Things to see and do Northern Ireland

The western districts of Belfast were very hard hit by the Troubles and the stigma is still there to testify to it. There are many murals in honor of the fighting units (IRA for the Republicans, UVF/UDA for the Unionists) and the great political figures are glorified. There are many of them in the neighborhoods of Falls Road (Catholic) and Shankill Road (Protestant), which are separated by a huge peace line wall along Cupar Way, to limit relations between communities. Crossing points are set up all along and the doors can be closed if necessary by the authorities. This type of interface is very present in the outskirts of Belfast, but it is still here that the example is the most striking.

Another particularly impressive wall is in East Belfast, separating the Catholic neighborhood of Short Strand from the vast Protestant areas of that part of the city. The tiny Unionist cul-de-sac of Cluan Place is quite sadly and literally walled off to prevent its inhabitants from coming into contact with the Republicans.

The best way to discover this political heritage, sometimes violent, sometimes turned towards peace and the future, is to take one of the famous black cabs for a guided tour. But if you decide to go on foot, the easiest way is to start from the city center and go first on Falls Road, the Republican artery. The Divis Tower marks the entrance to the neighborhood. This breeding ground for Republican resistance was particularly closely watched by British troops, so much so that the top of Divis Tower was topped by a military observation post in the 1970s. At the height of the conflict, it was only accessible by helicopter...

Further on, the murals between Percy Street and Northumberland Street are of great quality. Continuing, we pass the Garden of Remembrance in homage to the IRA volunteers and, at the corner of Sevastopol Street, we can see the paintings of the hunger strikers on the Falls Road library, as well as a huge portrait of the iconic Bobby Sands on the Sinn Féin party building. Turning onto Clonard Street, one reaches the Clonard Monastry, then another memorial honoring the dead of the Troubles, on Bombay Street.

For a complete change of atmosphere, you will have to go to the protestant district of Shankill Road. Here, no more Irish flags, but Union Jacks and banners of armed groups such as the UVF. While going up Shankill Road, one will see many frescos in homage to the paramilitary unionist factions. They commemorate their battles, but also their deaths. At the corner of Crimea Road, a facade covered with portraits of the Queen is almost refreshing, compared to the many images of soldiers and armed men present on the other facades. At the intersection of Argyle Street, a monument commemorates the victims of an IRA attack. While going down Northumberland Street towards Falls Road, we pass again doors and the wall, while seeing many murals of both camps. One joins then easily the city center. Northern Ireland is today presented as an open-air creative space. Since the 1960s and the birth of this mode of expression, nearly 2,000 murals have been recorded in Belfast and Derry.

Old Bushmills is the birthplace of Irish single malt whiskey, enjoyed by whiskey connoisseurs around the world, and the oldest official distillery in the world (1608). The guided tour includes a walk through the premises following the stages of production: brewing, fermentation, distillation, aging, blending, bottling. It ends with a tasting. At the end of the tour, there is a bar/café for lunch (or to continue the tasting of all kinds of Bushmills whiskeys...), as well as a well-stocked souvenir store.

Derry is the only completely fortified city in Ireland. Built between 1613 and 1618, this wall, originally intended to protect the English settlers, is one of the best preserved in the British Isles. The walls, still intact today, which rise to 8 meters high and are 5 meters thick, encircle the city over no less than 1.5 km. They resisted several sieges, the most famous of which lasted 105 days between 1688 and 1689. In the 18th century, the fortifications were transformed into a fashionable promenade, which is still very popular with locals and visitors. Your visit to Derry can start with a walk on the ramparts, which allows you to better appreciate the history of the city, with a beautiful panorama, but also to see, on the west, the Irish flags of the Catholic districts (Bogside) and, on the east, the British flags of the Protestant districts (Waterside), on the other side of the Foyle river.

