Why choose a holiday home in County Londonderry?
Smile! It's the only place on earth where you can join the international crowd for the Big Tickle Comedy Festival. Welcome to Londonderry or "Derry" will do just fine. This ultra-friendly 6th century community attracts 30,000 modern, frightfully disguised people to the biggest street party in Ireland. The annual Halloween festival in Irish is Feile na Samhna or Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival.
Festivals and holidays or just waking up is enough cause to celebrate in this fun loving county. Why else would 13,000 Santa Claus suit wearers gather here to establish a new Guinness Book of World Records mark?
The walls rise from the ancient soil of history and command your attention. One of most prestigious examples of a European walled city it is the only one remaining in Ireland. The past and present collide or share history, cannons, and culture.
Restored cannons from the steep city overlook the Foyle River. Enjoy tea and cakes while you take in the side street shops, nose around the two free museums, or stop one of the popular theaters. Interesting programs are featured at the Playhouse Theater, the Waterside, and the Millennium Forum.
Outside of the city there is a verdant land of steep waterfalls, picturesque coastline, and scenery that goes well with "wee buns" or drop scones. Popular stops are Mussenden Temple, Downhill, Hezlett House and the infamous Giant's Causeway.
Mussenden is on the brink on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and was originally a library inspired by Italy's Temple of Vesta. Hezlett House with restored gardens, orchards, and thatching is one of the oldest domiciles in Northern Ireland. The Giant's Causeway is often called the 8th Wonder of the World.
Forget the archeologists and scientists speculations about what caused this marvel. Cut to the chase and ask about Finn MacCool, the legendary Irish giant.
Chartered in 1608, the Old Bushmills' Distillery conducts a tour where they have made legal whiskey longer than anyone else on earth. There is a charming gift shop with souvenirs to commemorate you special day of adventuring.
Contribution post: 05 February 2011
