Reasons to Visit Northern Ireland
Ten Best Things to Do in Northern Ireland from Bushmills to Coldplay
Aug 14, 2008
There are many reasons to visit Northern Ireland any time of year, including seeing great Irish sights like the Giant's Causeway and touring Bushmills whiskey distillery. There are always activities including golf, surfing and cycling, and later in 2008 you can see people like Coldplay and Lee Evans live in concert in Belfast.
Here's one list of suggestions for the ten best things to do in Northern Ireland this year:
Old Bushmills Irish Whiskey Distillery
The Old Bushmills whiskey distillery is 400 years old this year. It's the oldest legal distillery in the world, having received its licence in 1608 from King James I. It's thought that whiskey has been made here for much longer than that, though, as it's believed the troops of King Henry II enjoyed a drop about 800 years ago.
Just a few miles from Bushmills is this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Northern Ireland's main visitor attraction. It goes back over 60 million years – even older than the Bushmills Distillery! The 40,000 or so columns that thrust up out of the sea are also part of a National Nature Reserve and there are wonderful coastal walks along the cliffs here.
This year is also the 10th anniversary of what was surprisingly Northern Ireland's first outdoor music festival. It takes place at Shane's Castle in County Antrim this year on 5th and 6th September when clubbers from all over Europe are expected to attend.
Coldplay in Belfast
More music on December 18th at Belfast's Odyssey Arena when Coldplay perform the only Irish gig of their new European tour.
Lee Evans in Belfast
15th October sees Lee Evans return to stand-up with a Belfast show as part of his Big UK Tour 2008, also at the Odyssey Arena.
Surfing in Northern Ireland
Visitors are often surprised to hear you can surf in Northern Ireland but there are several really good beaches where you can catch a wave. Even champion surfers come to surf in Northern Ireland, and the surf attracts visitors from all over the world.
Golf in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has several fine golf courses, with the one at Portstewart Strand said to have the best opening hole in all of Ireland – some people have even said the best opening hole on any golf course in the world. You have to play it, to find out what's so special.
Cycling in Northern Ireland
Yet another popular activity, with the NCN Route 93 providing some stunning cycling along the beautiful North Antrim coast.
Shopping in Northern Ireland
Belfast's new Victoria Square Shopping Centre has really improved the city centre's shopping options, adding nearly one-third more shops with stores like Calvin Klein, H&M, House of Fraser, Levi's, Monsoon and River Island.
Drink with Brad Pitt
James Nesbitt and Brad Pitt are just two of the starts who have been spotted in Belfast's famous Crown Liquor Saloon. Dating back to 1826 and lovingly preserved, this is no mock Irish bar – this is the real thing, a historic landmark in Belfast.
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