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An interesting little ruined village on Antrim's North Coast. It cannot be seen from the main road so for years it was known as 'the hidden village of Galboly'. After visiting the village you can continue on up the hill via a track that leads to the plateau where there are spectacular views towards Scotland. Very few people apart from hikers and locals visited this place until it was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones and now in summer it can be quite busy. The nearest places for food and toilets are the nearby villages of Glenariff and Carnlough.

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Co-ordinates: 55.05386, -5.981633 • what3words: ///starfish.bucket.senior

Free car park with picnic tables at https://w3w.co/prowess.motorist.variation. It's an uphill but easy walk of about a mile to Altnaheglish Dam and reservoir from which there are good views back down Banagher Glen and over towards the Sperrin mountains. You can either go back to the car park the way you came or you can follow the path up around the lake and back down through the woods on the other side which turns it into a pretty decent hike, with plenty of space to fly your drone and lots of photo opportunities. There are no facilities on site, with the nearest shops, pubs, toilets etc. being at Dungiven, approximately 10 mins away by car.

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Co-ordinates: 54.88086, -6.916758 • what3words: ///heartless.firework.siblings

Lisnabreeny Rath is a National Trust site at the highest point on the Castlereagh Hills in the southeast part of Belfast, just above Cregagh Glen. The easiest access is from the free NT car park on the Lisnabreeny Road (///flag.year.certified) but if you want to make it a bit more worthwhile you can start from the bottom of Cregagh Glen (///dame.sudden.tunes). There is plenty of free on-street parking on the Cregagh Road, just across the A55 dual carriageway from the entrance to the glen. The walk up the glen involves numerous steps, and it is steep in places, but it is not very long. Half way up the glen, and signposted, is a short detour path which leads to a former American Military Cemetery, from where there are stunning views over Belfast. There are several other points on the path which also give panoramic views of the area. There are no facilities at the site, but shops, pubs and restaurants can all be found nearby. DJI drones will give you warnings here, though you are about 3km outside Belfast City airport ATZ.

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Co-ordinates: 54.55476, -5.876813 • what3words: ///minus.light.pets

Toomebridge, nowadays more usually referred to simply as Toome, is a small village on the northwest corner of Lough Neagh in Co. Antrim. It used to be a very busy village as the main crossing point where the River Bann leaves the lough on the main road between Belfast and Londonderry. Since the new 'Toome Bridge' was completed in 2004 the village has reverted to a quiet 'off the beaten track' place. Toome is famous for its fishery, from which Lough Neagh eels are exported all over the world. Around the village there are riverside walks, Lough Beg nature reserve, plenty of free parking, toilets, small shops, cafés and a hotel. A few minutes away by car, for those that like traditional pubs there is The Old Thatch Inn, or, for those that prefer brash and modern, there is The Elk restaurant/bar/nightclub. The new extension to the M22 motorway (A6) makes access to the village easy.

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Co-ordinates: 54.75395, -6.464082 • what3words: ///dignitary.crumples.minerals

Oxford Island is on the south eastern shore of Lough Neagh, the UK's (and Ireland's) largest freshwater lake. The recreation area is separated into two parts, Oxford Island Discovery Centre/Nature Reserve and Kinnego Marina. Both of these have plenty of free parking, cafés and toilets. Activites include birdwatching, boating and fishing, and there are several walking trails. There is also a caravan site and glamping pods at the marina. Oxford Island is well signposted and easily accessed from Junction 10 on the M1 travelling from either direction.

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Co-ordinates: 54.48946, -6.36447 • what3words: ///jelly.tries.pies

Orlock Point is a National Trust coastal area between Groomsport and Donaghadee offering excellent views over to The Copeland Islands and Scotland. There is a small free car park and plenty of roadside parking. If using a drone you will also be able to get photos and video of Portavoe Reservoir and Water Tower on the landward side of the road. The reservoir used to have free public access but is now privately owned with huge steel gates that wouldn't look out of place in Mordor. Orlock is an open site and it is highly unlikely that you will encounter a warden or ranger. The nearest cafes, pubs and toilet facilities are in Donaghadee or Groomsport.

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Co-ordinates: 54.66917, -5.574503 • what3words: ///beard.cringes.bulldozer

Grey point Fort is a 20th century coastal fort, used in both World Wars. It houses a small museum and exhibition and the WW2 guns are still in place. There is a small free car park on site but if it's full there is a much larger car park (also free) a short walk away near Helen's Bay beach. It can also be accessed on foot from the North Down Coastal Path which runs along the front of the site.
The fort, itself, is now closed for maintenance until further notice.

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Co-ordinates: 54.67706, -5.741148 • what3words: ///guessing.dugouts.targeted

Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is a huge park with plenty of open space situated off the B103 in South Belfast in the Lagan Valley AONB. There are two main car parks, along with other access points from the Lagan Towpath. There is a cafe and toilets, and plenty of picnic tables and grassy areas. DJI drones will nag you but it's you're safe to fly and the signs in the park do not forbid drones.

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Co-ordinates: 54.54252, -5.984665 • what3words: ///paths.legs.plant

The towpath is a haven for walkers and cyclists and runs alongside the River Lagan from Belfast to Lisburn, a distance of around 11 miles. Although it passes through parts of the city and is close to the M1 motorway at one point it feels quiet and rural for most of the way. The main car park at Shaw's Bridge is well signposted on the A55 on the outskirts of Belfast but there are numerous other access points the whole way along the route. If you've a DJI drone it will cry at you about being in an enhanced warning zone, but it will not prevent you from flying.

