Northern Ireland
86 DUNDRUM CASTLE, ULSTER
Where: From Belfast, it’s a 40-minute drive south along the A24 and A2 that takes you through Dundrum village to Dundrum Castle.
The spot: Built in 1177 and in ruins by the 19th Century, this isn’t one of the province’s big sights, but it’s one of Northern Ireland’s finest Norman castles and full of charm. Entrance is free, access is easy and there are plenty of rocks to clamber over.
The shot: Gentle, undulating views across the water and towards the Mourne Mountains.
Perfect for: Young and old in family groups. Pep up your picnic with treats, including fruit and cake, from the nearby Castle Farm shop.
87 CAVEHILL, CO ANTRIM Where:
In profile, these rocks that tower over Belfast look like a giant man; Jonathan Swift was so inspired by them that he wrote Gulliver’s Travels. Today, they’re just a 15-minute drive from Belfast on the M2 and the Antrim Road.
The spot: The very top of McArt’s Fort – known to locals as Napoleon’s Nose – is a three-mile hike which takes you near the caves, mysterious but natural formations that give the area its name. The shot: Sweeping vistas of Belfast streets and parks, with the Irish Sea beyond. On a clear day you can see Scotland. Perfect for: The fit. Close to Belfast Zoo – a great reward for children who manage the climb.
88 RATHLIN ISLAND, CO ANTRIM
Where: The northernmost tip of Northern Ireland; reached by a 25-minute ferry from Ballycastle.
The spot: A craggy, much cherished island, six miles long, one mile wide, with a population of 140 and thousands of birds, many migratory, including puffins.
The shot: The island’s resident seals hang out at Mill Bay, the cliffs and beaches.
Perfect for: Families on a day trip. Stock up at Ballycastle before heading over; Ursa Minor specialises in sourdough bread and cakes. Pack binoculars. The restless can rent a bicycle to explore and craft beer fans will love McCuaig’s bar on the harbour front
89 BLOODY BRIDGE, CO DOWN
Where: Three miles south of Newcastle on the Kilkeel Road. Park, cross the road and follow the path of the river for a few minutes. The spot: The Mournes are Northern Ireland’s tallest mountain range. Plenty to see from the road, although if you head out on the Brandy Pad walk, named because it was once a smuggling route, you can climb over boulders to sheepdotted mountains. Picnic tables at the Bloody Bridge car park
The shot: Tunnels, footbridges, water rushing through rockpools, the further ones are the nicest; bring swimming costumes.
Perfect for: Families and children, who are guaranteed to find the name hilariously funny.
90 BENONE STRAND, CO DOWN
Where: A 40-minute drive from Derry/Londonderry on the A2 and the Coast Road.
The spot: World-class sandy beach runs for seven miles. No rocks. No shingle. Just the sort of sand that lifestyle dreams are made from.
The shot: If at the eastern end, include Mussenden Temple from another angle. Porpoises have been known to frolic out at sea here.
Perfect for: A cool crowd who may slope off to Sea Shed cafe/surf shop, which can also arrange lessons (longlinesurfschool.co.uk).
91 CASTLE WARD, CO DOWN
Where: From Downpatrick, a 15-minute drive on the A25, turning left on Park Road brings you to this key Game Of Thrones location.
The spot: Built in the 18th Century by an aristocratic couple who couldn’t agree on an architectural style, Castle Ward mixes Georgian and neo-Gothic buildings, surrounded by an estate overlooking Strangford Lough, one of the largest stretches of water in the UK.
The shot: Bring your sword for GoT poses. Castle Ward played Winterfell in some episodes.
Perfect for: Anyone who appreciates a waterside picnic. They’ll love the pretty boathouse and benches.
92 CRAWFORDSBURN COUNTRY PARK, CO DOWN
Where: Between Bangor and Holywood, a 30-minute drive from Belfast on the A2 along the coast, and there are also buses from the centre. The spot: With woods, hayfields and two beaches, this is one of Northern Ireland’s gentlest beauty spots. In the Second World War, Crawfordsburn was under Army control and a fort built in 1917 is now a museum. The shot: Pretty meadows near the shore brimming with wildflowers throughout the summer. Perfect for: Romantics, who should head into the woodland to wander peacefully. There are also wheelchair-friendly paths.
93 LOUGH NAVAR, CO FERMANAGH
Where: From Enniskillen, it’s a 30-minute drive on the A46 to Lough Navar Forest
The spot: For seven miles, the road will take you past Ice Age boulders and bog forests – but stop at Aghameelan and a short walk will take you to one of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular sights. The shot: The 60ft waterfall of Blackslee; for full cascade drama, go after a good downpour. Perfect for: Real nature-lovers will find the woodland a bit dense to picnic in, so head back to the Aghameelan viewpoint to spread out your rug. Romantics will love the vista of Fermanagh countryside.
