EXCURSIONS

Belfast Excursions

Giant's Ring

The fascinating and mysterious Giant's Ring, near Shaw's Bridge, is made up of a circular enclosure nearly 656 feet (200m) in diameter with five entrances, and an older Neolithic passage tomb dating back to roughly 3,000 BC. Although the exact purpose of the henge is not known, some say that it served as a meeting point and ritual area, and several packages and urns full of bones have been excavated in the surroundings. There are beautiful views across the Lagan Valley and the Ring is a favourite spot for locals and tourists alike to relax, picnic, cycle or walk.

Address: Ballynahatty, near Shaw's Bridge; Admission: Free

Belfast Excursions

Ulster American Folk Park

The Ulster American Folk Park is an open-air museum that focuses on the large-scale emigration from Ulster to America in the 18th and 19th centuries, and is the biggest of its kind in Europe. Displays illustrate the everyday life of the emigrants through reconstructed original and replica buildings, a full-size replica of a sailing ship and daily demonstrations of printing, cooking, spinning and blacksmithing. There is also a fascinating indoor museum and a dockside gallery. The park also hosts a number of events, including popular music festivals such as the Appalachian and Bluegrass Music Festival.

Address: Mellon Road, Castletown; Website: www.folkpark.com; Telephone: (028) 8224 3292; Opening time: Monday to Friday 10.30am to 3.30pm, closing at 4.30pm in summer. Museum closes at 5pm in summer and 6pm in winter.; Admission: �4.90 (adults), �2.90 (children). Other concessions available