Ulster
Six of Ulster's nine counties, Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone form Northern Ireland, and remain part of the United Kingdom. Three Ulster counties, Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan form part of the Republic of Ireland. Museums, castles, famous cities and natural attractions are waiting for you. From the sea cliffs at Slieve League near Carrick to the Glens of Antrim, Ulster Province has it all.
Things to Do…
Giant’s Causeway
The coastline of County Antrim in Northern Ireland is renowned for its scenic beauty, the Causeway Coast Route, clinging to its edge. The Giant’s Causeway, sitting at the northern end, takes centerpiece, known as the 8th Wonder of the World to many in Ireland and beyond. It is made up of some 40,000 massive black basalt columns sticking out of the sea. The Giant’s Causeway is a place where myth and science meet. Were the spectacular basalt columns formed through the rapid cooling of lava from an underwater volcano, or, as some may say, created by the legendary mythical Irish Giant Finn MacCool?
Belfast
Once a powerful ship-building center, bustling Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland and the birthplace of the infamous doomed ocean liner, RMS Titanic. In recent decades, the peace process and power-sharing government mean that Belfast, along with the rest of Northern Ireland, has undergone a rebirth and remarkable transformation. Expect a warm welcome, a wicked sense of humor, and an enthralling history. Highlights of a visit include the impressive must-see Titanic Quarter. Excellent shopping experiences can be enjoyed at Victoria and Donegal Squares. Other things to see include discovering the city's superb Victorian architecture - be sure to check out the famous Albert Memorial Clock in Queen's Square.
The Dark Hedges
Gracehill House was built in 1775 by King James Stuart, who named it after his wife, Grace Lynd. A beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century and have come to be known as the Dark Hedges. It was intended as a compelling landscape feature to impress visitors as they approached the entrance to the Georgian mansion. Two centuries later, the trees remain a magnificent sight and have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland. In fact, the iconic trees have been used as a filming location in HBO's epic series Game of Thrones, representing the Kingsroad.
Carrick-a-Rede
The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge has woven its way between Carrick Island and the County Antrim mainland for over 250 years. Swaying 30 meters above the ocean might not seem like the most relaxing way to undertake this 20-meter journey, but things have come a long way. Generations of fishermen once relied on Carrick-a-Rede as the best spot for catching salmon. After the fish's migratory patterns changed, the age of fishermen on the island came to an end in 2002. Today, their legacy is an isolated, whitewashed cottage perched on Carrick: the very definition of a precarious location. However, crossing the bridge still requires serious nerve. If you make it, though, you'll be rewarded by stunning views across to Rathlin Island and even Scotland.