94 MAGHO CLIFFS, CO FERMANAGH
Where: At the far end of Lough Navar forest road, 14 miles from the border with Donegal, is one of Northern Ireland’s most stunning vistas. It’s a 40-minute drive from Enniskillen on the A46 and three miles from Blackslee.
The spot: Awesome viewing spot allows you to see the most encompassing view of Northern Ireland and even into the green hills of Donegal.
The shot: Lower Lough Erne, the
95 GIANT’S CAUSEWAY, CO ANTRIM
Where: The trip from Belfast on the M2 takes just over an hour, next to the whiskyproducing village of Bushmills.
The spot: A mesmerising stack of hexagonal rocks, rising from the crashing waves on the Antrim coast, created six billion years ago when lava flow forced its way up the rocks.
The shot: A World Heritage Site you can clamber on. Made from basalt, one of the world’s hardest rocks – walking shoes aren’t going to make a dent in them. Selfie heaven.
Perfect for: The sociable. A million visit each year. Either join them, or for a quieter picnic head to Portrush, 20 minutes along the coast, a photo-worthy fishing village with sandy beach. Bluestack Mountains, Mullaghmore and Slieve League.
Perfect for: Artists, who will want their sketch pads; it’s remote enough to soothe the soul. Part of Magho’s magic is the lack of facilities. Bring a full hamper of goodies.
96 BOTANIC GARDENS, ULSTER
Where: In the University district of South Belfast and easy to reach by bus, Ulster’s biggest park has been open to the public since 1895.
The spot: After a £3.8million facelift, the 28 acres of plants, gardens and greenhouses are even more gorgeous with areas dedicated to rare trees, roses and herbaceous borders.
The shot: The Palm House conservatory, a curvaceous glasshouse full of Victorian panache and tropical plants.
Perfect for: Urban romantics, who
97 DOWNHILL DEMESNE, CO LONDONDERRY
Where: A 40-minute drive from Derry/Londonderry on the A2 ends with a well signposted right turn on the Mussenden Road.
The spot: Downhill Demesne is an estate with a ruined mansion, woodland, formal gardens and farmland, run by the National Trust.
The shot: One of the most famous buildings in Northern Ireland, the clifftop Mussenden Temple was built in the 18th Century as the Earl of Bristol’s library; the arched windows look down on the Inishowen peninsula.
Perfect for: Relaxed grown-up gatherings in sheltered walled gardens complete with an apple orchard.
98 CUSHENDUN, CO ANTRIM
Where: Take a 90-minute drive north of Belfast, on the A42 via Ballymena and park next to the beach after crossing the river. The spot: Whitewashed houses surrounding a small harbour at the mouth of the Glendun river; the prettiest village in Northern Ireland. There’s a cute beach to the left and a patchwork of farmland above. The shot: To the right are Cushendun Caves. In Game Of Thrones, they were used to represent Stormlands. A photo of the waves framed by the entrance of the caves captures the atmosphere nicely. Perfect for: Groups. If it’s raining, stay in the caves, but in fine weather the beach is perfect. Run out of refreshments? Head to the village tea shop. will love the Great Lawn by the Palm House, which has a feel of Central Park about it. Rain? Beat a retreat to the Ulster Museum on one side of the gardens.
99 FLAGSTAFF VIEWPOINT, NEWRY
Where: A 20-minute drive from Dundalk on the N1, near the ancient burial site of Clontygora.
The spot: Ireland’s most beautiful border country; the name Flagstaff comes from the fact that flags used to be raised here when boats arrived back at nearby Carlingford Lough.
The shot: Carlingford Lough, framed by mountains, fields and the Irish Sea. The curve of Lough Carlinn and the Cooley Peninsula over in the Republic of Ireland. Switch to panoramic setting.
Perfect for: The hale and hearty, who will appreciate the small extra climb – but there’s a bench to reward yourself at the top.
100 GLENARIFF, CO ANTRIM
Where: Just inland on the winding Antrim Coast Road, travelling north from Belfast. Head inland at the village of Waterfoot. It’ll take about two hours but it’s a famously enjoyable drive.
The spot: The most well-known of the Glens of Antrim, a series of village-speckled coves, packed with ash, hazel and pine trees.
The shot: It’s got to be Glenariff’s waterfalls; there are three of them but Ess Na Laragh has a particular grace. Perfect for: Groups who want picnic tables and a barbecue area. Picnic top-ups can be found at the famously good tea shop that makes the most of the views across to the Mull of Kintyre.
payment for failure seems to be the norm nowadays.’
Andrew Nicholls, a 75-year-old, says the debacle is the first investment scandal he has ever got caught in. He adds: ‘It is outrageous that Woodford can sit back and continue drawing his fees hoping that the fuss will quietly go away.’
He tells us: ‘Go for the jugular. Don’t let them get away with it.’
Philip Wainwright says: ‘Dear Mr Prestridge, thank you for continuing your campaign to redress the injustice relating to the fees that Woodford continues to charge on his closed Equity Income fund. I am surprised I haven’t seen the headline: “He still can’t see the Woodford the fees.”’ Philip, clever.