Antrim and Strangford - what is there to see and do?

Jo4

What is there for a couple and an eleven year old child to see and do in Antrim and Strangford? The child wants to go on the Strangford ferry, to see a castle and a waterfall. Going in a fortnights time for two days and one night.

Artytarty

castle ward House is just round the corner from Strangford, as is the ruins of Audleys castle.
Hop on the ferry over to Portaferry and go to the Exploris centre, lots of fish in huge tanks etc touching experience fish etc, worth a google.

D.A.

The best place for a waterfall would be Glenariff Forest Park, although you might be rushing things a bit there. Another option would be Glenoe, near Larne-ish, although it's not a particularly big waterfall there.

SnowyOwl_2

Castle Ward is a National Trust property - it's on their website here The Carrick-a-Rede ropebridge is theirs too, though it might be a wee bit further away from Antrim town than you were thinking.

Going over on the ferry is fun...get out of the car and look over the side and brace yourself against the sea air.

Near Strangford is Ballyhornan beach, just out the coast road towards Ardglass. It's a beautiful beach, but is not in the least commercialised around there so quite peaceful even on a good weather day.

Jo4

Has anyone been to Castlewellan Castle and if so do you think it would be of any interest to an 11 year old?

Big_A_2

Jo4 wrote: »

Has anyone been to Castlewellan Castle and if so do you think it would be of any interest to an 11 year old?

Castlewellan Castle is used as a conference center so might not be open to the public. But the forest park is worth a visit and they have a massive maze there too. There are a couple of activity centers based there at the lake where you could have a go at canoeing etc.

SnowyOwl_2

As far as I am aware Castlewellan Castle isn't open to the public. I've just googled it and it is a "Christian Conference Centre"....website

On the big hill going down before the big hill going up into Castlewellan when travelling from Downpatrick/Clough you'll see signs to the Maize Maze. I haven't been to it myself, but it might be something worth following up. Website Maybe give them a ring when you're making your final plans. Your 11 year old may find the animals interesting if the maze isn't to her taste.

Jo4

Is there any where nice to get dinner about 6pm near Junction 1?

big-girl

moes grill at junction one is good, red panda restaurant near there too

Jo4

big-girl wrote: »

moes grill at junction one is good, red panda restaurant near there too

What kind of food do they serve? I should have said she likes her potatoes, meat and veg. She also likes a starter and a dessert. She knows what she does and doesn't like! :eek:

Jo4

Antrim Park (Brewer's Fayre) seems to have a reasonable menu. Moes Grill appears to be reasonably priced but I can't view their menu.