Ireland is simply breathtaking! History, Nature, Food, whatever you are into Ireland has it, this post brings together some of my favourite locations throughout Northern Ireland that I have discovered on my travels with our candles.
Causeway Coast
I will start by mentioning what has probably become my favourite spot along the Causeway Coast, Torr Head. A simply stunning vista of rugged coast and spectacular views over the Mull of Kintyre awaits you at this historical point of significance if you choose to tackle the narrow winding roads that lead you to Torr head. It was used in the 1800s for recording the passage of transatlantic ships, relaying the information back to Lloyds of London. Still today we can see walls and ruins of Altagore Cashel which date back to the sixth century. For me it is just the perfect place to take a leisurely drive along the causeway coast stopping at some of the historical villages on route before arriving at Torr Head where I just love to sit back and watch the waves crashing against Ireland in this tranquil spot.
Glenarm is one of the quint historical villages located on the Causeway Coastal route which you will pass through on your way to Torr Head. It features a castle from 1750 which features stunning gardens that you could spend an entire afternoon just dandering around enjoying some time to relax and unwind. Within Glenarm Castle you will find one of the 10 Game of Thrones doors, made from felled trees at the famous Dark Hedges. Glenarm also claims to be the oldest town in Ulster having been granted a charter in the 12th century.
Dynamic Belfast has put its troubled past behind it and is a city transformed, its streets packed with buzzing bars and great stories, while the coastline beyond boasts spectacular scenery and plenty of great diversions.
James Smart, Lonely Planet
Panoramic Mountain Views
After Torr Head I am never happier than when I am in the Mourne Mountain range, these are the highest and most dramatic mountain range in Northern Ireland with each summit crowned by granite tors(rock formations). The highest of the Mourne Mountains, Slieve Donard, stands at 853m and is approximately a 6 mile return walk, that is well worth it for views of the Isle of Man, Donegal, Wales and Scotland on a clear day, as well as views down over Newcastle. The Mourne Mountains are encircled by the famous 'Mourne Wall', originally built in an effort to keep cattle and sheep out of the water catchment area of the Silent Valley Reservoir. Completed in 1922, it took over 18 years to complete and stands 8ft high and 3ft wide, stretching 22 miles and connects the summits of 15 Mountains in the Mournes. During the 18th and 19th Centuries illegal cargo ships stocked fuill of illicit packages of tobacco, wine, spirits, leather, silk and spices docked at the foot of the Mournes in Newcastle. Smugglers then loaded ponies with these illegal products and trekked through the Mourne Mountains to Hilltown. This route still exists today and is aptly known as "The Brandy Pad". If you are a really avid fan of Mountain hikes and fresh air my personal favourite hike is Slieve Bearnagh, or the Devils Horn's as it is sometimes called by locals is a double peaked mountain standing 739m High. Whilst not as high as Donard I find the views from here simply spectacular on a clear day with 360 degree panoramas available.
I could go on and on and on about more locations that are simply breathtaking but instead I will move on and if you are looking a few more suggestions about some of the places I would recommend visiting if you are into walks, nature and history give me a shout and I would be more than glad to do my best to help out.