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IrishFamilyResearch.co.uk
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Travelling to Ireland
If you are planning a trip to Ireland, there is so much to see and do (aside from
tracing your ancestors !). We are in the process of putting together a small collection of IFR Recommended Hotels, which
we have visited and reviewed, in order to provide you with an objective picture of accomodation, staff, facilities and
service. We have also listed things to do and places to visit on your trip - All places listed come from our own
personal recommendations. The list is by no means exhaustive, and for more Holiday Ideas, try the following Websites:
Tourism Ireland (Official Website for the Republic of Ireland)
Discover Northern Ireland (Official Website for Northern Ireland)
Tour Clare.com
For those of you who are GOLF enthusiasts, we have put together a list of some very special courses Here
ANTRIM (including Belfast)
Europa Hotel, Belfast
The 4* Europa Hotel is situated in the heart of Belfast City Centre. This is a large hotel,
conveniently situated for research, shopping and entertainment alike. Accomodation is very comfortable.
Service is impeccable, and a good choice of food is available in the Hotels three restaurant and bars. If
you are planning a trip to Belfast for genealogy purposes, perhaps to visit the Public Records Office or the
Linen Hall Library, you will not be displeased with this Hotel.
W5 Centre
2 Queens Quay, Belfast
www.W5online.co.uk
The W5 Centre, also known as “WhoWhatWhereWhenWhy”, is definitely worth visiting with children. There are 5 Floors of
Interactive Activities for children of all ages, and adults will have fun too !
There are many inspiring sensory activities from making Racing Cars and Racing them, to identifying music tones, and creating wooden
and magnetic structures, and much more. One 7-year-old had this to say about W5:
“W5 IS A FUN PLACE TO EXPLORE THINGS AND LEARN FROM THEM TOO. THERE ARE LOTS AND LOTS
OF GAMES TO PLAY. BUT LOOK OUT FOR THE DINOSAURS AT W5. THERE IS A GROWLING T-REX - VERY VERY SCARY !
WATCH OUT ON THE STAIRS TOO - YOU CAN MAKE A TUNE OUT OF THEM - THEY ARE MUSICAL STAIRS.
HOPE YOU HAVE FUN !”
| Giants Causeway Visitors Centre
Giants Causeway Station
Runkerry Rd, Bushmills
www.GiantsCausewayRailway.org.
For those of you who are Steam Locomotive enthusiasts, the newly opened link between
Bushmills and the Giants Causeway, with its beautiful views along the river Bush, views across the sea to
Donegal, and crossing along a narrow (3 feet) gauge, this is an opportunity you shouldn't miss if you are planning to visit
the Giants Causeway. For further information, check out their Website (details above).
| Lisburn Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum
Market Square, Lisburn, Co. Antrim
Tel: 01846 663377
The Irish Linen Industry has its roots in the 17th Century Province of Ulster.
At the Lisburn Linen Centre you can take a step back in time and try your hand at Scutching or Spinning just as
your Ancestors did before you.
| Pattersons Spade Mill
Templepatrick, Co. Antrim
www.NationalTrust.org.uk.
Travel back in time to 1919 at Pattersons Spade Mill. Located 6 miles from Belfast,
Pattersons is the last working water-powered Spade Mill in the British Isles. Pattersons ceased trading in 1990, and
the Site was acquired by the National Trust in 1992, and reopened following restoration works in 1994.
At Pattersons, you can join a tour of the Mill and see how Spades are made by National
Trust craftsmen using skills that were passed down from father to son through the generations. Watch how these skilled
craftsmen take red-hot billets of steel from the forge, and fashion the steel into Spades - a highly skilled business.
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ARMAGH
Armagh City Hotel
2 Friary Road, Armagh
Armagh City Hotel
If you are planning on visiting Armagh, and are looking for accomodation that is centrally located, offering the
highest standards of service, then you should consider the Armagh City Hotel. A new hotel, built less than 5 years
ago, accomodation is clean but often very small. Staff are friendly and helpful. There is a large restaurant,
bar and leisure centre on the premises.
| St. Patricks C.of I. Cathedral
Cathedral Close, Armagh
St. Patricks C.of I. Cathedral
It is believed that in AD 445 St. Patrick founded his church on the Site of the present
day C.of I. Cathedral. The present building dates from the 13th Century, but has undergone extensive renovations throughout
the Centuries, being last restored in 1834.
| St. Patricks R.C. Cathedral
Cathedral Road, Armagh
St. Patricks R.C. Cathedral
An imposing and stunning Cathedral built on probably the highest site in Armagh City. Construction began in
1840 but work was suspended during the great famine of 1845-48, and recommenced in 1854. The Cathedral was dedicated for
worship in 1873, but the interior decoration was not completed until the early 20th Century. The exterior and most of the
interior of the Cathedral has undergone extensive renovations, restoring it to its former magnificient glory. Renovation works
were still continuing on our last visit to the Cathedral in August 2003, however this did not detract from the Cathedral's
spectacular beauty.
