9pm, due to public demand - coffee shop included.

Contact Details:
Seán & Marie O'Dowd
Ballydougan Pottery Ltd.
171 Plantation RoadCraigavonArmagh
BT63 5NN
Tel: (028) 3834 2201 Fax: (028) 3834 2201

Directions:
Ballydougan Pottery at Bloomvale House is located on the B3 road; 3 miles from Lurgan and 3.5 miles from Gilfrod. (Follow brown tourist signs). Read more

Balmoral Show 2008

The Balmoral Show is Ireland’s largest Agricultural Show and this year’s event is taking place at Balmoral Showgrounds on the 14th – 16th May. Once again, there will be three days of action packed entertainment which is sure to entertain one and all.The Main Arena is a hive of activity throughout the three days of the Show. You’ll be able to watch top International Show Jumping, Pony Club Games, Dog Agility, Inter Hunt Chase and Band Performances. There will be over three hundred and ninety Trade Stands spread throughout the Showgrounds, selling everything from concrete and crafts, holidays and organic food, heavy machinery and equestrian equipment and outdoor leisure products and 4 x 4 vehicles. Around the Showgrounds you’ll find lots more to keep you entertained. There’s the newly revamped Childrens’ Area where you’ll find the Childrens’ Farm, Climbing Wall, Simulators, RSPB, Funfair Games, World of Owls, Dogs Trust and the list goes on!! The Food Pavilion offers lots of local tasty delights to sample and take home with you. And of course all the old favourites will be on hand to keep you amused, including the thrilling Falconry Displays, the Rare Breeds where you can see up-close some of the interesting breeds on display, the highly exciting Sheep Shearing Competitions, the toe tapping Band Stand performances and you might even be lucky enough to bump into the lively Street Entertainers on your travels around the Showgrounds. The highly prestigious Livestock Competitions will also be on-going throughout the three days of the Show. You will be able to see these fine specimens of livestock, including ponies, cattle, sheep poultry, pigs and goats compete for the honour of winning at Balmoral. The Arena Suite has been a popular addition to the Balmoral Show, providing the perfect location to entertain clients, friends and family. Overlooking the Main Arena, it provides uninterrupted views of the Main Arena and guests will also enjoy first class hospitality. As I’m sure you’ve realised, the Balmoral Show is a great day out and has something to offer everyone; so make sure you don’t miss out on the 2008 Balmoral Show!

Date Info: 14 - 16 May 2008

Tel: (028) 9066 5225The venue for this event is: The King's Hall exhibition and conference Centre Read more

Rathlin Island a place to visit in northern ireland

Amidst the rugged landscape of this isolated island, you can let your mind wander and discover a tranquility and beauty that is so unexpected.The ferry to Rathlin Island travels just six miles across the "Sea of Moyle". The main ferry is run by Caledoniain MacBrayne (www.calmac.co.uk/rathlin), or fast ferries are available from Aquasports (www.aquasports.biz) This island is six miles long, one mile wide, "L" shaped and home to a small population of around seventy people.In the harbour is the Boathouse, where visitors can discover some of the exciting history, learn about present day island life and see some artefacts from shipwrecks around the island. A short walk around to Mill Bay there is a colony of seals, who are fun to just sit and watch!At the other side of the harbour are two churches where visitors can sit quietly or just admire the architecture. At the west of the island is the renowned RSPB bird view point, where puffins, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes can be viewed during the summer months. It is also home to some magnificent views, on clear days Donegal, the North Antrim coastline, the island of Islay and the Mull of Kintyre can be seen. Throughout the year special occations are celebrated with ceilidhs. Music, song and dance remain at the heart of the community life.There are many tales of myth and mystery surrounding Rathlin, the most famous tells of Robert the Bruce. In 1306, the Scottish King was driven from Scotland by Edward I of England and took refuge on Rathlin. While he was on Rathlin, it is said that he watched a spider persevering again and again to bridge a gap with its web. Eventually it succeeded. Robert the Burce took heart from the spider's efforts, raised fresh forces and returned to Scotland to fight for his kingdom. He too, eventually succeeded and in 1314, regained the crown of Scotland. There is accommodation to suit all needs, and a pub and restaurant to while away a few hours in the evening!

