Ireland Local Time

5 Must Sees (& Dos) in Northern Ireland

5. See An Open Air Gallery
Northern Ireland's political murals are now famous across the globe. In a small area in the city of Derry /Londonderry called the Bogside, local artists have created, quite literally (it was inaugurated last year), an Open Air Gallery with 12 larger than life wall murals. Giant paintings depict various historical events on the gables of houses and have turned this village into an outdoor art gallery.
And while you're thereTake a walk around the city of Derry/Londonderry-the only completely walled city in the British Isles.

4. Marble Arch Caves
Don't miss the Marble Arch Caves in the west of Northern Ireland in County Fermanagh. These are a series of natural, limestone caves housed under mountains. Get a boat through the caves and have a look at underground rivers, waterfalls and passages.
And while you're thereTake a drive to Omagh in county Tyrone to visit the Ulster American Folk Park, an outdoor museum which tells the story of emigration to America in the 18th and 19th centuries.

3. Belfast
You couldn't possibly visit Northern Ireland and not stop off in the capital city. Belfast is a compact and friendly city with a perfect mix of old and new, with traditional Victorian architecture alongside funky and modern cafes, restaurants, pubs, shops and apartment blocks.
And while you're there. Check out the home of the Titanic in the developing Titanic Quarter. Yes it did sink but the people of Belfast are still proud of the ship built here. As the locals like to say, "It was fine when it left us!"

2. Enjoy the "Craic"
Craic (pronounced crack but 100% legal) is an Irish term which means fun, enjoyment and basically having a good time. A trip to the Emerald Isle is not complete until you meet some locals and experience this phenomenon, most likely to be found in a pub! Irish people love to talk, especially to tourists. It's no wonder the Lonely Planet Blue List 2008 named Ireland as the friendliest destination in the world!
And while you're thereTry some Bushmills Irish whiskey which has been around since 1608.

1. The Giant's Causeway
You cannot, I repeat cannot, leave Northern Ireland, or Ireland for that matter, without a trip to the Giant's Causeway on the Antrim Coast. An absolutely amazing sight, formed by polygonal basalt columns-the result of a volcanic eruption some 60 million years ago, it quite literally has to be seen to be believed. It's so good that it is a listed World Heritage Site-the only one in Northern Ireland.
And while you're thereTake a scenic drive along the Antrim Coast - absolutely stunning and on a clear day you can even see Scotland!

The best thing about Northern Ireland is the size! It's all so compact and everything is within (relatively) short distances of each other so it's perfect for a self-drive. Check out DriveAway Holidays great rates for car rental in Northern Ireland.

Car Guru writes for DriveAway Holidays and DriveAway Holidays Blog

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