| St. Patricks Trian, Visitors Complex
40 English Street, Armagh
St. Patricks Trian
This is an excellent visitors complex located on the vibrant English Street in Armagh City. There are three main
exhibitions: The Story of Armagh, from Pagan times, through to the modern day. Patrick's Testament, which takes a closer look
at St. Patrick's life., and last but certainly not least, "The Land of Lilliput" - an excellent exhibition especially for those
with children to entertain - prepare to be transported to the Land of Lilliput, with a larger than life "Gulliver".
For those with young children, there is an immensely popular activity room, with lots of games, and activities to keep your
young ones happy.
| Armagh County Museum
The Mall East, Armagh
Armagh County Museum
The Armagh Museum is housed in one of the most distinctive buildings in Armagh City. The
Collection is of immense personal interest as it reflects the lives of those who lived and worked in Armagh. There are beautiful
exhibits of clothing, military costumes, school memorabilia, ceramics, household utensils, natural history specimens, and much more.
For those of you with children, there is a small activity area for children to sit and colour-in or do word-searches of items
on display in the museum.
| Armagh Public Library
Abbey Street, Armagh
Armagh Robinson Library
Armagh Public Library was founded in 1771 by Archbishop Robinson, as part of his plan to establish a University
in Armagh. The nucleus of the collection is the Archbishop's own Library containing 17th & 18th Century books on subjects
ranging from Theology, to Voyages, Medicine and Law. The Library also holds a first edition of Jonathan Swifts "Gullivers
Travels", and a 1611 edition of the Geneva Bible amongst other things. For more information about the Library's collection,
please visit their Website.
| Royal Irish Fusiliers
Sovereigns House, The Mall
Royal Irish Fusiliers
For those of you whose Ancestors served with the Royal Irish Fusiliers, this Museum offers a hugely enjoyable
insight into the life of a Fusilier, with beautiful exhibits ranging from Uniforms, to Artillery. The exhibits tell the story
of this fine regiment and the Armagh, Cavan & Monaghan Militias from 1793 to 1968.
| Gosford Forest Park
Markethill, Armagh
Gosford Forest Park, formerly Gosford Demesne, comprises over 240 hectares of woodland and open parkland - there are a
number of forest trails avialable. In Addition, Gosford houses one of the largest collections
of poultry and rare breeds of farm animals in Ireland - all on show in open paddocks. You can also visit
the Walled Garden & Arboretum, and not forgetting Gosford Castle itself, built in the early
19th Century, of Norman Revival style.
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DERRY
Beech Hill Country House
Beech Hill Country House
If you want to stay in Derry, do not be tempted to stay in one of the City Hotels. Our advise to you would be
to drive a few miles out of Derry to a Quaint Country House Hotel by the name of Beech Hill. This Hotel is simply delightful,
and has entertained the likes of Ex-President Bill Clinton, on his Visit to Ireland in 2001.
The Food at this Hotel is quite simply superb. Dinners are sumptious and served in an unhurried fashion.
The Full Irish Breakfast is Ireland's best. This Hotel offers a range of Holidays, from gentle country walks or relaxation
(spa) holidays, to Golfing and Equestrian Holidays". Staff at the Beech Hill Hotel are very kind and helpful and will ensure that
your stay is Perfect.
| Tourist Information Centres
Coleraine Tourism
Derry Tourism
Limavady Tourism
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DOWN
Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle
Slieve Donard Hotel
This Hotel is our firm favourite. Having stayed there on many occasions, it ranks among our List of
Best Hotels in Ireland. Situated at the foot of the beautiful Mourne Mountains, this magnificient 4 Star Hotel
stands in 6 acres of private grounds, with the sweeping bay of Newcastle situated at the front of the Hotel, and the World Famous
Royal County Down Golf Course situated behind (where Tiger Woods is reputed to have played a round of golf),
what more could one ask for. The Accomodation is excellent, the Staff are wonderful and the Food is superb.
When the Sun is shining, what better way to relax than to play a round of golf, or, if you are travelling with children,
you can stroll along the beach on a "Sea-Shell Hunt". This year our children were thrilled with their haul of Sea Shells,
Clams, Starfish and Crabs that had lost their way in the receding tide. On a rainy day, you can take refuge in the
warm indoor pool, or sit by a Turf Fire and drink a glass of Slieve Donard's Finest Irish Whiskey.
We cannot recommend this Hotel more highly.
