Natural Crafts Northern Ireland

Immortalized as the "Royal Road" in the legendary Game of Thrones series, Dark Hedges is a natural site of great mystical beauty, typical of Northern Ireland. Along a small road, this fascinating place owes its beauty to its magnificent hundred-year-old beech trees, whose twisted branches intertwine. It's one of the most photographed roads in the country! The trees were planted in the ^18th century by the Stuart family to impress visitors. Come early in the morning or late in the day for the best light.

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…

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.

To the west of Belfast, about 20 hectares of managed wetland where the biodiversity of the fauna and flora is remarkable and of course protected (prize awarded by Unesco to the Ulster Wildlife Trust for its work). Swans, dragonflies and small freshwater animals in their natural habitat. We walk on a path that sometimes turns into a small wooden bridge. A bucolic outing, ideal for a family outing on a sunny day.

The Divis (478 m) and Black (390 m) mountains jealously watch over West Belfast. These limestone and basalt rocks (1,000 ha) are open to the public and overlook with their changing colors the inhabitants who often refer to them. The site is rich in biodiversity and archaeological sites. The weather changes quite frequently and quickly, so it is necessary to bring appropriate clothing and good shoes. From there, the view is magnificent.