newtownabbey

Aluminum Christmas Tree

This quirky landmark in Newtownabbey is a nostalgic nod to mid-20th-century holiday decor, standing as a rare surviving example of the aluminum Christmas tree craze. Its shiny metallic branches catch the Northern Irish light, creating a sur

Andrean bear

This impressive bear, likely a reference to the Andean bear (also known as the spectacled bear), is a rare and fascinating sight in Newtownabbey. Known for its distinctive facial markings, this bear is native to South America and is an exce

Ballyaghagan Fort

Ballyaghagan Fort is a well-preserved example of a prehistoric hillfort, strategically positioned on elevated ground with commanding views of the surrounding countryside. Its earthen ramparts and ditches, now grass-covered, once provided a

Belfast Castle

Perched on the slopes of Cave Hill, Belfast Castle is a magnificent Scottish baronial mansion offering panoramic views over Belfast Lough. Built in the 19th century for the Donegall family, its sandstone facade and turreted silhouette are i

Californian sea lion

The Californian sea lion exhibit at Belfast Zoo in Newtownabbey is a dynamic spectacle, featuring a large pool where these agile marine mammals perform graceful dives and acrobatic leaps. Known for their intelligence and curiosity, the sea

Cavehill

Rising dramatically above Belfast, Cavehill is a striking basalt peak with a silhouette resembling a sleeping giant. Its ancient volcanic formations and sweeping trails offer hikers panoramic views over the city, Belfast Lough, and the dist

Colobus monkey

The Colobus monkey exhibit in Newtownabbey showcases these striking black-and-white primates native to the forests of Central and East Africa. Known for their long, flowing white tail fur and lack of thumbs, they are incredibly agile, leapi

Exotic birds

The Exotic Birds aviary in Newtownabbey is a vibrant kaleidoscope of color and sound, housing species from tropical rainforests around the globe. Bright macaws, cockatoos, and toucans perch among lush foliage, their calls creating a lively

Giants chair

The Giant's Chair is a fascinating natural rock formation steeped in local mythology, said to be the seat of a legendary giant who once roamed the land. Carved by millennia of wind and rain, the chair-like shape of the stone is both strikin

McArt's Fort

Perched dramatically on a rocky promontory overlooking the Lagan Valley, McArt's Fort offers a haunting glimpse into Northern Ireland's Iron Age past. The rugged stone foundations evoke the strategic importance of this ancient stronghold, o

Moloch's gibbon

The Moloch's gibbon exhibit at Belfast Zoo in Newtownabbey showcases these rare, silvery-grey primates from the rainforests of Java, Indonesia. Known for their incredible brachiation, they swing hand-over-hand through the enclosure with bre

Red Kangaroo Exhibit

Step into the sun-drenched outback replica at Belfast Zoo, where the iconic red kangaroo stands as a symbol of Australia's wild spirit. Observe these majestic marsupials bounding across the rocky terrain, offering a rare glimpse into their

Ring Tail Lemur

The ring-tailed lemur habitat at Belfast Zoo in Newtownabbey transports visitors to the dry forests of Madagascar, with climbing structures and sunlit perches that suit these social primates perfectly. Known for their striking black-and-whi

Spider monkey

At Belfast Zoo in Newtownabbey, the spider monkey enclosure is a lively canopy of ropes and platforms, echoing the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. These agile primates are named for their long, prehensile tails, which the

Stephen Boyd

This site commemorates the life and career of Stephen Boyd, the acclaimed Northern Irish actor best known for his role as Messala in the epic film 'Ben-Hur'. Born in nearby Glengormley, Boyd's legacy is honored here, connecting visitors to

The Millennium Maze

Nestled within a vast, living yew hedge, this intricate labyrinth offers a playful yet challenging journey through centuries of horticultural artistry. Visitors navigate winding paths that reveal hidden sculptures and historical vignettes,

Vicuna

The graceful vicuna, a wild South American camelid, roams in a spacious enclosure that replicates the high-altitude grasslands of the Andes. Known for its fine, valuable wool, this delicate animal moves with an elegant, alert demeanor. The

B-17 WWII Crash Memorial

Standing quietly in Jordanstown, this solemn memorial honors the memory of the brave crew of the B-17 Flying Fortress that crashed here during World War II. Though the aircraft itself was destroyed, the site serves as a poignant reminder of

Barbary Lion

The Barbary Lion is a hidden gem in Jordanstown, renowned for its rich history and cozy ambiance. Step inside this characterful pub and feel transported to an Irish countryside tavern of centuries past, with wooden beams and a crackling fir

Drumnadrough Rath

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Jordanstown lies the Drumnadrough Rath, a hidden gem steeped in history and culture. This ancient site boasts stunning views of the surrounding countryside and is a must-visit for anyone interested in exp

Elephant and Giraffe House

Housed within the campus of Queen's University Belfast, this distinctive building stands as one of Northern Ireland's few specialized museums dedicated to large mammal ecology. It features meticulously preserved specimens of elephants and g

Gorilla House

Nestled in the tranquil setting of Jordanstown, just northeast of Belfast, Gorilla House offers more than a museum visit; it is a profound journey into the heart of nature. The facility meticulously recreates African savannah and tropical r

Malayan Sun Bear

Nestled in the tranquil outskirts of Jordanstown, this hidden sanctuary offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness the natural grace of the Malayan sun bear, the world's smallest bear species. More than just an animal viewing spot, it se

Moloch's Gibbon

Moloch's Gibbon is a captivating hidden artistic space in Jordanstown, perfectly blending rugged industrial style with refined theatrical performance. Visitors are invited not just to watch, but to step into a world filled with mystery and

Reptile House and Education Centre

Stephen Boyd Memorial

Turret