Benone Strand

Benone Beach, multiple recipient of the European Blue Flag and Seaside Award, is a must-see when visiting the area. With seven miles of golden sand and a magnificent back drop of mountain and cliff scenery and stunning views across to Donegal, this is an attractive sightseeing environment along with the usual seaside activities.The clean, firm, golden sands of Benone Strand are without rocks, shingle or seaweed and are preceded by the glorious natural formations of Benone's sand dunes. With a supervised playground, outdoor paddling pool and golf club, a fun filled day is guaranteed. It is a haven for nature lovers as the entire area is a paradise for the study of botany, entomology and shells.Lifeguard service on duty daily in July and August 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.Zoned activity areas for swimming, jet skis, dogs etcBenone Tourist Complex nearby

Opening times: Open all year round.

Contact Details: 53 Benone Avenue Limavady Derry

Tel: (028) 7776 0304

Directions: Off A2, 12 miles north of Limavady Read more about Places to visit in Ireland.

Ballycastle Blue Flag Beach

A European Blue Flag Beach located at Ballycastle, County Antrim. The beach is a short stroll across the Magey River from the beautifully landscaped seafront which features famous championship tennis courts. The award was given on the basis of cleanliness, environmental awareness, management and service to name but a few of the 28 criteria.Situated on the spectacular North Antrim coast, Ballycastle is a traditional friendly seaside town, which is an excellent base to explore such well known local attractions as the Giant's Causeway, Glens of Antrim and Rathlin, - Northern Ireland's only inhabited Island. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Fairhead and adjacent Golf course, the beach is very popular with locals and tourists due its safe paddling. The superb 74 berth marina is situated within the inner harbour and offers excellent scope for maritime travel around Ireland and Scotland.

Contact Details: 7 Mary Street Ballycastle Antrim BT54 6QH

Tel: (028) 2076 2225 Fax: (028) 2076 2515

Read more about Places to visit in Ireland.

Dino Jaws

This summer W5 invites you to take a journey into the past and discover the world of the Dinosaurs in The Natural History Museum´s Blockbuster exhibition DINO JAWS. Assume the role of "Dino Scientist" Then step back in time and encounter seven life sized, animatronic dinosaurs in a series of dramatic settings.As you enter the exhibition you assume the role of ‘Dino Scientist’. Attempt to uncover important fossil evidence regarding the diet of the dinosaurs in the Laboratory and Dig Area. The virtual Dig allows you to use specialist tools to unearth teeth, claws and even the contents of a prehistoric stomach! From there visit The Lab and investigate what you’ve uncovered. Through a series of activities you can investigate the evidence you have exposed and then learn how fossils are prepared and used for research. Leave the Dino Lab, journey into the past and enter the Dino Park where you can encounter the incredible creatures you’ve been investigating. Come face to face with seven life-sized, animatronic dinosaurs in a range of dramatic settings. From the impressive eight and a half-metre Baryonyx, through a terrifying pack of Velociraptors to the five fingered Iguanodon, the Dino Park allows you to see how these dinosaurs hunted, foraged and survived in such a hostile environment. This is a unique opportunity to see this dramatic exhibition as it is the first time it has been seen anywhere in the UK and Ireland since it left London on it´s European tour.

Date Info:

Starts - 10th May 2008Ends - 31st October 2008

Contact Details:

Odyssey Arena 2 Queens Quay Belfast Co Antrim BT3 9QQ

Tel: 028 9046 7700 Read more about Places to visit in Ireland.

Dundrum Castle

One of the finest Norman castles in Northern Ireland, with views to sea and Mourne Mountains. Built by John de Courcy in about 1177, and later occupied by the Magennises.

For safety reasons children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Prices:
Admission Free.

Opening times:
Winter (1 Oct -31 March) Open only on Saturday & Sunday, Saturday – 10am to 4pm, Sunday 2pm to 4pm Site may be opened on request.

Summer (1 April - 3o September) Closed on Mondays Open Tuesday-Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sunday 1.00pm to 6pm
Contact Details:
Dundrum Village Dundrum Co Down

Directions:
Access from Dundrum Village. Read more
Things to do in Ireland - Discover Ireland's Beauty and the places to visit

Places to visit in Ireland

If you are new to this blog then a very big hello to you. You may of stumbled upon this blog whilst planning your itinerary for your holiday to Ireland, if this is the case then this blog will be of great help to you. It is jam packed with all the places to visit in Ireland and wonderful things to do. This blog covers all areas of Ireland and it's attractions and landmarks are for all ages. Enjoy

Antrim Round Tower

The Round Tower and Bullaun Stone are impressive reminders of Antrim’s ancient monastic settlement. The tower was built around the 10th century as a bell-tower for protection from raiders and is known locally as The Steeple. It is 28 metres tall and is one of the finest of its kind in Ireland. The monastic site was burned in 1147.


