Even prior to its incorporation as a city in 1888, Belfast was the cultural and political center of Ulster, or Northern Ireland. The population later exploded due to the linen, rope making, and shipping industries.

The city also helped usher in Northern Ireland's Industrial Revolution and was considered one of Europe's leading ship building cities. Belfast has the world's largest dry dock, and the ill-fated Titanic was constructed here.

The 19th-20th centuries saw unique architectural development, and the elaborate stone heads upon the ledges of several historic buildings mark the amalgamation of Victorian and Edwardian schools. Also, several bridges, buildings, streets, and a university are named in honor of Queen Victoria, who visited in 1849.

Belfast's rather tempestuous past and political tension is disconcerting. However, it is offset by the city's eagerness to move forward, which is exemplified in the conversion of the Donegall Place waterfront area into a premier shopping zone. Donegall Square is the focal point of the city. The area is home to city hall and the point from which all roads radiate.

Antrim Forum
Lough Road
Antrim

T: 028 9446 4131
E: forum@antrim.gov.uk

Opening hours
Variable, please ring to enquire.

With a choice of indoor and outdoor facilities there is something for everyone at the Antrim Forum. The indoor leisure opportunities include a multi-use Sports Hall with nine badminton courts, a Minor Hall for aerobics classes, a modern Fitness Suite andHealth Suite and two swimming pools. The Pool Hall includes a Leisure Pool catering for young children with a small slide, fountains and water mushroom. Outdoor facilities include Athletic Stadium, Synthetic Pitch, Bowling Green and Tennis Courts. Newmembers and visitors to the area are always welcome.


Admission: Free access for hotel residents only (Proof of your reservation must be shown).


Antrim Boat Club
Shane’s Castle Estate
Randalstown Road
Antrim

T: 028 9446 2149 (weekends)
W: www.antrimboatclub.co.uk

Opening Hours
Access by request. Please telephone in advance.

Situated on the shore of Lough Neagh at the mouth of the Six Mile Water River. A modern slipway provides access to the Lough. Watersports including windsurfing, sailing, motor cruising and dinghy-sailing take place within the club and visitors are welcome. Sailing races are also organised during the winter and summer months.


Antrim Cineplex
1 Fountain Hill
Antrim

T: 028 9446 1111 (Information line)
T: 028 9446 9500 (Advanced Booking line)
W: www.antrimcineplex.net

Modern, high quality four-screen cinema, featuring the latest movies, with programme changes every Friday.


Loughshore Trail
For further details contact Antrim Information Centre
T:028 9442 8331
W: www.loughshoretrail.com

The Loughshore Trail forms a continuous 128 mile cycle route around the shores of Lough Neagh and along Lough Beg, taking in 25 major sites of interest along the way including marinas, parks, nature reserves and local sites of archaeological and historical interest. The Trail is unique not only because of its location, but because it uses mainly quiet country lanes and is almost entirely all flat terrain.

The Trail provides an ideal opportunity for a day trip or short break and has been designed to suit experienced cycling enthusiasts as well as family groups or individuals, of all ages and abilities. Also known as Route 94 of the National Cycle Network, the trail is clearly signposted with blue cycle way signs.


Fishing
In the Borough of Antrim, a Fisheries Conservancy Board Rod Licence is required by anyone aged 12 or over for all fishing. This licence is in addition to a permit to fish particular stretches of water.

Local ghillie services and fly casting lessons are available:
Alan Kirkpatrick T: 028 9446 7962 M: 07703 534970
Stevie Munn T: 028 9093 1293 M: 07717 460131
Sam Andrews M: 07889 423965

Coarse Fishing
Coarse fishing is also available seasonally on the Six Mile Water River (from Antrim Forum Leisure Complex downstream to Lough Neagh). Coarse fishing is available all year round on the River Bann. No Sunday fishing is allowed on the Six Mile Water. A coarse fishing rod licence covers the use of two rods. Please note that on the Six Mile Water River a Game rod licence is required - this will only entitle you to use one rod.

