New and Old Attractions In Northern Ireland
There are already plenty of reasons to visit Northern Ireland as a tourist – but did you know that there are a growing number of upcoming events, brand new attractions and activities which will soon be on the cards for this wonderful part of the emerald isle? Whether you have visited as a tourist already or not, there are plenty of reasons to hop aboard a ferry or plane and explore beautiful Northern Ireland!
Giant’s Causeway – newly-built visitor centre
True, the Giant’s Causeway is not a new attraction: it has been a spectacular addition to the Irish coastline for around 60 million years and is a world heritage site of some clout; lucky for you then, that a brand spanking new visitor centre is prepping up for a grand opening in July 2012 – The National Trust has spent over £18 million to spruce up the various trails around the causeway and to provide visitors with plenty of information on this unique geological marvel, focussing upon its formation, the people who have lived nearby and the legends of old; you might not run into Finn McCool, but after a visit to his causeway, you will certainly feel that you are walking in his footsteps!
Titanic Belfast – one of Europe’s top new visitor attractions
We all know the story of the ill-fated RMS Titanic – whether your knowledge comes from reading books on the subject, watching documentaries or popping your bum on a cinema seat numerous times to watch Leo and Kate try to evade destruction, there is no doubt that this heart-breaking disaster still has the power to fascinate: particularly because the ship which was created truly lived up to her name: the Titanic was one of the top engineering marvels of the 20th Century – if you could see how mighty this ship was, it would make it all the more perplexing when you try to figure out how such a powerful giant could ever sink; picturing how such a colossal vessel must have appeared in the dock or attempting to imagine the luxury which was available on board is now a much easier task after a visit to the Titanic Belfast: this is a £77 million centre, which required nearly one and a half million cubic feet of concrete added to lay its foundations; the centre is an architectural marvel, which allows visitors to learn about the construction, background, maiden voyage, sinking, and subsequent dives to the wreckage of the greatest ship that ever was – you will learn about the facts and the myths which surround this icon of Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage.
Bushmills Dunes Golfing Course and Resort – coming soon
Any budding golfers out there already know that Northern Ireland is packed with beautiful courses – so one more wouldn’t hurt, right? Somewhat controversial, the £100 million Bushmills Dunes golf course, resort and spa will be constructed a mere stone’s throw (for a giant) away from the Giant’s Causeway – advocates of the development bring up the fact that this will generate tourism and create jobs in the region, however, critics are concerned that the 365-acre course and resort will end up appearing a little out of place in this area of outstanding natural beauty; aside from all the controversy surrounding the development, if all goes as planned, visitors will be able to enjoy a golf academy, spectacular views, challenging holes, luxurious hotel rooms and numerous self-catering cottages – whatever takes your fancy here, keep an eye out for this development in the next few years.
Paul Reynolds is a tour-guide whose Belfast Taxi has seen many miles clock-up as his guests have sought travel across the emerald isle: his longest journey involved a trip through some of the world’s most beautiful scenery from North to South: looking to Taxi Belfast to Dublin? – No problem for Paul!