Month: August 2013

Northern Ireland Entertainment
Things To Do

Northern Ireland entertainment is captured in so many ways. On one hand you have the buzzing nightlife in the cities of Belfast and Londonderry and on the other you have the tranquil scenery of the countryside.There’s lots things to do because it’s one of the most diverse and also cultured countries in the world. It’s steeped in history and the people are very friendly and welcoming. It really is a great place to come for a city break or long holiday.

Apart from the mainstream entertainment, you can take part in a variety of other activies such as, fishing, golf, cycling, walking, etc.

There is something for everyone. Young or old, male or female. If you enjoy doing it, Northern Ireland is bound to have it! Do you like the theatre? Nearly every large town in the province has a superb theatre and theatre company. Northern Ireland is also a popular stop for touring West End musicals, drama and dance hits.

What is your favourite form of
Northern Ireland Entertainment?

Things To Do In Northern Ireland

Fishing in Northern Ireland is something that you can do all year round. There is plenty of variety no matter what discipline you are passionate about.There is excellent Course fishing in Lough Erne, Fermanagh and the Upper Bann River area. There are also many coastal areas offering Sea fishing trips if you like getting out in the fresh sea air. If you are into Fly fishing, there are many fisheries in Northern Ireland offering Salmon and Brown Trout. You also have access to the many reservoirs scattered around the province. Most are populated with various species of fish.

Cycling Cycling in Northern Ireland. If you are staying in the Belfast area, why not try a sight seeing tour with Belfast City Bike Tours. They offer a safe and informative tour of 30 different points of interest throughout Belfast.

Walking Walking in Northern Ireland

If you live in Northern Ireland, with all these superb activities on your doorstep, why would you want to go anywhere else?

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Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is located on the North Antrim Coast between Ballycastle and Balintoy harbour.

It’s close to other great attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle.

All lie within about a 10 mile stretch of County Antrim coastline.Local fishermen have kept a bridge here since the mid 1600s. The name Carrick-a-Rede (Carraig-a-Rade) means the rock in the road. The road being the sea migration route of salmon past the island to which the bridge crossed from the mainland.The waters around this area of coast are often too rough to be reached by a small boat and it was due to this that local fishermen kept the bridge in order to reach the best places to catch the migrating salmon.

The rope bridge is approx. 70ft across and spans a chasm 80ft deep above the sea.

The bridges construction once consisted of a single, rope, hand rail and widely spaced slats. The single handrail was subsequently replaced by a dual hand railed bridge. The current caged bridge was installed by the National Trust during Easter of 2000. It was a further safety measure, although no-one has ever fallen off any of the bridges. Normally erected in the spring and taken down in the autumn, a salmon bag net is checked and emptied daily between June and August except weekends when it is not fished. The bridge is maintained by the National Trust.Visitors bold enough to cross from the cliffs to the rocky island (which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest) are rewarded with splendid uninterrupted views of Rathlin, the Scottish islands and fantastic bird-watching.

I find walking over this 80 foot high, wind swept bridge, quite scary. I don’t like heights though!

It’s a little walk out to the rope bridge. It’s a cliff path and a distance of approx. half a mile (20 minute walk). The path is quite steep in some places with rough steps.Strong boots or good walking shoes are recommended, but the views and adventure make the hike all worthwhile. The facilities here include a Tearoom. Toilets are located beside the main car park.For those interested in bird-watching, like myself, may get the opportunity to see: Eiders, Fulmars, Kittywakes, Guillemots, and Razorbills. The island to which the rope bridge leads is an important breeding ground for these birds during the months of April to July.

Location

Carrick-a-Rede,
119a Whitepark Road, Ballintoy, Co. Antrim BT54 6LS

If you are travelling by car it’s on the B15, 7ml East of Bushmills, 5ml West of Ballycastle.

The drive time from Belfast is approx. 1.15 hours.

For car hire information, checkout, Getting Around.

Going by Bus? Ulsterbus 172, 177. Causeway Rambler bus (Ulsterbus 376) between Bushmills and Carrick-a-Rede operates in summer; or Ulsterbus 252 is a circular route via the Antrim Glens from Belfast. Both stop at the Rope Bridge.