Burrendale Hotel, Newcastle
If you are on a tight budget, but nevertheless want to stay at a good hotel near the beach in Newcastle, we woudl recommend
the Burrendale Hotel. The Burrendale is a 3* Hotel, and rooms are clean, spacious and comfortable, although
facilities are not "state-of-the-art". The Hotel is one of only a few to offer very reasonable "family suites" if you are
staying with children. Staff are very helpful and service is always with a smile. The food is not bad and
there is good Friday/Saturday night entertainment. The Burrendale is popular with Golfers (as there is a golf-course within a stones throw of the Hotel).
Please note that the Burrendale is situated about 1 mile out of Newcastle Town Centre and the Seafront - which will not prove a problem for those renting a car, but if you are without
transport, you may find it more convenient staying at the Slieve Donard.
| Seaforde Tropical Butterfly House
Seaford Nursery, Co. Down. Tel. 028 4481 1225
Seafordegardens.com
Set amid the splendour of Seaforde Garden & Nursery, sits the Tropical Butterfly House, containing hundreds of
free-flying exotic butterflies. The Butterflies are very friendly, so don't be surprised to find a butterfly landing on
your camera just as you are about to take a picture ! You can also enjoy the Maze and formal Gardens - children and adults alike will
enjoy trying to find their way to the middle of the Maze - for those of you lucky to reach the centre, a Statue of the Goddess
Artemis, awaits. For those not so lucky, there is always the Gift Shop and Tea Room ! For more information,
please visit the Seaforde Gardens Website.
| Exploris Aquarium
The Rope Walk, Castle St, Portaferry, Co. Down
Exploris.org.uk
Exploris is Northern Ireland's only Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary. The Award Winning Visitor Facility
is located in the conservation village of Portaferry, on the shores of Strangford Lough. There are open Sea Tanks containing Sharks and Rays.
In the Seal Sanctuary, see how young seal pups are nurtured and prepared for their release back to the wild. For
more information about this extraordinary Centre, please visit the Exploris Website.
| Newry Tourist Office
Newry, Co.Down
Email: info@newryandmourne.com
| Down County Museum & Historic Gaol
The Mall
English St, Downpatrick
Down County Museum
Co. Down Museum is located in the historic buildings of the 18th Century County Gaol. The
Museum houses a rich collection of Co.Down heritage, brought to life through superb exhbitions, collections,
hands-on education programmes & other lively events. For more information, please visit their Website.
| Mount Stewart House & Gardens
Newtownards
Co.Down
Email: mountstewart@ntrust.org.uk
No visit to Newtownards is complete without visiting Mount Stewart, a magnificient house
spanning 3 centuries, the ancestral home of Statesman & Diplomat, Lord Castlereagh. Mount Stewart is also famous for its
spectacularly sumptuous gardens created by Lady Edith Londonderry, which include the Sunken, Shamrock, Italian,
and Spanish Gardens, to name but a few.
| Ulster Folk & Transport Museum
Cultra, Holywood
A wonderful experience for young and old alike. Choose from the Folk or Transport Museum or both, but you
will need a whole day to see everything. The Folk Galleries current exhibitions include: Fabrics & Fabrication - combining
patchwork quilts & costume and textile design; Farming & Food - the development and change in farming techniques & implements,
and The Victorian Era 1837-1901, showing some of the changes which transformed peoples lives. All three exhibitions are beautifully
presented. The Transport Museum has some interesting exhibits, including a magnificient collection of Irish Railway Trains,
and Exhibitions on Road Transport, the Titanic, and the Flight Experience. No visit to Co. Down is complete without a visit
here.
Downpatrick Railway Project
The Railway Station, Market St
Downpatrick
Another must-see for Railway enthusiasts. Beautifully restored Passenger Trains run from
Downpatrick Station to King Magnus Halt, a round trip taking approximately 30 minutes. The Timetable is seasonal.
| Banbridge Gateway Tourist Centre
200 Newry Road
Banbridge
www.Banbridge.com.
Banbridge district in Co. Down is the ancestral home of a number of well known literary and arts figures.
Probably the most well-known writers to have come from Banbridge were the Bronte Sisters. Banbridge Heritage Tours can be
booked at the Tourist Centre. A number of Full Day Tours are available, including the Irish Linen Tour, the Literary & Arts Trail,
the Archaeological Heritage Tour, Traditional Irish Crafts & Historic Religious Houses Tours. There are also half-day tours,
and walking tours across Dromore, Gilford, Loughbrickland, Rathfriland & Scarva/Newry Canal Towpath. For more information,
please visit the Banbridge Gateway Tourist Centres Website.
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DUBLIN
Recommended Hotels
Portmarnock Hotel
Whether you are a Golf enthusiast, or are looking for somewhere truly Special to stay, the Portmarnock Hotel
will not fail to impress. Excellent Service, Friendly Staff, Beautiful Rooms with Sea or Mountain Views, and Sumptious menus.