For the anecdote, this first city in Ireland to have been built according to a plan would have taken for model that of Vitry-le-François, conceived in France in 1545. Since then, it has kept its original layout, with four main streets radiating from the central square, The Diamond, to the four old gates (Shipquay, Ferryquay, Bishop and Butcher Gate). Freely accessible, this is a great idea for a walk to start your visit of this famous Northern Irish city.

The City Hall is the city hall of Northern Ireland's capital city,and is certainly the most famous building in Belfast. It is amagnificent Edwardian building, completed in 1906, was erected to establish the grandeur of the city, with a 53m dome. The Renaissance-inspired building of white Portland stone has figures above the door celebrating the city's commerce and arts. The entrance hall is paved with marble and the dome inside is painted in the style of St Paul's Cathedral in London.

Famous university of the city, it is a beautiful building of dark red brick and yellow sandstone, with a cloister of neo-medieval style, inspired by the Tudor style. Built in 1849, this faculty is one of the most prestigious institutions in Great Britain. The Queen's Welcome Centre is a souvenir store and a well-documented tourist information center about Belfast and Northern Ireland. It is possible to enter the Lanyon Building to see the Great Hall and the Naughton Gallery, and walk in the gardens on the other side.

Owned by the MacDonnell family in the 16th and 17th centuries, Dunluce Castle has been etching a page of history on this rock since 1639, suspended between sky and sea on a peninsular point... For movie buffs, Dunluce Castle was the filming location for Game of Thrones and the movie The World of Narnia. On a clear day, you can even see Scotland, right in front of you. All the rooms of this unique castle have their own identity and offer, through the lace-like stones, views over the sea.

Very dynamic office with free French-language documentation in Derry. Exchange desk service, tours of tours, guided tours, overnight stays… Information about Northern Ireland.

A hiking trail starts on the left of the Donard car park along the river. Then, you must always pass through the river to a stone bridge that crosses to the left. The river is always located on the right and runs through the forest, forming cascades and water. The itinerary goes up, and it can be interesting to think of putting a bathing suit in his bag to bathe in hot weather in one of the many water deductions that underpin the road! The route is quite obvious, the only hesitation that can be found in a sign that indicates the Forest Service Glen River Track and where you go down an asphalt road. At that point, you must take the bridge on the right and turn on the left, where there are steps. After a 15-minute walk, you can find the Ice House, a picturesque circular stone circular cahute built in the 20 th century, to keep food covered by ice. The stony trail on the right, behind the sign, leads there. It is then in a lush, picturesque valley, where a river vigoureusement through the rocks, with the backdrop of the Mourne mountains. We already see a segment of the wall that runs along the ridge of the twelve mountains. Why have we undertaken this mammoth work? The assumptions issued are as follows: to prevent sheep from drowning in lakes that lie at the bottom of the mountains and give themselves work to do at the time of the Great Famine in order to escape the madness or débauche of the désoeuvrement… By turning its back to the mountains, one also has a splendid view on the bay of Newcastle framed with dark pines. By passing the Ice House and continuing straight away, you can reach the foot of the Slieve Donard. From here, 20 min are still at least necessary to climb it, but the views, from here, are already extraordinary…

This clock tower was built between 1865 and 1870 by the Irish architect William Joseph Barre in memory of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband (who died in 1862). It is 43 m high and contains a two-ton bell, as well as the statue of the Prince Consort visible on the west façade. The style is said to be of Gothic influence, both French and Italian. Located not far from Customs House and the River Lagan, the clock square was once famous for its prostitutes who waited for sailors at the end of the day.

Visit Belfast is an excellent tourist office, with huge, well-stocked offices. You'll find paper and digital information on the whole of Northern Ireland, as well as on the whole country. There's also a store where you can pick up a few souvenirs of your Northern Ireland escapade. A recommended stop-off before your visit. You'll find all the brochures and documentation you need to organize your stay.

This office is a good base after Belfast to document itself, when we start talking about the Antrim Coast for the North.