Contact Details:

Antrim BT54 6RT

Tel: 028 2076 9299 - Ferry Information

Alt: 028 2076 2024 - General Information Read more things to do inireland

Belfast Castle

Belfast Castle occupies a prominent site on the slopes of Cave Hill, some 400 ft above sea level. This magnificent sandstone building, now managed by Belfast City Council, has close associations with the city’s past. Its sense of history, the superb setting and the new, refurbished visitor centre makes Belfast Castle a ‘must’ for every visitor. Public tours are held at various times throughout the year however a private tour can be arranged at any time (depending on numbers). Please contact reception for further details.

Opening times:
Mon-Sun: 9am - 10.30pm, tours on request. Visitors must check with reception.

Prices:
Free Admission.
Contact Details:
Cave Hill Antrim BT15 5GR
Tel: (028) 9077 6925 Fax: (028) 9037 0228 Read more

Greencastle Royal Castle

This royal castle guarded the entrance to Carlingford Lough in medieval times. It was besieged by Edward Bruce in 1316 and maintained later as a garrison for Elizabeth I. For safety reasons under 16s must be accompanied by an adult

Opening times:
Open part of summer season only – July & August Closed on Mondays, open Tuesday-Friday & Saturday 2pm to 6pm, Wednesday & Thursdays 10am to 1pm, Sunday 2pm to 6pm

Prices:
Free.

Contact Details:
Kilkeel Down
Tel: (028) 9054 3037 Read more

Scrabo Tower

Scrabo Tower - one of Northern Ireland's best known landmarks. Overlooking Strangford Lough and the whole of North Down, the Tower provides visitors with some of the finest views in the country. There is also an exhibition detailing the history of the Tower and surrounding countryside as well as a 12 minute audio-visual show. The paths through Killynether Wood and around the disused sandstone quarries all offer the opportunity for quiet countryside enjoyment.

Opening times:Easter to end Sept Sat-Thurs 10.30am-6pm.

Tower is closed each Friday. Country Park opens all year round.

Prices:Admission Free.

Contact Details: 203a Scrabo Road, Newtownards, Down

Tel: (028) 9181 1491Fax: (028) 9182 0695 Read more

Enniskillen Castle Museums

Enniskillen Castle overlooks Lough Erne in Enniskillen, once the stronghold of Gaelic Maguire chieftains. The castle's history is traced from its beginnings as a Maguire castle until its use as a barracks in the 1700s and 1800s. Fermanagh County Museum has award-winning displays: 'Country People, Country Places: 'The Making of a Landscape', which gives insight into Fermanagh's natural history, archaeology and rural lifestyle. The castle keep houses The Inniskillings Museum and life size 15th/17thc models in the vaults. Special exhibitions. Shop. Wheelchair access limited. € Accepted.Open all year. Mon 2-5pm.; Tue-Fri 10-5pm; Sat (May to Sept)2-5pm & Sun (July & August)2-5pm Bank Holidays 10am-5pm

Prices: Adult £2.75Child £1.65S/C £2.20Family £7.15

Contact Details: Castle Barracks, Enniskillen, Fermanagh, BT74 7HL

Tel: (028) 6632 5000Alt: (028)6632 3110Fax: (028) 6632 7342

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Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle is sited dramatically close to the edge of a headland, along the North Antrim coast. Surrounded by jaw dropping coastal scenery, this medieval castle stands where an early Irish fort was once built and where its history can be traced back to early Christians and Vikings. Visit and take a peek at medieval Irish life!

Visitor centre, shop and guided tours of the ruins, gardens and remnants of the town. Limited wheelchair access. Tours available Easter-September and pre-booked available out of season.

No admission to unaccompanied children under sixteen.

