Discovering The Charm Of East Donegal

Donegal is known as the county of welcomes and I was to discover this firsthand when I stayed at Mrs Josephine Martin’s award winning B&B. Mount Royd Country Homeis a charming, period residence, located outside the village of Carrigans and just 8km from the city of Derry.

Even though I arrived at 11pm, Josephine still offered me a cup of tea, before showing me to my luxurious room. The next morning I was treated to a sumptuous traditional Irish breakfast that fueled me up for most of the dayahead! I had also been woken by a traditional rural alarm clock – a rooster’s call! Fresh free range eggs were sure to be on the menu. Breakfast was served in a beautifully furnished dining room. A large Waterford Crystal lamp sat next to the breakfast buffet table, a gift from one of Josephine’s past guests. Simply walking from one room to the other in Mount Royd B&B was an experience due to Josephine’s lavish attention to detail.

Josephine’s motto is ‘‘ to treat guests with the same hospitality and service as I would wish to be treated‘‘. This devotion to service has won Mount Royd Country Country Home numerous acolades over the years, including being a R.A.C. Little Gem Award Winner every year from 2000-2006. Despite the many awards, it’s clear that Josephine and her husband Charlie, continue to treat their business more as a labour of love. “I always offer guests a cup oftea and some homemade treats when they first arrive or return from a day’s travelling as I find it often helps them unwind“, Josephine added. It was no surprise to hear that many of her guests have become family friends. B&B’s still offer that authentic, homely, hospitality that is so uniquely Irish.

Josephine also added a touch of suspense to my visit by sharing the story of a real-life triple murder mystery that occured in nearby Dunmore House in 1938. This gruesome tragedy and the surrounding countryside inspired a young Agatha Christie to pen many of her future novels.

Mount Royd Country Home is also ideally located to explore the North West. The City of Derry is just 10 minutes drive away while Omagh Folk Park is less than a 45 minutes drive by car. The start of the spectacular Inishowen 100 scenic drive is less than 15 minutes away.

The majority of holiday-makers that visit Donegal tend to drive through the east of the county on their way to the Atlantic coastline. This is overlooking the fact that East Donegal has a lot of fun activities to offer and ancient sites to discover.
You can enjoy a thrilling “Night at the Dogs“ at Lifford Greyhound Racing Stadium or take all the family for a Harry Potter style adventure to Oakfield Park, near Raphoe, where you can explore the enchanting gardens on foot or take a magic steam engine train ride around the lake and park.

Get a sense of Ireland’s ancient past by visiting Beltany Stone Circle. This enigmatic site is even older than Stonehenge and consists of 64 standing stones. Grianan Aileach is also a must see ancient site while visiting the area. This ancient stone fortress is situated on a high hilltop with magnificent views of the Donegal Highlands, Inishowen, Derry City and East Donegal, Dating back to 1700 BC, Grianach Aileach was once the seat of the Kings of Ulster and was dedicated as a fortress to the Sun. Nearby Burt Chapel is themed on Grianan Aileach and won a prestigous European award for its design.

East Donegal also has its own unique character andcultural heritage, which I was to find out upon visiting the Ulster-Scots Education Centre, just a few kilometres from the village of Carrigans. The fertile lands of the Lagan Valley have been home to people of Scottish and English descent for almost 400 years and the Monreagh Ulster Scots Heritage Centre tells their story. The audio visual room is built like an old-time classroom, complete with wooden school benches and ink wells, from where I watched a fascinating local documentary, portraying the strong tradition of potato harvesting in the area.
There’s a lot to see and experience in East Donegal and simply passing through, should no longer be an option!

Donegal bed and breakfast accommodation.

Explore the Idyllic Landscape of the Sperrins

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A scenic and wonderful traffic-free route through Northern Ireland, the Sperrins is one of Northern Ireland’s most romantically wild areas.

Located in the centre of Northern Ireland, stretching from the western shoreline of Lough Neagh in County Tyrone to the southern portions of County Londonderry.

Mullaghmore

Described as picturesque and beautifully rugged, the Sperrins has some stunning unspoilt landscape to explore such as Mullaghmore.

