Northern Ireland
ROADTRIP
Whether you follow our directions or create your own, taking a road trip across Northern Ireland is a great way of seeing the wonderful sites the province has to offer. Tollymore, Bryansford, Co. Down
Queen’s University, Belfast
Day 1
Day 3
Take the Causeway Coastal Route from (A) Belfast via (B) Carrickfergus, checking out its 800-year-old castle on the way, then take the A2 to (C) Larne. This route has been rated one
Take time out to walk Derry city’s cannon-lined walls, taking in the richness of the sights and attractions that hark back to another era, scattered around the city.Then head south on the B48 and A32 towards (J) Omagh, County Tyrone. There’s plenty to enrich your journey as you pass through the gloriously scenic Sperrin Mountains and you can take a small detour to visit the Ulster American Folk Park, just outside Omagh, which is one of the best open-air museums of its kind, detailing why two million people left Ulster for America during the 18th and 19th centuries. Nearby Gortin also has a magical forest where the flora and fauna can be viewed in all their glory. Continue on towards (K) Enniskillen, County Fermanagh and finish your day here by visiting its impressive castle. JOURNEY: 130.4km
of the top five road trips in the world. From here travel north and enjoy the spectacular scenery – at times you’re just metres from the sea spray. As you continue on your journey, the nine Glens of Antrim will unfold before you. Stop off to explore them, along with the white, windswept beaches. At Glenariff Forest Park take a pit-stop to enjoy the glorious woodland walks. There are beautiful villages dotted along this coast, and we recommend you stop for lunch at the picturesque village of (D) Cushendun. From here, take the road hugging the coastline to (E) Torr Head for views over to the Mull of Kintyre. Returning to the Causeway Coastal Route, head towards Ballycastle before taking the coast road to the (F) Carrick-aRede rope bridge, where walking across and back over an 80ft chasm will give you a pure adrenaline rush. Head towards (G) Bushmills, where you can take a tour of the distillery, and perhaps a dram of whiskey once you’ve parked your car for the night. JOURNEY: 133.6km
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Day 2 In the morning, head back along the coast road to the (G) Giant’s Causeway – you’ll need time to appreciate this awesome feat of nature. Legend has it that the Irish giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) built the causeway to walk to Scotland to fight his Scottish counterpart, Benandonner. Heading west, take in the ruins of medieval (G) Dunluce Castle, teetering out over the ocean, or breathe in the fresh air at the beaches of (H) Portrush or Portstewart. Look out for the glorious Mussenden Temple overlooking the nine mile long Benone Strand, before heading on to (I) Derry city for an overnight stay. JOURNEY: 74km
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IRELAND AT YOUR LEISURE 2016/2017
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