Ballystockart Farm Cottages
Things to do
We are situated a few miles from the centre of Belfast in the beautiful Co. Down countryside and approximately 20 minutes from Belfast City airport. The International airport is a 40 minute journey.​
Good Food.
Several local restaurants were successful in the recent Irish Restaurant Awards, which attracted 30,000 nominations across numerous categories. The recent Irish Restaurant Awards are a joint venture between the Restaurants Association of Ireland and The Irish Times.
The Northern Ireland award winners are as follows, with links attached.
Best Gastro Pub in Ireland – The Poacher's Pocket, Lisbane, County Down
Best Ulster Restaurant and Wine Experience – OX, Belfast
Best Newcomer – Deanes EIPIC, Belfast
Best Hotel Restaurant (Ulster) – Ardtara Country House, Upperlands, County L'derry
Best Casual Dining (Ulster) – Graze, Belfast
Ulster Folk Museum.
The Ulster Folk Museum is one of Ireland's foremost visitor attractions illustrating the way of life and traditions of the people of the north of Ireland.
Game of Thrones.
On the Game of Thrones Tour in Belfast you will get the chance to see 7 iconic sites from Series 1 to 5 from your very own tour guide. Your local guide will take you through both the books & TV series and will discuss information from the Game of Thrones series, recall incredible tales of legend and local history that could come right out of the books.
http://britmovietours.com/bookings/game-of-thrones-tour-of-locations-belfast/
Most of Game of Thrones is filmed in Northern Ireland, either outdoors in the rugged landscapes, glacial valleys, sea caves and golden beaches, or in the Paint Hall Studios in Belfast, where the indoor scenes are filmed.
The best locations from previous seasons include the spooky tree-lined avenue near Ballymoney, Co. Antrim known as the Dark Hedges, where the branches of the beech trees have twisted together to almost form an arch. This is where in season two, Arya Stark escaped King's Landing, and in real life it's said to be haunted by a ghost called the Grey Lady.
For more informationvisit - www.discovernorthernireland.com/gameofthrones/
Scrabo Country Park and Golf Course.
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Scrabo Golf Club is a formidable 18 hole, 5,722 yards, par 71 'challenge' course situated in the beautiful County Down countryside winding its way around Scrabo Hill and Tower. The course and clubhouse afford fabulous views, over looking Strangford Lough. The narrow fairways demand accurate driving of the tee and approach shots.
Titanic Quarter
Titanic Belfast is a visitor attraction and a monument to Belfast's maritime heritage on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard in the city's Titanic Quarter.
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Titanic Belfast is the world's largest Titanic visitor experience, exploring the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way. In 2016 the World Travel Awards voted Titanic Belfast the best tourist attraction in the world.
Giants Causeway
Legend has it that the Giants Causeway was built by the Irish giant, Finn MacCool, so as travel across the sea to confront a Scottish giant.
The World Heritage Giants Causeway is now Northern Ireland's number one tourist site. The site also boasts an 8km-stretch of well-signposted, coastal pathways that overlook 90m-high cliffs and a series of bays.
Transport Museum
The Ulster Transport Museum, contains a detailed history of the all forms of Northern Ireland's public transport as well as information and models of the H.M.S.Titanic, built locally in Belfast.
Mourne Mountains
Regardless of weather and season, the Mournes are one of Northern Irelands most popular destinations.
Rain, hail or shine, on a long warm summers evening or in the depths of winter hordes of people make their way to County Down to spend some time in what is undoubtedly Irelands most picturesque location.
It is a recognised area of outstanding natural beauty and it isn’t hard to see why with dozens of granite peaks squeezed into an area only 15 miles by 8 all giving outstanding views.
Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge
The famous 80 foot high Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge connects the mainland to an island originally to allow fishermen to bring their salmon catch ashore.
Although no injuries have been officially recorded, the occasional boat trip is made to rescue stranded visitors who cannot face the return journey. Carrick-a-Rede has been voted one of Northern Ireland's finest attractions.
The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre
The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre is the starting point for any visit to Lough Neagh. With its superb setting on the shores of Lough Neagh, disabled access and environmental events, the Centre is an excellent destination for day trips, family days out, wildlife enthusiasts and group visits.
Navan
Navan is a system of very impressive earthworks, settlement sites and sacred places. This area of unparalled archaeological importance reflects over 7,500 years of activity. The Navan centre complex offers visitors a rich understanding of history.
Castle Ward
Castle Ward was built in 1765 and has a classical designed south front and a Gothic designed north front. Its design was therefore a compromise by including both styles in the structure; this division of style was applied to the interior as well. The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens and walks.
Castle Espie
Castle Espie Wetland Trust can be found close by the banks of the stunning Strangford Lough where almost the entire population of Light-bellied Brent Geese reside during the winter months. Throughout the year this tranquil and friendly visitors centre is a real delight and a must for the whole family.