Opening times:
All year round.


Prices:
Admission Free.

Contact Details:
Antrim Round Steeple Road Antrim County Antrim

Tel: (028) 9442 8331


Directions:
Off Steeple Road, Antrim.
Read more
about places to visit in Northern Ireland.

Devenish Island Monastic Site

Famous for its perfect 12th-century round tower and ruined Augustinian abbey. Intricately carved 15th-century high cross in graveyard. Small museum. Wheelchair access limited. € Accepted.EHS Ferry from Trory operates only in Summer season - Good Friday - mid Sept.For safety reasons under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Prices: Admission: £2.25 Adult, £1.20 Child or S/C

Opening times: EHS ferry from Trory operates only in summer season Ferry starts Good Friday to mid September Open every day 10am to 6pm

Contact Details:

Enniskillen County Fermanagh

Tel: (028) 6632 2882 Alt: (028) 6862 1588

Directions:

Embark at Trory Point, reached along lane to lough shore from junction of A32/B82, 2.5 miles north of Enniskillen. Read more about places to visit in Northern Ireland.

Carrickfergus Castle

Built by John de Courcy in 1177, conqueror of east Ulster, and garrisoned until 1928, this is a striking feature of the landscape from land, sea and air. Carrickfergus Castle greets all visitors with its strength and menace. It represents over 800 years of military might. Besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French, the Castle saw action right up to World War II.

Exhibition on the castle’s history, audio-visual, shop, wheelchair access limited.

No admission to unaccompanied children under 16.

Last admission is 30 minutes before closing

Prices:
Adult - £3.00, Ch/OAP - £1.50, Child under 4 - Free Family Rate - £8.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children)

Opening times:
Winter (1 Oct - 31 March) Open Monday-Saturday 10am to 4pm, Sun 2pm to 4pm Summer (1 April - 30 Sept) Open Monday-Saturday 10am to 6pm Open Sunday (Apr, May, Sept) 2pm to 6pm Open Sunday (June, July, Aug) 12noon to 6pm

Contact Details:
Marine Highway Carrickfergus Antrim BT38 7BG

Tel: (028) 9335 1273 Fax: (028) 9335 5190

Directions: Carrickfergus is 10 miles north of Belfast city centre, a straight run on the M5 Read more places to visit in Northern Ireland

Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

Frederick Hervey, Bishop of Derry, had an appetite for drama and chose a wild coastal headland for a mansion and temple. The mansion is in ruins but the landscape park remains. Follow paths through the sheltered gardens or along the cliff tops for views of the North Coast. On a cliff top, he built the circular Mussenden Temple as a library, imitating the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli. Suitable for picnics. Wheelchair access. Programme of events. Learning facilities. Dogs must be kept on leads.

• Dramatic setting on a wild coastal headland


• Uniquely reflects the personality of its flamboyant creator


• Stunning Mussenden Temple, perched upon a precipitous cliff edge


• Cliff top walks with breathtaking views over Ireland’s north coast


• Colourful sheltered garden paths


• Striking 18th-century ruins to explore


• Children’s Tracker Packs available - includes binoculars, compass and bird identification cards


• Temple available for weddings, offering a unique setting for that special day

Visitor facilities –Historic house: Industrial heritage: Garden: Countryside: Coast: Suitable for picnics: Country walk: Programme of events: Access for visitors with disability: Facilities for families: Learning: Dogs welcome on leads: Available for functions.

Opening times: Grounds Dawn to dusk all year. Contact property for admission rates and opening times

Contact Details: North Coast Office 60 Causeway Road Bushmills Londonderry BT57 8SU

Tel: (028) 2073 1582 Alt: (028) 2073 2972 Fax: (028) 2073 2963

Directions: Train: Service from Belfast or Londonderry to Castlerock. Bus: Ulsterbus No 134 between Coleraine and Londonderry. Cycle: NCN route 93 runs past Downhill and Hezlett. Car: On A2, 5ml from Coleraine. Downhill and Hezlett House are about 5 minutes drive from each other. Drive time: Belfast 1hour. Read more places to visit in Northern Ireland