Peace and tranquility and other Belfast, United Kingdom Off The Beaten Path Tips

On a slightly more serious note Belvoir (Pronounced 'Beaver') Forest is one of Belfast?s best kept secret. Just 6 km from the City Centre Belvoir Park forest is a working forest within a city. It is ideally placed to offer city dwellers and those from further a field a vibrant forest teaming with wildlife and many fine tree specimens within easy reach of Belfast's outer ring. It covers 94 hectares and runs along the south bank of the River Lagan.
There are a number of historic sites to be found within the forest, for example the Norman motte dates back to the 12th century and the ruined graveyard was recorded in 14th century documents. The estate itself was enclosed by the Hill's, a plantation family, around the 1740's. They built a house where the car park is now and the existing buildings, which date from the same era, were farm buildings belonging to the estate. The Ice House, built into the side of the motte also dates from this time.
All in all a great way to spend an afternoon, especially if you are blessed with a glint of sunshine.

Footnote.
Officially the last wolf in Ireland was shot in 1786. Rumors still abound however. Visit the part at dusk, close your eyes, strain your ears and sometimes in the distance...

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The highest mountains in Northern Ireland are the Mournes. Situated about 70km from Belfast they are well worth a visit and provide an excellent day out for a gentle walk or some serious climbing for the more adventurous.
Slieve (Irish for mountain) Donard is the highest peak. At just under 3000 feet it is smaller than Everest, so oxygen is seldom required. However yaks and sherpas are available for hire in the general area. Be sure to establish a price before setting off on the trek and it is wise to check that you are actually being rented a yak, as opposed to a large dog disguised in a fur coat with horns sellotaped to it’s head. Caveat emptor, I believe is the expression. You have been warned…

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Due to the booming safari trade in the early 1970’s most of the indigenous and more exotic wild life has become extinct, due to over hunting. Lions, tigers, zebras and wildebeest have all but vanished. On vary rare occasions you can still catch a glimpse something special.
It is however fairly certain that you will see quite a bit of ‘the big four.’ Sheep, cows, rabbits and giraffes. Rabbits however are becoming less common.

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Strange but true.
The north Antrim coast has some of the best beaches in Europe, with a total of 6 having Blue Flag status.
Here our intrepid explorer Maaaarii is found braving the elements on Portstewart strand. One of our finest examples. She assures me that the woman swimming is from Latvia. Apparently they are even more insane than Estonians :-)

You may also notice that Maaaari had to change after the unfortunate incident at the Bushmills Distillery

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