10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Belfast City Region That You Shouldn't Miss

September 10, 2021 Enriqueta Cusson

Discover the best top things to do in Belfast City Region, United Kingdom including Sentry Hill Historic House, The Spa Dunamoy, Ulster Aviation Society, The Echlinville Distillery, Scrabo Golf Club, Mount Stewart, Dundrum Castle, Murlough National Nature Reserve, Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs, Tollymore Forest Park.
Restaurants in Belfast City Region

1. Sentry Hill Historic House

40 Ballycraigy Road bt36 4sx, Newtownabbey BT36 4SX Northern Ireland +44 28 9083 2363 [email protected] http://www.sentryhill.net
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 52 reviews

Sentry Hill Historic House

Sentry Hill is a 19th century Victorian farmhouse in the Parish of Carnmoney, County Antrim. The contents of this historic house in Northern Ireland provide a rare insight into life in rural Ulster during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Sentry Hill was the home of the McKinney family, who came to Ireland from Scotland in the early 1700s. Remarkably the contents of the house have survived almost intact. Family furniture, books, paintings, personal diaries, letters, photographs and souvenirs from trips abroad all help to tell the story of the McKinney's, recording life at Sentry Hill and its surrounding areas. Over the years many guests have been warmly received at Sentry Hill by the McKinney family. The last of the family may now be gone but their welcome remains and the door is now open for you. The venue is a popular place to see in Co Antrim, especially during European Heritage Open Days. You can dander down the path through the sheltering trees and step inside the snug old farmhouse. As you cross this threshold you will stand where the past shakes hands with the present. Sentry Hill offers an entertaining day out to visitors of all ages with facilities including guided tours, attractive gardens, a cafe, gift shop and picnic area.

Reviewed By L5303WFjimd

A hidden history gem and a great wet weather plan this venue is a time capsule of artefacts well worth A small detour of the beaten track to visit very impressed

2. The Spa Dunamoy

40 Collin Road, Ballyclare, Newtownabbey BT39 9JS Northern Ireland +44 28 9334 9676 [email protected] http://www.dunamoy.com/spa.html
Excellent
92%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 132 reviews

The Spa Dunamoy

The Award winning 4 star Spa at Dunamoy is only 14 miles North from Central Belfast, but here you will find peace and tranquility in the heart of the rolling Co Antrim Countryside. The Spa features multiple treatment rooms, including the dual bath/massage suite, a 10m spa pool and solarium/ relaxation area. The Spa at Dunamoy is proud to be one of the few able to showcase award winning brand Elemis, featuring specially selected treatments from this leading luxury spa and skincare brand. These include signature facials, detox rituals and luxurious body massage, plus a well stocked shopping area for the perfect gift. Escape with friends or book a romantic getaway, either as a day spa customer or a resident in one of our beautiful stone cottages

Reviewed By daisym279

A perfect choice for a memorable gals night away. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay, where every feature of the Dunamoy experience exceeded our expectations. All staff had a warm and lovely manner. Afternoon tea & breakfast were absolutely delicious, the spa peaceful & beautiful, the cottage stylish, comfy & spotless, equipped with everything needed for our group. We raved about our top class facials, and expert therapists. Bliss !

3. Ulster Aviation Society

94-B Halftown Road via Gate 3 - Maze Long Kesh, Lisburn BT27 5RF Northern Ireland +44 7724 896215 [email protected] http://www.ulsteraviationsociety.org/
Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 317 reviews

Ulster Aviation Society

WHO ARE WE? A charitable society that is a diverse group of enthusiasts, working on a voluntary basis to further public education in the history of aviation. WHAT AIRCRAFT DO WE HAVE? Our heritage collection currently includes 41+ aircraft, ranging from vintage WWII fighters through Cold War era fast jets, Shorts designed & built aircraft, civilian aircraft, plus military helicopters, engines, artefacts and rare aviation reference materials, all with strong links to aviation within the island of Ireland. Our aircraft are housed within an ex-WWII hangar at Maze Long Kesh, outside Lisburn (on the site of the old prison). • Charitable association of Aviation Enthusiasts • Over 680+ members, including Europe & USA Ulster Aviation Society is a charitable association. N. Ireland. Charity No. NIC 100128. NI Charity Commission Registered. Associate member of Northern Ireland Museums’ Council

Reviewed By BoardingPass162734

Amazing collection, with a very knowledgeable and friendly staff and great opportunities for volunteers (young and old), to high-light this gem of a collection. I thoroughly enjoyed my few hours there and wish I was closer, as I'd be there volunteering too. Keep coming back as there is always something new and interesting to see - and the standard of restoration is top notch and a credit to high calibre of the team there, and giving youngsters many opportunities to help out and build those all important life skills. Please pass the word around and support this wonderful charity.and visit it soon.

4. The Echlinville Distillery

62 Gransha Road Echlinville House, Newtownards BT22 1AJ Northern Ireland +44 28 4273 8597 [email protected] http://echlinville.com
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 46 reviews

The Echlinville Distillery

Field-to-glass distillery crafting award winning spirits in the heart of County Down, Northern Ireland. Home to Dunville's Irish Whiskey, Echlinville Single Estate Irish Pot Still Gin, Jawbox Gin and Bán Poitín.

