Back to Northern Ireland | S2 E6 #vanlife #ireland #irishtourism #northernireland #ardboecross

Back to Northern Ireland | S2 E6 #vanlife #ireland #irishtourism #northernireland #ardboecross

I made my way back to Northern Ireland to collect a parcel, but I couldn’t resist taking my time to explore more of this fascinating region. My journey took me from the shores of Lough Neagh to historic sites, stunning coastal villages, and through the rugged beauty of the Mourne Mountains.

🔹 Battery Harbour & Lough Neagh – My first night was spent at a beautiful park-up right on the banks of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles. Historically, this area was a hub for fishing and trade, with myths claiming the lough was formed when the giant Finn McCool scooped out a chunk of land—creating the Isle of Man in the process! To stay here, you pay £10 at The Battery Bar, but you get the same amount back to spend in the bar or the café next door.

🔹 Arboe Cross – After two peaceful nights, I visited the nearby Arboe Cross, a stunning 10th-century high cross covered in intricate carvings depicting biblical scenes.

🔹 The Giant’s Ring – On my way to Greyabbey, I stopped at this ancient Neolithic henge, thought to be over 4,500 years old. It’s one of Ireland’s largest stone circles, shrouded in mystery—was it a burial site, a ceremonial gathering place, or something else entirely?

🔹 Grey Abbey Monastery – The ruins of this 12th-century Cistercian monastery are beautifully atmospheric. The monks who lived here followed strict routines of prayer and work, and their influence helped shape the surrounding landscape and agriculture.

🔹 Kearney Village – A wonderfully preserved 18th-century fishing village, now wholly owned by the National Trust. It’s a glimpse into Northern Ireland’s past, with traditional whitewashed cottages and a rugged coastline once central to the local fishing industry.

🔹 Castle Ward (Winterfell) – Famous as a filming location for Game of Thrones, this 18th-century estate is a blend of Gothic and Classical architecture. The dual styles were due to a disagreement between Lord Bangor and his wife—each wanted a different design, so they compromised by building one side in each style!

🔹 Kilclief Castle – This small 15th-century tower house was built by the Bishops of Down and is one of the oldest surviving castles of its kind in the region. Its compact size reflects its purpose—a fortified residence rather than a grand fortress.

🔹 Newcastle, Co. Down – I was amazed by how much this seaside town felt like a European ski resort. Nestled at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, Newcastle has been a popular holiday destination for centuries, with its dramatic landscape and Victorian-era promenade.

🔹 Mourne Wall – Built in the early 1900s, this 22-mile-long dry stone wall stretches across the Mourne Mountains, originally constructed to enclose the Silent Valley Reservoir’s catchment area. The sheer effort to build it across such rugged terrain is incredible.

🔹 Spelga Dam & Galloon Island – A night by the dam with breathtaking views, followed by a peaceful stop at Galloon Island Landing, complete with a lovely jetty and a hot shower.

🔹 Castle Coole & The Famine Pot – Castle Coole, an opulent 18th-century mansion, didn’t quite rub off on me! In contrast, the Famine Pot serves as a haunting reminder of Ireland’s tragic history during the Great Famine, when large communal pots were used to cook food for the starving population.

🔹 Beltany Stone Circle – An ancient Bronze Age stone circle with over 60 stones still standing. Its name likely comes from Beltaine, the Celtic festival marking the start of summer, suggesting it played a role in ancient rituals.

🔹 Wilkin’s Bar, Co. Donegal – Many pubs in Ireland welcome campervans overnight, as long as you pop in for a drink. Wilkin’s Bar was the perfect base for exploring the area on my motorbike.

I’m so far behind with editing these videos, I’ve decided the only way I might catch up is if I don’t edit them so much and make them longer. So that’s what I’ve done here. So 🤞

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