37 Outdoors- Other to Explore in Ulster
Checkout places to visit in Ulster
Ulster is one of the four traditional Irish provinces, in the north of Ireland. It is made up of nine counties: six of these constitute Northern Ireland; the remaining three are in the Republic of Ireland. It is full of places to explore. Here is the Ultimate Ulster bucket list of things you must do here before you die.
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Outdoors- Other to Explore in Ulster
The Wild Atlantic Way on Ireland’s west coast leads you through one of the world’s most dramatic coastal landscapes, a landscape on the edge of Europe that has shaped the development of its people, communities and settlements. It’s a place to experience nature at its wildest, a place to explore the history of the Gaels and their religion; a place to experience great events, great food and drink, great music and the craic.
Bád Eddie or Eddie’s boat are the names given to the old wreck at Magherclogher beach, Bunbeg Donegal. Cara Na Mara is the official title of the abandoned fishing vessel ran into trouble during stormy seas in the early 1970s. The boat featured in the 1985 Clanad and Bono video. Eddie’s boat was the reason for the one hour journey from where we were staying and it was certainly worth the effort.
The Ballybay Wetlands Centre is an impressive multi-purpose venue set in the heart of co Monaghan with sweeping views of the surrounding wetlands. Wetlands are considered to be the most biological diverse of all eco systems serving as home to a wide range of plants and animal life. Many species of birds,fish and animals and amphibians rely on wetland habitat for breeding,foraging and cover.
Barnesmore Gap is that big opening between Croaghconnelagh and Croaghonagh mountains . Here in this very fine mountain pass the traveller is absolutely shut in between these two great hills as he wends his way along a really excellent road that traverses the gap. It is an area of complex geology, but its main feature is granite formed in the Devonian period, 400million ears ago. The gap held glaciers in the Last Glacial Period flowing to the Atlantic through what is now Donegal Bay.
This 515 hectare upland forest is four miles from Killeter village. Carrickaholten Forest is on the right as you travel over Scraghy Hill on the Ederney to Castlederg road.
Castle Archdale in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland is a former estate on the shores of Lough Erne Lower, the key feature of which today is Castle Archdale Country Park. There is also a caravan park. The former estate is situated near Lisnarick and Irvinestown, in the broader hinterland of Enniskillen, and the park is owned and run by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. The park was once an estate owned by the Archdale family, who arrived in 1614 during the Plantation of Ulster.
Cavan Burren Park is a unique place where geological and archaeological features are gently revealed in an open and natural setting.There are more than 80 archaeological monuments from the ‘Giant’s Grave and ‘Calf-House Dolmen’ to stone circles and rock art throughout the site. The park offers stunning views of Cuilcagh Mountain, west Cavan and the wider Geopark.
Cloghy Rocks is a wonderful location popular for wildlife watching. As the Strangford Lough tide ebbs, seals haul out to rest on this group of rocks. The nature reserve is a magnet for visitors during the summer months because it is a wonderful vantage point from which to watch one of the largest seal colonies in Ireland. Both Common and Grey seals may be easily viewed. Common seals favour the site for breeding, with pups being born in July.
Colebrooke Park in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland is first and foremost a family home, the seat of Viscount & Viscountess Brookeborough and one of region’s most important and historic stately homes. It is exclusive, discreet and offers a taste of a unique lifestyle which guests may experience whilst staying in an Irish Stately Home. Set in a lush 1,000 acre working estate.
Downpatrick Racecourse is situated one mile away from the historic town of Downpatrick. Racing has been held on the current course for more than 200 years. The first race meeting at Downpatrick was held in 1685. The course now stages only National Hunt racing following the discontinuation of Flat Racing at the track. The feature race at the course is the Ulster National Handicap 'Chase run over a distance of about 3 miles 4 furlongs 110 yards.
Drumskinny is the site of a stone circle in the townland of Drumskinny, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. This stone circle is part of a complex of five in this immediate locality, dating back to the new stone age, 2250 B.C. The purpose of the circle, made up of 39 stones and a small round cairn, is unknown but probably involved that of religious practices, astronomical observations and calendar functions.
This is a small rural community in the Donegal Gaeltacht which lies in unique scenery at the foot of Mount Errigal, the highest mountain in the County. Ionad Cois Locha is situated on the shores of Dunlewey Lough in the shadow of the haunting and mysterious Poison Glen. Attractions include a restaurant & tea room; craft shop; adventure play area and so more.
Fanad Head with its wonderful view on the rough coast of the Atlantic ocean. Right here in this unique surroundings thrones one of Ireland’s most beautiful lighthouses above the crashing waves. Fanad Lighthouse is classified as a sea light, not a harbour light, despite it marking the entrance into Lough Swilly which is a natural harbour of refuge.
The Hare’s Gap is the most dramatic mountain pass in the Mournes. Its sharply defined outline indicates that ice once passed this way; using the Gap’s convenient north-south alignment to advance and retreat over the entire Mournes range. In more recent times the Hare’s Gap marked the exit point for smuggled goods which had crossed the hills from the coast along the Brandy Pad.
This beautiful peninsula was located in the north of Donegal and is by far less touristic than its neighbouring peninsulas of Fanad or Inishowen. Nevertheless, this peninsula is a must see. Especially the northern cape “Horn Head” is worth a visit and surprises visitors with its 180 metres high steep cliffs. It is designated as an Irish Natural Heritage Area and as a refuge for fauna specifically seabirds.
This is an adventure based activity centre in Inniskeen, County Monaghan, Ireland whose purpose built quad bike course caters for bikers of all experience and all activity. Anybody who prefers not to Quad bike can take advantage of other fun activities on site. Archery, Shuffleboard, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Airstrike and Action Target.
Killeshandra Loop lies just outside the picturesque Cavan village and is an example of beautiful, unspoilt nature that is totally accessible by car, and a stone’s throw from great food, drink and accommodation options. It is 240 hectors of mixed woodland wrapped around the Lough Oughter lake system with a network of forest walks, picnic areas, swimming area, family cycle trail and multi access trails and paths.
Lecale is a peninsula in the east of County Down, Northern Ireland. It lies between Strangford Lough and Dundrum Bay. In the Middle Ages it was a district or túath in the Gaelic Irish kingdom of Ulaid, then became a county in the Anglo-Norman Earldom of Ulster. The peninsula has a high concentration of tower houses. Much of it is part of the 'Strangford and Lecale' Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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.