If you would like an accurate map reference location for the Rope Bridge, type the postcode, BT54 6LS into Google Maps

If you would driving directions to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge from anywhere in Northern Ireland, use Route Planner

Getting there using a Bicycle. National Cycle Network (NCN) route 93 runs past the Rope Bridge.

The bridge is open, weather permitting, every day between the 1st March – 2nd November, 2008.The opening times are: 1 March 08 – 25 May 08, 10:00-18:00. 26 May 08 – 31 August 08, 10:00-19:00. 1 September 08 – 2 November 08, 10:00-18:00.Admission Price:Adult: £3.70, Child £2, Family £9.40.

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Causeway Hotel Review
4/5 For Overall Value

I stayed in the hotel at the Giant’s Causeway on 10th January 2010 while I was attending a wedding at Ballintoy, further along the north Antrim coast. My wife and I stayed for one night in a double room which cost £70 and included breakfast.First, a little bit of background on the hotel from their website.The Causeway Hotel was opened in 1836 and is right beside the world famous national heritage site of ‘The Giant’s Causeway’. It’s a two star hotel and occupies a grade B listed building.It has been renovated and restored to include modern amenities in the guest rooms such as central heating, TV, en-suite bathrooms and tea/coffee making facilities while still retaining its charm and grandeur. I have been to the Causeway Hotel before, but only for lunch. I must say that the food was well above standard and very substantial.

I had steak and chips after a long walk along the coast from Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge. I was quite hungry at the time and came away feeling very satisfied.

Rooms

The room we stayed in was very spacious and bright. There was both a double and a single bed, TV, bathroom, patio-area balcony and the usual tea and coffee making facilities.The décor in the room was modern and colourful. Most importantly to me, the room and en-suite bathroom were clean.The bathroom had a bath as well as a shower with the usual sink and toilet. The shower wasn’t as powerful as some hotels I’ve experienced, but it was adequate. The bathroom was clean, but there was some mould around the edges of the bath where it was sealed to the tiles.The double bed was a standard King-sized bed, but was a little uncomfortable during the night as I wasn’t used to the mattress. The room was well heated, but a little noisy during the night due to the winds which are quite gusty along the north coast of Northern Ireland.

I would rate the rooms as 4/5 for this grade of hotel.

The breakfast was excellent with plenty of choice. There was a buffet area for fruit juice, fruit, yoghurts and cereals with a good variety to choose from.A waiter then took my order for a cooked breakfast. I had a standard Ulster fry, although there were smaller fry’s available as well as a vegetarian option.

I have always had good service in the Causeway Hotel when it comes to eating and drinking. As I mentioned before, I have had an excellent lunch here and would rate the overall food a 5/5.

I found the staff at the Causeway Hotel to be very friendly and helpful. I spoke to members of the hotel staff which included the breakfast waiter, receptionist and the cleaners. All were polite and helpful and were able to deal with any questions or queries I had.

I was only there for one night and only met a small selection of staff, so I will give them 5/5 based on the people I spoke to.

The location of the hotel is superb if you are visiting the various sights and tourist attractions along the North Antrim coast.

It is directly above the Giant’s causeway and a short drive or scenic walk from other attractions such as Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, Ballintoy Harbour and White Park Bay beach. Note: The rope bridge is furthest away at 12 miles. The Causeway hotel is also about 60 miles from Belfast City.

I would say that staying in the Causeway Hotel represented good value for money. It is a 2 star hotel and I think it is as good as any of the 3 star Holiday Inn’s I have stayed in.

Some B&B’s around the north coast area would also charge you similar prices for 2 persons staying one night with breakfast. Overall, I would give this two star hotel 4/5.

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The Giant’s-Causeway

The Giant’s-Causeway is Northern Ireland’s premier tourist attraction. The site and 15 miles of footpaths along the Causeway Coastline are owned and maintained by the National Trust who work in close co-operation with Moyle District Council who manage the car park facilities. In November 1986 the Giant’s-Causeway received major recognition from The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), when it was included on the World Heritage list making it Ireland’s first World Heritage site.This area from Portnaboe to Benbane Head was also designated by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland, as a National Nature Reserve in recognition of the importance of its geology and of the plant and animal life.

