
The golden sands at Downhill beach stretch towards Magilligan Point. Mussenden Temple stands on the cliff, from where there are views of counties Donegal Coast, Antrim and Londonderry.
Contact Details:
66 Portstewart Road Coleraine Co Londonderry BT52 1EY
Tel: (028) 7034 7234
Directions:
The nearest town is Castlerock which has excellent road and rail links
Read more about places to visit in Ireland.
Jam packed with places to visit in Ireland...................
Theres always a welcome on the mat...............a kettle on the boil........and lots of Irish charm.............
You'll find natural and man-made beauty, culture, history and great 'craic' in the six counties of the province of
A sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, A sheltering angel, so nothing can
harm you. ~Irish Blessing
Downhill Beach
Portrush East Blue Flag Beach

The European Blue Flag was awarded to beach stretches from Portrush to the White Rocks. Backed by extensive dunes and the Royal Portrush golf course, there are superb views over the Skerries to the Scottish Islands. Wheelchair access.
Contact Details:
Causeway Street Portrush Antrim
Tel: (028) 7034 4723
Directions:
Signposted the Causeway Street, Portrush Read more about places to visit in Ireland.
Tyrella Blue Flag Beach

Blue Flag beach.
Tyrella beach and conservation area is a small, enclosed dune complex within Dundrum Bay. It is a wide, flat, sandy beach two kilometres long and backed by 25 hectares of mature dunes in a conservation area. The beach offers a car free zone, off-beach parking , safe bathing, ranger service, amenities, walks, beach entertainment, shop and tourist information. Lifeguards patrol the beach daily during July and August.
Tyrella Beach has been awarded the prestigious Seaside Award and Blue Flag award annually since 1997. Both these awards identify Tyrella as a well managed beach where you can be assured of excellent standards of cleanliness and safety making Tyrella the perfect location for family fun.
Wheelchair access and toilets.
Special parking on request.
Opening times:
The beach is open every day of the year. Beach centre and life guards on duty during the summer season .
Prices:
Car park charge during summer season
Contact Details:
Clanmaghery Road Downpatrick Down BT30 8SU
Tel: (028) 4482 8333
Directions:
Follow the signs for Newcastle A24 passing through Carryduff, Ballynahinch, Seaforde into the village of Clough. At the end of the village turn left onto Blackstaff Road A2 signposted for Tyrella beach. Entrance to Tyrella Beach is approx 8 km from Clough. Read more about places to visit in Ireland.
Portrush Whiterocks Beach
The limestone cliffs of the White Rocks stretch from Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle. These soft, sedimentary rocks have been carved through centuries into a labyrinth of caves and arches. Shelagh’s Head, the Wishing Arch, Elephant Rock and the Lion’s Paw are headlands of distinguishable forms which rise out of the ocean. Under the road, there are cavernous caves, accessible only from the sea, home to seabirds and the hunting ground for hawks. On the main coast road, you will find pull-in areas and a large car park where you can take in the incredible views of the headlands to the Giant’s Causeway and back to Portrush and Donegal. Along the beach, there are grassy knolls with sea views and ideal for picnics. Car parking and toilet facilities are also located close to the beach.
Contact Details:Cranfield West Blue Flag Beach

Blue Flag award winner. Cranfield West offers a gently sloping, mainly sandy beach located at the entrance to Carlingford Lough, an area designated as being of Special Scientific Interest. Set in an idyllic location at the mouth of Carlingford Lough this south facing beach boasts the majestic Mourne Mountains as a backdrop. Facilities include parking, children's play area, toilets and showers. Lifeguard supervision July-Aug daily 11 am-6 pm and Sept w/ends only.
Contact Details:
Kilkeel Down
Tel: (028) 4176 2525
Location: ACCESS: The nearest town is Kilkeel, located approximately 4 miles from the beach. Access routes are clearly signposted. Off the main Rostrevor to Kilkeel road. Read more
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Portstewart Strand and Barmouth

The magnificent strand at Portstewart calls to mind sunny summer days, picnics, sandcastles and long walks. The beach is two miles of golden sand. In the sand dunes, enjoy walks among butterflies and wild flowers. The Barmouth is a sanctuary for waders, wildfowl and nesting birds. The hide on the west side of the River Bann allows birdwatchers good opportunities to see bird spectacles.
First Aid and National Trust wardens on hand
• Designated no car areas and children’s play area
• Designated water sports zone
• Way marked nature trail
• Sand dune system is a haven for wild flowers and butterflies
Visitor facilities:
Retail area and toilets. Coast is suitable for picnics. Access for visitors with disabilities. Only dogs on leads are welcome.
Prices:
Admission charged when facilities open 1st March - 2nd November Car £4.50, Minibus £12.50, Coach £18 National Trust Members Free
Opening times:
Open access all year Facilities open 1 March - 27 April 10am - 6pm 28 April - 31 May 10am - 8pm 1 June - 31 August 10am - 9pm 1- 28 Sept 10am- 8pm 29 Sept - 2 Nov 10am - 6pm
Contact Details: National Trust Portstewart Strand Visitor Centre 118 Strand Road Portstewart Londonderry BT55 7PG
Tel: (028) 7083 6396 Fax: (028) 7083 6396
Directions: Train: Service from Belfast or Londonderry to Coleraine. Bus: Ulsterbus No 218 from Belfast terminates in Portstewart. Cycle: NCN route 93 runs past the Strand. Car: The Strand is a few minutes from the centre of Portstewart. Drive time: Belfast 1.15 hours Read more about places to visit in Ireland
Benone Strand
Ballycastle Blue Flag Beach
Read more about Places to visit in Ireland.
Dino Jaws
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.
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about places to visit in Northern Ireland.
Devenish Island Monastic Site
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
- 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.
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
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
Ballycastle Golf Club
Ballydougan Pottery at Bloomvale House - My Grandmother was born in this neck of the woods! x
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