Beaghmore Stones

Discovered in the 1940′s during peat cutting season, the mythical site of Beaghmore is home to seven stone circles.
Each of the stone circles are associated with cairns with a stone row running towards these cairns.

Sperrins Mountain Range

One of the most picturesque views of the Sperrin Mountains can be seen from Clady, near Magherafelt offering views of the mountain range, valleys and fields.

Harry Avery’s Castle

Thought to have been built around 1320 by a local chieftain of the O’Neill clan, but named after Harry Avery O’Neill, a local chief who died in 1392.
The castle is considered unusual in that Irish chieftains of the time rarely built stone castles.
The two-storey rectangular D-shaped twin towers of the castle still remain to this day.

Davagh Forest

Nestled within the Sperrin Mountains, Davagh Forest is a mountain bikers paradise with rolling hills and sweeping woodland trails.

Blackwater Canoe Trail

Take in the beautiful landscape of Tyrone and the Sperrins from the water as you paddle your way along the Blackwater Canoe Trail.

Walking in the Sperrins

Spanning 40 miles, the Sperrins mountain range is the largest in Ireland and with never ending hills covered in heather, quiet valleys and boggy uplands to explore it is an ideal place for walkers to roam.

Rory Mcllroy talks about Northern Ireland Golf Courses

Rory McIlroy talks about Northern Ireland’s Finest Golf Courses

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Northern Ireland is Made for Golf. Whether you’re seeking championship courses, dramatically scenic settings, a slice of history, links or parkland, or simply idyllic tranquillity, Northern Ireland has it all. Not to mention, our 3 Major Champions. But don’t take our word for it – we thought it best that you heard from an expert…

World No. 1 Rory McIlroy took a break from his preparations for The Irish Open atRoyal County Down and sat down with Discover Northern Ireland to give us the low-down on some of his favourite courses at home in Northern Ireland.

Here is what Rory had to say

“As has been well documented, I have been playing golf from a very early age.
Making my way around Northern Ireland’s golf courses, it quickly dawned on me that Northern Ireland is blessed with amazing, varied landscapes and is the perfect place to learn the game.
And whatever your handicap, Northern Ireland has a course offering everything from gentle, meandering parklands to stern links challenges.

We seem to have a talent for creating golf courses that mould themselves around the natural features of Northern Ireland’s beautiful landscapes. This is part of the joy of playing golf here.

I grew up playing at Holywood in County Down, a hilly and deceptively challenging parkland course overlooking Belfast lough.
You will find yourself playing to greens perched high above your head or lying invitingly at the bottom of short, steep slopes. All our courses have the character that dealing with the natural terrain brings.

Photo: Holywood Golf Club, County Down

In Royal Belfast, we have one of the oldest courses in Ireland, a classic parkland layout along the shores of Belfast Lough.

Photo: Royal Belfast, County Antrim

Up on the Causeway Coast we have superb links courses including Royal Portrush,Portstewart and Castlerock, all with their own history and traditions.

Photo: Portstewart Golf Club, Derry~Londonderry

For me, Royal County Down has three major characteristics…it’s beautiful, it’s challenging and it’s home, this is what true links golf is all about.  Stepping out to play this year’s Irish Open, a few miles down the road from where I grew up will be a very special moment in my golfing career.

Photo: Royal County Down, County Down, Courtesy of Derek Robinson

But the truth is, no matter where you find yourself in this wonderful country, you will be within a stone’s throw of a great golf course. Come and find out for yourself – take it as an invitation from me!”

Rory also talked to us about his excitement ahead of this year’s Irish Open at Royal County Down in Northern Ireland. Read our blog to find out what the 4 time Major Winner had to say.

Book a golfing short-break in Northern Ireland with these great offers and play on some of our finest courses.

8 Areas of Outstanding Beauty in Northern Ireland

8 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Northern Ireland

We’re very fortunate in Northern Ireland to be surrounded by nature and beauty in every county.  It’s this beauty alongside our vivid history and often very dramatic settings that make us a wide eyed travellers dream.

Did you know that Northern Ireland has 8 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), 47 national nature reserves, 43 special areas of conservation, and 10 special protection areas?