One could say perhaps that the Giant’s-Causeway is now considered to be the eighth ‘Wonder of the World’ and takes its place alongside sites such as, Niagara Falls and the Great Barrier Reef.

What you should know

The Giant’s Causeway formed 60 Million years ago as a result of volcanic eruptions. The lava cooled and hardened and formed layers of basalt rock to become the Giant’s Causeway. You can see approximately 40,000 columns of basalt rock here today. For centuries the splendid sights of the Giant’s Causeway have astounded visitors from all over the world. The main Causeway is located about 800m from the car-park. It is downhill on to main area, but quite a steep upward walk on the way back. Quite challenging if you don’t walk alot. During the peak summer season, there is a bus service operating between the car-park and the main causeway area.Admission to the Giant’s-Causeway if free, but you have to pay for car-parking.
This is a great little video about the Giant’s Causeway, with a beautiful soundtrack. You can find out more about this great attraction from The Visitor Centre or Giant’s Causeway. Giant’s Causeway, Causeway Road, Bushmills, Co. Antrim BT57 8SU

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Map showing location of The Giant’s Causeway

If you would like driving directions to The Giant’s Causeway from anywhere in Northern Ireland, use Route Planner. You might need the postcode, BT57 8SU

Travel by Bus

The Causeway Rambler (Ulsterbus No 376) between Bushmills and Carrick-a-Rede runs in the summer; or Ulsterbus No 252 is a circular route via the Antrim Glens from Belfast. Both stop at the Causeway. For more information, visit the Translink website.

Travel by Bicycle

National Cycle Network (NCN) route 93 runs past Causeway. If you would like help to find the best way to get here on Bicycle, visit the National Cycle Network website.

Travel by Road

If you are travelling by car from Belfast follow the scenic Causeway Coastal Route A2 or if you are near Bushmills, follow the B146 for 2 miles from there. The drive time from Belfast is approx. 1.15 hours. Do you need a hire car?

Travel by Train

The nearest train station is Bangor, which is 10mls from this attraction. For more information, visit the Translink website. If you enjoyed your visit to this attraction, then why not leave us a comment about it. Similarly, if you didn’t enjoy your visit, then also let us know so we can warn other visitors.

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Tollymore Forest Park covers an area of approximately 630 hectares at the base of the Mourne Mountains. The forest offers first class views of the surrounding mountains and the town of Newcastle, County Down.

Within the perimeter of the forest, there is a mass of majestic trees and exquisite scenery. The gleaming Shimna river ripples through the centre of the park on its journey from the high Mournes to the Irish Sea at Newcastle.

The forest park also caters for many outdoor activities including walking, caravanning, horse riding, orienteering and countless more.

My preferred activity in the forest is the walking. There are four way-marked trails of different lengths to take you on an expedition around the most pleasant areas of the forest. All the trails are circular and sign-posted. There is at least one trail to suit every level of walking ability, although strong footwear is advised.

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The Argory
National Trust House & Gardens

The Argory is owned by the National trust in Northern Ireland. It is a superb example of an Irish gentry house and is surrounded by a vast 320 acre wooded riverside estate.

The house was built in the 1820s and was the former home of the Bond family. The family had very Edwardian tastes and interests and you can still see these reflected in the interior design of the house, which has remained unchanged since 1900. It has been referred to, by some people, as a neo-classical masterpiece.

The grounds of the estate are also picturesque and stunning. You can enjoy scenic walks and delight in the breath-taking sweeping views of the woodland and river. There is an adventure playground for the children as well as an environmental sculpture trail to keep them entertained. If you are feeling a bit peckish, you could try a bun and some tea from Lady Ada’s award winning tea-room.

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Mount Stewart House and Gardens including Temple of the Winds

Mount Stewart House and Gardens are situated on the shores of Strangford Lough.The famous neo-classical house and gardens at this wildlife haven were planted in the 1920s by Edith, Lady Londonderry, and are of international importance.You can take your time to explore the gardens and smell the beautiful flowers. They’re among the finest in Europe.It’s so relaxing and tranquil. There’s a new surprise awaiting you around every corner. You will admire the tranquility of the lake and detail of the lavish formal terraces. There is also a beautiful view to be had from the Temple of the Winds.Mount Stewart house and it’s contents reflect the remarkable history of the family and have been taken on board by the National Trust.

