Newtownabbey Tourist Attractions: 6 Top Places to Visit
Planning to visit Newtownabbey? Check out our Newtownabbey Travel Guide video and see top most Tourist Attractions in Newtownabbey.
Top Places to visit in Newtownabbey:
Jordanstown Loughshore Park, Belfast Zoo, War Years Remembered, Sentry Hill Historic House, Ballyrobert Cottage Garden and Nursery, Hazelbank Park
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Portrush, Northern Ireland: Seaside Resort
More info about travel to Portrush: Portrush is Northern Ireland's favorite resort, filled with family-oriented amusements, fun eateries and cheap and cheery B and Bs.
For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit
Exploring The Town Of Carrickfergus - Northern Ireland - Carrickfergus Attractions / Castle & Town
Are you trying to explore Northern Ireland and visit most of its towns to see the beauty of it? Let's take you through a small tour this time where you could know more about Carrickfergus and the things you could do there.
Carrickfergus is a large town in county Antrim, Northern Ireland that is sometimes also referred to as Carrick and it is actually the oldest town in county Antrim and one of the oldest when it comes to Northern Ireland as a whole. Carrickfergus sits on the north shore of Belfast Lough and it is a town land of 65 acre, a civil parish and a barony.
From where did the name Carrickfergus actually come? It is believed that the name of this town in Northern Ireland comes from Fergus Mor (Fergus the Great), the legendary king of Dál Riata. Back in time, Carrickfergus actually predated Belfast which is now the capital of Northern Ireland and it was even considered larger than the nearby city. The interesting thing is that back in time, Carrickfergus and the surrounding area was actually treated as a separate county back in the old days. (
One of the top landmarks of Carrickfergus town is Carrickfergus Castle, which was built back by John de Courcy, the Anglo-Norman knight who invaded Ulster and established his headquarters. This castle is built on the rock of Fergus and it is known as one of the best preserved Norman castles in Ireland. (
Carrickfergus Castle is considered the most famous when it comes to the attractions and landmarks of this town, but there are a couple of things to be kept in mind for those visiting it in order not to leave without checking them. The castle will stand on top of the list, but there is also Belfast Lough and sitting just by it, there is Ulster Folk and Transport Museum ( there is also Flame Gasworks and Shaftesbury Park.
Walking through the streets of the town could get you introduced to some other important attractions found there, such as Carrickfergus Marina, The Knights statue, U.S. Rangers Centre and Carrickfergus Town Walls.
Being a famous big town found in Northern Ireland and having different landmarks that call out for the visitors to go to and check, we have to mention that Carrickfergus has also left its mark on a song that was also named Carrickfergus. Carrickfergus song was released in 1965 and was first recorded under the name The Kerry Boatman by Dominic Behan on an LP called The Irish Rover. This song was recorded one more time afterwards by the Clancy brothers.
The meaning of the name Carrickfergus is rock of Fergus and this goes back to King Fergus who was the one to find Carrickfergus and who was shipwrecked off the coast at a strategic position on a rocky spur above the harbour, and that is exactly where Carrickfergus Castle is actually located now, the castle that played a great role in the history of Northern Ireland.
This is one of the different suggested ideas that we are offering for those coming to Northern Ireland and want to make a different plan and visit different towns, not just the capital city Belfast ( From the other suggested places that we would like to offer and recommend, there is Armagh City ( there is Lisburn City ( there is Bushmills Town ( there is Portadown Town ( there is also Carnlough fishing village ( there is Letterkenny which is also known as the Cathedral Town ( and lots of other towns and cities which are scattered all around Northern Ireland and which every single one of them is calling out for visitors in its own way and with its different attractions.
Every single country you are travelling to has its towns and cities which are attracting the tourists and visitors to them and that is exactly the same reason why planning for a trip and digging deep behind the places that might not be that famous is considered one important thing to do and always keep in mind.
