Visit Northern Ireland
Reasons to Visit Northern Ireland in 2016
If you have never visited Northern Ireland, then 2016 is the year to change that. In the past, Northern Ireland has had a lot of bad press due to the troubles. Peace has been in place for years now, and this has meant that attitudes have changed and the number of tourists visiting this part of the UK has risen year on year.
There are plenty of reasons to visit Northern Ireland at any time, but especially so during 2016. If you like music, art, and history, then this is set to be a bumper year for cultural enthusiasts.
Belfast
For too many years, Belfast had nothing but bad press, but that has all changed and there is a lot that’s worth seeing in Belfast this year. These days it’s a favourite spot among those looking to enjoy a city break. Tour some of the beautiful Victorian buildings, as well as sites of the city’s vast industrial heritage.
If you like dancing then look no further, Belfast is known these days for its wonderful nightlife. So, if you feel like rocking the night away this year, Belfast is the place to go. While you’re there you might want to take the 120 mile road trip between Belfast and Derry, as this is one of the most beautiful in the UK; you can also visit the Giant’s Causeway, the only world heritage site in Northern Ireland.
Derry
October 2016 is the time to visit the city of Derry as it hosts one of the biggest Halloween celebrations outside of the United States. There are plays, shows, and a huge parade, and visitors are more than welcome to dress up and join in the fun.
Tyrone’s Standing Stones
While you are visiting Derry, it is well worth spending the time to stop off at the Creggan Visitor Centre. The people at the centre can direct you to the prehistoric sites containing what are known as Tyrone’s Standing Stones, along with cairns, and what are believed to be Neolithic tombs.
Devenish Island
If you are interested in the early days of Christianity in Ireland, then Devenish Island is a good place to begin. The island is less than two miles from Enniskillen, and is said to hold the most extensive remains of early Christianity. The Island has the remains of a monastery, a number of shrines, and a round tower, and is said to be the largest site of early Irish Christian settlement.
St. Patrick’s Grave
Irish Catholics are very big on saints! If you decide to visit St. Patrick’s grave in Downpatrick, you’ll also see what are presumed to be the graves of St. Brigid and St. Colmcille. There is a fair bit of controversy surrounding St. Brigid, due to her reputed pagan origins.