The museum, also located on the spot, presents the city's history with a collection of vintage objects. Former firefighter's car, costumes and utensils culminating in the turbulent times of Carrickfergus with the th century invasions, Cromwell countryside, American colonies…

The Glenariff Forest Park covers 1 185 ha and is famous for its postcard, Servicio-Na-Laragh. It is less than 1 km from the entrance, after a wooden path that winds over the river. Other routes are marked (4 paths up to 9 km) in the humid forest rich in biodiversity, alternating gorges and valleys, waterfalls and rocks. Departure also from the Moyle Way which crosses the mountain to Ballycastle (25 km).

On the south-east coast of the village, just a little hundred meters from the last houses, these caves formed more than 400 million years ago. There is a small way to go and the fans of the Game game Game of Thrones will take a look at it, as it was one of the shooting sites in Northern Ireland.

The castle of Carrickfergus is very impressive given the port and one of its first functions is well understood: defend the small town against the invaders. Despite 750 years of various military occupations, the building still dominates the horizon and watches at the entrance to Belfast Lough. It is remarkably well preserved, at least from construction in the th and th centuries. Some exterior walls and the polychrome échauguettes of the XIV, but nothing is safe, and other very old parts would have collapsed in the sea.
The central dungeon was erected in 1177 by Jean de Courcy (30 m high, thick walls between 5 and 3 m) after the Ulster Norman invasion. The fortifications were built between 1225 and 1250. The Norman and then English occupations succeeded. In the th century, Carrickfergus was the only place in Northern Ireland where English was spoken. The only access to the castle is the bridge and a visitor centre is right on the right. Models stored on the course help to imagine the living between the walls during the visit.

This original work, created in 1999 by local artist John Kindness to mark the regeneration of the Lagan River (previously too polluted for fish to swim in), features a 10-meter-long salmon made of more or less blue ceramic and engraved with text telling the story of Belfast. Standing on the edge of the Lagan River, not far from the Albert Memorial Clock and the Customs House, the "big fish" fits perfectly into the skyline of new Belfast. A must-see if you're ever in the area.

Pavarotti made his debut there, Van Morrison recorded a live album in 1984 and Sarah Bernhardt, Orson Welles, Laurel and Hardy had already performed there long before... Grand Opera House, the largest theater in Northern Ireland, has been a fixture on the Belfast cultural scene since 1895. The building is a mixture of Victorian style with its red bricks and oriental influenced decorative elements with its minarets (English architect Frank Matcham). The theater hosts the greatest shows (ballets, operas, musicals ...).

In the heart of the botanical garden, the Ulster Museum is a superb museum not to be missed. Although walking through the museum is a bit like trying to find your way through a maze, it is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Northern Ireland's past, in all its extraordinary diversity and richness. Glass and steel walkways allow visitors to move around the central atrium and to view some of the exhibits, as well as the museum from different angles and dimensions depending on the location and the floor they are on. Collections include archaeological pieces from the Stone Age to the late Middle Ages, Irish paintings from the 17th to the 20th century, a natural history gallery with many stuffed animals, objects from the world's cultures... The fossil of the dinosaur Edmontosaurus is undoubtedly a masterpiece, the mummy of Princess Takabuti of Thebes (the first mummy to be exhibited to the public outside of Egypt in 1835), 2,500 years old, is also a must-see and fits into the theme of life and death in ancient Egypt. The section on the Troubles will fascinate anyone who wants to know more about this terrible period. It will also prevent you from making the slightest mistake in discussing the subject during your stay. The "stop and think" panels are very well laid out and allow questions to be raised and debates to be launched. This part is organised in chronological order and offers a new vision of the conflict, different from the one relayed by the media.

The Ulster Museum is a lively and interactive museum, full of re-enactments and videos, and with many dynamic scenographies. Everyone can find an interest, a subject that fascinates them, whether it be history, art or science, and one can easily spend several hours there. One can easily spend several hours there. One can move from one era, field and century to another, like a journey through time. Everything about Northern Ireland is brought together in one place and the bridges between the subjects are particularly pleasing. After discovering the history of the country in the first floors, we discover Northern Ireland and its significant events in painting through the paintings of great masters of the country. This is a great museum to do with children, as each part of the museum has a specially designed room where they can handle objects, experiment and have fun.

