| |
Places
to Go...
With winter here,
it's the perfect time of year for getting out and about. Have a
look at our places to visit...
|
Rowallane Gardens
Rowallane is in the heart of the green Co. Down countryside, just
25 minutes from Belfast. Established in the 1860's it is a beautiful
natural garden with an outstanding collection of trees, shrubs and
other plants. Now run by the National Trust, it makes a relaxing
and inspiring visit for walkers and plants men all year round. Rowallane
Garden, Saintfield, Co. Down. Tel: 028 9751 0131
|
|
| |
|
Giant's Causeway
This geological phenomenon renowned for its columns of layered basalt
is a world heritage site and a fabulous day visit from Belfast.
It is an area of outstanding natural beauty on the NOrth Antrim
Coast. Enjoy walking the Coast Way coastal path all year round.
Gift shop and restaurant serving teas, coffee and lunches is open
from March -December. Giant's Causeway, 60 Causeway Road, Bushmills,
Co. Antrim. Tel: 028 2073 1582 |
|
| |
|
Castle Ward
Castle Ward is as beautiful walled estate situated on the southern
shores of Strangford Lough, just 45 minutes from Belfast. At the heart
is a mid-Georgian Mansion built inside and out in two distinct architectural
styles- classical and gothic. There are lots of walks in the formal
gardens, lough-side and woods. Castle Ward, Near Strangford, Downpatrick.
Tel:028 4488 1204. Open March-October. |
|
| |
|
Botanic Gardens
With its great greenhouses and glorious
herbaceous walkways, formal bedding and shrubberies, this is certainly
one garden worth a visit. The restored Palm House is a masterpiece
of moulded glass and wrought iron, displaying exotic trees and flowering
plants. the Tropical Ravine features a humid jungle glen plus a fish
pond dominated by giant water lilies. Open daily until dusk,
the Botanic Gardens are situated on Stranmillis Road, Belfast. |
|
| |
|
Belfast Zoo
On a fifty acre site with panoramic views of the city and Belfast
Lough, this modern world class zoo acts as a safe place for over 160
species of rare or highly endangered animals housed in award winning
enclosures which replicate their natural environments. Open daily
from 10am -2pm from October to March and 10am-5pm April to September.
www.belfastzoo.com
028 90 776277 |
|
| |
|
World of Owls
World of Owls is a new centre opening up in Randalstown Forest Park
as a fantastic educational resource into animals, wildlife and insects
also the forest and natural environment. The World of Owls aims to
bring together people, young and old to a beautiful location where
they can find out more about nature's most wonderful creatures. Opening
in early 2005, this centre is one to put in your new calendar for
a day out. For more information visit: www.worldofowls.com
|
|
| |
|
The
Silent Valley
The combination of mountain, moorland and woodland makes the Silent
Valley an ideal place for seeing a range of Mourne plants and other
wildlife. The woods, lawns and ponds of the reservoir grounds contain
different sorts of birds as well as many interesting heath and wetland
plants (particularly at Sally Lough). Plus, there's also a healthy
badger population too. The two dams are ringed by mountains, ideal
for walks to enjoy splendid mountain scenery, woodland strolls and
a range of facilities including an exhibition centre and restaurant.
The reservoir grounds are open from 10am to 4pm from October to April
and 10am to 6.30pm during the summer. |
|
| |
|
The Ulster Museum
From ancient Ireland to the South Pacific, from masterpieces of modern
art to rare flowers, the museum is a window to the north of Ireland
and a window on the world. The Ulster Museum is open all year round
Monday-Friday 1000-1700
Saturday 1300-1700 and Sunday 1400-1700. Admission
is free and you should allow yourself two hours for your visit. www.ulstermuseum.org.uk
|
|
| |
|
ECOS, Millennium Environmental
Centre
The ECOS centre is set in a developing county park where you can explore
the natural world and how we use it. Discover what the key issues
are, how problems can be tackled and experience at first hand wildlife
in its natural habitat. The ECOS centre is open all year round except
24th Des-1st Jan inclusive and it located at Kernohans Lane, Broughshane
Road, Ballymena. Tel: 028 2566 4400 or visit the website @ www.ecoscentre.com |
|
| |
|
Rathlin Island
Amidst the rugged landscape of this isolated island, you can let your
mind wander and discover a tranquility and beauty that is so unexpected.
The ferry to Rathlin island travels just six miles across the 'sea
of moyle'. The island is six miles long and one mile wide. It's 'L'
shaped and is home to a small population of around seventy people.
Rathlin has a wide range of natural beauty to visit, explore and enjoy.
On the est of the island is the renowned R.S.P.B bird view point,
where Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills and Kittiwakes can be viewed
during the summer months.
There are three main routes for walkers or cyclists. If you bring
your dog you have to keep it on a lead at all times. THere is accommodation
on the island, a pub and a restaurant to while away a few hours in
the evening.
An all day return ticket on the ferry costs £8.60. Children
under 5 are free but children from the ages of 5-16 cost £4.30 |
|
| |
|
Exploris - the
Northern Ireland Aquarium
Exploris is Northern Ireland's only aquarium boasting its own seal
sanctuary. Special features of the aquarium include the Open Sea Tank.
Holding more than a quarter of a million litres of water, it is full
of a fantastic variety of local marine life .Visitors can watch sharks
circle and rays sweep past.
The NIE Seal Sanctuary provides a temporary home for sick or orphaned
seal pups. You will be taken through the seals' journey back to health,
see where the pups are kept when they are very young and watch their
progress through to the ponds where they learn to swim. When the seals
are ready they are released back into the wild.
Go to the BBC Northern Ireland Seal
Watch site and see footage of seals being released back
into the wild.
Opening Times: April to August - Monday to Friday
10am to 6pm, Saturday 11am to 6pm, Sunday 12 noon to 6pm.
September to March - Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm,
Saturday 11am to 5pm, Sunday 1pm to 5pm.
Facilities include a gift shop, cafe and a parent and baby room. Group
bookings are available on request. For further information and an
events programme visit the website.
Website: exploris.org.uk
|
 |
|
|
