Five Different Things to do in Northern Ireland
This is a writing sample from Scripted writer Philip Young
So you are planning a trip to Northern Ireland. A magical place hidden away on the top of the island of Ireland, with a history that stretches back into the mists of time featuring figures such as Cu Cuchulainn, Queen Mebh, St. Patrick and the Children of Lir; trust me, you will be welcomed by a down to earth, friendly and eager to help population.
And no doubt you have read all the guide articles that list all the places to visit, the Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, the Titanic Museum, etc., and see those you must. But between those popular tourist destinations, there are other little gems to discover; they might not be on the same scale as their alluring cousins, but in them, you will find the beating heart of Northern Ireland, its mystical and often troubled history.
The Giants Ring may not get the same attention as the other Giant on the North Coast, but this Belfast landmark contains all the magic of the distant past set in an area of outstanding beauty. A passage tomb that sits in the centre of a giant hedge. As you walk around its edge, you will be transported back in time, hearing the voices of celebration that once filled it. At the rear of the site, you will find a little gate that opens unto a path; I urge you to follow that path as it leads deep into the Ulster countryside. Here, you will find the ancient footprints of hill forts and burial mounds leading you in a dizzy circle back to the Ring.
Woodvale is an area that can be found at the top of the Shankill Road. Undoubtedly, Shankill Road will be on your list; however, if you venture not half a mile north, the Shankill Road turns into the Woodvale Road you will find the Shankill Graveyard. Shankill in Irish means Old Church, but the Shankill Graveyard goes one further step back. It is the oldest cemetery in Belfast and a Pagan Sacred Glen, where the Druids would perform their ancient rites. When the Christians arrived to convert the locals, they built the oldest Church in Belfast there - hence the name Old Church. Just another short stroll north up the road, you will find the Memorial Garden built in memory of those who lost their lives in the First World War. Each fallen hero has a plague adorned with a poppy. The men from Ireland who answered the call gave their lives and sometimes their sanity, which is a fitting tribute to them. So next, we have St. Matthews Church. Constructed in the shape of a shamrock, it was built after the old Church by the graveyard was knocked down. You will find a large altar stone at its entrance - the Pagan Stone, taken from the old Druid site. It dates back to before Christianity's arrival and was pivotal in pagan worship
Carrickfergus Castle is a Norman castle that dates back to 1177 when John de Courcy conquered eastern Ulster. Set on the harbour, it has stunning views out unto Belfast Lough. It has played a pivotal role in Ulster and Irish history with a stellar cast of historical figures attached to it, including King John, William of Orange and Con O'Neill; the kids will love it. If you have a car hire, drive to Islandmagee, not too far up the road—a little peninsula on Belfast Lough, a mystical place to inspire the imagination.
Dunservick is a little hamlet on the North Coast. Now, I'll be honest: you won't find much, if anything, standing in the way of the ancient castle that once stood in this little hamlet, but you will be standing in a lot of history. This little place was once significant in Ulster's history. St. Patrick visited here in the 5th Century AD; the Vikings raided here regularly. It was the seat of the King of Dalriada, Fergus the Great, the centre of power for the Earls of Ulster. A stronghold of the McDonnells and was even captured by Cromwell in the 1650s. Last but not least, one of the ancient roads of Ireland that led out from Tara ends here. So, sit yourself in the Dunservick Lay-By - yes, it has a title and plaque, and feel time and history swirl around you.
A Belfast Pub is the most welcoming of places, well, most, anyway. Most visitors' experience of a Belfast Pub will be after staring up at the most bombed hotel in Europe, the Europa; nip across the road to the famous and, yes, worth a visit, The Crown. But if you want somewhere a bit more Belfast and a seat, head to the likes of the Deer's Head or White's Traven. White's is one of Belfast's oldest pubs, dating to 1630. It's gone a bit upmarket now but worth a visit because of its location in an old part of Belfast and its architecture. The Deer's Head was the stomping ground of the old Belfast workers, dating to 1819, part of the Victorian regeneration of Belfast that helped shape its reputation as a linen-producing and ship-building city. Soon, old pubs like this will be gone; catch them and a pint of old Belfast before they are.
So haud yer wheesht and get yourself off the beaten track to discover a Northern Ireland drenched in history, mystery and magic.
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Hello! I write Blogs, Articles, Product Reviews and Scripts. Excellent Researcher and Copy Editor with an eye for detail. My main areas of expertise are in Food, History, Travel, Popular Culture, and Smart Home Setup/Gadgets. Have an excellent off-the-shelf knowledge of various subjects with a background in the Food Business at the Senior Management level and the Film and TV Industry.