A Spa is also available for those wishing to unwind in style. Only 15 minutes from Dublin Airport,
and a Short Train Ride into Dublin City, this Hotel rightly deserves its place in the book of "Preferred Hotels".
The Gresham, Dublin
Situated on O'Connell Street, this 4* Hotel is situated in the Heart of Dublin City. The Gresham has a
real buzz to it and is extremely popular with Irish visitors and Tourists alike. Rooms are clean, spacious and comfortable,
Staff are extremely helpful, and the food is very good and reasonably priced.
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FERMANAGH
Recommended Hotels
The Manor House Hotel
The 19th Century Manor House is situated 7 miles from Fermanagh Town, and overlooks the Lough Erne. Rooms are luxuriously
decorated, and the Hotel's Restaurant offers excellent local cuisine. If you are looking for that special place to stay in County Fermanagh, then
this Hotel comes highly recommended, though as with any Hotel situated outside a major City/Town, you will need to
ensure that transport arrangements are in place to get around.
Killyhevlin Hotel
The Killyhevlin is a luxurious 4* Hotel situated on the shores of the Lough Erne, but conveniently located
only 1km from Enniskillen Town, therefore making it a good choice for those without private transportation.
The Killyhevlin is a family run Hotel, and has customer care at its heart. Hotel bedrooms are beautifully decorated,
Staff Hospitality is unrivalled, and there is a good choice of food on offer from the Hotel's two restaurants/Bars. The Hotel offers a Spa Package, has
its own Swimming Pool and Health Club. We very much enjoyed our stay at this Hotel and would highly recommend it for those staying in the
Enniskillen area.
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KERRY
Recommended Hotels
Killarney Park Hotel
This is a small but very special hotel. Situated in the heart of Killarney Town, this
family run 5* Hotel exceeded our expectations. The warmth that this hotel exudes comes not only from the roaring
hearth fire, but also from the Hotel's Staff, who were only to happy to help, advise and plan our brief stay. The accomodation
was immaculate - spacious rooms, crisp bed-linen. Food was gloriously sumptious, however any over-eating was, in our view, balanced out
by using the Health Centre, Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, or indeed simply walking through Killarney Town !
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TYRONE
Ulster American Folk Park
2 Mellon Road, Castletown, Omagh
Ulster-American Folk Park
Experience the incredible Ulster-American Folk Park - This is a Must-See for all visitors to Co. Tyrone.
Take a step back in time and see how your ancestors lived. Take a tour of the old farmers cottages, post offices, and local community
stores, churches and schools. Step onboard a replica of one of the early passenger ships to America,
and experience how your ancestors would have lived onboard a Ship which took as long as 2 months to make its perilous Atlantic
crossing. Step off the ship onto new soil, in America. This is a truly memorable experience, suitable for all the family.
In addition to the Emigrant experience, there is a Centre for Migration Studies, which houses a Reference &
Research Library, and Irish Emigration Database - yet another Must-See for all those whose Ancestors emigrated from Ireland
during the 18th and 19th Centuries.
| Ulster History Park
Cullion, Omagh
Ulster History Park
See how people lived in Ireland through the last 10,000 years, starting from the Mesolithic era right through to the Plantation times. The Park is set in 35 acres of land and the foothill of the
Sperrin Mountains. For more information, visit their Website.
| Castlederg Visitors Centre
26 Lower Strabane Road, Castlederg
The Visitors Centre is open from April to October each year, and houses a small collection of items of local interest.
There are friendly and helpful staff who may be able to deal with your queries. If your ancestors were Roman Catholic,
don't miss the opportunity of visiting the local R.C. Chapel in Castlederg. Built in the 1840s, the Chapel fell
into disrepair and was closed in 1978 when the congregation moved to a new chapel next door. However, when the
new chapel fell into disrepair in the 1990s, the congregation were given the choice between repairing the old
or the new Chapel. Their decision was unanimous and the old old Chapel was carefully restored to its former glory and is truly
a sight to behold. Don't miss the opportunity of seeing the Chapel for yourself on your next visit to Castlederg.
| Wilson Ancestral Homestead
28 Spout Road, Dergalt, Strabane
Strabane District Council
Visit the Ancestral Homestead of James Wilson, grandfather of Woodrow Wilson,
the 28th President of the United States. Guided tours are available in July and August each year.
| Sperrin Heritage Centre
274 Glenelly Road, Plumbridge
Strabane District Council
Set in the Glenelly Valley, the exhibition entitled "The Treasure of the Sperrins"
unearths the regions rich geological composition. Learn about gold, glaciation,
and the people of the Sperrins. You can also try your hand at panning for gold in a nearby mountain stream.
| Useful Tourism Websites
Cookstown Tourism
Magherafelt Tourism
Omagh Tourism
Strabane Tourism
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