Heritage Island, Ireland's Visitor Attractions

The bustling dynamic city of Belfast is an excellent touring centre from which to explore Ulster’s heritage. Spend the morning enjoying many of Belfast’s sights including the renovated Ulster Museum where you can come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an Egyptian Mummy and see modern masterpieces. Don’t miss out on the majestic Titanic Belfast, opening in April 2012 and celebrating the centenary of the Titanic’s maiden voyage and tragic sinking.
 
Take an afternoon drive to Armagh where a wealth of fascinating heritage visits welcome the visitor. See the splendours of the stars at the Armagh Planetarium where the newly refurbished Space Theatre takes you to other worlds and beyond. Armagh County Museum gives the visitor an appreciation of the rich and varied history of the city and county. The earliest history of the region is also recounted at The Navan Centre and Fort, once the Royal Seat of the Kings of Ulster.

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 Museum at the Mill at Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre, and the Larne Museum all of which tell the stories of their area.
Highlight of the day must be a visit to the Giant’s 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 Mid-Antrim Museum at the Braid designed to world-class standards.

Another lovely day’s touring, this time of the Newtownards Peninsula and Strangford Lough due south of Belfast. Step back in time and uncover a way of life from 100 years at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum. Continue onwards to the Somme Heritage Centre which tells the story of the Irish from both communities who fought in World War I. Nearby is wonderful Mount Stewart House & Gardens, home of the Londonderry family since the 18th century.
Then continue to the tip of the peninsula and the tiny conservation 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. Return to Belfast via Crossgar and Ballyduff.

Belle Isle Castle, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh: www.irelands-blue-book.ie/belleisle.htm
Newforge House, Magheralin, Co. Armagh: www.irelands-blue-book.ie/newforge-house.htm
Bushmills Inn, Bushmills, Co. Antrim: www.irelands-blue-book.ie/bushmills-inn.htm
Montalto Estate, Ballinahinch, Co. Down (private rental only) : www.irelands-blue-book.ie/montalto.html
Ardtara Country House, Upperlands, Co. Derry: www.irelands-blue-book.ie/ardtara.htm