Monuments to visit Northern Ireland

Just outside the city walls of Derry is the Guildhall, a red brick building in the Gothic Revival style. Originally built in 1890, the building was rebuilt after a fire in 1908. It now houses the City Council Chamber and the offices of the Mayor of Derry. However, it is still worthwhile to enter the building, especially to have a look at the beautiful old stained glass windows, telling episodes of Derry's eventful history, and an exhibition on the Plantation in Ulster.

The XVIII domain reflects the heterogeneous and antagonistic tastes of Lord's couple and Lady Bangor for architecture. On the one hand, there is a neo-classical style, and the other is a rather Gothic influence… the differences are quite intriguing to observe between the front façade and the big staircase, as well as the back of the house and the éventail's range of the éventail. You can take tea in the rooms of the castle. Part of the site was used in the shooting of the game Game of Thrones for plans from Winterfell castle, which makes it a pilgrimage place for all fans.

The Carrick-a-Rede Bridge is one of the emblems of Northern Ireland and a great way to discover the region's beautiful coastline. Twenty meters long and 30 meters high above the sea, this bridge of planks and braided ropes connects the coastline to a small island where bird lovers can marvel. This bridge was built by salmon fishermen in 1755, who set their nets here during the migration of the salmon to the west and their native rivers.

It takes about 1 km to walk from the entrance to the site to the rope bridge. The trail is not too difficult and some benches have been provided, making it an accessible attraction. You will have to take stairs a few times, though, so avoid the stroller whenever possible. The view is perhaps one of the most beautiful and rare in Northern Ireland. The cliffs drop steeply into the sea, which here and there gives way to a tiny beach of fine, clear sand only a few square meters wide. The water is of a clarity that reminds us of more distant tropics and does not fail to amaze. If the weather is good, there is also a nice view on Rathlin Island and the Scottish coasts. Beware, victim of its success the site is taken by storm by tourists and it may be that all the tickets of the day are already sold when you arrive on the site. It is therefore necessary to think about taking your tickets in advance online.

In the north of Belfast, the famous prison of Crumlin Road Gaol is also known as HMP Belfast (in English: "Her Majesty's Prisons Belfast"). This prison was built from 1843 to 1845 by the famous English architect and engineer, Charles Lanyon (1813-1889), close to the court and connected to it by a tunnel, and its doors are open again since 2012, but this time for visitors. Visitors who are offered here a real immersion in this important prison in the history of Northern Ireland.

It is estimated that 25,000 prisoners, including political prisoners and members of the IRA during the Troubles, were interned there between 1845 and March 1998, when the prison was closed. The 1998 peace agreement allowed the release of political prisoners.Several Northern Ireland leaders have stayed there and it is now possible to take guided tours to understand the history of the place. Crumlin Road Gaol is today a place of memory of the political confrontations that bloodied Ulster and a real museum of prison life, with reconstructed cells, mannequins of prisoners, collections of shackles and keys, mug shots (anthropometric photographs) of prisoners .... The guided tour also passes by the terrible execution chamber of the prison. Chilling! Be careful, it is better to book a guided tour to be sure to have a place.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...).

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.

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.

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!

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.

Castle built by Sir James Balfour in 1618.

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.

This is an example of a basic Georgian house built in 1774 by a charity. Known as the "poor house", it was intended to provide shelter for those in need. The children were trained in the trades of weaving and spinning, which provided labor for the city's industries (and food for the children...). Now elegantly restored, the house remains a home for the homeless, with organized events and lectures on the theme of trade and industry.

This imposing six-story sandstone building was built in sections between 1899 and 1902. It faces the City Hall and is almost as imposing as it is, with its domes, Corinthian half-pillar façade, pediments, sculptures, sphinxes and bronze dolphins... It was once a place to manage Scottish funds, which were invested in Belfast at the time in commerce and industry. Today, the building houses offices.

These two giant, impressive yellow cranes in Belfast harbor are part of the historic heritage of Northern Ireland's capital and are preserved as such. They have become a veritable symbol of its culture. It's impossible to miss "Samson & Goliath", as they're nicknamed, which are 106 and 96 meters high respectively, and date back to the early 1970s. Despite the closure of the city's shipbuilding yards, these cranes have been carefully preserved and mark the surrounding skyline.