Bonds Bridge - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

This handsome Irish gentry house is surrounded by its 130-hectare wooded riverside estate. The former home of the MacGeough Bond family, a tour of this neo-classical masterpiece reveals it is unchanged since 1900 – the eclectic interior still evoking the family's tastes and interests. Outside there are sweeping vistas, superb spring bulbs, scenic walks and fascinating courtyard displays.

Peatlands Park is a large lowland raised bog that has been extensively cut for turf in the past. It represents one of the largest areas of degraded raised bog in Northern Ireland. The park holds two natural reserves predating the park itself, Annagarriff and Mullenakill , established in 1980. Of the two, Annagarriff is thought to be home to the only colony of Scottish wood ants in Ireland.

Sloan’s House is a site of iconic significance in the history of the formation and heritage of the Orange Order. Following the Battle of the Diamond in 1795, the Orange Order was founded at a meeting held in James Sloan’s House. This is an opportunity to experience the early days of the Institution with an exhibition telling its story along with a replica parlour scene giving visitors a glimpse into that time.

A majestic country park located five miles from the M1 Motorway, this Park provides an oasis of calm in the village of Maghery. Situated on the shores of Lough Neagh, the Park covers an area of 30 acres comprising 5km of woodland walks and picnic areas in natural surroundings. It is excellent for birdwatching, fishing and walking. There are foot paths around the shore of the island with lots of interesting things to see.

Loughgall Country Park is a rural haven of relaxation and recreation. A diverse spectrum of activities ranging from golf to walking, fishing to tennis make this spacious complex a mecca for families, sports enthusiasts and those merely in search of a helping of tranquility. The emphasis, indeed, is very much on family pursuits. Walking, cycling, a children’s play area, golf, fishing, an adventure trail, trim trail, football pitch and tennis courts are just some of the amenities on offer.

Dan Winter’s House is located at the Diamond near the small town of Loughgall in County Armagh and is run by Hilda Winter who has maintained the cottage in its original condition. This small cottage museum is one of the hidden gems we come across from time to time, full of history and a place to see in Co Armagh. The Winter family lived in the house right up until the 1950s, and today its rooms are crammed with Orange & Winter ephemera.