Page 243 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 23: Classic Northern Ireland 241

o Ulster American Folk Park p Sperrin Mountains
BT78 5QY; Co Tyrone Co Tyrone/Co Derry
This fascinating Folk Park (open Jul & The Sperrins are a designated Area
Aug: daily; Sep–May: Tue–Sun) tells the of Outstanding Natural Beauty and
story of emigration from Ireland to the largest mountain range in
America in the 18th and 19th Northern Ireland. There are
centuries. Visitors move around the numerous scenic drives, cycle trails
site through a series of traditional and walking routes in the area. The
buildings ranging from an Irish Gortin Glen Forest Park (open daily)
weaver’s cottage to a period covers part of the 1,500-ha (3,700-
American street, and there is even a acre) forest. The park has a range of
full-sized reconstruction of a delightful walking trails, including
19th-century sailing ship, of the kind one that follows the pretty Pollan
in which the emigrants crossed the Burn, as well as an 8-km (5-mile)
Atlantic, that can be boarded in Forest Drive that includes a number
order to experience the hardships of “vista parks” en route, where
they endured. In these authentic motorists can stop to enjoy Above Tranquil Lough Neagh, a popular spot
settings, costumed characters perform magnificent views. The coniferous for boat trips and bird-watching
traditional crafts and go about their woods are home to plenty of wildlife
daily routine, bringing the past to life, including red squirrels and Sika deer.
while tours and exhibitions provide ª Turn right out of the Park on the
fascinating background information. B48 to Gortin and then Plumbridge.
ª Leaving the Park, turn left onto the Turn right at Plumbridge onto the B47,
A5 south, then left onto Gortnagarn passing through the Glenelley Valley.
Road and left again onto the B48. At Draperstown, turn right onto the
The entrance to the Gortin Glen Forest B40 for Magherafelt and, from there, EAT AND DRINK IN DERRY
Park is on the right hand side. To reach head south on the B160 to Ballyronan (LONDONDERRY)
the Forest Drive, drive through the car village on the shores of Lough Neagh. Browns Restaurant
park and follow the signs. inexpensive–moderate
a Lough Neagh A smart, contemporary restaurant,
Co Derry popular for its consistently great
Lough Neagh, in the very centre of cooking and stylish atmosphere.
Northern Ireland, is the third-largest 1 Bond’s Hill, Waterside, BT47 6DW; 028
7134 5180; www.brownsrestaurant.com
lake in Europe, and five of the six
counties border it. It is a popular Custom House moderate
place for bird-watching (around This landmark 19th-century building
is now a fine-dining establishment
1,000 whooper swans settle around serving mouthwatering dishes such
the lake in winter) and fishing, and as whiskey-cured salmon and pan-
there are many visitor attractions all seared monkfish.
around the lough. Boat trips run from Custom House St, BT48 7AS; 028 7137
3366; www.customhouserestaurant.com
Ballyronan Marina to sites of interest
around the lake, such as the beautiful La Sosta Ristorante moderate
Celtic High Cross at Ardboe, while an A buzzy, authentic, family-run Italian
restaurant serving delicious food.
evening cruise with live folk music Friendly service.
Above Pennsylvania log farmhouse at the Ulster offers the chance to see the sun set 45/a Carlisle Road, BT48 6JJ; 028 7137
American Folk Park over the Sperrins. 4817; www.lasostaderry.com
DAY TRIP OPTIONS not picnic weather there is a pub its delightful gardens and tea
Glenarm and Ballycastle are ideal and a restaurant (the Manor House, room. Then drive down Glencoy
bases to see rich birdlife and visit see p236) on the island. before heading back up along the
lovely glens. coast to Waterfoot (Glenariff village)
Only island residents can bring cars to
A trip to puffin island the island. Leave the car at the ferry for Glenariff 4and the lovely
woodland walking trails of Glenariff
Take the ferry (40 mins, booking terminal or seafront in Ballycastle. Forest Park 5.
essential) from Ballycastle 9 to A day in the glens
Rathlin Island – bring a picnic and Combine several lovely glens in a Head south on the A2 to Glenariff
explore this tranquil haven for birds day’s tour, starting at Glenarm 3, Glen, and then from here follow the
and other wildlife. Puffins are in pausing to visit Glenarm Castle with drive’s instructions to Glenariff
residence from April to August. If it’s Forest Park.

Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50

234-241_Back_Roads_Ireland.indd 241 11/09/17 12:30 pm