Attractions and Places To See around Ballykeel - Top 20

The area offers a rich historical tapestry. In County Armagh, you can visit the ancient Ballykeel Portal Tomb (Dolmen) and Cairn, a Neolithic burial site dating back thousands of years. Closer to Belfast, you'll find significant landmarks like Belfast City Hall, an impressive Edwardian building, and the Albert Memorial Clock, a leaning sandstone tower commemorating Prince Albert. Shaw's Bridge also has a long history, with its current structure dating back to 1709.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. In Belfast, Belfast City Hall offers engaging guided tours. The unique Big Fish (Salmon of Knowledge) sculpture is a fun photo opportunity with a fascinating story. Further afield in County Down, families can enjoy Kilbroney Forest Park with its Narnia trail, or visit Cranfield Alpacas for an interactive animal experience.

The region boasts beautiful natural landscapes. In County Down, you can explore the stunning Mourne Mountains for challenging hikes, or enjoy walks around the Silent Valley and Ben Crom reservoirs. Tollymore Forest Park offers scenic trails, waterfalls, and bridges. For a unique experience, the Murlough Nature Reserve features a 6000-year-old sand dune system with a boardwalk. Near Belfast, the area around Shaw's Bridge provides lovely walks along the River Lagan.

Yes, many of the prominent attractions in Belfast are wheelchair accessible. These include Belfast City Hall, Albert Memorial Clock, The Big Fish (Salmon of Knowledge), and the Beacon of Hope Sculpture. Additionally, the path alongside the River Lagan near Shaw's Bridge has a hard surface suitable for wheelchair users.

Belfast features notable public art installations. The iconic Big Fish (Salmon of Knowledge) is a 10-meter ceramic tile mosaic celebrating the regeneration of the River Lagan and Belfast's history. Another striking piece is the Beacon of Hope Sculpture, a 19.5-meter tall metal artwork in Thanksgiving Square.

Visitors frequently praise the architectural beauty of Belfast City Hall, often recommending its guided tours for insight into the city's history. The unique character and historical significance of the Albert Memorial Clock, with its famous lean, also captivates many. The artistic and storytelling elements of The Big Fish are also highly appreciated.

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. For easy walks, you can explore trails along the Lagan River, such as the 'Lagan loop' or the 'Shaw's Bridge – Belvoir Park Forest loop'. These routes offer pleasant riverside scenery. For more details on these and other hiking options, visit our guide on Easy hikes around Ballykeel.

Absolutely. The area offers various cycling routes for both mountain biking and road cycling. You can find moderate mountain bike trails like the 'Divis & Black Mountain loop from Belfast' or easier options such as the 'Barnett Demesne Jump Track'. For road cyclists, routes like the 'Daft Eddy's Coffee Shop – Whiterock Harbour loop' provide scenic rides. Explore more options in our guides for MTB Trails around Ballykeel and Road Cycling Routes around Ballykeel.

Beyond the main attractions, the broader Ballykeel region holds some interesting sites. In Holywood, you can find the Holywood Motte, an Anglo-Norman fortification site. For a unique natural and historical blend, the Twelve Arches Bridge in County Down offers wonderful views and picnic spots over the Carrigs River, often overlooked by visitors.

Yes, Ballykeel Lough Erne is known as a productive fishing spot, particularly for trout. Fishing stands are available on the west side of the lough, with access provided via a dedicated path off the Ballycreen Road. More information can be found at DAERA NI.

For scenic views, the Holywood Motte offers vistas across Belfast Lough to County Antrim and Slemish. Shaw's Bridge provides pleasant views of the River Lagan. In County Down, the Mourne Mountains offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Irish Sea from peaks like Slieve Donard, while the Twelve Arches Bridge provides picturesque river views.