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3 days circular tour of northern ireland
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> 3 days circular tour of northern ireland
3 Days Circular Tour of Northern Ireland
Newry
Down
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Day One
Newry-Newtownards take the lake shore road past Narrow Water Castle through Warrenpoint to Rostrevor. Turn here up into the western Mournes to Hilltown. Then via B8, pausing after 2 miles to inspect Pat Kearney's Big Stone, on to Lough Island Reavy, to Castlevellan Forest Park to visit the National Arboretum. Continue on the A25 to Downpatrick, passing close to the Butterfly House at Seaforde, and Inch Abbey, a medieval monastery set among the marshes.
You will want to linger in Downpatrick, with th egrave of St Patrick to be seen in the cathedral cenetery. But now its on to Killyleagh, a sailing centre, and up to the west side of Strangford Lough. Depending on the time, you might have lunch at Daft Eddy's pub on Sketrick Island. Then follow the signs to Nendrum monastery at the end of a string of small islands linked by a causeway.
Returning to the main road, continue past Castle Espie, to Comber and check in overnight around Newtownards or Bangor.
Description
Description
Description
Day Two
Newtownards/Bangor-Ballycastle Drive to Scarbo Hill for superb view of the whole of Strangford Lough, then back through Newtownards to Bangor, and on to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum where you could easily spend the whole moring. Take the main road to Belfast and make straight for the M5 to Carrickfergus. Just beyond the town at kilroot power station turn left and continue to Glencoe, and turn right, along the scenic road with fine views of Larne Lough below. Take the A2 up the coast and detour off this road to visit the National Trust village of Cushendun. Return to the A2 and continue to Ballycastle, stopping first at Bonamargy Friary.
Check in overnight in the Ballycastle area.
Day Three
Ballycastle-Newry The attractions of the north Antrim coast are many. You will have time to visit the following. Carrig-a-rede swinging rope bridge, allow 20 minutes to walk to the bridge, plus another 20 if you decide to cross, the Giant's Causeway which has extensive visitor facilities and Dunluce Castle. Then drive to Coleraine and take the A26 to Ballymena by pass, continue on the A26 until you reach the M2 going east, then M1 to exit 7 to the showpiece village of Hillsborough.
Return to the motor way and travel to Newry.
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