There’s a wonderful house tour, which includes world famous paintings and stories about the prominent guests and the people who have worked there over the centuries.

What you should know about Mount Stewart

This large house and it’s colourful gardens is a great family day out. You should plan to spend the whole day when visiting this attraction.There is a guided tour of the house, which lets you see all the amazing paintings and luxuriously decorated rooms as well as the full history behind them.The gardens are massive and great for kids to explore. I used to play hide and seek in these gardens with my sister when we were younger. We were running around for hoursThere’s also a beautiful walk aound the gardens called the Red Squirrel Walk. It is approx. 1.4mls and you might catch a glimpse of some of the last remaining Red Squirrels in Ireland.

More information about this beautiful place can be found at the National Trust website.

I enjoyed a lovely day out with my family and friends at this picturesque and colourful house and gardens.The weather was dry and bright and we could think of no better way to celebrate a spot of sunshine than by packing a picnic and chilling out listening to a brass band on the lawn.

We have friends that play with Ballyduff Silver Band and knew that they were going to be performing a concert that day at Mount Stewart.

It was going to be a ‘party in the park’ sort of atmosphere, so we rolled up a blanket and prepared a small picnic to take with us.

It couldn’t have worked out better.The weather was brilliant and there were lots of other people with the same idea. The lawn at the front of the magnificent house was covered with families and their picnics.We left from Belfast around lunchtime and it took us about 45 minutes driving to get there and get parked.The band played for about two hours while we relaxed with our picnic. Afterwards we went for a leisurely stroll around the great lake just behind the house.The flowers and wildlife were breathtaking. So many different colours and smells. We also saw ducks, frogs and a couple of red squirrels.

It was a great family day out. We will definately be doing it again next year. Thanks for reading my story.

Portaferry Road, Newtownards, Co. Down BT22 2AD

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Map showing location of Mount Stewart House and Gardens

If you would like driving directions to Mount Stewart House and Gardens from anywhere in Northern Ireland, use Route Planner

Travel by Bus

Ulsterbus No:10 Belfast–Portaferry, bus stop at gates. For more information, visit the Translink website.

Travel by Bicycle

There doesn’t appear to be a direct cycle route in this area. If you would like help to find the best way to get here on Bicycle, visit the National Cycle Network website.

Travel by Road

The house and gardens are located 15mls SE of Belfast on Newtownards–Portaferry road, A20, 5mls SE of Newtownards. Do you need a hire car?

Travel by Train

The nearest train station is Bangor, which is 10mls from this attraction. For more information, visit the Translink website. Exploris Aquarium – The Exploris Aquarium provides an exhilarating and enlightening day out for the whole family. You can observe many sea creatures in their natural environment including seals, jellyfish, starfish and rays. Culloden Hotel – This prestigious hotel offers a wide range of facilities for guests, including The Spa for those in need of a little pampering. It is located beside the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. Approx. 4mls outside Belfast City Centre. If you enjoyed your visit to this attraction, then why not leave us a comment about it. Similarly, if you didn’t enjoy your visit, then also let us know so we can warn other visitors.

Molly Goble from UK writes:

Is mount stewart gardens wheelchair friendly?

Response From Mark (Northern Ireland Travel)

There is separate parking for mobility access, approx 100yds. from the entrance and also a drop-off point. The main building has a level entrance and has wheelchairs available to borrow. Booking is essential as there are only four. The other floors have stairs.There are toilet facilities at the reception area/car park. The grounds are partly accessible with loose gravel paths. There is a map of the accessible route around the grounds. Available to borrow are three single-seater PMVs. Again booking is essential.The shop and refreshments area also have a level entrance.

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Each of the 5 star hotels in Belfast offers you complete luxury throughout your stay in Northern Ireland. The Merchant, Fitzwilliam and Hilton offer the best accomodation in Belfast for a business trip, weekend break or city tour.

