First off, it’s time to get literary. The Seamus Heaney HomePlace celebrates the life and work of one of the world’s greatest poets, Seamus Heaney, who grew up in the nearby village of Bellaghy. This is more than just a museum – it’s a fascinating collection of artefacts and memorabilia donated by Heaney’s family as well as members of the public, which gives a very personal insight into the life of the Nobel Laureate. If you have more time, learn all about the region’s food traditions on a road trip that highlights the wonderful fare Lough Neagh has to offer. The Lough Neagh Foodie Tour departs from Belfast and visits spots such as Long Meadow Farm, which makes award-winning cider and juices, and Rosehill House, a lovely thatched guesthouse in County Tyrone.

Die großartigste Weise, Lough Neagh zu erleben? Na, natürlich vom Wasser aus! Abháinn Cruises bietet verschiedene, von kompetenten Tourleitern begleitete Bootsrundfahrten auf dem See an. Die wahrscheinlich beste? Die Tour zur Coney Island vom Startpunkt Toome Canal, der als Drehort für Game of Thrones diente. Dabei segeln Sie auf offenem Wasser an gleich mehreren Häfen vorbei und können den Einheimischen bei ihrer Arbeit zusehen, beim Fang einer echten regionalen Delikatesse: Aale aus dem Lough Neagh. Auf Coney Island selbst erwarten Sie historische Ruinen und die landschaftliche Schönheit der Gegend zu ausgiebigen Erkundungen. Übrigens auch der perfekte Ort für ein Picknick.

More idyllic natural beauty awaits at the 400-year-old Antrim Castle Gardens. Walk in the footsteps of the Massereene family at this late 17th century estate, which is home to the impressively refurbished Clotworthy House, as well as an art gallery, coffee shop and museum. If you have more time immerse yourself in one of Northern Ireland’s leading animal conservation centres at World of Owls and get up close with birds of prey from all over the world.

Set within extensive grounds, Hillsborough Castle is not a castle at all – it’s actually an 18th century country house that is the official residence in Northern Ireland of Queen Elizabeth II. With glorious state rooms and delightful gardens, Hillsborough has recently undergone extensive renovation work, and now boasts a restored 18th century walled garden. Entry is by guided tour, and tours last around 45 minutes. Head south from Hillsborough for an overnight night at the 18th century Newforge House, near the village of Magheralin.

Ein Besuch im Brownlow House mit Blick auf den malerischen Lurgan Park dürfte alle Fans historischer Dramen in Begeisterung versetzen. Hier zwischen den aufwendig verzierten Decken, Wendeltreppen und prachtvollen Buntglasfenstern dieses atemberaubenden Landsitzes können Sie in das opulente Leben eintauchen und entspannen. Hier kann man gar nicht anders, als die ganze Pracht in sich aufzunehmen und die faszinierende Kriegsgeschichte dieses Anwesens kennenzulernen, von dem aus General Dwight D Eisenhower den berühmten Tag der Landung der Alliierten in der Normandie plante. Spazieren Sie entlang der üppigen Apfelgärten auf dem Anwesen des Ardress House aus dem 17. Jahrhundert in der Grafschaft Armagh oder erleben Sie die Livemusik im heimeligen Tomney's im nahe gelegenen Dorf Moy. Wenn Sie im September hier sind, sollten Sie sich die vorzüglichen lokalen Erzeugnisse und Veranstaltungen beim Armagh Food and Cider Weekend nicht entgehen lassen.

Built in the 1820s and set on a delightful hillside location, the Argory offers inspirational views across County Armagh. It’s a wonderful place to wander around for a few hours, discovering garden, woodland and riverside walks, enjoying afternoon tea in Lady Ady’s tea room, or ambling along the environmental sculpture trail. Afterwards, pop into Deli on the Green in Dungannon and sample the amazing produce that Northern Ireland has to offer. If you’re still feeling energetic, why not say hello to the white fallow deer at Parkanaur Forest? Or take in the impressive ruins of a 17th century mansion at Castle Caulfield.

Explore the wilderness of County Tyrone’s rugged beauty at Drum Manor Forest Park. Enjoy a magnificent stroll or cycle around the exquisite gardens, mixed woodlands and old manor ruins along serene walking trails. All this fresh air is bound to work up a hunger and, luckily, there’s plenty of superb refuelling options to choose from: explore the home of traditional craft baking in Northern Ireland at family-run Ditty's; or opt for some hearty fare at The Old Thatch Inn, a charming country pub in Castledawson.