Come for 2 days, return for a week
Saintly…
Belfast is less than an hour from the spot where St. Patrick first stepped foot on this island and also from his fi nal resting-place. The footsteps of Ireland’s patron saint are all over the drumlin hills of Mid-Down and the shores of Strangford Lough. The entire area is filled with reminders of our earliest Christian heritage. Downpatrick is the site of St. Patrick’s tomb and much more, with its Georgian streets, two cathedrals and museum set in an old prison. Nearby Nendrum Monastery is one of the oldest Christian churches in Ireland. Indeed there’s history everywhere you turn. Two of Ireland’s finest stately homes and gardens, Castle Ward and Mount Stewart, both owned by the National Trust, overlook the Lough. The lovely village of Greyabbey is famous not only for its monastic heritage and medicinal gardens, but also its antique shops.
But a trip to this area is not complete without savouring the seafood at Portaferry or Strangford, two harbour villages, an enchanting fi ve minute ferry crossing from each other!
Lakeland fun!
Pack your waders and set aside an extra couple of days because the Walled City of Londonderry and Belfast are no more than two hours away from some of the finest fishing in Europe.
In the peaceful Fermanagh Lakelands, there really is more water than land. You could probably find a lake all to yourself! The main town, Enniskillen, is located on Lough Erne, part of the Shannon- Erne waterway system, Ireland’s largest navigable waterway. Hire a boat and a local fishing guide who will know all the best places for a good day’s fishing. Or board a waterbus and tour the mysterious and fascinating islands of Lough Erne - with mysterious ancient stone idols, early Christian round towers, even islands where you can stop for lunch, stay over, or enjoy a few outdoor pursuits.
On dry land, Fermanagh is a destination for anyone who enjoys cycling, walking, history, gardens or stately homes. Some of Northern Ireland’s most splendid National Trust homes and parklands are here. Spend a blissful night in a rose covered cottage at Florence Court.
And there are just so many more sights to see: Enniskillen Castle, home of the Maguire Chieftains; the Butter Market, the craftsmanship of Belleek Pottery…even the watery wonderland of Marble Arch Caves. But Enniskillen really comes to life after dark with great restaurants, lively pubs and theatre.