On our channel, you will find lots of recommended places that one could go to in Northern Ireland to make a trip more significant. These places include cities, towns, landmarks, festivals and every other thing that might be considered part of Northern Ireland.
Have you ever been to Carrickfergus in Northern Ireland before? Did you know about Carrickfergus song or have you ever been to Carrickfergus Castle? Let us know more about your stories in this old town. If its your first time to know all this information, then put it in your plan.
Exploring The Town Of Carrickfergus - Northern Ireland - Carrickfergus Attractions / Castle & Town
Bushmills Inn, Co. Antrim, Ireland, hotel room tour
The Bushmills Inn is a charming 17th century lodge in the heart of Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast. Here I share a look inside one of the luxury four star hotel's rooms
Filmed with GoPro Hero4 Silver. Adventures All Around stayed as a guest of Visit Ireland and the Bushmills Inn and travelled with British Airways.
Giant's Causeway - County Antrim, Northern Ireland - GOT
Northern Ireland is filled with different touristic places that one could visit and in addition to that, some of these places became famous for appearing in Game of Thrones movie series that gained lots of fans when it was first aired. Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland is the destination which we visited this time (
The Giant's Causeway is located in county Antrim on the north coast of Northern Ireland, which is about three miles northeast of the town of Bushmills. This place, the Giant's Causeway, is the result of an ancient volcanic eruption that led to the appearance of this area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that give this shape at the end and turn this place into a touristic area for visitors to come and see this wonder.
A lot of people tend to visit this place for the history it carries behind and for the way it was created and brought into this world, but there are those who only new about its existence and even considered visiting it after the scenes it appeared at in the Game of Thrones movie - since lots of people fell in love with that movie series which almost all its scenes were filmed in Northern Ireland.
The Giant's Causeway was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 and also a national nature reserve in 1987 by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland, it is also considered the fourth greatest natural wonder in the United Kingdom - these are enough reasons to give people the permission to consider this place one of the destinations in the list of places that one should visit when it comes to Northern Ireland (
This place is so natural - there aren't any rooms or museums for one to check - but it is all about seeing those rocks and the shapes they form and at the same time get to enjoy the sea breeze. The tops of those columns form stepping stones which people tend to climb during their visit, these stepping stones lead from the cliff foot and disappear under the sea. The shapes of most of those columns are hexagonal although there are also those ones with four, five, seven, and even eight sides. The tallest of these rocks or columns reaches 12 meters high and the solidified lava in the cliffs is 28 meters thick in places (
There is a new visitor center for the Giant's Causeway that was opened back in 2012 after the old one was burnt down in order to welcome the visitors to the place and give them the chance to know more about it.
There are some structures in the place which due to standing in the same way for all those years have been given specific names since they tend to resemble specific shapes when they are looked at. From those objects, there is the Organ and Giant's Boot structures and there are also other different features that might include the reddish, withered low columns which are known as the Giant's Eyes, there's also the Shepherd's Steps, the Honeycomb, the Giant's Harp, the Chimney Stacks, the Giant's Gate, as well as the Camel's Hump.
Hearing about this place might sound a not-so-much-astonishing thing for lots of people but when it comes to experiencing it all in real, it will seem different and really amazing for the eye to see - which was the reason why we have been there several times and every single time we tend to fall in love with it even more.
If you decided to go and visit the Giant's Causeway then this tour should be always prepared and planned for in the most right way possible and one should pass by those other famous destinations that are located close enough. From those places which are placed close to Giant's Causeway, there is the Portballintrae where some beautiful beaches are found such as the Runkerry Beach ( and people could also head to Bushmills towns which is just next to the Giant's Causeway and see what this beautiful town has to offer them (
This 60 million year old story of science deserves one to visit it in order to listen to the story and myth told about it which involved an Irish giant man called Finn McCool who was having a trouble with someone threatening Ireland across the water so he decided to grab chunks of the Antrim coast and throw them into the sea to form a path through which he could reach that Scottish Giant Benandonner and teach him a lesson. Unfortunately, that Scottish was massive and thus Finn retreated and was rescued by his wife.
