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Northern Ireland is famed worldwide for its outstanding natural beauty. The spectacular and varied coastline, rolling green scenery and evocative mountains, interspersed with areas of wetland and open water, combine to produce a uniquely attractive landscape.
Belfast
In the Belfast area, to the south and west of the city, are hidden winding woodland paths at Collin Glen and Minnowburn, and waterfalls at Lisnabreeny. The Trust has acquired heathland-rich Divis Mountain and the Black Mountain, which can be seen towering above west Belfast, and open to the public this year.
Co Antrim
The only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway needs no introduction, but it is only one part of the beautiful 14-mile North Antrim Cliff Path. The path runs from the Causeway, past the ruins of Dunseverick Castle, through the majestic sweep of Whitepark Bay (car park charge at weekends, BHols and Public Hols May to August), with its sandy beach and backdrop of white chalk cliffs, to the tiny stack of basalt rock, Carrick-a-Rede.
At Larrybane there are good views of seabird colonies, of Rathlin Island and, in good weather, the west coast of Scotland. The distinctive headland of Fair Head rises 190m and gives dramatic views of nearby Murlough Bay and, on a clear day, the Western Isles of Scotland. This is beautiful walking country and full of wildlife, but much of the land is grazed by livestock so dogs must be on leads at all times.
To the south east is Cushleake Mountain, an exceptional example of raised blanket peat bog and home to rare plants and birds, and the delightful coastal village of Cushendun, where there are cottages designed by Clough Williams-Ellis, the architect of Portmeirion in Wales.
On the island of Rathlin the Trust has opened way-marked paths at Ballyconagan, a traditional farm which has remained unchanged for centuries. And at the Trust’s Manor House on the island visitors can enjoy comfortable guesthouse accommodation and excellent cuisine in tranquil surroundings (tel: 028 2076 3964 to book).
At the tiny village of Glenoe near Larne is a spectacular waterfall, while the footpath along Skernaghan Point on the northern tip of Islandmagee leads to the open headland, cliffs, coves and beautiful beaches.
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Co Down
Many of the properties owned by the Trust in Northern Ireland are important for their wildlife interest, offering a wide range of opportunities to enjoy unspoilt habitats and fascinating flora and fauna. Murlough National Nature Reserve, near Newcastle, was Ireland’s first nature reserve (open from May to mid-September daily: 10–6; car £2, minibus £5; tel: 028 4375 1467). The oldest sand dunes here are at least 5,000 years old and the soil ranges from lime-rich to acid, supporting a wide variety of plants, which in turn provide nesting sites for birds in spring.
Nearby are the beautiful Mourne Mountains, where the Trust protects Slieve Donard, Ulster’s highest peak, and from the foot of which there is a path connecting with the Mourne Coastal Path. Further south, at the mouth of Carlingford Lough, are Blockhouse and Green Islands, important breeding locations for terns and leased to the RSPB.
Strangford Lough is one of Europe’s most important wildlife sites. In order to protect this habitat and the interesting birds and animals it supports, the Trust operates a Wildlife Scheme embracing the entire foreshore of the Lough, as well as some 50 islands. Depending on the season, visitors may see vast flocks of wintering wildfowl and nesting birds. Seals, otters and other marine animals can also be seen, as well as interesting flowers. The Strangford Lough Wildlife Centre (tel: 028 4488 1411) is located in the grounds of the Castle Ward Estate and provides exhibitions, leaflets and other information.
The Co Down coastline has much to offer the walker and naturalist, with rocky shore and heathland at Ballymacormick Point and wildfowl, wading birds and gulls at Orlock Point. Offshore is Lighthouse Island, which has a bird observatory and can be visited by arrangement with Mr Neville McKee, 67 Temple Rise, Templepatrick, Co Down (tel: 028 9443 3068). On the outer arm of the Ards Peninsula is the picturesque former fishing village of Kearney (Information Centre and WCs open from 13 March to end September daily: 10–6; 2 to 10 Oct w/ends only: 1–5pm), where the Trust owns 13 houses and from where there are attractive walks to the beach at Knockinelder.
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Co Fermanagh
In the west, the lush valleys and pastures of Co Fermanagh provide a splendid setting for Florence Court and Castle Coole, as well as for the spectacular woodland and wetlands of the Crom Estate around Lough Erne.
Co Londonderry
The dramatic north coast of Counties Londonderry and Antrim includes Portstewart Strand, a 2-mile-long stretch of historic duneland and sandy beach (basic visitor facilities are open here from March to September daily: 10–6, October at weekends: 10–5; car parking £4.50, minibus £12.50. Dogs must be kept on leads during summer months. Tel. 028 7083 6396). Nearby, at the mouth of the River Bann, are the Barmouth and Grangemore Dunes, a wildlife sanctuary with observation hide.
Highlights for visitors with disabilities
Murlough National Nature Reserve offers a boarded walkway to the dunes and beach (strong pusher needed), with wheelchair and adapted WC available in summer. At the Giant’s Causeway a bus service runs to the Causeway stones, equipped with a hoist for wheelchairs; there is also easy access to the shop and tea-room. At Carrick-a-Rede there is a special viewing platform for disabled visitors. A path of nearly a mile around Florence Court allows wheelchair access.
Highlights for families
A hands-on demonstration of 19th-century linen production at Wellbrook Beetling Mill is very popular with all ages, as is watching spades being made at Patterson’s Spade Mill.
The beach at Portstewart Strand is an ideal place for a family day out, with its wardening service and dedicated children’s play areas. Strangford Lough Wildlife Centre at Castle Ward has a theatre showing wildlife films and information, and around the Lough there are many observation points for watching wildlife.
Children will love the spectacular new adventure play parks at Castle Ward and Springhill.
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