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Explore the great outdoors at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, a lovely green space in Belfast. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area.

Majestically beautiful, with a rich pedigree and proving a challenge for first-timers and old hands alike, it is surprising that Malone Golf Club is still relatively unknown, since this is clearly one of Northern Ireland’s premier parkland courses. Founded back in 1895, the club has actually moved four times since then, arriving in Dunmurry, five miles to the south of Belfast, in the early 1960s. Malone has played host to many amateur and professional competitions over the years - it was here, for instance, that the legendary Tony Jacklin won his first professional victory.

Explore the great outdoors at City of Belfast International Rose Garden, a lovely green space in Belfast. Make time for the shops and local tours in this walkable area.

A great choice for a round any day of the week when staying in Belfast, Dunmurry Golf Club is only a 10-minute drive from the city centre, superbly convenient just off the M1. Founded back in 1905, the club has a proud history, with many well-known victories. Residing on Dunmurry Lane since 1983, when road improvements forced the club to uproot from its previous course a mile or so away, both the present course and clubhouse have won awards.

Founded in 1981, Hilden Brewery in Lisburn is the oldest independent brewery in Ireland. It is to be found in the grounds of Hilden House, a Georgian manor once home to the Barbour linen company. Here it was that Thomas Andrews, ill-fated designer of the Titanic (the ship left from Belfast, 15 minutes up the road), was married to a Barbour sister. To mark the regeneration of Belfast’s riverside Titanic Quarter, a special pale ale was commissioned from the brewery. Other prominent guests at the house have included William Wordsworth and Edward VIII.

Enjoy a round of golf in Lisburn at Aberdelghy Golf Course. Visit the shops and lively bars in this walkable area.

Malone House in Belfast is a prime example of what a historic country house should be in the modern day. This 19th century gem of Northern Irish architecture is no dusty museum, but is still regularly used as an events venue. A range of modern sculptures complement its 19th century landscaped gardens and the demesne is commonly used for walking and biking. A mansion steeped in history, Malone House is historically austere but still full of life.

A true one-off horticultural gem in Northern Ireland, the 400-year-old Castle Gardens at Antrim Castle are a must-visit for any garden lover or plant enthusiast.