Lisburn
Lisburn is one Irish city that has become famous for its many attractions and activities on offer to visitors. This is a city filled with colour and life, it is a dynamic city which offers excellent shopping, exciting outdoor pursuits, unique visitor attractions, excellent restaurants, historic sites and an annual calendar filled with exciting events and festivals like the Ulster Grand Prix and the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival. The range of activities and attraction on offer make this the perfect place for a family holiday. There is always something happening in the city, so you should really check what is scheduled in the city with the tourist information websites, before you arrive to make sure you don’t miss out on anything that is happening while you are here.
The City
The traditional Irish name for the city is Lisnagarvey or Lios na gCearbhach which translates as the ‘Fort of Gamesters’ and it was established in the early part of the 17th century. According to local history the name of the town was changed to Lisburn after a fire levelled the city in 1641. Around the city today you will still find many sports clubs and organisations that show the original name of the city on their badges and shields. Lisburn is perhaps the newest city in Northern Ireland, being granted city status during the Queen’s Jubilee in 1977.
The city is located in the stunning Lagan Valley amid rolling hills and beautiful countryside filled with pretty villages and towns. The centre of the city if filled full of eighteenth century charm, yet has a modern pace to life that ensures that the city is never truly silent, as there is always something happening somewhere. Its location between Belfast and the southern capital of Dublin makes it the perfect place to stay if you are looking to explore both the north and the south of Ireland during your trip. There are numerous leisure pursuits available in the city and some incredible shopping opportunities, and the famous hospitality of the people of the city will make you feel more than welcome.
Leisure Activities
You will find that eating establishments in the city cater for just about every taste, and you have a fabulous choice of family oriented places and gourmet dining opportunities. This is a part of Ireland that is famous for the quality of food that it serves and you will not be disappointed whatever you choose to try. Some of the traditional bars in the centre of the city date back to the seventeenth century and still have the wonderful ambience that goes hand in hand with historical buildings. From the ancient there is the modern and in Lisburn you will find that the two work together very well; modern coffee shops and elegant bistros offer the very best in all that is new and contemporary.
Explore the City
There are a number of tours that you can take around the city that will allow you to experience some of the heritage and history that has made the city as wonderful as it is today. The Castle Gardens have recently been refurbished and offer beautiful surroundings in which you can spend some time catching your breath after all of your activity in the city. Hillsborough Castle and its surrounding castles also make another great day out or you could pay a visit to the Hilden Brewery Visitor Centre; here you will not only learn all about the brewing process but will also be able to take part in a tasting session where you will get to sample some of the brewery’s award winning beers.
