Attractions and Places To See around Ballydown - Top 13

Ballydown and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the ancient Loughbrickland Crannóg, a man-made island dating back to the Late Bronze Age, which served as a hiding place during the Irish Rebellion. Another historical site is the Dromore Viaduct, built in 1860. Additionally, Scarva Village features a Scarva pillbox, one of many remaining from World War II. For a more recent historical landmark, consider Blackhead Lighthouse, an important early 20th-century landmark along the Antrim coast.

Yes, Ballydown offers several natural and scenic attractions. The Newry Canal Towpath provides a flat and picturesque route for cycling, where you can observe old canal lock gates. For dramatic coastal views, The Gobbins Coastal Walk is an extraordinary cliff-face path featuring caves, rockpools, and stunning vistas. You can also find excellent viewpoints at Blackhead Lighthouse and along the Gobbins trail, including from The Tubular Bridge.

Scarva Village is a notable cultural site, known for attracting thousands of members of the Royal Black Preceptory who gather to re-enact the Battle of the Boyne. This event highlights a significant aspect of local cultural heritage.

The Ballydown area offers various outdoor activities. For cycling, the Newry Canal Towpath is a scenic and flat route. If you're looking for more challenging rides, explore the road cycling routes around Ballydown, which include difficult and moderate options like the Larne Town to Waterfoot loop. For hikers, easy hiking trails are available, such as the Heritage Trail and loops around The Gobbins Entrance Gate.

The Gobbins Coastal Walk is a unique experience that requires a guided tour. Tours start from The Gobbins Cliff Path Visitor Centre, where mandatory helmets and hiking boots can be hired. Visitor groups are strictly limited to 15 people per tour, and the entrance is secured by a steel chain, meaning you cannot enter without a guide. It's described as an extraordinary cliff-face walk, taking you through caves and along the coastline.

While specific family-friendly categories aren't detailed for all attractions, the Newry Canal Towpath offers a gentle and scenic environment suitable for family cycling or walks. The visitor center for The Gobbins, The Gobbins Cliff Path Visitor Centre, is wheelchair accessible and provides facilities that can accommodate families before or after a tour.

Visitors particularly appreciate the unique and adventurous nature of The Gobbins Coastal Walk, describing it as an extraordinary journey through caves and along mollusc-encrusted rockpools with fascinating wildlife and incomparable views. The historical significance of landmarks like Blackhead Lighthouse and the scenic beauty of the coastal areas are also highly valued.

The Gobbins Cliff Path Visitor Centre is a modern, well-maintained facility offering a large car park, a cafe, and toilets. This is also where tours for The Gobbins Coastal Walk commence, making it a convenient hub for visitors to that area.

Loughbrickland Crannóg is a historically significant man-made island dating back to the Late Bronze Age (approximately 2000 to 500 BC). It was inhabited by the Magennis family in the 17th century and notably served as a hiding place during the Irish Rebellion around 1642, offering a glimpse into ancient and turbulent times in the region.

Yes, there are several easy walking trails. You can explore the Newry Canal Towpath, which offers a flat and scenic route. Additionally, komoot lists easy hikes around Ballydown, including the Heritage Trail and short loops near The Gobbins Entrance Gate, such as the 'View of the Gobbins Cliff Path' loop.

Yes, the Newry Canal Towpath is an excellent, flat, and scenic route for cycling. As you ride, you can expect to see old canal lock gates and charming gatekeepers' cottages, offering a peaceful journey through the local landscape from Newry to Portadown.

The Tubular Bridge is a spectacular crossing that recreates the original structure, hanging approximately 10 meters above the Irish Sea. It's part of The Gobbins Coastal Walk, providing a unique viewpoint and an adventurous element to the cliff-face trail.