Discover the world's most iconic sights and landmarks. From ancient wonders to modern marvels, explore must-see attractions that define destinations across the globe. Find historical monuments, architectural masterpieces, and natural wonders that capture the essence of each place.

Audley's Castle is a historic castle ruin located near Strangford Lough in County Down, Northern Ireland. The castle was built in the 16th century by John Audley, who was a member of the English nobility and served as an army commander during the Tudor conquest of Ireland.

The castle was built on the site of an earlier Norman castle and was designed as a fortified tower house, with walls that are over 1.5 meters thick in places. The castle was originally four stories high, but only the ground floor and part of the second floor survive today.

Audley's Castle was abandoned in the 17th century and fell into ruin, but it remains an important historical site and tourist attraction in Northern Ireland. Visitors can explore the castle ruins and enjoy scenic views of Strangford Lough and the surrounding countryside. The castle is managed by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and is open to the public year-round.

Audley's castle

United Kingdom

George Best Belfast City Airport

Belfast International Airport

Isle of Man

Isle of Man Airport

Castlereagh

Northern Ireland

Bangor

Belfast

Lisburn

Newtownabbey

Castle Ward is an 18th-century National Trust property located in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is a popular destination for tourists, as well as fans of the hit HBO series "Game of Thrones" which was partially filmed on the property.

The house itself is a combination of Georgian and Gothic architecture and was built in the 1760s by the 1st Viscount Bangor, Bernard Ward, and his wife Lady Ann Bligh. The couple wanted to incorporate both their tastes into the design, so the east side of the house features Gothic-style towers and turrets, while the west side is more classically Georgian.

Castle Ward is situated on the shores of Strangford Lough, a large sea inlet that provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The estate includes several walking trails, gardens, and a farmyard with rare breeds of animals.

Visitors can take guided tours of the house, which includes a glimpse of the room where the famous "Dinner Party" scene in "Game of Thrones" was filmed. There are also opportunities to dress up in period costume and participate in various activities, such as archery and kayaking.

Overall, Castle Ward is a fascinating glimpse into the history and culture of Northern Ireland, as well as a beautiful natural setting for outdoor activities.

Castle Ward

Exploris Aquarium, located in Portaferry, Northern Ireland, is an aquarium and seal sanctuary that opened in 1987. It is the only aquarium in Northern Ireland and it aims to educate visitors about marine life in the Irish Sea and conservation efforts to protect it.

The aquarium has a range of exhibits showcasing the different habitats and marine life found in the Irish Sea. Some of the exhibits include a rock pool exhibit, a tropical ocean tank, and a lagoon exhibit that showcases the diverse marine life found in Strangford Lough, which is one of the UK's largest sea loughs.

One of the most popular attractions at Exploris Aquarium is the Seal Sanctuary, which is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured or abandoned seals. Visitors can learn about the seal rescue process and watch the seals being fed and cared for by the aquarium staff.

In addition to its exhibits, the aquarium also offers educational programs and workshops for schools and groups. It also hosts special events throughout the year, such as Halloween-themed events and Santa's Grotto during the Christmas season.

Exploris Aquarium has a café and gift shop on site and is open daily from March to October, with reduced hours during the winter months.

Exploris Aquarium

Tollymore Forest Park is a public park located in the Mourne and Slieve Croob Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in County Down, Northern Ireland. The park covers an area of approximately 630 hectares and was established in 1955 as the first state forest park in Northern Ireland.

Tollymore Forest Park is known for its stunning natural beauty, with an array of woodlands, rivers, and lakes. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including red squirrels, otters, badgers, and a diverse range of bird species.

The park offers a range of outdoor activities, including walking trails, cycling routes, horse riding, and orienteering. There are numerous walking trails of varying lengths and difficulties, including the popular Tollymore River Trail, which follows the path of the River Shimna through the forest.

One of the park's most popular attractions is the "Game of Thrones" filming location, where the iconic scene featuring the direwolves was filmed. The park's historic gate lodge, built in the 18th century, has also been used as a filming location in numerous productions.

Overall, Tollymore Forest Park is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and families looking for a day out in the great outdoors.

Tollymore forest park

The Parliament Buildings, also known as Stormont, are located in Belfast, Northern Ireland. They house the Northern Ireland Assembly, which is responsible for making laws and policies for Northern Ireland. The building was designed by Sir Arnold Thornely and constructed between 1928 and 1932.

The building is situated on the Stormont Estate, which is a large parkland in the eastern suburbs of Belfast. It is an impressive example of classical Greek architecture, with a grand entrance hall, a central chamber, and two debating chambers. The exterior is clad in Portland stone, with a dome that rises to a height of 92 feet.

One of the most famous features of the building is the grand staircase, which is made of Italian marble and leads up to the central chamber. The chamber is dominated by a large mural by the artist John Luke, which depicts the history of Northern Ireland.

The Parliament Buildings have played a central role in the history of Northern Ireland. They were the seat of the government of Northern Ireland from 1921 to 1972, and played a key role in the establishment of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. The buildings were the site of many political debates and controversies during the Troubles, and were damaged by bombs on several occasions.

Today, the Parliament Buildings are open to the public, with guided tours available that provide visitors with an insight into the history and workings of the Northern Ireland Assembly. The building and its surrounding parkland are also a popular tourist attraction, with visitors able to enjoy the beautiful gardens and parkland, as well as the impressive architecture of the building itself.

Parliament Buildings Belfast

Queen's University Belfast is a public research university located in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was founded in 1845 and is part of the Russell Group, which is a group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK. The university is known for its research in the fields of medicine, engineering, and humanities.

Queen's University Belfast has over 24,000 students, including approximately 2,700 international students from over 85 countries. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degrees across four faculties: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences; Engineering and Physical Sciences; Medicine, Health and Life Sciences; and the Ulster University-Queen's University Belfast Joint Medical Program.

The university is also home to a number of research centers, including the Institute for Global Food Security, the Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, and the Centre for Experimental Medicine. These centers conduct research in areas such as health, the environment, social sciences, and arts and humanities.

Queen's University Belfast has a rich history and a beautiful campus, with many of its buildings dating back to the 19th century. Notable buildings include the Lanyon Building, the main building of the university, which was completed in 1849, and the McClay Library, which was opened in 2009 and is one of the largest academic libraries in the UK and Ireland.

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