1. The Antrim Coast & Glens

The pride of Antrim, the Antrim Coast and Glens is host to some of the most beautiful and varied scenery in Ireland and was designated an AONB in 1988.

The area includes Rathlin Island (Northern Ireland’s most northerly inhabited island – found six miles of the Causeway Coast), the Glens of Antrim and the coastal areas between Larne and Ballycastle – so there’s no shortage of things to see and do here.

It is an area of complete contrasts, you’ll find gentle bays that are abruptly separated by headlands; exposed moorland that gives way to secluded valleys to wide open areas that offer shelter to farmland.

You’ll be simply mesmerised by what this place has to offer, and the common blue and large heath butterflies, damselflies, bats, badger, fox and hare all call this place home.

2. Binevenagh, County Londonderry

Designated an AONB in 2006, this magnificent area takes up an area between Roe Estuary and Magilligan, the cliffs of Binevenagh, the Bann Estuary and Portstewart sand dunes.
You’ll be amazed at the panoramic views of Magilligan, Inishowen and Islay and Jura in Scotland.

The area also includes some of the finest beaches and dune systems in Ireland together with the small seaside resort of Castlerock, but that’s not all.

Binevenagh also has a great archaeological heritage which includes many listed buildings and monuments such as Manannán Mac Lir – part of the Limavady Sculpture Trail.

Courtesy of Roe Valley Arts and Culture

If you’re the adventurous type – you’re in luck!
You’ll have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of recreational activity includingwalking, cycling, swimming, orienteering, angling and gliding in the area.

This, together with the easy access by road, rail, air and sea, has helped to establishBinevenagh AONB as one of Northern Ireland’s most stunning places to visit.

3. Causeway Coast, County Antrim

In recent times in Northern Ireland, you’d have to be living under a rock not to understand the relevance of the beautiful Causeway Coast.

Awarded AONB status in 1989, it’s served as one of the figureheads of scenery in the province with the natural beauty found here intertwined in small harbours, fisheries and farms along the coastline.

If it’s wildlife you seek – you’ll find a rich and fascinating variety of wildlife on the offshore islands and rocks.

The coast also plays home to extraordinary beauty which encompasses 18 miles of spectacular coastal scenery with dramatic cliffs, fresh sandy beaches and dark volcanic rocks – but that’s not even the most memorable part!

The Causeway coast is also home to the Giant’s Causeway (Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site) – a place where geology, history and old Irish legends encapsulate every visitor to make it a great day out for all the family.

If you’re planning on visiting the North Antrim coastline, why not book yourself a coastal retreat along the coast.

4. Lagan Valley, County Down

One of Northern Ireland’s first Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; awarded in 1965, the Lagan Valley area is an idyllic area that’s very accessible to the population of the Belfast and the surrounding area.

Most of this AONB is situated within the Lagan Valley Regional Park which includes a beautiful riverbank, meadows, woods and a very scenic, peaceful feeling.

The area has a rich heritage, with grand monuments like the Giant’s Ring and remnants of fine estates but that’s not all – it’s also a place of important industrial archaeology related to linen production.

The old Lagan Canal and its towpath is also very popular with walkers and cyclists alike.

5. Mourne Mountains, County Down

The Mourne Mountains need no introduction, as simply one of the most picturesque mountain ranges in the Uk and Ireland, and awarded AONB status in 1986.

With 12 glorious peaks to see, each one spectacular in its own right, the majestic Slieve Donard standing at 850m high, claims the title of Northern Ireland’s highest mountain.

The Mournes are not just a place of overwhelming beauty; but every adventure seekers paradise, known as the mountain biking capital of Ireland, a walker’s haven and a photographers dream!

Rivers, lakes and reservoirs scattered around the Mournes invite you to come and see the natural beauty that has put this place on the map.
Come snow, hail or shine – you’ll find happy campers in the forests, adventurous climbers in the cliffs, and energetic walkers on the summits.

There’s so much to see and do here; you’ll find yourself in awe!

6. Ring of Gullion, County Armagh

The Ring of Gullion was designated an AONB in 1991 and since then has remained a huge part of County Armagh’s Natural Heritage.

