Dunluce Castle
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1. Dunluce Castle
Dramatically perched on a 100-foot-high basalt-rock cliff, halfway between Portrush and the Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle is one of the north's most evocative ruins. Even roofless, this shattered bulk conjures up a strength and aura that is quintessentially Antrim. Originally a 13th-century Norman fortress, Dunluce was captured in the 16th century by the local MacDonnell clan chiefs. They enlarged it, in part using profits from salvaging the Spanish galleon Girona, and made it an important base for ruling northeastern Ulster. Perhaps the MacDonnells expanded the castle a bit too much, for in 1639 faulty construction caused the kitchens (with all the cooks) to plummet into the sea during a storm. Between 2009 and 2012, archaeologists uncovered belt buckles, thimbles, dress fastenings, jewelry, clay pipes, animal bones, and shards of pottery that are now on display in the Discovery Room. An eight-minute introductory film explores the castle's history. Colorful leaflets are available on-site dealing with the castle's checkered history. Guided tours are held every day at 11 am and 2 pm in the summer months and last 45 minutes. Children love the sandpit where they can handle tools and dress up.
View Tours and Activities87 Dunluce Rd., Co. Antrim, BT57 8UY, Northern Ireland028-2073–1938Sight Details
Rate Includes: £5.65 -
2. Portstewart Strand
Signposted as "The Strand" at all major junctions in town, this magnificent 3-km (2-mile) stretch of golden sand is one of the north coast's finest beaches, suitable for all ages. Owned by the National Trust, well maintained, and clean, it's the ideal spot for picnics, swimming (though the water can be quite chilly), or long walks among sand dunes that are a haven for wildflowers such as bird's foot trefoil, wild pansy, and thyme, and butterflies including common blue, meadow brown, and dark green fritillary. Lifeguards are on duty at Easter, during weekends in May and September, and full-time from June to August. The beach has an undertow at certain points and small sections have seaweed, but it's not a big nuisance. Two-hour guided butterfly safaris aimed at families are held on occasional weekends during the summer as well as orchid walks and nature strolls through the dunes. On warm days the beach fills with cars, but its size ensures that it is never completely crowded. Amenities: food and drink; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking.
118 Strand Rd., Portstewart, Co. Londonderry, BT55 7PG, Northern Ireland028-7083–6396Sight Details
Rate Includes: £7 per car (£3.50 in winter) -
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