Located in the heart of West Belfast, Colin Glen Forest Park is the city's green lung (100 ha), comprising woodland and meadow, waterfalls and ponds set around a river and undulating ground rich in biodiversity. Small paths lead to both sides, with explanations on the vegetation, birds and fauna related to a wet environment) along the way. Legends and myths are rooted in these woods along the river. An interesting idea for a walk with children.

Belleek pottery has been in operation since 1857 and cultivates the same craftsmanship that is the key to its success around the world. Belleek baskets are a collector's delight, hand-woven and decorated with fine painted flowers. The Belleek porcelain trademark is recognizable and is often admired in museums in Ireland. A visit to the pottery allows you to observe the craftsmen at work in the exercise of their meticulous work and to understand the different stages until the finished object, on sale in the store.

The current Anglican cathedral replaced the old building, which dated from 1776 and was destroyed. The reconstruction took place in several stages, from 1899 until 2007, when a stainless steel spire was added to the bell tower. Meanwhile a Celtic cross (the largest in Ireland) was incorporated into the pediment and dedicated to the victims of the First World War. It is also the burial place of the Unionist Edward Carson (1854-1935), one of those who worked for peace. The monument is in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter and gave it its name.

Located below Cave Hill, Belfast Castle was built in 1870 by the third Marquess of Donegall in the style of the Scottish barons' houses. It also offers a splendid view on the city and the lake of Belfast by its height (100 m above the sea). The Shaftesburye family, thanks to a marriage, then inherited the site which was offered to the city in 1934. In Italian Renaissance style, it has a magnificent exterior spiral staircase where newlyweds now come to have their picture taken.

Coiste organizes "political" tours of West Belfast's Republican neighborhoods by former Republican political prisoner guides. Many tours. Falls Road Mural Tour, to see the Falls Road murals. The Ballymurphy Story: an IRA stronghold during the conflict in which the population actively supported the IRA, a very personal tour by a guide who grew up in this neighborhood. Milltown Cemetery: the cemetery where all the great figures in the history of Irish Republicanism are buried. City Cemetery: another place where many heroes of the republican cause have found their final resting place. United Irishmen: a visit that looks back at the 1798 revolt of the United Irishmen Society for Irish independence. This society gave birth to Irish Republicanism as we know it today.

Another joint tour with a loyalist organization in Shankill Road. This tour involves 1.5 hours in the Falls Road area with a Republican guide and 1.5 hours in the Shankill area with a Loyalist guide. This is a unique opportunity to hear two versions of the recent conflict from people who were actively involved. These tours connect history and personal stories. The guides do not offer "the truth" about the events, but simply their view. Coiste Irish Political Tours is a social enterprise that works to defend the rights and reintegrate former political prisoners.

An open-top bus that takes you on a 90-minute, 8 km tour of the city, taking in the Titanic Quarter, Stormont, Shankill and Falls Road, Queen's Quarter and Clifton Street. Visitors can hop on and off the bus as they please to better appreciate the different sites and neighborhoods. During the journey, a guide tells you the history of the city through a microphone, with anecdotes, some funny (it seems, but you have to understand the Irish accent and humor for that!) and some not so funny.

The comprehensive museum presents the history of the city of Derry, from prehistory to the present day, as well as a section dedicated to The Derry Girls series. Upstairs is a second exhibition on the Invincible Armada, an ancient galleon wreck found not far from the Northern Irish city. The episode dates back to 1588, when Philip II of Spain decided to invade England to restore Catholicism. But as the Spanish fleet approached the coast, the ships capsized. Pieces recovered from the galleon are on display.

