Attractions and Places To See around Ballymartrim Otra - Top 11

At Loughgall Country Park you can expect a varied mix of gravel, concrete and cobbled paths that meander through quiet woodland. The trees cast long shadows on the ground, especially in autumn when the leaves glow in warm tones and crackle under your tires. The nearby lake with its still waters invites you to linger - it is often full of anglers trying their luck at coarse fishing. For a short breather, it is worth stopping at the café, which offers you the opportunity to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with a cup of tea. The golf course on site provides additional variety if you want to experience a little nature away from the cycle paths. A quiet place that impresses with its variety and is ideal for a relaxed round on the bike without being too demanding.

Navan Fort, also known as Emain Macha, is one of those places that literally breathes history. As a cyclist, you can feel a breath of the past here as you roll gently over the grassy hills. The site, rich in Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age finds, is not only archaeologically fascinating, but also firmly embedded in Irish mythology. The kings of Ulster are said to have ruled here, and the legends of Macha, the namesake, are omnipresent. The gentle climbs around the fort are not too demanding, but give you space to let your gaze wander over the green hills - particularly dramatic when dark clouds pile up in the sky and cast a mystical atmosphere over the landscape. A detour to the visitor center is worthwhile: Here you can find out more about the exciting stories and the excavations that provide insight into Ireland's deepest past.

As you step through the magnificent gate, you will be enveloped by the timelessness of this historic place. The old walls, which shine in the sun, tell stories from times long past and invite you to discover them. The municipality has enriched this treasure trove of history with a library and a museum that attract knowledge seekers and history lovers. In the quiet rooms of the library you can leaf through old writings and be transported back to times gone by, while the museum brings the history of the place and its people to life. After a journey of discovery through history and culture, the Priorat's café beckons with its seductive scent of freshly brewed coffee. Here, in an ambience that wonderfully combines modernity and history, you can take a little time out. Choose from comfortable seating inside or settle on one of the terraces to soak up the rays while munching on delicious pastries. But the Priory has even more to offer. A dreamy little walkway winds from the building down to the river. A path lined with blooming flowers and old trees that acts as an invitation to explore this wonderful terrain in all its splendor.

Surrounded by rolling hills and lush green meadows, this lake reflects the sky in its clear waters and holds a special promise for those dedicated to the art of fishing. The waters of Brantry Lough are rich in brown trout. Skillfully moving through the depths of the lake, these dazzling fish are stocked all year round and are the pride of the lough. Not only do they offer a challenge for experienced anglers, but also a fascinating observation for nature lovers. Especially at daybreak or in the quiet hours of the evening, when the water is calm and the air is filled with an expectant silence, you can see boats gently rocking on the lake. These belong to enthusiastic fishermen who have come hoping for the perfect catch. The tranquil atmosphere, broken only by the occasional splash of a fishing hook thrown into the water, makes Brantry Lough a place for relaxation and reflection.

This handsome looking weir stretches across the river like a silent sentinel, capturing the clear waters of the Blackwater as they glisten in the sun and bathe the surrounding area in a calming sound. Next to the weir there is a green oasis in which time seems to stand still. Lush green areas, peppered with scattered trees, invite you to linger. Picnic benches, strategically placed, offer the ideal place to watch the water play at the weir, let your thoughts wander and unwind. Here, on the banks of the Blackwater, you can escape everyday life for a moment and lose yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of the park.

Navan Fort is an important part of Irish mythology. It is said to be a pre-Christian royal site and is sometimes known as Navan Rath. It is full of legend and archeology. There is a visitor centre at the fort with guided tours available. For further information see the website https://visitarmagh.com/places-to-explore/navan-centre-fort/

Brantry Lough is a fantastic fishing lake situated just north of Creevelough in County Tyrone. The waters provide a great supply of brown trout that's stocked all year around bringing keen fishermen and their boats to the shores.

The priory is a beautiful building in Benburb that invites the community to visit the library, museum, or grab a coffee and a scone at the wonderful cafe (fit with lovely indoor and outdoor seating). A small footpath leads from the priory to the river where you can explore further these wonderful grounds.