Opening times:
April - September Mon - Sun 10.00am - 6.00pm with last admission strictly 5.30pm October - March Mon - Sun 10.00am - 5.00pm with last admission strictly 4.30pm

Prices:
Adult - £2 Children/Seniors – £1 Child under 4 - Free Group Rate – (10 or over) £1 per person
Contact details:
87 Dunluce Road Bushmills County Antrim BT57 8UY
Tel: (028) 2073 1938 Fax: (028) 2073 2850

Location/Direction:
On A2 approximately 3 miles East of Portrush on the road to Bushmills. Read more

Nendrum Monastic Site

Nendrum Monastery, was founded with the blessing of Saint Patrick in the sixth century. The ruins are on a beautiful island accessible by bridges, with dry stone walls, heavenly views and a guide and site display. The remains of this important pre-Norman monastery include three concentric enclosures (stone walls), with ruined church, round tower stump, foundations of other buildings, sundial, cross-slabs. Includes a small museum.
No admission to unaccompanied children under sixteen.

Opening times: Winter (1 Oct - 31 March)Open only on Saturday & Sunday, Saturday – 10am to 4pm, Sunday 2pm to 4pmSite may be opened on request.Summer (1 April - 30 Sept)Closed on Mondays
Open Tuesday-Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sunday 1.00pm to 6pm

Prices:Admission Free.

Contact Details: Comber Down Tel: (028) 9054 3037

Location/Directions: From Belfast take A20 towards Newtownards to the A22 towards Comber, straight through Comber and follow signs for Mahee Island. Read more

White Island Lough Erne

The main feature of the ruined 12th-century church is its fine Romanesque doorway. The archaic stone figures set into the wall pre-date the church. Passenger ferry from Castle Archdale Country Park. The ferry departs from Castle Archdale: April, May, June & Sept: Sat & Sun 11am- 5pm. July & August: Daily 11am-5pm. Public Holidays: Daily 11am-5pm For safety reasons children must be accompanied by an adult.

Prices:
Admission £3.00 per ticket Large Group rate may be negotiated on site.
Opening times:
Winter (1 October - 31 March) Open at weekends only from 2.00pm – 6.00pm Ferry leaves on the hour every hour. Summer (1 April - 30 Sept) Easter to June open at weekends only from 10.00am – 6.00pm Ferry sails on the hour every hour except for between 1.00pm – 2.00pm July & August open everyday from 10.00am – 6.00pm Ferry sails on the hour every hour except for between 1.00pm – 2.00pm Read more

Navan Fort a good place to visit in ireland

To the west of Armagh lies Navan Fort, the ancient Emain Macha of Irish history and legend and the earliest capital of Ulster. This ancient site sets the tales of Macha, Cu chulainn, Deirdre and heroes of the Red Branch Knights. According to the early Christian scribes, Irish history began with the founding of Emain Macha. Archaeologists have made many fascinating discoveries at Navan, including the traces of a giant Celtic temple.

Navan Fort is a large earthwork of circular plan surrounding the summit of a drumlin in pleasant rolling countryside. The site, a pagan sanctuary, is some 240m in diameter. Where best preserved on the west, the ditch is 4m deep and the external embankment 15m wide and 4m high. The impressive earthwork encloses two monuments on the hilltop, a ring barrow (Iron Age burial site) and a large mound. Excavations in the 1960s revealed that the mound was a composite structure built in 95BC at the end of a long sequence of earlier activity. Recent excavations demonstrated that the main enclosure was also built in the around 95BC.
Opening times:
Open access all year round.
Prices:
Adult: £5.00 Child: £3.25 Family: £15.00 OAP / Student: £3.75

Contact: Tel: (028) 3752 1801 Read more

The Navan Centre

Visit the Navan Centre, which interprets one of Ireland's most important ancient monuments, Navan Fort.

This was the royal seat of the Kings of Ulster and the province's ancient capital. Start your tour in the 'Vanished World' of lost myths, travel into the 'Real World' of archaeology and then enter the 'Other World' to hear the legends of the Ulster Cycle. Visit the Iron Age/Early Christain period dwelling and, through Living History interpretation, learn about that way of life. Audio Visual presentation is available in Irish, German, Spanish, French & Italian.

Finally, walk the path of history to the great Ancient Seat of Kings, Navan Fort.

Opening times:
Open June-August Monday - Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12noon-5pm. April, May & Septemmber Weekends only - Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 12noon - 5pm Closed 12th July. Open other times by arrangement for Tour Groups or Educational Visits.