Downhill Demesne: this neo-classical palace was built in the 18th century by the Earl and Bishop of Derry, Frederick Hervey, on the heights of Castlerock. Magnificent and excessive at the time - it was one of the largest in Ulster -, it is now in ruins and opens its gaping arches on the sky and the ocean. However, it gives off a ghostly and theatrical atmosphere that is quite fascinating. It is a must to go and soak up this magical atmosphere!

Mussenden Temple : opposite Downhill Demesne, Mussenden Temple is a small circular temple, still standing today. It was built in the perspective of the palace, at the edge of the cliff, about fifty meters above the sea. Following the cliff on the right, we arrive at the Black Glenn and Pond, an oasis of greenery obtained by a dam having retained sea water to form an artificial piece of water. We can see, in low angle, the crenellations of the stone belvedere, camouflaged under a thick foliage. You can then go back up to it, and continue exploring this park full of trees and plants of different species. In good weather, the visit is really an enchantment for the walkers. Not to be missed!

Hezlett House: 17th century Irish cottage, one of the few still intact in Northern Ireland. Furnished with rustic Victorian furniture, it has an elegant and rustic atmosphere.

This natural park is a worthwhile excursion in the countryside east of Derry. It has wonderful old mills and money-laundering meadows, remnants of the flax industry, once flourishing in the valley. It was the first hydroelectric plant in Ulster (it opened its doors in 1886). Roe Valley is a popular place and walkers can learn about biodiversity and local history during the various courses. The centre visitor is a ecomuseum that explains the fauna and flora of the region.

55 ha of forest whose main attraction is the highest waterfall in Ulster. Marked and constructed paths, wooden bridges that circulate in a tree and moss vegetation.

Opened in 2007 by the Bloody Sunday Trust organization, and expanded in 2017, this museum is located in Free Derry, a self-proclaimed nationalist enclave between 1969 and 1972, in the historically charged Bogside neighborhood. It is a must-see for anyone wishing to understand and delve into the city's recent history and, by extension, the complicated history of Northern Ireland. It traces the historical and political context in which the neighborhood was born and puts Derry's past and the recent drama of Bloody Sunday in 1972 into perspective.

The event that set off the fire was the commemoration, in 1969, of the Apprentice Boys episode, which itself dates back to the 17th century and relates to the siege of the city by the Protestants, to fight against the arrival of a Catholic military garrison. In an already tense political climate, the passage of the procession near Bogside was considered a provocation by its inhabitants. Hostilities began, in an atmosphere of guerrilla warfare and barricades. The next day, soldiers of the British army were sent to guard the place, which only made the situation worse. This escalation culminated a few years later in the tragedy known as Bloody Sunday. A particularly striking piece in the museum is the film William McKinney made from the roof of a building that day. Surprised with his camera, he was killed on the spot. A museum, like a place of memory, obviously touching, hard too, but essential to the understanding of the neighborhood, the city and the country. The Museum of Free Derry was really necessary to restore the order of things and the truth. The deep and moving purpose of this museum is also to free the word and educate the public so that such events do not happen again and the truth is never suppressed in this way. The panels at the end of the exhibition on the role of the press in the treatment of Bloody Sunday are chilling and thought-provoking. We must go beyond appearances, keep our critical mind and defend above all justice and freedom. This is the vital message of the museum. To visit it at best, you can download an application to get explanations in French. It is a very interactive museum with archival videos, audio testimonies of survivors. Don't hesitate to ask questions to the museum staff, most of whom have lived through these events and will be happy to explain them to you in the most accurate way possible.

The Armagh Panetarium dome is a true three-dimensional digital theater. The planetarium's projection system perfectly recreates the beauty of the night sky and will delight the whole family. The show offers views of the planets, stars and constellations with panoramic scenes projected at 360°. Near the observatory, you can also enjoy exhibitions and audiovisual presentations related to astronomy. A visit that will delight astronomy enthusiasts.