Although this story is believed by lots and lots of people, it is important that every single visitor see and hear the two different sides of the coin; the story and scientific part, and then choose which one of them to believe and which one to keep in mind and tell to other people.
The best locations around Ireland / Northern Ireland and further afield. A travel blog/vlog of the hidden treasures that are on our doorstep.
Whiterocks Beach Portrush - County Antrim Northern Ireland
White Rock Beach is one of the beaches in Portrush - close to Portstewart as well. If taking the coastal route or in Portrush - definitely check out Whiterock beach. Definitely in the top 2 beaches in the Portrush area. Agree? :-) (
White Rock - or Whiterocks - Beach is one of the different beaches that is located in Portrush, county Antrim, and one of our favorite for the beauty of the beach and the different water sports that could be done there. White Rocks beach has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Award once again in 2015, not being the first time for that, and this proves why it is one of those beaches preferred by the local people and also one of those suggested for the tourists coming to Portrush.
This beach is located just off the Causeway Coastal Route and it is believed to have beautiful natural location with limestone cliffs stretching from Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle ( The name of this beach came from the soft rocks of Whiterocks which have been carved through centuries into a labyrinth of caves and arches; Shelagh's Head, the Wishing Arch, Elephant Rock, and the Lion's Paw are all headlands of distinguishable forms that tend to rise out of the ocean.
Coming to White Rocks Beach could happen for several different reasons, it could be for relaxing a little bit by the sea and enjoying the good water if the weather allows you to and it could be for doing any of the different water sports which people tend to go there for, such as surfing, body boarding, kayaking, and there are even those who come for horse riding - but this is restricted during specific times just the same ways dogs are also restricted there at specific times.
White Rocks Beach is a perfect vacation destination for those who pass by Portrush so often and one of the other positive points related to this place is that it is not far away from Belfast, so if you are going to stay in Belfast, you could still get the chance to go to Portrush and enjoy a day at Whiterocks Beach - you will definitely enjoy your time there.
If you are thinking about this beach but all what might be freaking you out is whether your kids will enjoy this place or not then you should not be worried because kids love Whiterock beach for the things they tend to enjoy their time there while doing; the kids love climbing the black rocks on the ocean's edge, running around, swimming and playing with the sand while making some castles.
It is actually a place that all the members of the family enjoy coming to for the activities that could be done and for the scenes and views which they will tend to receive. While being at the White Rocks Beach, you will get a panoramic view of the Causeway Coast, Donegal and the Islands of Scotland. If you want to have more sensational views then you could have a stop at the Magheracross, which is a custom built area that allows sublime views of Dunluce Castle from one direction and Whiterocks and Portrush from the other.
Whiterocks Beach is well prepared for the visitors, there are different facilities which you will find there offered to you, there is a car parking place, lifeguard service that is there during July and August from 11am to 7pm on a daily basis, board walk access to the beach, toilets and parking lots for disabled people, and they allow dogs and horses but with some restrictions during specific times.
There are other attractions which are located in Portrush and which we have been to before, one of them is the location that Game of Thrones movie series was filmed at which is Portstewart Strand ( The Downhill Beach Castlerock is close to Portrush and thus could be considered a place to visit as well ( and there is also the famous touristic attraction The Giant's Causeway that is in Bushmills but which is also close to Portrush (
According to our experience at the Whiterocks Beach, we could definitely say that this is one of our favorite beaches in Northern Ireland for the different things it could offer people and for the stunning views it carries - you might never think that Scotland could be spotted from out there, but it appears on a clear sky day.
Are you searching for a peaceful beautiful beach with different spots and perfect water? Whiterocks is the answer then; you could enjoy everything there from having a peaceful time to playing any of the water sports that you are crazy about.
