A retiring holiday in Northern Ireland

More pensioners than ever are planning on using their retirement to explore the world and use their free time to things they enjoy.

This is due in part to changes to pensions rules which mean people now have access to greater portions of their retirement fund.

However, to make the most of one's retirement, you do not need to travel to the other side of the world, as there is plenty to see and do closer to home.

One such place is Northern Ireland, which has a wealth of activities to suit the older traveller, from sight-seeing, learning new skills to tasting a finely distilled whiskey.

There are a number of well-maintained houses and immaculately groomed gardens to enjoy in Northern Ireland, such as the National Trust's Mount Stewart House.

Located on the shores of Strangford Lough, to the east of Belfast, the impressive house is home to a real sense of history as well as a number of world famous paintings, such as works by George Stubbs.

The house's award-winning gardens are well-worth a look, as they feature rare plants that thrive in the mild climate of the Ards Peninsula.

Or for a different kind of relaxing day out, there is the Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the history of Ireland's oldest pottery.

Be it exploring the olde ways of crafting pottery or actually trying your hand at it and maybe developing a new hobby, there is plenty to enjoy.

You can turn your holiday experience into an opportunity to enhance your skills elsewhere at the Belle Isle School of Cookery.

Perhaps you did not have time to hone your skills in the kitchen as much as you would have liked when you were working, so this is an opportunity to change that and have a break at the same time.

Courses are designed for all abilities, and can last as long as a weekend or a month, and the school combines Irish country living with great food and wine.

Continuing on the foody theme, no trip to Northern Ireland would be complete without sampling some of its whiskey, which you can try at the Old Bushmills Distillery.

At the distillery you can see how the whiskey is made, try some yourself and even enjoy a meal at its restaurant.

In all, Northern Ireland is laden with leisurely activities to enjoy at your own pace.

For more information visit www.discovernorthernireland.com XXX