They are all located in the heart of the city centre and close to major attractions such as: The City Hall, Victoria Square shopping centre, The Ulster Hall, Grand Opera House, Titanic Quarter, Odyssey Arena, Castle Court shopping centre, St. Anne’s Cathedral and The Waterfront Hall.

Deco Decadence At The Merchant Hotel And Spa

The Merchant Hotel *****

16 Skipper Street, BT1 2DZ. Rooms from £80 per night.

The Merchant Hotel

The stylish, deco decadent, Merchant Hotel is located in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast city centre. You’re literally just minutes away from top visitor attractions such as Victoria Square shopping centre, Odyssey Arena, Albert Memorial Clock, Titanic Quarter, Belfast City Hall, Waterfront Hall, Grand Opera House and St. Anne’s Cathedral. Among the best luxury Belfast hotels, it boasts 62 spacious rooms and suites of luxurious and elegant accommodation decorated in Victorian Splender or Deco Decadence. Each room includes: air conditioning, super kingsize beds, complimentry WiFi, black-out curtains or blinds, fridge, television, hairdryer, slippers and robes, safe and 24 hour room service. The Merchant Hotel, Belfast is also home to Ollie’s Club, a lavish night club with state of the art sound and lighting systems. If you prefer something quieter, there are other bars such as the Cloth Ear, The Bar or Berts. There is also a private members and residents bar as well as two fine restaurants. To top it all off, the Merchant Hotel has a modern, well equiped Spa and Gymnasium. My favourite way to relax at the Merchant, Belfast is in the outdoor hot tub on the roof terrace. You’ll enjoy splendid panoramic views over the east of the city and some famous sights you’ll see include the giant ship-building cranes of Harland and Wolf where Titanic was built, The Albert Clock and Parliament Buildings at Stormont.

Click Here For Reviews and Best Rates For The Merchant Hotel.

The Fitzwilliam Hotel *****

1-3 Great Victoria Street, BT2 7BQ. Rooms from £80 per night.

The Fitzwilliam Hotel

The Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast is a great place for both business and pleasure. It incorporates some superb facilities and services including valet car parking, a business centre, resident fitness suite and has a modern, contemporary feel about it. This top hotel is located right in the centre of Belfast beside the Grand Opera House and just five minutes walk from Victoria Square shopping centre, The Ulster Concert Hall, The City Hall and Castle Court shopping centre as well as other restaurants and pubs within the city. Each bedroom in this luxury Belfast accommodation is elegantly designed with carefully chosen fabrics and textures and the bedding is made from high quality Egyptian linen. There is also complimentary high speed broadband, mineral water and newspapers in every room. As you would expect from any of the 5 star hotels in Belfast, you get a fully kitted out bathroom complete with toiletries, towels, luxurious slippers and robes. With four meeting rooms, this modern hotel has state of the art business and conferencing facilities which include touch panel room controls, air conditioning, audiovisual equipment and plasma screens, natural daylight and high speed wireless internet.

Click Here For Reviews and Best Rates For The Fitzwilliam Hotel.

The Hilton Hotel *****

4 Lanyon Place, BT1 3LP. Rooms from £69 per night.

The Hilton Hotel

The contemporary five star Hilton Hotel is located centrally in Belfast on the banks of the River Lagan beside the Waterfront Hall. Whilst staying at this Belfast hotel, you are only minutes away from Victoria Square shopping centre, St George’s Market, Odyssey Arena and the Titanic Quarter. Other attractions close to the hotel include: The Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Queens University, St. Anne’s Cathedral, Albert Clock, Odeon Cinema, Belfast Central Station and the Laganside Courts. The hotel has 198 recently refurbished, non-smoking guest rooms which all include high speed internet access and beautiful views across the city. Accessible rooms are available as well as secure car parking and pets are welcome. The Hilton Belfast features amenities such as: The Livingwell Express fitness centre, Precor gym and health club, a business centre, a concierge desk, 24-hour room service, executive floor and 9 meeting rooms. If you enjoy eating and drinking the Hilton offers the Sonoma restaurant and Cables bar. At the Cables you can sip electric blue vodka cocktails, drink Costa coffee or enjoy something from the Tapas snack menu while listening to smooth Jazz music in the background. The Sonoma is a spacious, modern restaurant with scenic views over the River Lagan through floor to ceiling windows. Some signature dishes include: Rump of Irish Lamb and Pan Fried Seabass.

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Which 5 Star Belfast Hotel This Is?

Can you guess which one of the luxury hotels, Belfast this is? I’ll give you a clue. It’s my favourite and it used to be a bank. It’s also the best of all the 5 star hotels in Belfast.

Click Here For The Best Deals On This Mystery Accommodation

There are eight 3 star hotels in Belfast which offer great value budget accommodation whether you’re here for a short break or business trip. The Travelodge offers no frills rooms for less than £46 per night while some may prefer the contemporary feel of a boutique hotel such as Madisons.

The Ramada Encore, Days, Jury’s Inn and Park Inn are all in the city centre, while Express By Holiday Inn and the Ibis are in the Queen’s Quarter.

Belfast is a small city, so any of the establishments within the centre are within walking distance of all the local attractions.

Some places to see include: Odyssey Arena, The Waterfront Hall, Titanic Quarter, City Hall, Castle Court and Victoria Square shopping complexes, Albert Clock, Grand Opera House, The Ulster Hall, St Anne’s Cathedral and St. George’s Market.

Madison’s Hotel

Days ***

40 Hope Street, BT12 5EE. Rooms from £45 per night.

Days

The centrally located Days Hotel contains 250 bright and spacious en-suite guest rooms with multi channel television, telephone, tea and coffee facilities and hair-dryer. During your stay at this accommodation you can enjoy free wireless internet and free car parking. At the restaurant in the morning a full Irish breakfast is provided in the form of an all you can eat buffet. The great value Days Hotel also allows kids under 12 to stay for free. This budget accommodation in Belfast is right beside the Europa Bus and Train station on Great Victoria Street and near attractions such as the Grand Opera House and Crown Bar.

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Express By Holiday Inn ***

106A University Street, BT7 1HP. Rooms from £51 per night.

Express By Holiday Inn

The Express By Holiday Inn is located in the Queens Quarter of Belfast. With 114 guest rooms, free buffet breakfast, car parking on-site, wireless internet, a licensed bar, on-site meeting rooms and an extensive snack menu, this budget hotel has facilities that could rival some of its 4 and 5 star counterparts Each modern bedroom has a refreshing power shower, high speed WiFi, Coffee and Tea facilities, hair-dryer, work desk and telephone. The Holiday Inn Express is only a short walk from attractions such as: The Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Queen University and Queens Film Theatre. Other attractions in the area include: Victoria Square shopping centre, Odyssey Arena, Castlecourt shopping centre, Ormeau Park and the City Hall.

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Jurys Inn ***

Fisherwick Place, BT2 7AP. Rooms from £58 per night.

Jurys Inn

Jurys Inn is part of a nationwide hotel chain and for the second time in recent years have been awarded Best Independent Hotel Brand. Jurys Inn Belfast has 170 standard and 20 superior en-suite bedrooms. The rooms are all bright and spacious and can accommodate 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. Each standard room includes a multi channel television, refreshments dock, high speed internet, hair dryer and bathroom. For a small fee you can upgrade to a superior room and enjoy free internet in the bedroom and free WiFi in the public areas such as the bar and restaurant, sparkling or still water, ironing facilities, 10% discount on food and a free newspaper. Jurys Inn is located beside The Grand Opera House and within walking distance to the main attractions of Belfast.

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Madison’s ***

Botanic Avenue, BT7 1JL. Rooms from £58 per night.

Madison’s Belfast

Madison’s is a small boutique hotel with just 35 guest rooms. Being a smaller contemporary accommodation they can offer an excellent customer experience with a personal service and great value for money. Each morning you’ll be greeted with a free newspaper to read while waiting on your delicious cooked to order breakfast. Each room also has free wireless internet and a flat screen TV. Madison’s is based in the university area and is close to attractions and amenities such as the Palm House, Botanic Gardens, The Ulster Museum, Botanic Train Station and Queen’s Film Theatre. This 3 star hotel in Belfast also boasts a fine restaurant and bar as well as a lively nightclub for your evenings entertainment.

