The Northwest
The Northwest
Featuring some of the island’s most important historic and cultural treasures, Northwest Ireland is a hub of cultural and social events that go on all year round. Whether you fancy a spot of golf, or a winding walk through green pastures, the Northwest has everything you need.
With 13,843 km² to play with, visitors both national and international flock to the Northwest to get their fill of all manner of activities. The Giant’s Causeway, fabled to be the crossing point of Gaelic gargantuan Finn McCool, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and named the fourth greatest natural wonder, consisting of approximately 40,000 basalt columns built up following an ancient volcano.
If that isn’t your thing, why not travel a little farther instead, to the Bushmills distillery- one of the oldest distilleries in the world, where you can learn about the history of Bushmills and its legscy in the area.
While in the area, take to the links at Royal Portrush Golf Club, established in 1888 and named consistently as one of the highest-ranked courses in the country and the world. Royal Portrush is more prevalent now due to the increasing attention given to it when it played host to the Irish Open in 2012.
Closer to home is fort at Grianan of Aileach, located just outside Derry. Situated atop a hill overlooking the green expanse of County Donegal, the National Monument offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and can be reached by car or foot, thought it can be difficult to reach without directions.
For those who enjoy the more relaxed outdoors, there are plenty of activities to occupy the mind, many in someof the most picturesque areas of the country. Based at the foot of the Sperrins, Cashel Trout Fishery is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with people of all ages casting off on the banks of the River Roe.
For a closer catch, try Creggan Country Park, a reservoir maintained for fishing and other water-related activities. While you wait for a nibble, the kids can roam the park and take part in pier-jumping, paintballing and canoeing!
Giants Causeway
Golfing
Golfing
With two beautifully maintained, yet challenging, courses at either end of the city (and more small courses in between), Derry and the Northwest are a haven for golfers.
Avail of the first-class Woodlands course at Foyle Golf Centre and bask in the fantastic views while you play before visiting Pitchers Bar and Restuarant.
Named after the famous navigator Amelia Earhart, who is rumoured to have crashed not far from what is now the sixth green, the Earhart course is championship standard par 71 course, set in spectacularly open surroundings with the foothills of Donegal and the city centre both within easy reach. The Centre also has a well maintained 9-hole, a fully automated 26 bay driving range and is home to two PGA teaching professionals.
Located in the Waterside, Prehen’s City of Derry Golf Club is a sprawling, 27-hole affair, first concieved in 1911, which spans almost six thousand metres of lush fairways while the wooded environment protects local wildlife (likely to make an appearance).
One of the Northwest’s premier golfing establishments, City of Derry’s 9-hole also has a claim to fame, having been originally laid out by Willie Parks, Jnr and considered “a capable test of the skill of any player”.
Just four miles from the city centre, Prehen also offers fantastic views along and across the River Foyle as well as a more hands-on approach to amatuer golf, as club pro Sam Smallwoods is a member of the Pro Golfers Association and available at the centre’s shop and Golfing Academy.
City of Derry Golf Course
