Ireland is Beautiful part of the world and there are plenty of things to do in her, if you are planning a trip to Ireland then this is the blog for you.

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.............
Updated daily with a behind the scene look at what Ireland has to offer and the must see attractions when you Visit Ireland

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


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

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about places to visit in Ireland.

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:
Tourist Information Centre Dunluce Centre Sandhill Drive Portrush Antrim BT56 8DF Tel: 028 7082 3333 Read more about places to visit in Ireland


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
about Places to visit in Ireland.

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


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

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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.
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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

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