Crawfordsburn Beach in county Down ( Runkerry Beach in county Antrim ( are other options for beaches in Northern Ireland if they are closer to you.
Some of the best locations around Ireland / Northern Ireland and further afield. A travel blog/vlog of the hidden treasures that are on our doorstep.
New Refurbished Dunadry Hotel - Northern Ireland
There are usually some famous hotels in any country you tend to go to and some of the old famous ones have been refurbished to attract more people in the time being. Dunadry Hotel in Northern Ireland is one of these different hotels that has been refurbished and which we have recently visited.
Dunadry Hotel is one of the famous hotels in Northern Ireland that lots of tourists and visitors come and stay at since it is close to lots of places that they might already have on their list for the places to check during their stay. In order to keep attracting more tourists and visitors to it, Dunadry Hotel made some refurbishments to the place and we have gone there to check it all and we could say that it is really beautiful for people to come and choose it and we believe it is among the best rates as well.
From the things to do in Dunadry, county Antrim, there are several things close to Dunadry Hotel which we should mention for those who will be staying there and are looking for places close to it. There are different events and shows to attend at the Grand Opera House which is only 15 minutes away from the hotel, the Waterfront Hall which is also close to the hotel and is recognized as a major European destination for culture. The SSE Arena (Odyssey Arena) is also a third for those who will be staying at the Dunadry Hotel in county Antrim.
There are different hotels scattered all around Northern Ireland and even county Antrim to be specific, but tourists sometimes love to choose their hotels according to the places they are planning to visit and how far it might be from them or else choose the hotel according to the history it might be carrying and the decorations found inside it.
There are different hotels which we have been to around Northern Ireland and in addition to being to Dunadry for checking the refurbishments done in it, we have also been to the Ballygally Castle Hotel which is also known as the Haunted Hotel for the Haunted Room found in it ( and where Game of Thrones Door number nine is also located ( and we have come across other hotels but didn't get the chance to come inside and take pictures, such as the Merchant Hotel in Belfast ( and the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle, County Down (
County Antrim is known to be one of the six counties in Northern Ireland where different touristic attractions are located there. The Glens of Antrim is one of the most famous attractions in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, which people tend to visit while being there, there is also the Giant's Causeway which is a unique landscape and a UNESCO World Heritage Site ( the Bushmills that produces whiskey ( as well as Portrush which is famous for its sea there and where some shots from Game of Thrones were even taken there as well (
The Dunadry Hotel might not be known by all the tourists coming from around the world to visit Northern Ireland and check county Antrim, but for the Irish people it might be already known. Attending the conference done in the hotel to announce those changes and listening to what Bridgene McKeever, the marketing director of the McKeever Hotel Group said, we should definitely recommend this hotel with the old looking style from the outside and the modern look from the inside to those coming to visit it.
There are some interesting things to be mentioned about this hotel, such as the green area found in it and where sometimes workout sessions are done there, there is also the Tree of Peace and Unity which is also located there and there is the interesting walk by the water which is considered part of this old hotel - actually lots of things to attract tourists to stay in this hotel during their stay in county Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Have you ever been to the Dunadry Hotel in Northern Ireland before? Whether before being refurbished or after? If you have come across this hotel before then share with us the experience you had, if this is the first time to hear about the hotel then you should try booking at it at some point.
Share with us your opinion about this hotel and tell us what do you think make it a good place to book at; is it the location, the refurbishments done for it or is it about the beauty of the place in general? There are lots of things to be considered when answering this question.
Choosing a hotel depends on several things and one should always make a good choice in order to love his/her stay, so don't ever forget the standards you should follow when choosing where you are going to stay in your destination.
The best locations around Ireland / Northern Ireland and further afield. A travel blog/vlog of the hidden treasures that are on our doorstep.
Walk with us: See Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland for free
Today we are sharing one of our favourite Northern Ireland walks with you. It has the added benefit of taking you into the Giant's Causeway free of charge. This intermediate walk takes in some stunning scenery as you cross a river, the gorgeous Runkerry Strand in Portballintrae and incredible clifftops to get to the Giant's Causeway.
