Holiday in Northern Ireland

fishhawks

We are planning a family holiday (with a 7 year old) early July, we will be staying near Newcastle, Co Down and wonder if anyone can suggest things to do. We dont mind travelling around Northern Ireland. We will be going to Belfast but not sure of what else there is to do.

We like castles, wildlife, farm parks etc.

Thanks

marcais

There's a nice walk near Newcastle. It goes from Annalong Wood up to Ben Crom reservoir. It's not a difficult walk (although I've never tried it with a 7-year-old), following a path all the way and has some wonderful views that make it worthwhile.



The Ulster Folk Museum (http://www.uftm.org.uk/) is about 5 miles or so outside Belfast. Near the Folk Museum is Crawfordsburn Country Park which also has some good walks that definitely would be suitable for a 7-year-old. There's a decent bit of beach there as well. The Old Inn is also nearby which is a great spot for a bit of lunch.

If you have a car then the North Antrim Coast Road is a good option for a day as it will also let you take in Carrickfergus Castle, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Portrush where your 7-year-old will have a good time in Barry's.

IvanOpinion

Definitely would recommend the Ulster Folk & transport museum (head towards Bangor out of Belfast). If you head towards Strangford you can get the Ferry to Portaferry and call into the Aquarium.

Near Newcastle is Tollymore Forest Park. If you want to head west look out for Marble Arch caves (near Enniskillen) or the American folk museum.

Ivan

raptorman

The North Antrim coast is beautiful, I would highly recommend it. Balintoy harbour is picture perfect and the Carrick Arede rope bridge walk is a 'must do'. Portrush has amusements and is ideal for the kids.

Edinburghlass_2

savvy's virtual holiday

steveymp

If its a nice Day in Belfast take the open top bus tour

Takes you around a lot of locations of our past from shipyards to prison sites etc..... and shows you murals etc..... from our less welcoming past, but definately worth a look.

Oh and don't miss out on the glorious North West as well;) (my neck of the woods) the "Walled City" (Londonderry/ Derry/ Doire) is well worth a visit and has great guided tours around the walls as well as a bus tour around the whole of the historical city

As mentioned previously too don't miss North Antrim Coast a real area of outstanding beauty;) check out https://www.discovernorthernireland.com for more help and maps etc...

And remember to enjoy yourself over here the weather isn't always great but the folks are always friendly and helpful and if you get lost just ask;)

Francophile

Visit Delamont country park Killyleagh. Beautiful scenic walks, childrens play area gift & coffee shop. Also from there you can take a boat trip on the beautiful Strangford Lough but it has to be booked in advance see here http://www.downdc.gov.uk/event_detail.asp?eventid=1494&area=4
A visit to Strangford village itself and then take the short crossing on the car ferry to Portaferry. Also have a look at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-global/w-localtoyou/w-northernireland/w-northernireland-countryside_environment/w-northernireland-places_visit-coast/w-northernireland-places_visit-coast-down.htm for more ideas. Definitely go on the open top bus tour and if you have time go up the Antrim coast or the lakes at Enniskillen. You'll not be stuck for things to do In NI.

Francophile

I forgot about Downpatrick where St Patrick's grave is. Go to the visiter's centre and there's also a lovely coffee shop. It's not far from Newcastle.

Phoolgrrrl

Mount Stewart near Newtownards is really nice, we went on BH mon. Manor house is impressive but the gardens are even better!
I second the aquarium in portaferry its really good fun, it has a touch tank where you can feel the starfish etc and lots to look at.
Giants causeway shouldn't be missed
Murlough beach at newcastle is the nicest i think, its national trust owned so you have to pay to park if you aren't a member. You walk through

Phoolgrrrl

double post

sleepymy

Edinburghlass wrote: »

savvy's virtual holiday

Heh, you'd have to come round to our veggie household for your Ulster Fry, soda farls fried on the inside cut, potato bread, fried salted mushrooms, fried tomatoes, scrambled egg (if monkeyboy makes it) or scrambled tofu if I'm making it, baked beans, redwoods sausages and rashers and an endless supply of tea (fek, I want one now ).

OP Tesco are giving away vouchers for BOGOFF outings here atm, they include the Ulster Folk Museum.

It's worth going on the Strangford ferry just to see the whirlpools :eek: You could visit the aquarium when you get to the other side (Portaferry side)

I'd go along with Antrim Coast recommendations, Dunluce Castle ruins are along there and are worth a visit also the carrick-a-Rede rope bridge

Tollymore Forest Park isn't too far away from Newcastle either.

I hope you get the weather, if you do you'll have a fantastic holiday :cool: