Brilliant things to enjoy!
WWW.BRILLIANTIRELAND.COM
There are so many Brilliant things to do, see and enjoy in the North and North West Ireland. Here are just some of them. All of which feature on www.BrilliantIreland.com!
EXPORE THE WONDERS OF NATURE ...
Watch the eagles soar at Glenveagh National Park
Capture the very essence of Ireland - see Ireland's only wild eagles and the largest population of red deer in Europe. Stroll through one of the finest walled gardens in Ireland at the massive 16,540 hectares park.
Visit Benbulben and know why Yeats was so inspired
Capture the unique spirit of the North-West of Ireland and of 'Yeats Country' by visiting famous Benbulben in Co. Sligo. Explore this legendary mountain that inspired so much of the Nobel Prizewinning poet's work and overlooks the graveyard where he is buried.
Walk to the top of Slieve League, Europe's highest cliffs
Be prepared for an exhilarating experience as you embark on an incredibly beautiful walk to the top of Slieve League (600m) on Donegal's south-western coastline. See the Atlantic Ocean and the Donegal landscape as you've never seen them before!
Locate the mystical 'Shannon Pot'
Feel the sense of achievement as you come upon the source of the mighty 386km-long River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland and Great Britain, just north of the village of Dowra, in Co. Cavan.
Climb Mount Errigal, and enjoy a heavenly experience!
You are 751m above sea level on the spectacular quartzite cone summit of Donegal's highest mountain. From this vantage point, you get magnificent views of the beautiful 'Poisoned Glen' and dramatic countryside, from Malin Head to Slieve League.
See Ireland's most northerly point at Malin Head
For a unique insight into how the mighty Atlantic Ocean has interacted with land over the millennia, visit this spectacular area of north Donegal. See stunning cliff caverns, Europe's largest sand dunes and maritime relics going back centuries.
Stunning beaches offer exciting options for all the family
The many stunning, undisturbed beaches along Ireland's North and North West coastline offer wonderful holiday opportunities. The Great Family Beaches at various seaside resorts have facilities for all ages while spectacular watersports options, from surfing to sailing, are just some of the other treats that lie in store on the many Great Beaches that dot the coastline.
Just breathe in the Fresh Air!
Even to picture the scene, in your mind's eye, serves to invigorate the mind and spirit. Spectacularly scenic countryside, a dramatic Atlantic coastline, beautiful bays, glorious sandy beaches, imposing mountains, meandering rivers and lakes... just breathe in!
ENJOY WONDERFUL SPORT & LEISURE AMENITIES...
Soak in a seaweed bath and relive Edwardian charm
Pamper yourself with the very best of health nutrients that nature can offer in Ireland's North-West Region. Relive the charm of Edwardian times at Kilcullen's Seaweed Baths in Enniscrone, Co. Sligo or try out other seaweed baths in Bundoran, Co. Donegal and Strandhill, Co. Sligo.
Enjoy memorable food at MacNean Town House and Bistro
Blacklion, Co. Cavan, on the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland, is the place to go for extra special food. Experience the exceptional culinary skills of Neven Maguire and stay awhile at this lovely retreat in the heart of the Irish countryside.
Captain your own cruiser on the Shannon-Erne Waterway!
You are master of your own destiny as you captain your boat along the placid waters of one of Europe's greatest waterways. The Waterway links the 215km-long navigable stretch of the vast River Shannon with the 84km-long Erne system.
Go rally driving in a Subaru - exhilarating!
Experience the ultimate thrill at Rally School Ireland in Gola near Goatstown, Co. Monaghan. Take the wheel of your own high-powered rally car and speed around a purpose-built track! And enjoy all this in perfectly safe and controlled conditions.
Great Water Sports in Fermanagh Lakelands!
Fancy an exhilarating skip over the waves or casting a line in perfect angling waters? Or exploring woodland, forest, parkland and wetland, delving into history and heritage, and sampling great shopping and visitor attractions? The Fermanagh Lakelands has it all!
Enjoy 'hocus-pocus' at the Banks of the Foyle Hallowe'en Carnival!
Why not join Ireland's largest street carnival in Derry this coming Hallowe'en? Famous the world over as a spectacular Walled City, Derry has embraced the spirit of Hallowe'en like no other destination. Don't forget to bring your fancy dress costume!
Saddle Up - in Ireland North and North-West!
Imagine the sense of the clear Atlantic air in your lungs and the wind in your hair? From deserted beaches to peaceful country wilderness, with equestrian centres geared to suit all ages and levels of proficiency... the options on horse-back are stunning.
Feel the pulse of Ireland - enjoy great Traditional Music, Song and Dance!
Wherever you go in Ireland's North and North-West Region, there's a 'seisiún' (impromptu traditional music session) not far away. Give your spirits a lift and get those feet tapping... head to a local pub or festival and experience the magic!
BE SPELLBOUND BY LEADING VISITOR ATTRACTIONS...
Marvel at the spectacular Giant's Causeway
Visit the Giant's Causeway on the north Antrim coastline and be amazed by a 60 million year-old natural history phenomenon and dramatic stone columns. Admire this UNESCO World Heritage site (Ireland's top tourist attraction) and hear about great legendary tales.
Learn all about whiskey making at the Old Bushmills Distillery
What an opportunity! The chance to learn the secrets of good whiskey making and a 400 year-old craft at the world's oldest licensed distillery in North Antrim near the Giant's Causeway... not to mention the prospect of sampling the finest of Irish whiskey!
Visit the Sperrins for a magical holiday experience
In the magical Sperrins Region, straddling Counties Tyrone and Derry, you come across many different cultural and heritage traditions, including those of the Celt, Norman, and Plantation settler. You can also enjoy great scenery and wonderful entertainment.
Follow the emigration trail at the Ulster American Folk Park
At the Park near Omagh, Co. Tyrone, see a full-size reconstruction of a typical Irish emigrant transatlantic sailing ship! Tour authentically furnished Old and New World buildings, and relive American Independence with special re-enactments this July.
Explore Mythical Islands off Ireland's North-West Coast
Experience a different world just minutes away. Capture the magic and traditional values of the West of Ireland by visiting a number of accessible islands - Tory, Arranmore, Gola, Inishbofin and Inishfree off Donegal, and Inishmurray near Sligo
Dare to cross the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
Be adventurous... experience the thrill of crossing the famous and precarious rope bridge east of Ballintoy on the North Antrim Coast Road! Feel the tremendous sense of achievement as you make the 18m crossing over a 24m deep chasm below.
Discover Rathlin Island... a hidden treasure
Ireland's largest inhabited offshore island, Rathlin off Co. Antrim is steeped in history, mythology and the wonders of nature. The scene of many great moments in Irish history and invention, marvellous scenery and a thriving seabird colony, Rathlin has it all.
Explore the fascinating natural underworld at Marble Arch Caves
Step into a fascinating natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers. Visit Marble Arch Caves in Marlbank, Florencecourt, Co. Fermanagh, one of Europe's finest showcaves, and you are transported back over 330 million years!
Experience the real Ireland - in the Donegal Gaeltacht
If you want to get a sense of the real Ireland and what makes the country so different. head for the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) parts of Co. Donegal. Here you'll find a people steeped in the social, cultural and linguistic heritage of the Irish nation for centuries.
Visit the Costello Chapel - the second smallest in the world!
Step inside the miniscule structure of this famous tiny chapel in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim and cast your mind back to the 19th century. A local rich merchant, Edward Costello, commissioned this remarkable chapel in memory of his late wife in 1877.
Visit Dunluce Castle - the most romantic in Ireland!
Capture a truly unique image of Ireland and visit 14th century Dunluce Castle, located in a dramatic cliff-top setting on the northern shores of Antrim. Regarded as the most romantic and picturesque in the whole country, this historic castle will captivate you.
STEP BACK IN TIME THROUGH ANCIENT HISTORY...
Climb Knocknarea Mountain and see Queen Maeve's tomb
Examine a 5,000 year-old cairn reputed to hold the tomb of the legendary Queen of Connaught at the top of this atmospheric mountain in Co. Sligo. See remarkable reminders of early Irish civilisation and enjoy spectacular views, from Donegal to Mayo.
Explore great Irish history and mythology at Grianan of Aileach
Be fascinated by tales of great Irish chieftains, prehistoric settlements, and magical myths. At this 4,000 year-old site near Burt, Co. Donegal close to Derry, see one of Ireland's most impressive stone ring forts and enjoy spectacular views over five counties!
Journey back through the millennia at Carrowmore Megalithic Tombs
For a memorable insight into ancient Ireland and ancient civilization, visit Carrowmore Megalithic Tombs near Strandhill, Co. Sligo. See a truly rare sight, a passage tomb reputed to pre-date the famous Newgrange and Stonehenge sites, among many others.
Stroll along the historic Walled City of Derry
Experience a deep sense of history as you walk the historic walls that surround the old city of Derry. What a panoramic setting! Massive walls, almost 7.9m high and 9m wide, take you around the only remaining intact medieval walled city in Ireland.
EXPERIENCE TRULY DISTINCTIVE ACCOMODATION...
Take a break at irresistible Castle Leslie
Live out your wildest dreams and take a break at this fabulous country house in Glaslough, Co. Monaghan. .Enjoy the wonderful setting, great history, sumptuous food and special atmosphere.
Live out your dream at the Radisson SAS Farnham Estate
Enjoy stunning accommodation and leisure facilities in this remodeled 16th century country estate that stretches to 525 hectares in the heart of the Irish countryside near Cavan Town. And it's all within easy reach of Dublin and Belfast!
Sample the grandeur of country life at Hilton Park
To get a truly spectacular insight into Irish country life and the wonders of nature, stay at Hilton Park in Clones, Co. Monaghan. The Maddens extend a warm welcome to their great manor house and magnificent 200 hectare estate - a perfect holiday base.
Get a bird's eye view from Black Head Lightkeeper's House!
This spectacular self-catering accommodation perched on a cliff-top overlooking the Irish Sea and the spectacular Co. Antrim coastline offers a truly unique setting. See how the lighthouse keeper lived and avail of an excellent base for touring and sightseeing.
Enjoy the splendid elegance of Cabra Castle
Take a break at stately Cabra Castle in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan and sample the splendour and elegance of country life. Lying in the heart of the Irish countryside and easily accessible, the Castle has wonderful character and great activity options.
Pamper yourself at the Slieve Russell Hotel, Golf and Country Club
Imagine the luxury and possibilities! The award-winning Hotel & Country Club, set on a 120 hectare estate dotted with lakes at Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, has a truly spectacular Spa and Wellness Centre and acclaimed 18-hole championship golf course.
GREAT HOLIDAY IDEAS
TAKE A DRIVE THROUGH THE ENCHANTING COUNTRYSIDE...
What better way to see the spectacular countryside and dramatic coastline of Ireland's North and North-West Regions than to embark on one of the many interesting driving tours that are possible through the area?
Your options include:
The Causeway Coastal Drive, from Belfast to Lough Foyle, one of the most dramatic in the world.
A tour of ancient Ireland, which leads you to some wonderful historic treasures.
Legends of Ireland, that follows a trail connected with great tales and myths.
A literary tour, of the locations which inspired the great Irish writers.
An endless range of oval hills, which takes you on the roads of Cavan and Monaghan.
Donegal - a special corner of Ireland, with an insight into the county's charms.
Derry and Donegal - beautiful and scenic
Follow the Erne - from tributaries to the ocean, a tour of the great waterway district.
Stunning Scenery and Romantic Landscapes, that takes you from Donegal Town to Sligo and on to Leitrim
Tyrone and Derry - uncover history, touring suggestions for these magical counties.
EXPLORE THE TREASURES - COUNTY BY COUNTY...
Each county and district within Ireland's North and North-West Region offers great holiday prospects... wonderful scenery, historic sights, great visitor attractions, interesting villages and towns, marvelous outdoor pursuits and entertainment options.
Check out the possibilities from the following options:
County Donegal - Come and revive the spirit!
The Causeway Coast and Glens - Explore the magic and mystery.
County Cavan - Ireland's Lake Country.
County Sligo - The Yeats' Country for all you desire!
Derry - Ireland's historic walled city and much more.
County Tyrone - Get a flavour... you won't be disappointed!
Fermanagh - one of Europe's finest lakeland districts.
County Leitrim - Get in touch with the real Ireland
County Monaghan - one of Ireland's best kept secrets!