With its varying slopes, the Mountain Ring alongside, the famous Dorsey Enclosure is a well known area of natural beauty and to the west, the valley of the Cully Water and the Umeracam.

The river separates the hills of the ring dyke from the rolling drumlin landscape which reaches out to Crossmaglen and Cullyhanna.

The countryside of the Ring of Gullion area is alive with landscape, wildlife and a strong heritage of land holding.

Not content with being an amazing AONB, the Ring of Gullion plays home to one of only a few small areas in Ireland to have so evidently reserved its local identity.

For over 6000 years, people have lived in the area and expressed their feelings about the landscape through local literature, poetry, music, folk history and art.

So you won’t only be welcomed by the sheer beauty of the land but also invited by the rich history.

7. Sperrins, County Tyrone

The sheer vastness of beauty found in the Sperrins is all consuming.

The Sperrin AONB encompasses a largely mountainous area of great geographical complexity.
Rich in beauty, this place is also wealthy in archaeological heritage and folklore and was awarded AONB status in 2008.

With narrow glens and deep valleys, sandy eskers and mysterious lakes – the area is a mystical place that curious walkers have been flocking too for a long time, especially to the site of the Beaghmore which consists of 7 stone circles.

With the combination of rolling hills, scenic countryside, and lush river valleys, it is a peaceful and serene place where you can truly escape from the pressures of modern living.

8. Strangford and Lecale

One of the most beautiful places in Northern Ireland, Strangford Lough was one of the first regions given the prestigious AONB status.

The coastal area extends inland by Quoile River, which is dominated by the historical town of Downpatrick, and then south along the outward-facing shore of the Irish Sea.

It’s difficult to think of anywhere in Northern Ireland where the interplay between land and water is so evident.

You’ll be surrounded by picturesque towns, villages, historic sites and visitor attractions and offers plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy both on and off the water.

The contrast between the expansive open lough and sea and the surrounding hill slopes is powerful.

This AONB is also one of Europe’s most important wildlife sites and represents the largest sea lough in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Known for the magnificent drumlin topography, exposed coast and sheltered bays, Strangford is a natural haven and known for its rich variety of species habiting there.

Get the right car to enjoy Dublin

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When planning your next family holiday to Dublin, the topic of transportation will mostly likely arise. In recent years, more and more families have begun to opt for a hire car during their holiday; all you have to worry is where the nearest petrol station is! To help you find the ideal car to transport your family, listed below are five of the best rental cars with which to enjoy Dublin City and surrounding areas.

1-Nissan QashQai

If you want to venture a little further out from Dublin city centre, then the Nissan QahQai is the ideal off-terrain choice. The county of Wicklow has a broad mix of tourist destinations to suit every family, and many of these sites are just a short drive from Dublin! For instance, the scenic seaside town ofBray is only 12 miles away and the idyllic village of Enniskerry is a relaxing 15-mile countryside drive. With the Nissan QashQai, you and your family can comfortably drive to these picturesque destinations; thanks to the QashQai’s large 1585 litre boot when the rear seats are folded, Bluetooth as standard, heated electric mirrors, hill start assist, cruise control, a speed limiter, a trip computer and air-conditioning.

2-Hyundai i40

The technologically proficient Hyundai i40 equips your family with a state-of-the-art touch screen for immediate entertainment and navigation. The advanced audio system incorporates controls for radio, CD, iPod and MP3 and outputs to 7 speakers and the easy-to-use satellite navigation is also accessed through the touch screen. You can also benefit from rear view camera and front and rear parking sensors to relive you of the stresses of city centre parking. Furthermore, if you opt for a Blue Drive model of the i40, you can enjoy an extremely respectable fuel economy with merely 113g/km of CO2 emissions.

3-Audi A4

For luxurious yet fuel efficient city transportation, look no further than the Audi A4. Travel throughout Ireland’s capital in style whilst benefiting from an impressive 55.4 mpg fuel economy. What’s more, the sumptuous leather interior cabin is fitted with a state of the art driver tilted LCD screen. Using this screen, you and your family can access route assistance and satellite navigation to take you to all of your favourite tourist destinations; such as the illustrious Phoenix Park, one of the largest parks in Europe! The Audi A4 is also equipped with a 10 speaker sound system, electronic cruise control with coast, resume and acceleration features and can comfortably seat up to 5 passengers.

