5 minute read
It’s a shore thing
It’s a shore thing EMMA ROBERTSON experiences the fascinating history and awe-inspired natural beauty of Northern Ireland
Despite being one of our bucket-list destinations – and a convenient distance from home – we still hadn’t visited Northern Ireland. So a er much research, we decided to take the plunge with a weekend-long road trip. With so much to see and do, it was the only way to get around and tick o as much as possible in a few short days, plus it was a great way to see the full beauty of Ireland as a family. Flying into Belfast meant a mere hop across the Irish Sea, and from there we hired a car. However, there are equally accessible ferries leaving from various locations in England and Scotland, so you do have the option of taking your own car.
As we were keen to get out and explore the more adventurous side of Northern Ireland, we didn’t stay in Belfast for long, although the city is de nitely somewhere we’d return to. We did, however, make a quick pitstop at Titanic Belfast, which has claimed the title of World’s Leading Tourist Attraction. It was a fabulous ‘indoors day’ option for the family with so many interactive features and exhibitions for all ages. e children especially loved the ride that takes visitors on a journey through the construction of the ill-fated liner. It brought the history alive for them.
As we only went for a long weekend – with kids and luggage – we chose to stay in one location for the duration. We opted to make a Hastings Hotel property, Ballygally Castle Hotel, our base. It was perfect for exploring e Causeway Coastal Route and all the adventures to be had along the rugged shores.
As the hotel is based right on the coast, there are beautiful views out over Ballygally Bay
Ballygally Bay is a breathtaking beauty spot on The Causeway Coastal Route Ballygally Castle boasts spacious family rooms
and towards Scotland, as well as a generous garden for the children to enjoy. e hotel is positioned at the start of the scenic Antrim Coast, near the foot of the famous nine Glens of Antrim, and Gobbins Path, a famous and dramatic coastal walk originally built in the early 20th century. It’s one of the area’s leading tourist attractions, comprised of staircases along the cli edges, dramatic tubular bridges and numerous tunnels. We stayed in one of the six family rooms in Ballygally Castle, which were spacious and comfortable, but the main selling point for the children was the idea of staying in a real castle – especially one with its very own ghost room. Lady Isabella Shaw is the castle’s resident ghost, with numerous
It goes without saying that a visit to World Heritage Site Giant’s Causeway is a must The entertaining and educational Titanic Belfast is an ideal family pitstop
Ballygally Castle guests can keep an eye out for resident ghost, Lady Isabella Shaw
sightings having been reported over the years. We took a trip up the staircase to the Ghost Room to see if we could spot Lady Isabella, the hotel’s friendly ghost who has been around for 400 years. No luck this time!
The Causeway Coastal Route is filled with epic scenery and windswept views and we took the opportunity to go back in time and feel like a smuggler. The Gobbins Path, which reopened fairly recently is a true adventure. Climbing stairways carved from the cliff face and exploring hidden smuggler caves is definitely not a pursuit for the faint hearted. We also caught a glimpse of Northern Ireland’s only mainland puffin colony along the way.
One of the family’s favourite attractions was Giant’s Causeway, which for many, needs no introduction. It was hugely busy but still a highlight of the trip, the incredible site of the basalt columns and the magical story of warring giants, definitely sparked the imagination. It’s also the only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. On the way to Giant’s Causeway we took a few detours to pass through tranquil countryside and magical glens. The warmth of the welcome we received from locals everywhere, and the incredible diversity of the verdant landscape we passed through, really showcased so many different sides of this beautiful corner of the world.
The whole Northern Ireland experience was a magical one, and the family definitely fell under its spell. From sleeping in a castle to visiting rugged coastlines, smugglers caves, hanging bridges and mesmerising glens, there was so much to explore. For a more adult trip, Bushmills Whiskey Distillery and Game of Thrones filming locations would definitely be added to the list. However, with so much to see and do as a family, I doubt we would be able to get away with coming back alone.
Hastings Hotels offers a double room at Ballygally Castle from £110 per night on a bed-and-breakfast basis; hastingshotels.com
FAMILY-FRIENDLY CAUSEWAY PURSUITS
There’s more than one way for you and your family to explore the coast
There was so much we didn’t have time to fit in including surfing and paddleboarding along the coast, coasteering and archery sessions. There are lots of hiking opportunities such as waterfall hikes, fishing and horseriding along the coast and in the countryside – The Glenariff Forest Park waterfall walkway is a photographer’s dream.
In addition, foodie families can take a picnic into the glens or stop by some of the villages along the way. Some include tours with local producers, whereas others are full day experiences.
If the family are history fans, there are plenty of castles to satisfy from Carrickfergus Castle and Glenarm Castle and Gardens.
Carnfunnock Country Park is another one to add to the must-visit list. Positioned at the gateway to the nine famous Glens of Antrim at Ballygally near Larne, it offers bungee trampolines, mini golf, a miniature railway and much more.
