Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest
Northern Ireland is divided into the following six counties: Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, and Tyrone. While each county has its own attractions and opportunities for the traveler, together they present the rich heritage of Northern Ireland.
Antrim County offers a high paced, yet historical visit for any traveler.
? One highlight is the capital city of Belfast. It is widely known for St. Annes Cathedral, formerly known as Belfast Cathedral. Built between 1899 and 1927 it has beautiful mosaic work in the ceiling. In fact, the baptistery roof is composed of 150,000 pieces of glass.
? Another popular place in Belfast is the Crown Liquor Saloon. This saloon, an attractive Victorian building, was originally a railway tavern. It has magnificently survived the years, and today it is owned by the National Trust. However that didnt stop this gin palace from functioning. It is still open daily during the permitted hours.
? The Odyssey Arena is an interactive science and technology center that includes shops and restaurants in the Sheridan Pavilion.
? Friday mornings bring about the bustle of St. Georges Market where you can find fish, vegetables, and an assortment of other goods.
? If you are looking for spectacular scenic views, head to the Giants Causeway along the north Antrim coast. This is possibly the most widely know tourist attraction in Northern Ireland. Along the coastline, thousands of hexagonal basalt columns rise from the water creating a look all of its own between Port Ganny and Port Noffer. The causeways are now considered to be a World Heritage Site and the Visitor Center is the place to start.
If you prefer the quiet solitude of nature over the busy city, head to Armagh County.
? A visit to the Peatlands of Lough Neagh is a must for any outdoor enthusiast. The Lough Neagh is the largest fresh water lake in the British Isles, and is said to be created by Finn McCool the legendary giant. He scooped up the land and threw it at his Scottish foe, however missing him; the land fell into the Irish Sea creating the Isle of Man.
? The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre offers home cooking, a craft and gift shop, as well as more information for the tourist about the area.
? Also, be sure to visit the Peatlands Park. In 1901, the Irish Peat Development Company acquired the land, which is now a natural reserve to protect the bog environment.
? Traveling a few miles eastward from the park, you will find a blue plaque acknowledging the ancestral home of American Civil War General Stonewall Jackson.
The county of Down lies along the eastern coastline and is said to be where St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland, first landed.
? St. Patrick set up a Catholic Church in Saul and was later buried in Downpatrick. His supposed burial site is said to be under the great cathedral, as opposed to beneath the immense boulder that bears his name in the graveyard.
? During your stay in Down, you can also tour some fantastic castles. The Audleys Castle was built in the 15th century and offers exquisite views from the rooftop.
? About 1 mile away is the Audleystown Cairn. This burial mound has eight chambers that contain Stone Age skeletons buried with pottery and flint.
? The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust runs Castle Espie. Visitors can view ducks, geese, and swans, as well as other exotic species of wildfowl.
The County of Fermanagh offers a unique historic perspective and some incredible ruins.
? You can visit Boa Island and the great double-faced stone sculpture. It is said to be a Celtic idol, however the purpose is still unknown. The heart-shaped faces are roughly cemented onto a three-foot high stone. The arms of the statues are crossed beneath the faces and there is a shallow depression that fills with water on top.
? Nearby, there is a smaller sculpture, again with two faces. However, the features are considered to be more feminine with fuller lips and slightly plumper arms. These sculptures are thought to date back to the prehistoric Iron Age.
Londonderry, otherwise known as the Maiden City, stands on the River Foyle.
? The Foyle Valley Railway Centre is a magnificent replica of the past. You can even take a trip on one of the diesel cars from 1934. The car runs on a mile long length of scenic track along the river.
? Not far from Londonderry is the city of Ballyarnet. A visit to Ballyarnet is a must for any history buff. It was here in 1932, that Amelia Earhart landed her plane and where you can now find the Amelia Earhart Cottage. This site was constructed to honor her famous flight across the Atlantic.
If its fortunes you seek, head to Tyrone.
? Throughout the years there have been periodic outbreaks of goldrush fever in the Gortin-Plumbridge region of the Sperrin Mountains. While, anyone has yet to make their fortune here, it is said to be one of the largest commercial gold finds in Western Europe.
? To find out more about the history and geological environment, stop by the Sperrin Heritage Centre.
Northern Ireland is rich in history and full of unique sites and activities. But most importantly, no matter what county you visit, you will be able to find the rolling green hills and magnificent landscapes that have come to characterize Northern Ireland.
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