Heritage Island, Ireland's Visitor Attractions

The bustling dynamic city of Belfast is an excellent touring centre from which to explore Ulster’s heritage. Visit Queens University, founded by Queen Victoria, a beautifully restored architectural gem in Tudor Gothic style and W5, WHOWHATWHENWHEREWHY, the award winning interactive discovery centre in the city centre. Afternoon drive to Armagh where a wealth of fascinating heritage visits welcome the visitor. See the splendours of the stars at the Armagh Planetarium. The earliest history of the region is recounted at The Navan Centre and Fort, once the Royal Seat of the Kings of Ulster, then learn the story of Armagh and St Patrick’s coming to Ireland in the 5th Century at St. Patricks Train and Visitor Complex.

Finish the day at Bagenal’s Castle, Newry & Mourne Museum in nearby Newry.

Combine landscape and heritage to-day with a scenic tour of the lovely Glens of Antrim. Taking the coastal route from Belfast, there are a number of interesting visits en route
such as Sentry Hill and Visitor Centre at Newtownabbey, which provides a rare insight into life in rural Ulster during the 19th and 20th Centuries. Carrickfergus Museum and The Larne Museum tell the stories of their area with Larne Museum’s main gallery reflecting the area’s rich maritime, industrial and agricultural heritage. Highlight of the day  must be a visit to the Giants Causeway, a UNESCO Heritage Site of huge geological interest. Close by is the unique Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, an awe-inspiring chasm to  cross for the brave! Return to Belfast via the inland route of Ballymoney and Ballymena where there is a worthwhile visit to be made to The Braid: Mid-Antrim Museum, with exhibitions revealing the turbulent medieval history of the region.

Another lovely day’s touring, this time of the Newtownards Peninsula and Strangford Lough south of Belfast. First visit of the day to the Somme Heritage Centre which tells the
story of the Irish from both communities who fought in World War I. Next visit nearby Mount Stewart House and Gardens, home of the Earls of Londonderry since the 18th Century. The drive to the tip of the peninsula and tiny village of Portaferry to visit the Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary before taking the short ferry crossing into Co. Down to visit firstly Castle Ward, a superb Georgian House set in 850 acres of parkland overlooking the Lough. Onwards to the historic town of Downpatrick to visit the Down County Museum located in the restored 18th Century town gaol. Return to Belfast via Crossgar and Ballyyduff.

To best enjoy this Northern Ireland Heritage Tour order a Heritage Island Tour Guide and avail of some great discounts.