Thursday, November 16, 2006

Red Hands missing out among the Bushes

The Glenelly Valley, Co. Tyrone

It's been reported in the press that Northern Ireland has made it to the Lonely Planet Guide's list of "must see" destinations for 2007. Belfast has certainly changed radically over the past decade with its burgeoning night life, "political" tourist sites and quaint Victorian architecture, although many would contend that it's not changing fast enough. It's a cheaper alternative to Dublin for a weekend break and while the Guinness might not quite taste the same, you wouldn't notice the difference after 10 pints.
The Independent has a double page article dedicated to the attractions and hidden delights of the region.
Lonely Planet's top 15 attractions include the lakes of Fermanagh, Armagh city, Derry's walls, the Giant's Causeway and the Mourne Mountains - all deserving of the attention. So that's five counties covered, but wait a minute, isn't there one missing? No mention of the scenic Glenelly Valley, the Ulster American Folk Park, Drum Manor Forest, the Gortin Glens...not forgetting the architectural splendour of the Ballygawley roundabout.

5 comments:

Lady Fotherington-Smethers said...

A man was walking down the streets of Belfast. Suddenly he was grabbed by the throat by a stranger with a large carving knife.

"Are ye a Catholic or a Protestant?" this terryfying assailant asked him

"Er........I'm a Jew...." the man stammered.

"Well I must be the luckiest Arab in Belfast" the attacker replied gleefully whilst viciously scooping out the mans guts in a bloody mess on the pavement.

Sorry - couldn't resist a tired old joke. I think it is great N Ireland is becoming such a sought after destination!!

Lady Fotherington-Smethers said...

also I notice Tyrone is actually a first name (as in Tyrone banks) but no one gets called Antrim, Belfast or South Armagh....I wonder why.

Anonymous said...

The people who write this, (Lovely destination articles), don't know as much as hey should about Northern Ireland. Tyrone is the hidden gem of Ireland, a place of international renoun and the undesputed crowning glory of the Irish Tourist industry. In fact the welcoming hospitality of my glorious Tyrone people is second to none anywhere on the planet. Ciaran, It is often said,you can confirm this, that visitors leaving Tyrone often leave the county in tears - they don't want to leave the place. This comment may or may not be completely accurate.

CW said...

Probably not completely accurate Parnell, but you might be interested to read Henry McDonald's comments in the Guardian Travel blog:

"Places to avoid include almost all of Co Tyrone, which has so many non-descript, grim one-horse towns you can hear the collective hooves clop from across the border in Donegal. I have found next to nothing to see or visit in that county."

Full article: http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/travelog/2006/11/xxx.html

Lorainne - yes you're right, but Derry, Kerry and Clare also share this distinction.

Anonymous said...

Henry McDonald should get out more, either that, or get a life.