Hey y'all. Hubby and I (both early 50s and fairly fit) have been to Ireland a couple of times, but never to Northern Ireland. Any suggestions for must-dos? Giant's Causeway is definitely on the list. This will be our 30th anniversary trip, so we want to step it up a notch from our regular international travel. New Grange is the farthest north we have been. We are thinking a night or two at a higher end B&B/castle, etc. We love Ireland's scenery and history. Gentle hikes (maybe 5 miles or less), fishing, shooting, etc., all country sports, I guess. We love pub life and trad music, museums, etc. We will have 4 or 5 days in Ireland before heading to Scotland for week or so, for a total of 12 days. We want to relax and just soak up the beauty. No rushing this trip. Thanks so much for suggestions.
If stately homes interest you, in Newtonards just to the east of Belfast you'll want to visit Mount Stewart, estate of the Marquess of Londonderry's Vane-Tempest-Stewart family. Fascinating biography "Society's Queen: The Life of Edith, Marchioness of Londonderry" would be fun to read ahead of time. Her youngest daughter, Lady Mairi Bury, who died in 2009 at age 88, lived most of her life there.
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/20-northern-irish-walks-enjoy-10429593
In Belfast Titanic Museum, St Georges Market, Black cab Tour of the Troubles, Crumlin Road Gaol and a bowl of fresh mussels and/or seafood chowder at the Mournes next to Kelly Cellars pub.