Here’s our round-up of the top spots and best events to enjoy in each of the regions featured in the Top 100 Sites Guide, which accompanies this issue. Pick your favourites, then find a nearby campsite in the guide!
Northern Ireland
STAR ATTRACTION Giant’s Causeway This iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises more than 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns, formed some 60 million years ago by a volcanic fissure eruption. Combine your visit with a trip to the dramatic Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge (nationaltrust.org.uk)
27-30 June Foyle Maritime Festival A free nautical festival on the River Foyle. A range of boats will be on the water, while on the riverbank, there will be stalls and entertainment.
foylemaritime.com
21-28 July Belfast TradFest This celebration of traditional music takes place across the city, with a programme of workshops, concerts, talks, lectures, sessions and céilís.
belfasttraditionalmusic.com
24-28 July Fiddlers Green International Festival One of Northern Ireland’s oldest folk festivals, this County Down event hosts a line-up of international artists.
fiddlersgreenfestival.com
BE SURE TO VISIT… Belfast Discover the story behind the ill-fated ship at Titanic Belfast (titanicbelfast.com). Then grab a bargain at St George’s Market, with its 200 stalls (belfastcity.gov.uk). Find out more about the region on a Black Cab Tour (cabtoursbelfast.com)
Scotland
STAR ATTRACTION Loch Ness The mighty loch slices across the country, providing the alluring sight of mysterious waters framed by sublime views on all sides. Take a bike ride on the 360° Trail (lochness360.com) or sail around the loch for views of Urquhart Castle (jacobite.co.uk)
7-23 June
Glasgow International
This biennial festival of art at venues around the city will feature exhibitions and live performances.
glasgowinternational.org
2-25 August
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The famous performing arts festival turns Scotland’s capital into a feast of entertainment, as cabaret artists, dancers, circus acts and comedians converge on the city.
edfringe.com
7 September
The Braemar Gathering
Journey to the Cairngorms National Park for Highland Games – caber tossing, hammer throwing, dancing and plenty of pipers piping!
braemargathering.org
BE SURE TO VISIT… Western Scotland Drive through dramatic Glencoe (visitscotland.com/places-to-go/glencoe) on the way