4-Toyota Corolla

From a stroll around St Stephen’s Green to a historical tour of Dublin Castle, the Toyota Corolla will transport you around Dublin safely and in style. The Corolla utilises a state of the art air conditioning system with dust and pollen filter, fabric trimmed front seats, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod interface and even phone book access; thereby enabling you to reserve your restaurant bookingen route!

5-Ford Mondeo

The Ford Mondeo is a great rental choice for the technologically adept family. You and your family can benefit from the Mondeo’s array of technological innovations; including Auto-Start-Stop technology, cruise control, rain sensing wipers, Ford SYNC technology and Blind Spot Information System amongst others. These cacophonies of additions make the Mondeo the perfect rental car for the modern family.

What’s more the Mondeo is available in a range of fuel efficient EcoBoost engines; thus enabling you to enjoy driving around Dublin without having to worry about spending your souvenir savings on fuel!

Wicklow Mountains aka "Garden County"

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Wicklow Mountains aka “Garden County”

On the east coast of Ireland lies a vast mountainous area where you will find the county of Wicklow and the Wicklow Mountains National Park, which covers approximately 20,000 hectares of the mountain range. The key goal of the Wicklow Mountains National Park is to conserve and protect the local landscape, wildlife and the local ecosystems. Every year close to one million visitors pass through the Park and it is an extremely important source of recreation for both visitors and locals. Streams run freely into the deep calm lakes of the wood covered valleys and run into the adjoining lowlands. The forestry area and the meandering mountain roads are the only things to interrupt the gaping scenes. Heather and bog covered floors drape the round peaks and the top mountain slopes. The blanket bog areas include the Liffey Head Bog and the Lugnaquila complexes.

English: The Glendasan river in the Wicklow Mountains, County Wicklow, Ireland. In the background is Tonelagee, the third highest mountain in the range. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Glendalough is a remarkable place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul. The stunning Glendalough Valley is one the most popular tourist areas in the Wicklow Mountains and it is here that you will discover the antiquated monastic settlement of St. Kevin. Exploring the uplands on foot requires proper equipment and a sense of adventure in a setting where you will readily find isolation and wilderness. People have been coming to the ‘valley of the two lakes’ for hundreds of years to soak up its intense history, archaeology, sumptuous scenery and its copious wildlife. The world famous Monastic site with its round tower is just one of its amazing attractions along with its luscious lakes and valleys. The selection of trails and walkways include The Wicklow Way and the area has a lot to offer every discerning visitor. Glendalough is an incredible place that will stir the heart, fulfil the soul and calm the mind.

English: Crossing the Glendasan River near the Monastic City of Glendalough, County Wicklow, Ireland (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are some spectacular walking trails in the Wicklow Mountains and you will find the majority of these in the Glendalough valley. You can choose from a stroll that lasts half an hour to a vigorous hill walk that will take you about four hours. There are wide selections of exciting and impressive walks to choose from – the hardest part will be picking one that suits your mood and ability on the day! Some of the trails venture to the crumbling miners’ village, others to the Poulanass Waterfall, the cave of St. Kevin’s Bed while a visit to Reefert Church is also on the cards.

The visitor centre displays maps of the walks and the walking trails are all flagged with colour-coded arrows. Accompanying some of the walking trails are nature trails which highlight and explore bugs, birds, flora and trees that reside in and around the Wicklow Mountains which will delight both adults and children. For the more daring and experienced adventurer, you can partake in some rock climbing on the crags of Miners’ Road. The information centre will be able to offer you any help that you need on rock climbing. You will also find that angling is allowed in some of the rivers and lakes within the park. Brown trout are the most common fish caught, fishing is allowed from mid-March to the end of September.

Such is the special charm of the Wicklow Mountains nestled in the ‘Garden County’ that you will want to keep coming back. There’s always more to explore!