TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE THIS SPRING
The number one destination awaits
The spring air has warmed the Irish Sea and there’s never been a better time to set sail for Belfast and explore Lonely Planet’s Number One Region to visit in 2018. So, load up the car and make your road trip across Northern Ireland an adventure to remember! Check out the highlights below and start planning your trip today.
Home of Titanic
The iconic yellow cranes at Harland and Wolff, where the world’s most famous ship was built, are a vibrant invitation to the Titanic Quarter – home of the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2016: Titanic Belfast.
The museum celebrates the city’s shipyard heritage with an unforgettable view high up over the vast shipway. After you’ve explored this fascinating legacy, take a walk along the waterfront by the River Lagan to the Cathedral Quarter, filled with lively pubs and restaurants surrounding the magnificent St Anne’s Cathedral.
Follow the trail of murals, street art, and statues that commemorate Belfast’s most famous sons and daughters, from literary icon, C S Lewis, to football superstar, George Best. For the more daring, go behind the bars of the notorious Crumlin Road Gaol – but beware of the ghosts that lurk inside on the terrifying and tantalising Paranormal Tour.
Open for golfers
The famous Causeway Coastal Route provides thrills and dramatic views and it’s also where some of golf’s most iconic players have graced the Royal Portrush course. After hosting the Irish Open in 2012, the seaside course at Royal Portrush is set for 2019’s Open Championship, so take a swing on the Emerald Isle’s greenest greens in the land of McIlroy, Clarke and McDowell.
A ‘circular’ walk
Take a spectacular drive through the green hills of the Sperrin Mountains and keep a look out for a hidden gem – the Beaghmore Stone Circles. Free to visit, this is an amazing site consisting of seven stone circles dating back to Neolithic times. Nearby, take time to visit the Ulster American Folk Park, an immersive attraction telling the story of the brave emigrants who made the journey across the Atlantic to America hundreds of years ago.
Discover Fermanagh’s Lakelands
County Fermanagh’s lakes feel like a complete escape and a place of true tranquility. A boat trip on the lake is the idyllic way to discover monastic sites on Devenish Island, and the waters are perfect for a morning of kayaking. Take an afternoon exploring Florence Court, an eighteenth-century home set amongst beautiful gardens. You can take a guided tour of the Georgian mansion or walk around the beautiful surrounding areas. You can delve deeper into the underground world at Marble Arch Caves.
A city stopover with a difference
With top class restaurants and lots to see and do, Armagh City is a great base for exploring. St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Planetarium are great places to spend an afternoon. A short drive from the city is Navan Centre and Fort, a fascinating archaeological site. The replica Iron Age dwelling will give insight into the daily lives of people from two thousand years ago. Then, just 30 minutes from the city, Oxford Island Nature Reserve on Lough Neagh is a beautiful place to see birds and other wildlife.
The call of the wild
Hike your way up over 800 metres to the top of Slieve Donard in the Mourne Mountains or head 10 minutes from Newcastle to Castlewellan Forest Park with a spectacular lake perfect for afternoon kayaking, along with a stunning Victorian Castle, scenic walks and mountain bike trails, it’s clear why it’s a local favourite. While the expansive Strangford Lough, with its hundreds of islands, is a designated Marine Nature Reserve. Both Delamont Country Park and Castle Ward are great places for walking trails and views of the lough. Alternatively, take to the water with a relaxing canoe ride and catch a glimpse of the seals, birds and porpoises that make the lough their home. At the top of the lough you’ll find the National Trust-owned Mount Stewart, a neoclassical house with world-class gardens surrounding the property.
Take advantage of the Stena Line spring sale
With the spring sale now on you can enjoy an unforgettable Northern Ireland adventure with Stena Line. Choose from six daily sailings on Stena Superfast and onboard, relax in the best ferry travel experience with comfortable surroundings and attentive service from a crew that cares.
Grab a bite to eat, take in a free movie, enjoy free Wi-Fi, go on a shopping spree or treat yourself to the Pure Nordic Spa, or why not upgrade to the Stena Plus Lounge, or the new comfy and cosy Hygge Recline Lounge.
Book today at stenaline.co.uk/saleon
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