Free things to see and do Northern Ireland

Churches & cathedrals

St Eugene's Cathedral (www.steugenes.com/) – Derry
Completed in 1903 in Gothic Revival style this is one of the City's most magnificent structures.

The Church of the Narrows – Kilkeel
The 14th century ruined church pales into insignificance when compared to the nearby graveyard, where William Hare, murderer of 16 people in Edinburgh and of the infamous Burke and Hare is buried.

Belfast Cathedral (www.belfastcathedral.org/)
Belfast's Cathedral stands as a Hiberno-Romanesque monument, open under partial completion in 1890 and finished almost a century later. Interesting features include the baptistery, angel head font and mosaics.

St Malachy's Church – Belfast
A Tudor-Gothic church with pink octagonal turrets and stone castellations. The unusual interior ceiling has been described as an upside down fancy iced cake.

Historic buildings & sites

Guildhall – Derry
First built in 1887 the building was destroyed by fire in 1908 and devastated by bombs in 1972. The restored building contains replicas of the original stained-glass windows and an enormous organ with over 3,000 pipes. It’s said, the hall is haunted by San Mackay.

Cockle Row – Groomsport
300-year-old fishermen's cottages with 1910 furnishings. Within the building there is a heritage centre, tourist information, shop and craft demonstrations.

>> For more information about Cockle Row visit Discover Northern Ireland (www.discovernorthernireland.com)

Malone House (www.malonehouse.co.uk/) – Belfast
An elegant Georgian mansion that gives spectacular views over the beautiful Lagan Valley Regional Park. Built in the 1820s, the last resident was a wealthy Belfast grain merchant, William Barnett. He presented the house to the City Of Belfast in 1946.

Dundonald Old Mill (www.discovernorthernireland.com/product.aspx?ProductID=3021) – Belfast
This 300-year-old restored sandstone mill boasts Ireland's biggest water wheel still in working order and at an impressive 35 feet. The mill itself houses a gift shop, exotic plants centre and a coffee shop and restaurant.

Belfast City Hall
Designed in 1906 the 173-foot green copper dome can be seen from any point in the city. Grand marble staircase, 3 elaborate reception rooms and portraits of the city's Lord Mayors. Outside is Queen Victoria's Statue, and commemorative Titanic sculpture.

>> For more information on Belfast City Hall visit Belfast City (www.belfastcity.gov.uk)

Belfast Castle & Visitors Centre (www.belfastcastle.co.uk/)
The castle was presented to the city in 1934. It sits on the top of ‘cave hill’, which has long been the seat of Ulster rulers. Trails lead off from the castle to five caves thought to be ancient mines. The Visitors’ centre has four different exhibition rooms.

Drumskinny Stone Circle – Irvinestown
Dating from the New Stone Age 2250 BC this stone circle is one of five in the immediate locality. This circle consists of 39 stones and a small cairn and is believed to have been used for religious practices and astronomical observations.

The Walls of Derry (www.discovernorthernireland.com/product.aspx?ProductID=7097) – Derry
These famous walls have withstood many sieges, the most celebrated lasting 105 days. There are fine views from the top of the walls which encircle the old city in a circuit of one mile.

St Cooeys Wells (www.discovernorthernireland.com/product.aspx?ProductID=1865) – Portaferry
Just south of Portaferry are a collection of 7th-century holy wells founded by Saint Cowey, a drinking well, a wishing well and an eye well. Pilgrims still journey to these wells which are reputed to have healing powers.

Crown Liquor Saloon – Belfast
This is Northern Ireland's best-known public house – its ornately extravagant Victorian exterior and fabulous interior decoration make it one of the National Trust’s greatest treasures. The interior is lit by gas lamps.

>> For more information about Crown Liquor Saloon visit The National Trust (www.ntni.org.uk)

Tullaghoge Fort (www.irishnews.com/tourism/tyrone/tyhm.html) – Cookstown
This is where the Great Hugh O'Neill was crowned in 1593. It was the headquarters of the Chief Justices of Ireland who performed the coronations of the O'Neills from the 12th to 17th century. The fort also gives great views over the old kingdom of Tyrone.

