Newtownabbey Travel Guide

Discover Newtownabbey, one of the hidden gems of Northern Ireland, through our comprehensive guide that features a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, food scene, local culture and customs, safety and health tips, transportation options, nearby destinations, and more.


A Comprehensive Guide to Newtownabbey: Exploring the Wonders of County Antrim

Welcome to Newtownabbey, a hidden gem of Northern Ireland worth discovering. Nestled in County Antrim, Newtownabbey offers a range of cultural and natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, unique food and drink scenes, and local customs that make it a must-visit destination. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into all that this enchanting town has to offer, ensuring that you gain a thorough understanding of Newtownabbey to make the most of your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Newtownabbey

Whether you are a history buff or an adventure seeker, Newtownabbey has something for everyone. Explore the most popular sites in town:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Mossley Mill: A restored 19th-century wool spinning mill that now houses an art gallery, café, and exhibition space.
  • Sentry Hill Historic House and Visitor Centre: A Victorian-era farmhouse that tells the story of a local literary family, the McKinneys.
  • The Whitehouse: The official residence of the Northern Ireland Secretary of State, situated on the shores of Belfast Lough.

Natural Attractions of Newtownabbey: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Castle Trail: An 8-mile-long trail that takes you through three castles in Newtownabbey: Carrickfergus Castle, Hazelwood Castle, and Sentry Hill Historic House.
  • Belfast Lough Coastal Path: A 12-mile-long walking trail that offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
  • Loughshore Park: A popular picnic spot with a playground, skate park, and an outdoor gym. From here, you can enjoy great views of Belfast Lough and check out the RSPB bird sanctuary.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Newtownabbey

For those looking to get active and immerse themselves in nature, Newtownabbey offers plenty of hiking and biking trails that will take your breath away. Check out some of the most popular ones:

  • Cave Hill Country Park: This park offers a range of trails with spectacular views. The most challenging trail is the Horseshoe Bend, which takes you to the top of Cave Hill.
  • The National Cycle Network: If you prefer a bike ride, this route offers beautiful scenery and challenging climbs.

Best Things to Do in Newtownabbey: Activities and Tours

Apart from its attractions and outdoor activities, Newtownabbey has a plethora of experiences to offer. Here are some of the must-do things in town:

  • Try your hand at golf: Newtownabbey has plenty of golf courses, including the Ballyearl Golf Course and Driving Range, which offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
  • Visit the Belfast Zoo: Home to over 1,000 animals, this zoo is an excellent place for a family day out.
  • Belfast City Tour: Take a guided tour of Belfast city and discover the history and culture behind this vibrant town.

Week-Long Itinerary for Newtownabbey

To ensure that your Newtownabbey experience is complete, we have put together a week-long itinerary that covers all the must-visit sites and activities in town.

Day Activity
1 Visit Mossley Mill, a restored 19th-century wool spinning mill that now houses an art gallery, café, and exhibition space.
2 Hike up to the top of Cave Hill, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
3 Visit the Belfast Zoo and get up close with over 1,000 animals.
4 Take a guided tour of Belfast city, and discover the history and culture of the lively town.
5 Discover the Whitehouse, the official residence of the Northern Ireland Secretary of State, situated on the shores of Belfast Lough.
6 Go golfing at Ballyearl Golf Course and Driving Range.
7 Take a stroll along the Belfast Lough Coastal Path and enjoy the stunning views.

Food and Drink Scene of Newtownabbey

Newtownabbey has a unique food and drink scene that is worth exploring. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ulster Fry: A hearty breakfast that includes eggs, sausages, bacon, black pudding, and soda bread.
  • Irish Stew: A traditional Irish dish that includes lamb, potatoes, and carrots in a thick, hearty broth.

Local Beverages

  • Bushmills Whiskey: A popular Irish whiskey that is distilled in County Antrim.
  • Guinness: A famous Irish stout that originated in Dublin but is available in all Irish pubs.

Where to Stay in Newtownabbey: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Newtownabbey offers an array of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay in town:

  • Hilton Belfast: A luxury hotel situated in the heart of the city.
  • Chimney Corner Hotel: A budget-friendly hotel with comfortable rooms and excellent amenities.
  • Belfast International Youth Hostel: A hostel located in the city center that offers affordable accommodation for those on a tight budget.

What to Buy in Newtownabbey: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you are looking for souvenirs or local handicrafts to bring home, Newtownabbey offers some excellent options. Here are some of the most popular local products:

  • Belleek Pottery: A distinctive pottery produced in County Fermanagh that comes in a range of designs.
  • Northern Irish Whiskey: Bushmills whiskey or other popular Irish whiskeys make a great souvenir.
  • Hand-knitted woolen jumpers: Get yourself a warm and cozy woolen jumper that is typical of Northern Irish traditional attire.

Local Culture and Customs of Newtownabbey

Newtownabbey has a rich cultural heritage that is worth discovering. Here are some of the local customs and traditions you should know:

  • The Orange Order: This is a Protestant organization that is highly prevalent in Northern Ireland, and Newtownabbey is no exception. The Orange Order holds parades and marches throughout the year, which are worth experiencing.
  • Poetry and Literature: Newtownabbey is the birthplace of the poet John Hewitt and has a strong literary heritage.

Best Time to Visit Newtownabbey

The best time to visit Newtownabbey is from May to September when the weather is mild and sunny. However, keep in mind that this is also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Newtownabbey

When visiting Newtownabbey, there are some do’s and don’ts that you should be aware of:

Do:

  • Do try the Ulster Fry and Irish Stew, two traditional dishes that are a must-try when visiting Northern Ireland.
  • Do visit the local pubs and bars and experience the lively nightlife in Newtownabbey.

Don’t:

  • Don’t take part in any political discussions or express any political affiliations, as this is a highly sensitive issue in Northern Ireland.
  • Don’t be disrespectful towards local customs and traditions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Newtownabbey

Newtownabbey is a relatively safe place to visit, but like any other place, visitors should exercise caution and pay attention to their surroundings.

Health in Newtownabbey

Northern Ireland has great healthcare facilities, so in case of an emergency, you can rest assured that you will receive excellent medical treatment.

Getting to Newtownabbey: Transportation Options and Logistics

Newtownabbey is easily accessible by air, land, and sea. Here are some of the transportation options available:

Airports Near Newtownabbey

  • Belfast International Airport
  • George Best Belfast City Airport

Bus Stations Near Newtownabbey

  • Laganside Bus Centre
  • Europa Bus Centre

Other Options

  • Ferry: Ferries to Belfast from Liverpool and Cairnryan are available.
  • Car Rental: Car rentals are easily available in Belfast city.

How to Get Around in Newtownabbey

Getting around Newtownabbey is easy, with a range of transport options available, including buses, trains, and taxis.

Where to Go Next from Newtownabbey: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Nearby destinations worth exploring include:

  • Belfast City: Just a short distance from Newtownabbey, Belfast is a vibrant city full of history and culture.
  • Giant’s Causeway: This World Heritage Site is a natural wonder and is located about an hour’s drive from Newtownabbey.

Conclusion

Newtownabbey is an enchanting destination in Northern Ireland that is worth exploring. From its cultural and historical attractions to its natural beauty and outdoor activities, Newtownabbey has something for everyone. Follow our comprehensive guide to make the most of your trip to this hidden gem in County Antrim.

Mossley Mill Mossley Mill Mural in Newtownabbey Mural in Newtownabbey