Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The
Folk Park,
an open-air collection of 34 reconstructed buildings from all over
the nine counties of Ulster, showcases the region's traditional lifestyles. After wandering
through the old-town site (church, print shop, schoolhouse, humble Belfast row house, si-
lent movie theater, and so on), you'll head off into the country to nip into cottages, farm-
houses, and mills. Some houses are warmed by a wonderful peat fire and a friendly attend-
ant. It can be dull or vibrant, depending upon when you visit and your ability to chat with
the attendants. Drop a peat brick on the fire.
Built during the Norman invasion of the late 1100s, this historic castle stands sentry on the
shore of Belfast Lough. William of Orange landed here in 1690, when he began his Irish
campaign against deposed King James II. In 1778, the American privateer ship
Ranger
(the first ever to fly the Stars-and-Stripes), under the command of John Paul Jones, de-
feated the more heavily armed HMS
Drake
just offshore. These days the castle feels a bit
sanitized and geared for kids, but it's an easy excursion if you're seeking a castle experi-
ence near the city.