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Ibis Queen’s Quarter ***

75 University Street, BT7 1HL. Rooms from £45 per night.

Ibis Queen’s Quarter

The Ibis Belfast hotel in the Queen’s Quarter of the city has around 56 modern bedrooms with facilities including satellite TV and wireless internet. As with most 3 star hotels in Belfast, it has a restaurant serving cold and hot snacks and a friendly bar area to relax and socialise in. The premises are 100% non smoking to comply with laws in Northern Ireland regarding smoking indoors in public places. The guest rooms have the usual amenities such as a telephone and tea/coffee. Some family friendly connecting rooms are also available throughout the accommodation. Within walking distance you will find the City Hospital, Lisburn Road, Stranmillis College, Queens University and Ormeau Park.

Click Here For Reviews and Best Rates For Ibis Queen’s Quarter.

Ramada Encore ***

20 Talbot Street, BT1 2LD. Rooms from £50 per night.

Ramada Encore

The Ramada Encore is one of Belfast’s newer hotels and is based in St. Anne’s Square, right in the centre of the Cathedral Quarter. It contains around 165 bright and contemporary guest rooms of varying standards including executive and family type accommodation. Each room has a power shower, 22” flat screen TV, pay per view films and workstation with direct dial telephone. As it’s in the city centre, the Ramada Encore doesn’t provide free car parking, but it does have complimentary WiFi for guests on the ground floor. There is a small charge for internet in the guest rooms though. The Ramada is next door to The Mac arts centre and is close to other attractions which include St. Anne’s Cathedral, The Waterfront Hall, Odyssey Arena, Titanic Belfast and The City Hall. There is also plenty of shopping in the city centre area including Castle Court and Victoria Square shopping complexes.

Click Here For Reviews and Best Rates For The Ramada Encore.

Park Inn ***

4 Clarence Street West, BT2 7GP. Rooms from £58 per night.

Park Inn

The Park Inn has 145 fresh and spacious bed rooms with modern décor and all the amenities and facilities you would expect from a quality three star establishment. There are four different room types to accommodate your needs whether they are business, family or accessibility oriented. Each room has refreshments, desk and telephone, shower-room, television, pay as you go internet, climate control, pay per view movies and queen sized or twin beds. The Park Inn also has a fitness suite with sauna and steam room so you can keep up with your training while you’re away. Stag and Hen parties are also welcome and you can find some great short-break and family deals in this city centre accommodation. While staying here you are only a few minutes walk from The Ulster Hall, Grand Opera House, Linenhall Library and City Hall.

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Travelodge ***

15 Brunswick Street, BT2 7GE. Rooms from £46 per night.

Travelodge

The Travelodge Belfast is a really great budget hotel and probably one of the best value 3 star hotels in the city centre. Guest rooms at the Travelodge are spacious, but minimal. You do still however have a multi channel television with news and Setanta sports in the room plus tea and coffee. There is also WiFi access throughout the premises, but you have to pay a small fee for access. All rooms are en-suite, but toiletries are not provided. The Travelodge doesn’t have on-site car parking, but has negotiated a discounted rate with the NCP, Dublin Road car park which is a five minute walk away. This budget hotel in Belfast is within walking distance of The Ulster Hall, Movie House Cinema, Dublin Road and The Waterfront Hall.

Click Here For Reviews and Best Rates For The Travelodge.

Still Not Found What You’re Looking For?

If you can’t find a three star hotel in Belfast to suit your needs, you might try checking out these other ideas for accommodation and thing to do.

4 Star Hotels In Belfast	5 Star Hotels In Belfast	Belfast Tours

Welcome to the Ulster American Folk Park, an open-air museum in Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The museum tells the story of emigration from Ulster to America in the 18th & 19th centuries and provides visitors with a “living history” experience on its outdoor site.

Costumed demonstrators go about their everyday tasks in a traditional manner in authentically furnished buildings.