Reviewed By MarkH9406 - Newtownards, United Kingdom

Was bought a tour for Christmas and visited in January. Starts with tea/coffee and scones / buns and health and safety briefing with some history. Tour takes you from process start to finish showing gin poteen and whiskey distillation and the differences. Right through to the storage. Post tour you can use your voucher for some drams of the distillery's own whiskies or exchange them against value of some products and merchandise in the on site shop.

5. Scrabo Golf Club

233 Scrabo Road, Newtownards BT23 4SL Northern Ireland +44 28 9181 2355 [email protected] http://www.scrabogolfclubni.com/
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 16 reviews

Scrabo Golf Club

Reviewed By Caine118 - Bexhill-on-Sea, United Kingdom

What can I say...the motto “we arrived as visitors and left as friends” couldn’t possibly be any truer!! Within 30 seconds of arriving at the bar after a solo round cut short by the weather during a work trip, I was welcomed by Joe and having been introduced to another half a dozen people was subsequently invited to join them in their social roll up the following day. ☺️ Not bad for a rain drenched Englishman!! Several beers and stories later I felt completely at ease with these guys. Unfortunately I won’t be able to return on this visit, but will most certainly be rejoining Joe, Robert, Frank, Marty and all the others when I return in October. If you want to test your skills on an immaculate, yet tough, course with some of the most breathtaking views in Northern Ireland then this is the place for you. See you soon guys. ????️‍♂️????????

6. Mount Stewart

Portaferry Road, Newtownards BT22 2AD Northern Ireland +44 28 4278 8387 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart
Excellent
74%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 992 reviews

Mount Stewart

Mount Stewart is one of the most inspiring and unusual gardens in the National Trust's ownership. The garden reflects a rich tapestry of design and great planting artistry that was the hallmark of Edith, Lady Londonderry. The mild climate of Strangford Lough allows astonishing levels of planting experimentation. The formal areas exude a strong Mediterranean feel and resemble an Italian villa landscape; the wooded areas support a range of plants from all corners of the world, ensuring something to see whatever the season. Mount Stewart House re-opened after our 3 year long restoration project. We've brought back the elegance and charm of the house when it was home of the 7th Marchioness Edith, Lady Londonderry and her family in the early 20th century and we look forward to welcoming you to enjoy in all its splendor. Six kilometers of walking trails wind through a landscape ‘lost in time’ and establishes Mount Stewart’s reputation as one of the best-preserved Irish country demesnes.

Reviewed By 174eleanora

Yet another great family day at mount stewart. Joined last year and we have had the best picnics,walks and good fun here.the freedom for the kids to run and learn about all the habitat.adventure play area and den building is a real hit for kids!!and competitive adults!!such beautiful lake walk and has been a pleasure enjoying all the changing seasons.halloween was great for the kids and staff are friendly and helpful.thanks to all who keep it one of the most beautiful places we are lucky to have.

7. Dundrum Castle

Castle Hill Dundrum, Newcastle BT33 0LN Northern Ireland +44 28 9023 5000 http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Dundrum-Castle-Dundrum-Newcastle-P2866
Excellent
50%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 193 reviews

Dundrum Castle

Reviewed By jade191215

We were the only ones to visit the castle. It is incredible with a lovely view of Dundrum when you climb on top of it, and it is a 7 minute walk from the center of Dundrum.

8. Murlough National Nature Reserve

The Mourne Mountains, Newcastle BT33 0NQ Northern Ireland +44 28 4375 1467 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/murlough
Excellent
77%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 313 reviews

Murlough National Nature Reserve

Reviewed By machinmad - Norwich, United Kingdom

From the car park we took the right hand boardwalk to the beach then followed the shoreline right round the peninsular and back inland to the road bridge. It was high tide and very wet, but was just manageable . The sea walk was spectacular, as the big waves crashed in. Seals basked on the opposite shore, oblivious to the sound of gunfire from the military firing range. A stunning 2hr circular walk despite the heavy rain on the way back!

9. Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs

Head Road Annalong, Newcastle BT33 0HU Northern Ireland +44 28 4372 2428 http://www.niwater.com/silent-valley.aspx
Excellent
66%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 365 reviews

Silent Valley and Ben Crom Reservoirs

Reviewed By Destination84931

Arrived on a sunny Saturday, the view ofthe reservoir was absolutely amazing .Walk a mere three miles and up 270 steps to Ben crom dam.one wishes a drone would capture the true essence of the beauty of the scenery. Stop of on your way back for a cup of coffee in the victorian tea room.

10. Tollymore Forest Park

Bryansford Road, Newcastle BT33 0PW Northern Ireland +44 28 4372 2428 http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Tollymore-Forest-Park-Newcastle-P2888
Excellent
76%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 763 reviews

Tollymore Forest Park

Reviewed By dermotc502

Great place to visit loads of scenic walks the river walk is fantastic Toilets on site and a mobile eatery

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