1843-5 with additions 1849-50. By Charles Lanyon in Italian Renaissance mannerist style. Laid out on the model of London's Pentonville prison with ranges radiating from a central hall. Booking is essential through Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609.

Directions: Coming from city centre on the right hand side of Crumlin Road opposite the former courthouse.

A one hour boat tour taking in the Harland and Wolff yards and the sites relating to the Titanic.

Directions: Meet at the big fish beside the Lagan Lookout. Prior booking is essential. Contact Errol 028 9033 0844, 07718 910423. Depart from jetty No. 2.

The earliest parts of the castle may date from the 14th century but it is not documented until the 16th, when it was in the hands of MacQuillans and later MacDonnells. Badly damaged in an artillery attack by the English Deputy, Sir John Perrott. In 1584, the castle was repaired by Sorley Boy and James MacDonnell, and extended by Randal MacDonnell after 1636. Displays of medieval combat.

Directions: Sited beside the coast road (A2) between Portrush and Bushmills. Car park at entrance.

An 18th century thatched stone cottage restored as a tribute to Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the USA whose parents lived nearby. A museum of the American Rangers formed in Carrickfergus in 1942 is housed in the grounds.

Directions: Take A2 from Carrickfergus seafront towards Eden. Follow brown signs for approx 0.5miles.

Designed by Thomas Cooley, the building was later extended by John Monsarrat in 1845. Built of ashlar limestone, the library entrance bears a Greek inscription, translated as “the healing place of the soul”. One of the most exciting architectural spaces awaits you when you step into the heart of this building!

Directions: In the centre of Armagh City beside St.Patrick’s Cathedral.

An attractive thatched house of 1785 which was built by a Huguenot family. Restored and rethatched by its current owner who saved the house from dereliction in 1995. It now houses Ballydougan Pottery. A weaver's cottage from this property can be seen at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. Linen Barn Coffee Shop open.

Directions: House is on B3 Gilford to Lurgan Road. Follow brown signs from Gilford (3½mls) or from Lurgan (3½mls).

Downpatrick Railway Museum was set up in 1985 with the aim of restoring a portion of the former Belfast and Co. Down Railway as a working museum. It is the only preserved Irish Standard gauge (5’3”) railway operating in Ireland.

Directions: Across Market Street car park behind Ulsterbus Depot and beside St. Patrick’s Centre.

Greyabbey is named after the Cistercian Abbey founded in 1193 of which substantial structures remain. The foundation was by Affreca, a daughter of Godred, King of Man, and wife of John De Courcy. It is the first fully Gothic style building in Ireland.

Directions: 6½mls south of Newtownards on Portaferry Road.

Most important of Lough Erne’s many island church settlements, Devenish was founded in the 6th century by St Molaise. Best known for its 12th-century round tower, one of the finest in Ireland, and ruined Augustinian abbey complete with intricately carved 15th-century high cross in graveyard.

Directions: Island site at the S end of Lower Lough Erne,1 mile (2.4 km) down stream from Enniskillen. A ferry runs from Trory Point. Cruisers also run from Enniskillen.

The site houses two museums - the Inniskilling’s Museum in the recently renovated Castle Keep and the Fermanagh County Museum in the courtyard buildings. "Hands on" activities for children. Living History in vaults. 10 - 17 Sept. UAHS ”Defend and Inspire” exhibition.

Directions: Situated at the west end of Enniskillen island off Wellington Road.

Located behind the Manor House in Moneymore are two model villages depicting the historical development of this fine conservation area. The first layout is based on a map prepared by Sir Thomas Phillips in 1622 illustrating the Manor House, six stone houses, seven timber houses, a mill and ten thatched cabins. This plan is still apparent in the adjacent model that depicts the village in the 1880s.

Directions: Guides from office behind the Manor House in High Street, Moneymore.

Built in 1633, St. Columb’s is the oldest building within the walled city. Good museum in Chapter House of Siege of Derry material contains artefacts from the siege of 1688-89 amongst many other items of interest. First cathedral to be built in the British Isles after the Reformation.

Directions: Inside old walled city at south-western and Bishop Street end.

Lissan House lies nestled at the foot of the Sperrin Mountains amid ancient woodland near the historic market town of Cookstown.

Built in 1620, Lissan House is a country house set amidst mature woodland overlooking the Lissan River. The house is flanked by an extensive range of outbuildings, stables and a walled garden. The Lissan House Demesne extends to over 300 acres of land.

Directions:From Cookstown, and follow signs for Lissan. At the sweeping bend, turn right (signposted Churchtown). The entrance is 1ml on the left. Booking essential. Contact Cookstown Enterprise Centre, Tel. 028 8676 3660.

Situated in the heart of Strabane, Gray’s looks like any other shop front. However, behind its elegant façade is the fascinating story of ink, galleys, presses and emigration, as this is where John Dunlop, printer of the American Declaration of Independence, and James Wilson, grandfather of President Woodrow Wilson are said to have learned their trade.

Directions: Bus – Ulsterbus No.273 between Londonderry, Omagh and Belfast, alight at Strabane bus centre Car – Situated in the centre of Strabane.