Churches & cathedrals

Sinclair Seamen’s Church (ship-of-fools.com/Mystery/2004/873.html) – Belfast
This church dates from 1857 and has been refurbished using a maritime theme by the congregation in tribute to the seafaring traditions of the city. Notable features include the stained glass, the bell from HMS Hood and lifeboat shaped collection boxes

Bonamargy Friary (www.northantrim.com/bonamargey_friary.htm) – Ballycastle
These are the remains of a Franciscan Friary founded around 1500. The east range of the cloisters, gatehouse and church are virtually complete except for the roof, which was originally thatched.

Gardens, parks & walks

Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park
One of the world's best rose gardens with over 25,000 roses, a spectacular sight in summer. Different themed gardens and over 100 different Camellia trails, a Japanese garden and traditional Rhododendrons.

>> For more information on Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park visit Rose Society of Northern Ireland (www.rosemerald.co.uk/)

Marble Arch Forest (www.discovernorthernireland.com/product.aspx?ProductID=3014) – County Fermanagh
Situated close to the famous Marble Arch caves this forest offers walks along the Claddagh Glen, nature trails and a waterfall.

Stricklands Glen (www.discovernorthernireland.com/shortbreaks/product.aspx?ProductID=1934) – Bangor
A wooded glen which follows the Bryans Burn, a stream which runs from Connor Park into Smelt Mill Bay. Enchanting walks take you along tree-lined roads, stunning waterfalls and ponds.

Peatlands Park (www.discovernorthernireland.com/product.aspx?ProductID=2847) – County Armagh
Nature reserves and interpretative displays on the natural and human history of the peat bogs. Turf cutting demonstrations and a small railway used to carry turf.

Portrush Countryside Centre (www.ehsni.gov.uk/education/parks/portrush.shtml) – Portrush
This countryside centre's attractions include rock pool animals in a touch tank, exhibitions and video presentations. Once the bathhouse (with hot and cold salt-water bathing) for the patrons of the famous Northern Counties Hotel.

Tardree Forest – Antrim
This is a mixed conifer forest with marked footpaths and picnic areas. There are stunning views over County Antrim and Lough Neagh. There is also a nature reserve with a rhyolite quarry.

Benburb Valley Park (www.discovernorthernireland.com/product.aspx?ProductID=2942) – Benburb
The park includes walks along the Black Water River. The ruins of the 1615 Benburg Castle and limestone gorge are surrounded by Ash, Beech and Conifer trees. There is also a conservatory with Jasmine and Vines.

Lagan Valley Regional Park (www.laganvalley.co.uk/) – Belfast
13 miles of a mixture of public parks, picnic areas, wetlands, canal towpaths, woodlands and wildlife sanctuaries, as well as a pre-historic monument. Includes everything from way marked trails to an arboretums, Japanese gardens, and riverside areas.

Stormont Public Park – Belfast
This public park includes the Glen Walk, The Prince of Wales Avenue and a children’s playground. The park surrounds the Irish Parliament Buildings.

Museums

Amelia Earhart Centre – Derry
A cottage exhibition dedicated to Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly across the Atlantic solo, and who landed here in the field in 1932.

>> For more information on Amelia Earhart Centre visit Derry City (www.derrycity.gov.uk)

Portaferry Visitors Centre – Portaferry
Restored stable that houses exhibitions on the history, heritage and environment of Portaferry and Strangford Lough. Also audio visual display on the town houses of County Down.

>> For more information on Portaferry Visitors Centre visit Portaferry (www.portaferry.freeserve.co.uk/)

Ulster Museum (www.ulstermuseum.org.uk/) – Ulster
Traditional Irish and Modern Art, local history, antiquities, The Mummy Of Takabuti and the treasure salvaged from the Spanish Armada ship ‘Girone’.

Ballycastle Museum – Ballycastle
Situated in the town's 18th-century courthouse, this museum tells the story of the folk and social history of the Glens. Exhibits include the Glemtaisie banner of the First Feis na nGleann.

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