County Armagh

The National Trust owns this bijou and beautiful island in Lough Neagh, largest lake in the British Isles. Its seven acres are a nature reserve and an Area of Specific Scientific Interest, due to its breeding ducks and wet woodland. It has a rich history and evidence of humans living there as early as 8000 BC. St Patrick is thought to have stayed here, as did the future King Edward VII with his mistress Lillie Langry. It was the summer retreat of both a Viscount and a Baron. Irish chieftain, Shane O'Neill used the 16th century round tower as a lookout post and a place to store his treasures. You can still see it today, a romantic ruin surrounded by bluebells in the spring. There's also an

Anglo-Norman motte and a holy well. It's a fascinating place, totally wild and with a real ‘lost in time' feeling and a little path cut through the woodland so that you can explore. Abháinn Cruises are the only company taking people there – a minimum of six, so take some friends. Don't forget your picnic!