The walk is gorgeous any time of year, as this proves. It was taken on a sunny February day before baby Jonas arrived.
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Game Of Thrones Filming Location in NI - Ballintoy Harbour
Since almost all the scenes that appeared in Game of Thrones movie series are located in Northern Ireland then going on a treasure hunt to bring these different locations to our viewers is a must - and as the same time enjoy them ourselves - so this time our trip was to Ballintoy Harbour which is one of GOT locations that are found out there.
Ballintoy - which means the northern town when translated from the Irish language - is a small village, townland, and civil parish that is located in county Antrim, Northern Ireland, and this is the place that is close enough to the Ballintoy Harbour - one kilometer away - where Game of Thrones scenes were filmed and the place where we visited this time.
Ballintoy Harbour is a small fishing harbour at the end of a very small, narrow, steep road down Knocksaughey hill which passes by the entrance to Larrybane ( and Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge, which are also considered important destinations that tourists head to in order to check when it comes to visiting Northern Ireland.
Ballintoy Harbour is sometimes referred to as a raised beach and when you first visit this place, in addition to falling in love with it, you will also find that it is placing an information board that informs people about this place in regards to the Game of Thrones movie and the scenes which were taken in it.
You will go back home from this place with a lot of beautiful pictures that will reflect how beautiful nature is when it comes to this place, and you will also go back home with one place and one GOT location crossed out from the list of destinations which you were willing to head to and check - so it is not just about Game of Thrones fans, it is a beautiful place in general.
Ballintoy village itself, which as we have mentioned above is just one kilometer away, could serve you with the restaurants, shops, hotels, and is also the place where people could visit the quaint white Ballintoy Parish Church on the hill above the harbour along with one other church as well - so if you happen to be coming a long way to reach the Ballintoy Harbour, never worry about finding a place where you could eat or sleep.
It is not the only location to head out to in order to check all those which are related to Game of Thrones, but we also visited other locations which include the Dark Hedges, which is known to be famous on its own without even appearing in the movie but which attracted more tourists after it was featured in the movie ( we have also visited the Giant's Causeway which also happens to be one of the destinations that tourists head for when it comes to Northern Ireland ( we also went to Dunluce Castle which we consider it one of the best places for people to visit when it comes to the castles in the country ( Leitrim Lodge was also another GOT location we have been to and checked how it looks like in the real world ( Lough Neagh which is the longest lake in Britain and which was referred to as the smoking sea in the movie ( we have also been to the Cushendun Caves ( and also we once got the chance to visit Portstewart Strand ( and Binevenagh Mountain (
It is not just about those outdoor locations, but there are also the locations - restaurants, bars, pubs, hotels - in which the 10 doors that appeared in all the episodes are located and which we have already been to some of them in order to check these doors that we believe are just pieces of art - these doors are believed to be made from the fallen trees in the Dark Hedges and which every single one of them is related to a specific thing related to the movie and its different episodes - so the fans would be the ones to understand it all more than those who are just checking the places for their beauty.
If you are a huge fan of Game of Thrones then Northern Ireland is the right place and destination for you.
Have you ever been to any of these different destinations related to Game of Thrones before?
Some of the best locations around Ireland / Northern Ireland and further afield. A travel blog/vlog of the hidden treasures that are on our doorstep.
Copyright – Fair Use Game of Thrones is owned Home Box Office Inc./BCKORS, LLC./GROK!, LLC./Generator Entertainment/Suction Productions, Inc. Images are used in this video for non profit educational identification of the location used to film the critically acclaimed TV show owned by HBO as referenced above. We use the images briefly for commentary and identification purposes only. We hold no rights over these images and claim fair use due to all these points.
Beautiful sunset over County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Tuesday 19 June 2007 a beautiful red sunset as captured from the window of the last train from Antrim to Coleraine.