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Derry, Northern Ireland's second city and officially known as Londonderry, is always worth a couple of days of your time. One of the city's most emblematic architectural features is the Peace Bridge, a cycle and foot bridge across the River Foyle. It serves a symbolic purpose in that its intention is to improve relations between the largely unionist 'Waterside' on the east bank with the largely nationalist 'Cityside' on the west bank.
Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant's Causeway in County Antrim is famed for its thousands of interlocking hexagonal columns created by a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. But why not use your imagination and instead believe in the local legend that suggests the natural wonder was carved out by the mighty ogre Fionn mac Cumhaill, who left behind his ancient home to do battle with his foe Benandonner across the water in Scotland.
One of Belfast's favorite snack options is the Belfast bap, a large, crusty white bread roll that is usually eaten as part of a fried breakfast, or hearty lunch.
Sources: (The Independent) (The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland) (History)
See also: The world's tastiest bread
While not quite walking a tightrope, following the narrow Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which spans the short but vertigo-inducing gap between mainland Ireland and the small rock outcropping known as Carrickarede, is nonetheless a giddy experience. It reaches 20 m (66 ft) and is 30 m (98 ft) above the rocks below. The bridge is open all year round, weather permitting.
Inland from the North Antrim coast lie the Glens of Antrim. A serene landscape of nine glens, or valleys, these rolling hills of outstanding natural beauty feature sparkling lakes, tumbling waterfalls, and numerous forest trails. Glenariff is regarded as the "Queen of the Glens," and falls within the spectacularly scenic Glenariff Forest Park.
The empty shell of the late 18th-century Downhill House stands forlorn on the coast at Downhill, County Londonderry. Within the grounds and set on cliffs is the whimsical Mussenden Temple. Modeled after Rome's famed Temple of Vesta, this Irish replica has been threatened by coastal erosion for years, and could topple into the Atlantic Ocean at any moment.
Built by the Normans in 1177, Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best preserved medieval structures in Northern Ireland. Situated in the town of Carrickfergus in County Antrim, the castle played an important military role until as late as 1928. The interior and battlements can be explored at leisure.
Derry is the only remaining completely intact walled city in Ireland. Serving as a formidable defense, the walls date back to 1619 and have never been breached, even during the famous Siege of Derry in 1689, which lasted 105 days. A section of the wall is pictured facing the city's Guildhall. The cannon is one of the originals used during the siege.
Lough Erne is steeped in myth and legend. Devenish Island, one of several islets anchored within Erne, contains one of the finest monastic sites in Northern Ireland. A 12th-century round tower dominates the island, which is peppered with all sorts of ancient carved stone crosses.
Lough Erne is the name of two connected lakes in County Fermanagh. A beautiful body of water, Lough Erne is the haunt of watersports enthusiasts. Angling is especially popular. Kayaking, water skiing, and rowing are also favorite pastimes. Embarking on a sightseeing day cruise is a less arduous way of exploring the lake.
The mystery deepens on White Island. Here a centuries-old church is home to a series of weathered carved stone figures, probably the work of Celts between 400 and 800 CE.
Surely one of the most evocative roads in the United Kingdom, the avenue of beech trees along Bregagh Road between Armoy and Stranocum in County Antrim form an atmospheric tunnel that was originally created in the 18th century to welcome visitors to a manor house. Travel this road at night, however, and the complexion becomes more sinister, hence the name "dark hedges." In fact, such is the unearthly atmosphere after dark that the location was used to great effect in yet another episode of 'Game of Thrones.'
Exploring off the beaten track takes on a whole new meaning when you follow the Cuilcagh Legnabrocky Trail. This meandering boardwalk that traverses some of Northern Ireland's toughest and most desolate terrain is not for the fainthearted. The more courageous, however, will be rewarded with a breathtaking landscape and mesmerizing views from the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain.
What's a visit to Northern Ireland without enjoying a pint or two? If you want to sip in style, order a tipple at the Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast. This Victorian-era public house has been serving pints since 1826, and the ornate interior hasn't lost any of its impressive splendor.
Slemish Mountain in County Antirm is worth a hike to reach. This is the legendary first known Irish home of Saint Patrick: arrive here on Saint Patrick's Day (March 17) and you'll be joined by large crowds walking to the top of the mountain as a pilgrimage. At any other time, Slemish is yours to explore.
The Titanic Memorial Garden is set around the original 1920 Titanic memorial sculpture, and was opened in 2012. All 1,512 victims of the disaster are named—the first memorial anywhere in the world to record on one monument all of the names of those who died.
Another location deemed spooky enough for 'Game of Thrones' is Inch Abbey, in Downpatrick. This historic Cistercian ruin dates back to the 12th century and lies serenely on the bank of the River Quoile.
Incidentally, a novel way of reaching Giant's Causeway is by the Giant's Causeway and Bushmills Railway. Departing from the historic town of Bushmills, this train takes visitors on a 3-km (2-mi) journey along the coast and drops them off just down the hill from Fionn mac Cumhaill's handiwork.
One of Northern Ireland's most imaginative visitor attractions, Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh is a sprawling outdoor history park that tells the story of the two million or so Ulster people who left their homes in the 18th and 19th centuries for a new life across the Atlantic.
The only remaining Victorian-era prison in Northern Ireland, Crumlin Road Gaol became a tourist attraction in 2012 after 150 years of locking up some of the most notorious individuals in the province.
West out of the village of Bushmills is the ruined medieval Dunluce Castle. Perched precipitously on an outcrop of steep rock, Dunluce is one of Northern Ireland's most cherished historic sites. The stronghold's crumbling exterior appeared in an episode of the fantasy drama series 'Game of Thrones' (2011–2019).
Northern Ireland packs a lot into such a small region. Part of the United Kingdom, the province has its own unique visitors attractions, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a wealth of history and culture to share. Base yourself in Belfast before heading out and exploring this beautiful little corner of the island of Ireland.
Click through and find out what Northern Ireland has to offer.
Must-see sites in Northern Ireland
Discover what this unique corner of the island of Ireland has to offer
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Northern Ireland packs a lot into such a small region. Part of the United Kingdom, the province has its own unique visitors attractions, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a wealth of history and culture to share. Base yourself in Belfast before heading out and exploring this beautiful little corner of the island of Ireland.
Click through and find out what Northern Ireland has to offer.