Historic Londonderry, with its mile-long walls and gates, Guildhall and twin cathedrals, lies at the tip of Lough Foyle. The coastal drive from Portrush to Ballycastle on the north-east coast is arguably the most concentrated 15 miles of quality visitor interest in all Ireland. Near Portrush the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Castle teeter on the edge of a windy cliff. Local legend has it that centuries ago during a great banquet in the castle the section housing the kitchen suddenly collapsed into the sea below and had a very dampening affect on the whole proceedings. Visitors driving on the Causeway Coast have plenty of reason for wanting to stop at Bushmills.
Visitors are often amazed by how much there is to see and do in Belfast.
Its Opera House is a delightful building and its Crown Liquor Saloon, a gem of Victorian architecture much admired by English poet John Betjeman. There are also museums, art galleries, fine theatres and art centres, a brilliantly transformed waterfront that hosted the Tall Ship Race, excellent city shopping, restaurants and night life. Just outside the city is the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. Here is a living image of country life long ago, with terraces of actual 19th century buildings and rural schools, forges and even opportunities to watch horse ploughing and roof thatching in living time capsule.