Three's the charm
Three days to do as you please... and Northern Ireland is your oyster
So what takes your fancy? From Belfast or the Walled City of Londonderry you can get just about anywhere and still have plenty of time to take in all the activities, sights and relaxation you could wish for. Even get to know the locals. You’ll feel like you’ve had a proper holiday!
Coast with the most
Both the Walled City of Londonderry and Belfast are the gateways to some of the most spectacular scenery Northern Ireland has to offer - the incredible Causeway Coast. Mile after mile of cliffs, expansive beaches and natural and manmade marvels.
In three days you can experience many of the Causeway Coast’s most splendid sights, though you may need extra time if you can’t get enough of water sports such as sea-angling, scuba diving and surfing. Not to mention golf - the Causeway Coast is home to one of Northern Ireland’s most prestigious and scenic courses, right beside the Atlantic breakers. If you’re up for the challenge of a lifetime, Royal Portrush has hosted some of the world’s top championships such as The Senior British Open.
From the Walled City of Londonderry meander up the beautiful Foyle Estuary for breathtaking vistas of Donegal. Heading east you’ll pass some of Northern Ireland’s Blue Flag beaches, as famous for their dramatic settings as their golden sands. With beaches this exceptional it’s not surprising so many of Northern Ireland’s seaside resorts are on the Causeway coast - buzzing Portrush, lively Portstewart and the genteel appeal of Portballintrae. No wonder the Downhill Estate built Mussenden Temple on a clifftop overlooking miles of golden strand.
Once you see the Giant’s Causeway, one of the world’s great natural wonders, you’ll realise that no photo or postcard can do it justice. Just 3 minutes away at Bushmills, you will find the world’s oldest licensed distillery, The Old Bushmills Distillery. Touring and sampling are warmly encouraged! Next on your “To Do” list visit Dunluce Castle perched on a cliff overlookng the Atlantic. Conquer your fear of heights on Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge swinging high above the crashing waves…you can do it!
At Ballycastle, you’ll be faced with a crucial management decision: do I leave the car and cares behind, hop on the ferry to Rathlin Island and spend an utterly peaceful night in a convivial guesthouse amid the birds and the sea views? Or do I press on, round Fair Head and down the hair-raising coast road to the Glens of Antrim? Nine remote and beautiful glens tucked among the mountains, with their own tiny beaches and villages.
Picturesque villages like Cushendun and Cushendall dot the coast.
Armagh & Down
Armagh and Down are mountains, sea, forest, moorland, history, mythology, adventure and abundant craic, all in one beautiful package. No better place for a group of colleagues to forget work for a few days.
The bustling seaside resort of Newcastle nestled between mountains and sea makes a great base for any activities you have in mind. Golf at the Royal County Down, as renowned for its heritage as its stunning location, and recently voted one of the top 10 courses in the world.
Armagh & Down has many excellent outdoor activity centres, geared up to introduce individuals or groups to the thrills of bouldering, hill climbing, pony trekking, mountain boarding, kayaking and more. This breathtaking wilderness has more than its share of Waymarked Ways, forest parks and superb views. Less rugged visitors can get the scenery without the blisters at The Silent Valley.
In a land so rich in traditional heritage and folklore, you’re sure to find festivals. The little towns and villages all take their turn to have a hooley, from the restored fishing harbour of Annalong to the gorgeous towns of Rostrevor and Castlewellan. If you adore the great outdoors, Armagh & Down is the business.