Prices:Adult £4.50, Child £2.75, Concession £3.50 and Family £11.00

Spring 2008 Offer:
In conjunction with Great
Britian Short Breaks Armagh Tourism is pleased to offer the following promotional opportunity; on presenting you short break voucher the holder will be entitled to 20% discount on all purchases in St Patrick's Trian, Navan Centre, Palace Stables and Tourist Information Centre Gift shops.
Two for One admission, not valid for events or with any other discounts.

Contact:
Navan Centre 81 Killylea Road Armagh County Armagh BT60 4LD
Tel: (028) 3752 1801 Fax: (028) 3751 0180
Location:
A28 4 miles from Armagh City.
Read more

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Impressive 18th-century mansion, built in the 1770s by Wills Hill, first Marquis of Downshire.Formerly the home of the Governor of Northern Ireland, the mansion is now the official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. See the State Drawing Room, Dining Rooms and the furniture, silver from HMS Nelson. Within the grounds is Europe’s largest rhododendron bush.Extensive rose garden, lakeside walks.The Castle now opens its gates to the public each Saturday in May and June. Call to confirm tour times. Visitors can enjoy both guided tours of the mansion and walks in the gardens. A virtual tour of Hillsborough Castle can be found on www.nio.gov.uk.Pre-booking is advised. A tour of the house lasts approximately one hour with the last tour beginning at 4pm.Adult tickets for house and garden tour £5 and family ticket (two adults and up to four children) £12.50.Admission to gardens only £2.50 and family tickets £7.50. Concession: (60 years+, students) £3.50Wheelchair access.

Opening times:Essential to phone for opening times and costs.

Contact details:
The Square Hillsborough Down BT26 6AG

Tel: (028) 9268 2244Alt: (028) 9268 1309

Location and direction:
Situated just off Main Street in Hillsborough Read more

County Tyrone

Northern Ireland's two main motorways strike out west from Belfast, skirting Lough Neagh 'that noble sheet of water' to the north and the south. To the north the M2 heads towards the Sperrins, while the M1 will bring you to the windswept moors of county Tyrone.
Apart from Omagh, the county town, Cookstown (famous for its sausages) and Dungannon the landscape is almost empty of men but rich in prehistoric and Celtic remains. About one thousand standing stones are a testament to the Stone Age people who passed this way.
Well known neolithic sites here include the Beaghmore stone circles near Cookstown which were uncovered only 40 years ago, and the chambered cairn of Knockmany at the top of a steep wooded hill north of Clogher. If you are interested in this period, the Ulster History Park near Gortin Glen Forest Park is well worth a detour.
From the seventh to the 12th century, crosses and High Crosses went up all over Christian Ireland and there is a superb example of this peculiarly Irish art, 18-l/2 feet high, at Ardboe. Another, not quite so tall, stands at the top of the main street in Donaghmore village.
The chief crowning place of the Tyrone O'Neills was Tullaghoge hill where there is a fine view of the old kingdom of Tyrone from the top. The crowning took place, it's said, 'amid the clang of bucklers and a hundred harps'.
The Ulster-American Folk Park at Camphill, Omagh, grew up round the cottage where Thomas Mellon was born in 1813. The story of the House of Mellon is the stuff that dreams are made of.
When Thomas was five his family emigrated to Pennsylvania. Thomas became a judge, a banker and a millionaire. His son Andrew became secretary to the US Treasury, ambassador to London, chief architect of the steel town of Pittsburgh and probably the richest man in the world. A love of English paintings led one Mellon to give Yale Museum 140 Constables, 41 Gainsboroughs, 42 Hogarths and 35 Stubbses. Mellon money helped build the Waldorf Astoria, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the locks and gates of the Panama Canal - and the folk park at Omagh.
Also in the Folk Park is the cottage which was the boyhood home of Archbishop John Hughes. He was born in 1797 only a few miles away. A gardener's boy, he became Archbishop of New York, and founder of St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. He was a politician, pamphleteer and champion of the Irish Catholic immigrants. His cottage was moved into the park and rebuilt stone by stone.
Near Strabane, is the ancestral home of Woodrow Wilson, 28th president of the US. The farm is still occupied by Wilsons, who will show callers round the house. Read more

