…including some hidden gems
Obviously, we’re usually to be found giving expert advice on financial planning. But we also love where we’re based, so here are our recommendations of some of the best places to visit in our stunningly beautiful country; some traditional, some a bit alternative.
- The Causeway Coast is world-renowned but even if you’ve lived here for years, it’s worth never taking it for granted. With its dramatic seaside views and emerald glens, together with the 50-60 million year old Giant’s Causeway, it’s simply breathtaking. And something you might not have done is take the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge from the clifftop to the island and back – maybe not one for those without a good head for heights though!
- Take a passage on The Titanic – you may be familiar with the saying, ‘She was fine when she left here!’ but have you ever gone round the exhibition of reconstructions and special effects? Always a good one if you have visitors to stay.
- Belfast – how well do you really know our capital city? Why not head over to the Oh Yeah Music Centre where you can learn about the city’s legendary music makers including Van Morrison, James Galway and Snow Patrol. Elsewhere in the city there are also self-guided trails of other iconic legends such as C.S. Lewis and George Best. Or rent a Belfast Bike from any of the 35 docking stations and take a leisurely ride along the River Lagan towpath.
- Walk the walls of Londonderry – did you know that Northern Ireland’s vibrant second city has one of Europe’s youngest populations? It makes a pleasant stroll to walk right round the ramparts with its seven gates and collection of cannons – and don’t miss La Trinidad Valencera in the Tower Museum which was one of the biggest ships in the Spanish Armada before it came to grief just offshore.
- The Seven Kingdoms – if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you can visit the sites from the show in the real world Westeros on your own or on specialised tours with choose-your-own costumes, bonfires and feasts fit for a king!
- Hole in one – Rory McIlroy has certainly put Northern Ireland on the map – tour one of our three famous golf courses; Royal County Down, Royal Portrush Golf Club or Holywood Golf Club and try your luck!
- Hare’s Gap – if you love the great outdoors, why not spend a day hiking in the Mourne Mountains, surrounded by some breathtaking scenery. The ice sheets that helped shaped this range were the inspiration for snow-clad Narnia.
- Fermanagh Underground – the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark is a UNESCO site that shows off 895 million years of the Earth’s history – see how many coral fossils you can spot on the slopes of Cuilcagh Mountain or take the underground boat and discover a world of caverns, rivers and waterfalls.
- Exile yourself on Rathlin Island – Robert the Bruce is said to have been exiled on Northern Ireland’s most northernmost point in 1306. It’s a great place to get away from it all – you’ll find many interesting birds including a colony of puffins who have made it home too. And don’t miss the view from the upside down lighthouse!
- Streamvale – this family-run working dairy farm situated on the edge of Belfast offers a brilliant ‘country in the city’ experience, where you can watch the cows getting milked, hold baby rabbits, chicks and puppies or go on a nature trail where you can get up close to red deer and goats.
