Ballystockart Farm Cottages

Places to visit

Legend has it that the Giants Causeway was built by the Irish giant, Finn MacCool, so as travel across the sea to confront a Scottish giant. The World Heritage Giants Causeway is now Northern Ireland's number one tourist site. The site also boasts an 8km-stretch of well-signposted, coastal pathways that overlook 90m-high cliffs and a series of bays.

The famous 80 foot high Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge connects the mainland to an island originally to allow fishermen to bring their salmon catch ashore. Although no injuries have been officially recorded, the occasional boat trip is made to rescue stranded visitors who cannot face the return journey. Carrick-a-Rede has been voted one of Northern Ireland's finest attractions.

The Fermanagh Lakes are the perfect location for a long or short stay on the water. The lakes are the longest navigational waterway in Europe. Fishing and boating are among the most popular activities. The Lakes are known for their quiet and beautiful surrounding, if you are looking for a nice, peaceful vacation, then you have come to the right place.

Ormeau Baths Gallery is Irelands foremost contemporary art exhibition space. The gallery is dedicated to presenting the public with innovative exhibitions of contemporary visual art across a wide range of disciplines by leading Irish and International artists.

The Odyssey arena seats up to 10,000 people and is the home of the Belfast Giants Ice Hockey Team, 12 screen multiplex c inemas, ten-pin bowling and a range of restaurants, bars and leisure facilities. Best of all is W5 – an interactive discovery centre to enjoy an exhilarating educational experience.

The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre is the starting point for any visit to Lough Neagh. With its superb setting on the shores of Lough Neagh, disabled access and environmental events, the Centre is an excellent destination for day trips, family days out, wildlife enthusiasts and group visits.

Navan is a system of very impressive earthworks, settlement sites and sacred places. This area of unparalled archaeological importance reflects over 7,500 years of activity. The Navan centre complex offers visitors a rich understanding of history.

The Ulster Transport Museum, contains a detailed history of the all forms of Northern Ireland's public transport as well as information and models of the H.M.S.Titanic, built locally in Belfast.

The Old Bushmills Distillery is the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery having received its licence to distil in 1608. Visitors to the distillery can enjoy a guided tour and sample the worlds best whisky.

The Royal County Down Golf Club - Par 71 - 7,167 Yards is a links course that is renowned worldwide as one of the finest links test in the world. The first nine are ranked by many as the finest opening nine anywhere. Royal County Down lies to the north of the seaside town of Newcastle on the east coast of Ireland.

Scrabo Golf Club is a formidable 18 hole, 5,722 yards, par 71 'challenge' course situated in the beautiful County Down countryside winding its way around Scrabo Hill and Tower. The course and clubhouse afford fabulous views, over looking Strangford Lough. The narrow fairways demand accurate driving of the tee and approach shots.

Royal Portrush golf course is one of the best and most challenging links golf courses in the world and is is on everyone's list of top golf courses in Ireland. Royal Portrush is the only golf course outside Great Britain to host the British Open Championship in 1951

The Ulster Folk Museum is one of Ireland's foremost visitor attractions illustrating the way of life and traditions of the people of the north of Ireland.

Mount Stewart, a fascinating 18th century house and garden stands on the shore of Strangford Lough and was the home of the Londonderry family. The house and its contents, which are open to the public, reflect the remarkable history of the family who played a leading role in British social and political life.

The Mourne Mountains are the most picturesque mountain district in Ireland. The twelve peaks include Slieve Donard, which at 850m is Northern Ireland's highest mountain. The Mournes provide almost every outdoor activity - hill walking, cycling, climbing, golf, horse riding, fishing - the perfect holiday location.

Scrabo Tower was built as a memorial to the 3rd Marquis of Londonderry and commands impressive views over the countryside and the northern part of Strangford lough. The tower is part of Scrabo Country Park. It is open to the public and houses an historical and local environment exhibition.

Castle Espie Wetland Trust can be found close by the banks of the stunning Strangford Lough where almost the entire population of Light-bellied Brent Geese reside during the winter months. Throughout the year this tranquil and friendly visitors centre is a real delight and a must for the whole family.

Castle Ward was built in 1765 and has a classical designed south front and a Gothic designed north front. Its design was therefore a compromise by including both styles in the structure; this division of style was applied to the interior as well. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and walks.

Castlewellan Forest Park is a beautiful park. It has a large lake and overlooking it is a Scottish baronial style castle built in 1856; it was the former house of the Annesley Family. The park has a famous arboretum, started in 1740, and is home to the largest maze in Ireland.

Dundrum Castle is a fine example of castles built by the Normans. It was constructed by John de Courcy, the Norman conqueror of north east Ireland. It was built around the same time as Carrickfergus Castle (1180) and provides breathtaking views of the Mourne Mountains.

Grey Abbey, near Strangford Lough, is a ruined Cistercian Abbey founded by Affreca, daughter of the King of the Isle of Man and wife of John de Coucey, conqueror of Ulster. It is set in beautiful parkland and has a medieval style 'physick' garden. Substantial remains, especially of church and refectory, interesting old cemetery nearby.

St. Patrick's Church Of Ireland Cathedral is where the remains of St. Patrick is buried. Also buried in the same church are the remains of St. Brigid and St. Columbanus. The remains of the saints, buried for 500 years in different parts, were eventually interred in the church by the Norman John de Courcy possibly as a debt to the saints for keeping Christianity alive during the Dark Ages.

Grace Neill's is the oldest pub in Ireland.
It offers fine dining in the restaurant and two atmospheric bars (and a benign ghost).
The restaurant menu weaves Thai and French food using the best of local fresh ingredients.

Strangford Lough is unspoilt, uncrowded with a haunting landscape, wildlife, history and tradition. A perfect setting for golfing, fishing, birdwatching, horse riding, photography, music, walking, cycling, sailing, scuba diving and country sports. Best of all the peaceful, unhurried pace of life, time and space to unwind, to relax and enjoy a holiday in one of Ireland's most picturesque areas.

Ravenhill 15 minutes away, is the home of Ulster Rugby. Ulster play in the Celtic League and have been contesting the Heineken European Cup since its creation, famously lifting the cup in 1999.

Held in May, the 'North West 200' is an important date in the sporting calendar, thousands make the annual pilgrimage to Portrush and Portstewart to soak up the excitement of this biking extravaganza.

Down Royal Racecourse boasts some of the most modern facilities for any racegoer. Since the early 1990’s the racecourse has undertaken major development and modernisation. including a new Grandstand, Hospitality Suite, Public Bar and an elevated viewing area overlooking the track and finish post. http://www.downroyal.com/news.asp