Northern Ireland is ideal destination for family trip
an hour before departure, we were able to get out the car for a while to stretch the legs, grab a coffee and a snack from the departure lounge, let the kids blow off steam in the soft play area and by walking them to the water’s edge. All far more relaxed than an hour or two in an airport.
We returned to the car around half an hour before sailing time, took advantage of the speedy boarding offer, and drove into the parking deck. In an obvious but welcome boost, there is no luggage limit beyond what can fit in your vehicle, and there is never any need for trailing bags and cases around with this method of travel as everything can remain in the car until your accommodation is reached.
After a pleasant two-hour sailing, the disembarkation process was smooth. It is literally a case of taking an elevator back down to your car, driving off the front of the boat and then on to your destination, which in our case was the village of Fivemiletown in County Tyrone.
After checking into the Valley Hotel – a welcoming, family-run, three-star hotel – we set off to Blessingbourne Country Estate to spend some time outdoors in the most heavenly environment.
Nestled amid woodlands, lakes and wildlife on the edge of the Clogher Valley, Blessingbourne is a 550-acre estate billed on its website as “one of North West Ireland’s most tranquil and unique destinations, brimming with character.”
Our few hours on the estate were so enjoyable, we returned for a brief stop-off a couple of days later on our way back to the ferry port in between a trip to the ancient monastic site at Devenish Island.
In between times, we spent the Saturday morning at Marble Arch Caves, which is a series of natural limestone caves located near the village of Florencecourt in County Fermanagh. Our family getaway proved a sure-fire hit!