At the foot of the hill is the information center. The building with the glass entrance proposes an interactive presentation of the life of the saint who would be buried not far from there (the scholars still discuss this probability). There is a 20-minute Imax projection of St. Patrick's journey through Irish history and an art gallery with painted scenes of his life, as well as objects related to him. There is also a craft store and a restaurant, which opens onto a garden.

Just 20 minutes from the city center is this unspoiled and protected natural area with its caves and cliffs, its biodiversity and prehistoric sites, its circular fort and its hill that is said to resemble Napoleon's nose! Cave Hill is 368 meters high and, on a clear day, it is possible to see the Mourne Mountains, Strangford Lough and the important buildings of Belfast. For walks, there are signposts from the castle parking lot. It is possible to walk to the zoo, the castle and Cave Hill.

The Belfast Botanic Gardens are a true institution and have existed since 1828. They are the result of a Victorian passion for horticulture and particularly exotic plants, with large beds of green herbs ideal for families and students who regularly come to walk around. On site: large majestic trees, a labyrinth of roses, landscaped areas to stroll while enjoying nature ... Outdoor concerts are also organized. You can also visit the Palm House of 1839, which is the bold work for the time of Charles Lanyon and Richard Turner. It is an imposing greenhouse of cast iron and glass with a magnificent dome of curved glass under which tropical plants live. It has a charming old-fashioned feel to it, and inside the plants radiate in a most pleasingly organized jumble. You can also come and see Tropical Ravine, a smaller greenhouse with a simple design, carefully preserving a collection of old varieties of plants (lilies, orchids, banana trees...) that you can discover from an elevated walkway. The Tropical Ravine was recently completely restored and offers new educational panels on flowers and fruits, ideal for children. A walk in the botanical gardens is a must in Belfast, you will spend a great time among the plants. In the spring, the tulips shine by hundreds, coloring the flowerbeds in the most beautiful way.

Outside the city, on the road to Killylea, Navan Fort, also known as Emain Macha, is the main archaeological site in Ulster. It was the legendary capital of the ancient kings of Ulster 6,000 years ago. The visitor center explains its history and legends, as well as the work of archaeologists. It is one of the best museums in Ireland. Airy, warm, well laid out, maps, panels and audio explanations in several languages including French; this is a museum that, at the end of the visit, does not make your head hurt!

Between the th and th centuries, the economy of the Ulster region was based on the flax industry. It teaches that beetling is the last operation in the manufacture of flax: the fabric is hammered with pilon to give it a united and glossy finish. The beetles (drumsticks) of the Filature spinning have been restored.

We visit the family house of the ancestors of Andrei Simpson Grant, 18 ^th President of the United States (1869-1877), completely remodelled as a genuine farm of times, only the furniture is not original.

TheCuilcagh Lakelands Geopark (ex-Marble Arch Caves), protected by Unesco, are among the most beautiful caves in Europe. Extending over 11.5 km, these caves are the longest in the country. The 1 hour and 15 minute tour, accompanied by guides, begins with an underground boat ride to admire the stalactites and stalagmites. This is followed by a walking tour of a series of limestone caves. The visit ends with a trip along an underground river on boats.

Castle built by Sir James Balfour in 1618.

In Killadeas is Bishop's Stone, a stone carved between the th and th centuries, representing the transition between pagan and Christian culture, with one side and the other a bishop.

Built in the 15th century, this Anglo-Norman style castle was a stronghold of the Gaelic Maguire chiefs, then a Plantation era stronghold and finally a barracks for an infantry regiment. Now transformed into two museums, the castle houses exhibits on the history, wildlife and landscape of County Fermanagh, and an exhibit on Enniskillen's military past. Cross the Castle Bridge to the other side and enjoy the view.

Museum where you can see a beautiful collection of printing presses dating from the th century and a film depicting the history of printing.

