Belfast & Northern Ireland Itinerary

IRELAND'S BLUE BOOKCOUNTRY HOUSES, HISTORIC HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS

Beautiful Belfast, historically famous for shipbuilding and Irish Linen. More recently, rapid changes have brought an exciting dynamism to this once troubled spot. Belfast has divided itself into quarters of various interests, Queens Quarter, Cathedral Quarter, Gaeltacht Quarter and Titanic Quarter each with its own story to tell.

There is no better way to get beneath a city’s cultural skin and discover the elegant and challenging complexities of its character than to explore its artistic life. The Art Scene in Belfast is flourishing with a great number of Galleries ranging from large public galleries to the smallest privately run space.

The river Lagan running through the heart of Belfast city was in the 18th century, the commercial centre. This has come full circle and once again today many of the most exciting developments are along the waterfront. Come and see for yourself…

Places of Interest

After a good breakfast, go to Castleplace in the city centre where you can join the hopon-hopoff tour of buzzing Belfast. Pick and choose which of the city’s highlights that interest you, learn a brief history and go and visit, otherwise go along another day, now that you know where it is and what it’s about.

One of the iconic buildings of Belfast’s skyline and the finest Victorian architectural set-piece in the Province, Queens University will bring you back to 1845. There is a wealth of other key architectural points around the campus along with a visitor centre housing various exhibitions during the year. More recent history was made in the Canada room where the foundations were laid for the Northern Ireland peace process.

Lose yourself in the wonderful W5 experience in the Odyssey Complex on Belfast’s waterfront. What,when,where,why who (W5!) is a terrific world of discovery for all the family. Science at its best with great fun discovering it in this totally interactive place of fun, start out by climbing the musical stairs, be a car mechanic, make balls float in the air…there is not enough time or room to describe all the activities, you will just have to go for yourself and find out…

As the locals proudly say, “she was alright when she left here” when they speak of the infamous ‘Titanic’. Take a visit by boat and go on the ‘Titanic’ tour, around the shipyards of Harland and Wolf the builders of the doomed ocean liner. See the two giant cranes, Samson & Goliath and the changing mixture of heritage and modern developments on the river Lagan.

Near Belfast:

Step outside the immediate Belfast area and be sure and visit one of Ulster’s fine museums. The Ulster Folk & Transport Museum beautifully illustrates the way of life and traditions of the people of the north of Ireland. Set in a carefully recreated landscape extending over 60 acres with houses, mill, shops, schools and churches portraying life in the early 1900s through costumed interpretation. The award winning galleries of the Transport Museum display Ireland’s most comprehensive collections from the Horse drawn cart to Irish build motor cars, from steam locomotives to the history of boatbuilding. www.magni.co.uk

In legend, the Giant’s Causeway was the work of Finn McCool, a giant who commanded the King of Ireland’s armies. He took a fancy to a lady giant from an island in the Hebrides, and built the Causeway to bring her to live with him in Ulster. A mass of 40,000 stone columns that form steps leasing from the cliff foot and disappearing under the sea. An amazing sight! www.causewaycoastandglens.com

The word whiskey comes from the Gaelic ‘Uisce Beatha’ (pronounced ‘ishka baha’) which was shortened to uisce and eventually to whiskey by the English who couldn't pronounce the original Gaelic term. Steeped in history (and alcohol) a visit to the Bushmills Distillery will take you on a journey from the start up through the growing then struggling export market and on to what it has become today. www.bushmills.com

Where to eat and stay

Ardtara House. Bestowed by the AA with the ‘most romantic hotel of the year’ in 2006, this charming 19th century mansion is situated in the heart of Derry. Once home to the Clark family famed for linen making, this is luxury at its best complimented by an outstanding restaurant.
Email: Valerie_ferson@ardtara.com
Web: www.ardtara.com

Bushmills Inn Hotel. Once in near dereliction, this old-fashioned coach house and adjoining mill house have been faithfully restored maintaining all the nooks and crannies and even a secret room still remains. As the name suggests where else would you try a glass of Bushmills malt, but from the hotels private cask! Enjoy a meal in the restaurant which prides itself on blending ‘new Irish’ cuisine with finest local produce and end the day in a snug comfortable bedroom in the Millhouse.
Email: mail@bushmillsinn.com
Web: www.bushmillsinn.com

Merchant Hotel. Situated in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter this sumptuous 5 star hotel will portray an overall style of unparalleled elegance and unforgettable indulgence. Though housed in a former bank headquarters which is a listed building, the Merchant offers every modern convenience to its guests alongside antiques and objects d’art.
Email: reservations@themerchanthotel.com
Web: www.themerchanthotel.com

Newforge House. For peace, quiet and intimacy, this 6 bed roomed Georgian Country House is the perfect place to escape to. Cradled in mature gardens and fields in the village of Magheralin, though you may feel a million miles away, the M1 is a mere two miles so you’re not too far from anywhere. You are made to feel so special here that your meals are made to order, how’s that for personal service and attention.
Email: enquiries@newforgehouse.com
Web: www.newforgehouse.com

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