Irish Historical Sites. 5 to See in Ulster

Written by Lulu O'Sullivan

A coastal cliffside with a small, cylindrical stone building perched on the edge, overlooking a vast ocean. Waves gently roll onto a sandy beach below, under a clear blue sky.

Courtesy Tourism Ireland by Chris Hill - Ireland's Content Pool

Hi everyone! I hope I find you all well this week. Time to get on the virtual road once more as we take a tour of some must-see Irish historical sites, province by province with an awesome product pick from The Irish Store inspired by each stunning stop.

We begin our journey in Ulster and travel through some of its nine beautiful counties. First stop, County Down!

Irish Historical Sites in Ulster

1. Mount Stewart

Mount Stewart house and gardens on the shores of Strangford Lough, County Down

The stunning Mount Stewart house dates back some 250 years and is beautifully situated on the eastern shores of Strangford Lough.

In 2015, the house underwent a major restoration and now visitors can feast their eyes on the many treasures and artworks it has to offer. Then there are the absolutely magnificent gardens, considered to be among the best in the world.

Among the many themed gardens on the estate is the stunning Shamrock Garden, inspired by Irish mythology.

🍀 The Irish Store Pick: Traditional Aran Sweater-Available Here

There's nothing quite like an authentic Aran sweater for exploring the grand estates and gardens of Ulster.

Steeped in Irish heritage and crafted with timeless skill, it's the perfect companion for a day out at Mount Stewart.

2. Dunluce Castle

An ancient stone castle overlooking the ocean, perched on a grassy cliff under a cloudy sky. — Courtesy Tourism Ireland- Ireland's Content Pool

We head up north now along the Causeway Coastal Route in County Antrim to stop off at Dunluce Castle.

When it comes to Irish historical sites, it doesn't get much more dramatic than this! These fairytale ruins perch on a cliff top overlooking the beautiful north Antrim coastline and date back to around 1500.

Dunluce Castle is connected to the mainland by a bridge and is believed to have inspired C.S. Lewis when writing his tales of Narnia.

🍀 The Irish Store Pick: Trinity Tweed Irish Flat Cap-Available Here

Striding along the cliff tops at Dunluce calls for a proper Irish flat cap.

Our Trinity Tweed Irish Flat Cap is a classic piece of Irish craftsmanship — rugged, stylish, and made to handle the wild Atlantic winds of the Antrim coast.

3. Mussenden Temple

A scenic view of a stone temple structure perched on a grassy cliff overlooking a coastline with waves. The sun sets on the horizon, casting golden light over the landscape.

We follow this beautiful coastal route even further north into County Derry. Mussenden Temple dates back to 1783 and was built as a library for Frideswide Bruce, the niece of the then 4th Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry.

The location is just divine — the temple perches 120 feet above the Atlantic, giving breathtaking views that will stay with you long after you leave.

It's the kind of place that makes you feel deeply connected to Ireland's story.

🍀 The Irish Store Pick: Trinity Knot Connemara Marble Pendant-Available Here

A place as beautiful and timeless as Mussenden Temple deserves a keepsake to match.

Our Connemara Marble Celtic Knot Pendant is a piece of Ireland you can carry with you always — the rich green marble and intricate Celtic knotwork are as enduring as the temple itself.

4. Devenish Island

Devenish Island monastic site on Lough Erne, County Fermanagh

We head south east across Ulster now to County Fermanagh. There are some 154 islands on Lough Erne, and Devenish Island is truly magical.

It came into being as a monastic site in the 6th century and was founded by Saint Molaise. Today, you can still see surviving buildings from the 12th century, as well as a 15th century church and high cross.

Standing among those ancient stones, you can almost hear the prayers of the monks who once called this island home.

🍀 The Irish Store Pick: Diamond & Emerald Celtic Cross Pendant-Available Here

Devenish Island's monastic heritage and its beautiful high cross make this Irish Celtic Cross Pendant the perfect pairing.

A symbol of faith and Irish identity that has endured for centuries — just like the island itself.

5. Grianán of Aileach

Grianán of Aileach stone ringfort on a hilltop in Inishowen, County Donegal

Our final stop takes us to the north of County Donegal to step back in time to ancient Ireland.

Grianán of Aileach is a stone ringfort which stands on a hilltop in Inishowen with incredible views of the Inishowen Peninsula, Lough Swilly, and Lough Foyle. The original structure dates back to around the 6th or 7th century and was the royal seat of the Gaelic Kingdom of Ailech.

Major restoration of the fort took place in 1870. There is nowhere quite like it — standing inside those ancient walls, you feel the full weight and wonder of Ireland's history.

🍀 The Irish Store Pick: Belleek I've Got Irish Roots Mug-Available Here

Crafted by one of Ireland's most beloved potteries, it's a piece that celebrates your treasured connection to Ireland — a truly special memento of your journey through Ulster.

Well, I hope you enjoyed our tour of historical Ulster as much as I did! Drop by next week for more Irish journeys.

Take care,

Slán go fóill!

Lulu.

A collage of four individuals wearing Irish knitwear in outdoor settings. The first person wears a blue sweater with sheep design, the second wears a dark green sweater and cap, the third has a red hair and grey sweater, and the fourth wears a white shawl with a mountain backdrop. Accompanied by text: 'Shop Irish Store Now' and benefits such as free returns and tax-free shipping.

LULU O'SULLIVAN

Hi everyone. I'm Lulu O Sullivan and I founded The Irish Store in 2011 fuelled by my passion for all things Irish; its places, its people, its culture and its craft. At The Irish Store we are dedicated to bringing you, our worldwide community of valued customers, the very finest Ireland has to offer. Thanks for dropping by!