Here, we propose a walk on Queen's Island where the shipyards that built, among others, the mythical Titanic are located. The tour includes a visit to the Harland & Wolff cranes, a tour of the buildings where the architects drew up the plans for the Titanic, the possibility of walking on the bridge where the Titanic was born (the famous Titanic's Dock), as well as a visit to the Pump-House and the screening of a film (with a half-hour break for lunch at the Pump-House café; please note that this is not included in the price).

Gallery of contemporary photography with a quality program. The management wishes to promote exhibitions on topical, political or social issues, in a committed approach that goes back to its origins. Indeed, the gallery was founded in 1983 by local photographers to represent the conflicts experienced in Belfast from the inside, and not from the media point of view. Today, it features both renowned international artists and art students. Over half a million photographs are archived here.

Located right next to the cathedral, this tiny museum commemorates the role of the cities of Belfast and Derry in the First and Second World Wars. There are archival images to view on screens, following an interactive index that categorizes them by theme. An important section is also dedicated to the American army, which came to help the Irish. Don't hesitate to talk to the museum staff who will be happy to explain it to you. Events are also regularly organized here.

Looking for authenticity? This artisan micro-brewery, located 20 minutes from the center of Belfast, carefully crafts remarkable beers, a far cry from the world's big brewers. You'll be able to buy some on the spot, after a full 45-minute tour of the history of this first independent brewery in Ireland, which opened 40 years ago, and the different brewing techniques involved. A good idea, as Hilden beer is rarely found in the shops. A little extra at the end of the visit: a tasting of 3 beers of your choice from the 8 on offer!

The Giant's Ring Dolmen is a tomb composed of five upright stones and one large corner stone, in the center of a vast circle of almost perfect earthwork and about 200 meters in diameter. "The Giant's Ring is believed to date from the Neolithic period, around 2700 BC.

Giant's Ring Trail : it's a marked trail of about 1h30 (5 km) which starts from the Minnowburn parking lot, not far from Shaw's bridge, and which leads you to the dolmen with spectacular views over the Lagan valley. Not to be missed to stretch your legs.

Around 432, Saint Patrick was busy converting pagans by the thousands. His charisma was such that a local chief gave him a barn(sabball) to live in while he was in the Strangford Lough area. It is now known as Saul's church and was rebuilt in the 12th century after it was burned by the Vikings. To the north, on the top of a hill (called Slieve Patrick), stands the world's largest statue of St. Patrick. A charming spot, from where one can enjoy beautiful views of the lake

The splendid ruins of Grey Abbey, founded in 1193, are among the finest examples of Anglo-Norman architecture in Northern Ireland and can be the object of a pleasant and bucolic walk. The Cistercian monks also had a great knowledge of plants and their benefits. In this elegant setting, an aromatic garden has been reconstituted by an association of villagers next to the ruined building, with more than forty medicinal essences. A visit not to be missed if one passes in the area!

Music, theater, dance and art, Belfast's Metropolitan Art Centre (MAC) is a year-round arts venue in Northern Ireland's capital. It houses two performance spaces, three art galleries, a rehearsal space and a dance studio... Artists, both local and international, have here a place of expression and amateurs are delighted. The program, very varied and provided, can be consulted on line. The contemporary art exhibitions can be a bit surprising!

If you are interested in gastronomy, this agency may well interest you. It offers visits on the theme of food, terroir, whiskey, gin and beer. Everything you need to know to get the most out of Northern Ireland's gastronomy and specialities. They are best known for their 4-hour Belfast Food Tour, a full gastronomic tour that has already won awards and will take you to discover local producers at St George's Market, traditional pubs and good restaurants in the city. On the programme, you will drink and eat more than 25 of the best local dishes and drinks. They even have a French guide!

It is the seat of the government of Northern Ireland. This huge white building in neoclassical style was erected in 1932 according to the plans of Sir Arnold Thornely, who was knighted by George V for his architectural talents. The beautiful symmetry of the building and its six entrance columns beautifully dominate the vast, freely accessible park. Visits are possible to discover the entrails of this place with an eventful history, a pillar of reconciliation between Republicans and Protestants.