Visitors are able to taste traditional fayre and see demonstrations on traditional Irish and American crafts and agriculture including spinning, printing, blacksmithing and textiles.The Ship and Dockside Gallery features a full-size reconstruction of an early 19th century sailing ship of the type which carried thousands of emigrants across the Atlantic.The Old World and New World layout of the Park illustrates the various aspects of emigrant life on both sides of the Atlantic. The museum also includes an indoor Emigrants Exhibition and includes a Centre for Migration Studies/library which is accessible to all visitors if they wish to research their ancestry.

A full programme of special events is organised throughout the year including the award winning annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival (first weekend in September) and the ever popular Halloween Festival.

Now in its 17th year the Annual Appalachian and Bluegrass Festival has become one of the largest bluegrass events outside of North America.The Annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival runs over three days and features a range of attractions including the ‘Bluegrass in The Park’ outdoor musical performances and three major evening concerts in the festival marquee.

Cameras

Visitors are welcome to use their cameras around the Park to take photographs for their own personal use. Care should be taken not to contravene the privacy of other visitors, and in particular no identifiable images of children should be taken without parental consent.

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted on the museum site (Guide Dogs excepted)

Picnics and food

A designated picnic area is provided adjacent to the car park. Food and drinks are not permitted on the museum site.

History

Established in 1976, as Northern Irelands contribution to the American bicentenary, the Folk Park has been constructed around the original homestead of Thomas Mellon, who as a 5 year old boy had emigrated with his parents to Western Pennsylvania.The Mellon family, and in particular Dr T Matthew Mellon, initiated the restoration of the Mellon homestead which was completed in 1968. Further development took place in the 1970’s, when Dr Matthew T Mellon and Mr Eric Montgomery OBE were instrumental in the establishment of the Ulster American Folk Park, which portrayed the emigrant trail to America.

Since its opening in July 1976 the Park has grown rapidly and with the addition of a number of original exhibit buildings, the museum now represents the broad spectrum of 18th and 19th century emigration from Ulster to America.

On 1 October 1998 the Ulster American Folk Park joined with Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Armagh Museum and the Ulster Museum to form the National Museums and Galleries of Northern Ireland and plans are currently being prepared to develop a National Museum of Emigration. 1 April to 30 September 2008 (to be confirmed)Monday to Saturday 10.30am-4.30pm (Museum closes 6.00pm)Sundays/Public Holidays 11.00am-5.00pm (Museum closes 6.30pm)

The Centre for Migration Studies

Monday to Friday 10.30am-4.45pmClosed weekends and Public Holidays

Museum Coffee Shop

Daily 10.30am-5.00pm during museum opening

Museum Restaurant

By arrangement in advance: (028) 8224 0918

Admission pricesAdult £5.00* £4.50 without gift aidConcession £3.00* £2.50 without gift aidFamily (2 adults & up to 3 children) £13.00* £11.50 without gift aidFamily (1 adult & up to 3 children) £11.00* £9.50 without gift aidChildren 4 years & under Free

*As a charity, the Ulster American Folk Park relies on support from people like you to enable us to carry out vital conservation work and to care for the exhibits.

Prices include a voluntary 10% donation that allows us to collect Gift Aid which, if you are a UK tax payer, means we can claim back the tax on your ticket, currently 28p for every £1.Concession rate applies to children 4-16, senior citizens and people with disabilities.10% discount on full rate for groups with 15 or moreTours and Trails 2.50Winter Workshops (including materials) 2.80

Location

Ulster American Folk Park, Castletown, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, BT78 5QY

By Bus from Belfast

Goldliner Express Bus No. 273 from Belfast to Derry passes the main gates of the Folk Park. The Express stops on request outside the main gates of the Folk Park. The nearest local bus station is in Omagh, which also has a a local service passing the Folk Park.

In addition taxis are usually available at Omagh Bus Station. More information on bus services is available from Translink.

A large car and coach park can accommodate up to 350 cars. The drive time from Belfast is approx. 1.30 hours. Parking is free.

If you would like an accurate map reference location for the Ulster American Folk Park, type the postcode, BT78 5QY into Google Maps

If you would driving directions to the Ulster American Folk Park from anywhere in Northern Ireland, use Route Planner and type BT78 5QY into destination box.

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