Game Fishing
Antrim has a choice of four rivers providing game fishing from 1 March to 31 October, with the best fishing from April.

The River Maine enters Lough Neagh south of Randalstown and flows through the Shane’s Castle Demesne.

The Six Mile Water River is a highly productive trout river and enters Lough Neagh at Antrim Town. No Sunday fishing is allowed.

The Crumlin River flows west of Crumlin through Crumlin Glen to enter Lough Neagh. Angling stands for people with disabilities are available in Crumlin Glen.

The Lower Bann provides for game angling from the sluice gates at Toome downstream.

All of the rivers hold excellent stocks of wild brown trout with salmon and dollaghan – the famous Lough Neagh migratory trout – entering these rivers from early August and providing excellent sport until the end of the season.

Potterswall Reservoir in Antrim provides excellent game fishing.

For more details on coarse and game fishing (including permits and licences) within the Borough of Antrim, and organised fishing tours on Lough Neagh, please contact:

Antrim Information Centre
16 High Street
Antrim

T: 028 9442 8331
E: info@antrim.gov.uk


Paintballing
Escarmouche Paintball
Shane's Castle
Castle Road
Antrim

Opening hours
9am- 5pm
7 days a week

Admission
£35 for a full day

T: 028 9032 7500
E: mark@escarmouche.com
W: www.escarmouche.com

Players at Escarmouche Paintball, at Shane's Castle, need to be quick thinking and resourceful to outwit their opponents in this game of strategy and intellect.

Armed with the latest semi-automatic Paintball guns, professional facemasks for safety and camouflage uniforms for concealment, you'll go deep into the forest to play various game scenarios that will leave you exhausted yet begging for more!


Golfing in Antrim
Golfers of all handicaps from throughout the world continually visit the Borough of Antrim golf courses. Dramatic challenges and delightful scenery make each round memorable.

Allen Park
45 Castle Road
Antrim

T/F: 028 9442 9001
E: allenpark@antrim.gov.uk

Opening Hours
Summer
Monday to Sunday
8am - 10pm

Winter
Monday to Friday: 9am - 10pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8am - 6pm

This complex is designed to provide a comprehensive range of golf and bowling opportunities. The Clubhouse has a golf shop and modern locker-room facilities with staff on hand to offer a warm welcome to visitors.

An 18-hole golf course covers an area of approximately 143 acres, stretching over 6,683 yards with an SSS and Par 72. The facility also incorporates a 20 bay fully floodlit golf driving range. A resident teaching golf professional is available for group and/or individual lessons. Clubs and trolleys are available for hire.

Golfers and the general public can dine in the licensed restaurant on the first floor with magnificent views over the golf course and surrounding area. It has a wide choice of menu to suit everyone.

Adjacent to the Clubhouse is a synthetic six-rink bowling green offering a surface that is playable all year round.


Massereene Golf Club
51 Lough Road
Antrim

T: 028 9442 8096
F: 028 9448 7661
E: info@massereene.com
W: www.massereene.com

Opening Hours
Summer
Monday to Sunday: 8am - late
Open to visitors every day except Saturday.
Ladies Day is Friday.

This popular 18-hole golf course is a mature parkland course located on the shores of Lough Neagh. It is acknowledged as one of the finest courses in Northern Ireland offering some truly

excellent golf holes. A number of major golfing events are hosted every year. Golf clubs and trolleys are available for hire. The Clubhouse has full dining facilities.

McKenzie's Riding School
10 Ballydrummaul Road
Randalstown

T: 028 9447 9908
M: 07971 657111/105
E: paul.mckenzie7@btinternet.com

Opening hours
Variable, please ring to enquire.

Admission
Fees are charged per hour.

MacKenzie's equestrian centre is BHS approved and family run in a rural setting. The centre provides lessons for all ages (starting at 5+) and offers riding and stable management lessons, from beginners to the more experienced.

Indoor arenas of international size are available for hire with full set of show jumps and regular shows running.