Things to do in Belfast City Region, Northern Ireland: The Best Historic Sites

Sentry Hill is a 19th century Victorian farmhouse in the Parish of Carnmoney, County Antrim. The contents of this historic house in Northern Ireland provide a rare insight into life in rural Ulster during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Sentry Hill was the home of the McKinney family, who came to Ireland from Scotland in the early 1700s. Remarkably the contents of the house have survived almost intact. Family furniture, books, paintings, personal diaries, letters, photographs and souvenirs from trips abroad all help to tell the story of the McKinney's, recording life at Sentry Hill and its surrounding areas. Over the years many guests have been warmly received at Sentry Hill by the McKinney family. The last of the family may now be gone but their welcome remains and the door is now open for you. The venue is a popular place to see in Co Antrim, especially during European Heritage Open Days. You can dander down the path through the sheltering trees and step inside the snug old farmhouse. As you cross this threshold you will stand where the past shakes hands with the present. Sentry Hill offers an entertaining day out to visitors of all ages with facilities including guided tours, attractive gardens, a cafe, gift shop and picnic area.

A short walk down the path reveals views of an otherwise inaccessible coastline. View this sculpture by Ralf Sander at just the right angle to discover "The Smuggler" otherwise he blends into the landscape. The Bloody Bridge is named after a gruesome massacre. During the O'Neill's rebellion of 1641, the bodies of slain prisoners were thrown over the bridge into the river, turning it red.

Mount Stewart is one of the most inspiring and unusual gardens in the National Trust's ownership. The garden reflects a rich tapestry of design and great planting artistry that was the hallmark of Edith, Lady Londonderry. The mild climate of Strangford Lough allows astonishing levels of planting experimentation. The formal areas exude a strong Mediterranean feel and resemble an Italian villa landscape; the wooded areas support a range of plants from all corners of the world, ensuring something to see whatever the season. Mount Stewart House re-opened after our 3 year long restoration project. We've brought back the elegance and charm of the house when it was home of the 7th Marchioness Edith, Lady Londonderry and her family in the early 20th century and we look forward to welcoming you to enjoy in all its splendor. Six kilometers of walking trails wind through a landscape ‘lost in time’ and establishes Mount Stewart’s reputation as one of the best-preserved Irish country demesnes.

WW1 Coastal Defense Battery built in 1904 with two original 6 inch Coastal guns fully restored and firing on special events - Radio Museum & Military Memorabilia Musems - Admission FREE

rish Landmark is a non-profit organisation that finds interesting and unusual properties that are in need of conservation, and we give them new life. Since 1992, we’ve been turning historic buildings into truly special self-catering holiday accommodation. Our properties range from lighthouses and schoolhouses, to castles and gate lodges. As an educational charity, our primary aim is to conserve and sustain iconic buildings. That’s why Irish Landmark properties are living buildings, not museum settings. Irish Landmark always respects the history and architectural integrity of the structures we conserve, but we also ensure they have all the contemporary comforts you want in a holiday home.