Giant's Ring

Prehistoric enclosure, over 200 metres in diameter, with a dolmen in the centre.The big earthwork circle, roughly 200m across, is a beautiful example of a 'henge' monument, built in about 2700BC during the Neolithic period. Similar monuments are found elsewhere in Britain and Ireland, but this is one of the finest. In the middle is a tomb made up of five upright stones and a large capstone, the bare frame of what was originally a chambered grave, covered with a cairn of stones and earth.
Opening times:10am - 4pm March - Oct, 10am - 9pm April - Sept
Prices:Free Admission

Near Shaw's BridgeLisburn
Tel: (028) 90 546518
A mile south of Shaw's Bridge, off the B23 Read more

Beaghmore Stone Circles

Discovered during peat cutting in the 1940s the site at Beaghmore consists of 7 stone circles. All of the rings are associated with cairns and a stone row runs towards these cairns. It is possible that Neolithic occupation and cultivation preceded the erection of burial cairns and ceremonial circles and alignments: some irregular lines and heaps of boulders resembling field-fences or field-clearance may predate the ritual structures. At some stage peat started to form over the site, and it may conceivably be that the cairns and rows were erected in a futile propitiatory attempt to restore fertility to the soil by attracting back the fading sun.

Between Cookstown and Gortin. 10 miles west of Cookstown. Signposted off A505.

Blackrock Road

Cookstown

Tyrone

Opening times:Free access always.

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Harry Avery's Castle

Although traditionally associated with Henry Aimbreidh O'Neill who died in 1392 it is not certain whether this Gaelic stronghold dates from the 14th or 15th century. It is an unusual and interesting structure and especially important in relation to the study of Irish Medieval life prior to the plantation period.The castle consisted of a two-storey rectangular construction fronted by D-shaped twin towers which remain today. Other surviving structures include: a draw bar slot for the main door, a latrine chute and marks of wicker centring in the tower vaults, her surviving structures include: a draw bar slot for the main door, a latrine chute and marks of wicker centring in the tower vaults. Read more

Castles & Monuments

Northern Ireland has some of the finest castles on the island. The earliest are from Norman times, but fortified homes continued to be built well into the 17th century - much of Derry City dates from this era, including its encircling walls. Centuries of war, siege and expansion, have left a well-preserved legacy which is still there to be explored!Back in the mists of time, some of our remotest areas were bustling! The first known dwelling in Ireland was found at Mountsandel near Coleraine (7,000 BC). Fermanagh and Tyrone are especially rich in Stone Age archaeology. There are even more antiquities from the early Christian era; and superb examples of monastic sites, gravestones, abbeys, round towers and Celtic crosses crop up in every County. Read more

Ireland At a glance things to do and places to visit

This is a land of blue mountains and forest parks, mazy lakes and windswept moors, white Atlantic sands, an inland sea. In fact, it's a country that is just pretending to be small it has lots of things to do and endless places to visit. Dozens of small towns are hidden away down among the green places of the countryside, and fishing villages string out along the shores. The towers and steeples of parish churches mark the high ground beyond trimmed hedgerows. The country's turbulent past, which still resonates today, has also helped shape the landscape. Distinctive field patterns, for instance, are especially striking, and so are ruined castles. Built from the 12th century onwards, and once symbols of both oppression and reassurance, they are now among Ulster's finest architectural treasures. Driving in Northern Ireland is to recapture motoring's glad confident morning. The roads are excellent, with miles of motorway and dual carriageway, and you are never much more than half an hour from the sea. Minor roads are well signposted and there are convenient places for picnics and sites for caravanning or pitching a tent. The only traffic jams are flocks of sheep or cattle changing fields. In the summer you may have to pull over occasionally to let the music-makers pass, with their pipes and brilliant banners, marching to a festival in town. The weather can be fickle but the rain keeps the land a magical emerald green and, when the wind blows the clouds away to sea, the sky like the mountains is blue. The air is clean - and so sweet that you will want to open the car windows to let the breezes in. Because Northern Ireland is only 5,500 square miles in area - about the size of Yorkshire or Connecticut - you can see most of the main attractions in a week without clocking up more than 500 miles. Read more