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Co-ordinates: 54.55246, -5.953835 • what3words: ///crazy.field.vision

Bangor's Sunken Gardens and the McKee Clock are well known to locals and visitors from all over Northern Ireland. The McKee Plaza beside the clock is used for all sorts of events including food festivals, concerts, Christmas Markets, classic car gatherings and music performances. There is plenty of parking in the immediate area (a mix of free and pay) and numerous cafes, pubs and restaurants within a few steps.

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Co-ordinates: 54.66355, -5.66785 • what3words: ///focal.edits.ample

There are many locations where you can stop for great photos on the A20 between Newtownards and Portaferry. Please note: Travelling from Newtownards you are in the Newtownards airfield FRZ until you have reached the National Trust property at Mount Stewart. Saltwater Brig, located on the edge of Strangford Lough just outside Kircubbin village, is a handy place to stop for a drink or a meal to break up your trip. They have their own free car park just across the road from the pub.

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Co-ordinates: 54.45253, -5.529527 • what3words: ///postage.forge.tequila

Parking at the free car park at Cairn Wood on the B170 between Bangor and Belfast gives you a few photo options. You can take one of several newly upgraded path through the wood for scenic woodland photos, or just across the road there are a couple of reservoirs, and nearby is also the Craigantlet Quarry. Craigantlet is located in the free space between the FRZs of George Best City airport and Newtownards airfield.

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Co-ordinates: 54.62524, -5.757686 • what3words: ///sandbags.picturing.flask

There's a free car park opposite the Abbey and several 'pay' car parks in the area as well. There are also a few other local locations worth photographing like Bangor Castle and the Walled Garden.

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Co-ordinates: 54.65603, -5.675357 • what3words: ///former.hammer.bigger

There is plenty of parking in and around the village of Kenmore. I flew with a DJI Mini 2 from the small public beach on a quiet day in March but the beach can get very busy in summer in which case there are other nearby public locations that can be used.

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Co-ordinates: 56.58299, -3.996118 • what3words: ///licks.candle.landlady

Donaghadee is a picturesque seaside town on the Co. Down coast. The harbour Bicentenary was in 2021. There is free parking all the way along the promenade and a large car park near the pier. Cafés, restaurants, pubs and toilets are all within easy walking distance.

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Co-ordinates: 54.64557, -5.539888 • what3words: ///traders.syndicate.cheat

Free parking at Portballintrae car park, where there is a shop and public toilets. The River Bush enters the Atlantic Ocean here at Runkerry beach. Giant's Causeway and Bushmills are a short drive away.

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Co-ordinates: 55.22167, -6.529052 • what3words: ///oval.scored.atoms

Lots of parking available locally and situated close to the town centre. There is plenty to do in the area including beaches, coastal walks, cycling, etc. Beside the marina is Pickie Fun Park which has a boating lake, a mini railway, play area, café and toilets. There are also coffee shops, pubs and several excellent restaurants within easy walking distance. The North Down Coastal Path, which goes all the way to Holywood, starts here as well.

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Co-ordinates: 54.6657, -5.675798 • what3words: ///such.glue.bigger

Numerous trails and paths crisscross park which features both coastal and woodland scenery. The park is easily accessed from Crawfordsburn, Helen's Bay and the North Down Coastal Path from Bangor. There is extensive (free) parking and there is a café and toilets. (Please note that DJI drones will give you a Geo Zone warning, but will not prevent flying).

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Co-ordinates: 54.66872, -5.730005 • what3words: ///untrained.develops.penned

Groomsport is a picturesque coastal village near the town of Bangor in Co. Down. Plenty of free parking is available on the main street or at The Boathouse on the harbour. Has good local facilities (Pubs, cafes, shops, toilets etc.). Worth visiting for coastal walks in the direction of Bangor via Ballymacormick Point or in the direction of Donaghadee via Orlock Point.

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Co-ordinates: 54.67656, -5.620632 • what3words: ///clotting.nuzzled.mailing

Lock no.3 of the Lagan Navigation, known locally as McLeave's Lock is part of Lagan Valley Regional park AONB. It was disused for a long time but then a few years ago the lock and adjoining lockkeepers cottage were restored as a tourist attraction. Recently there have been plans to restore part of the canal for navigation and in September 2021 a new bridge was opened downstream at Stranmillis and a brand new lock to allow navigation is due to open soon. Notices at the lock showing prohibited activities do not include drones. (Please note that DJI drones will give you Geo Zone warning here but will not prevent flying).

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Co-ordinates: 54.55301, -5.945219 • what3words: ///feeds.backup.sentences

This is Drum Bridge on the River Lagan, it is part of Lagan Valley AONB. You can walk on the towpath from The Big Fish sculpture (at Donegall Quay in Belfast) all the way to Union Locks in Lisburn. There are plenty of places where you can access the river and towpath. Drum Bridge car park is beside Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park - both have large signs indicating what activities you can and cannot do - there is currently no prohibition on flying drone. (Please note that DJI drones will give you Geo Zone warning here but will not prevent flying).

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Co-ordinates: 54.53575, -5.983832 • what3words: ///cared.along.such

Plenty of car parking available at various places around this park. It's home to Bangor Castle (Town Hall), North Down Museum and The Walled Garden. Entry is free and there are cafes and toilets. Worth visiting all year round but even better in Autumn for the colourful trees.

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Co-ordinates: 54.65162, -5.668284 • what3words: ///grass.raft.towns

Park in Conlig village for easy access. From the reservoir you can walk to Helen's Tower, Clandeboye Estate, Whitespots Country Park and The Somme Centre.

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Co-ordinates: 54.63373, -5.677516 • what3words: ///counts.grew.winks

Park in the small roadside layby marked on the map. The church and graveyard are just up a lane beside the layby. There are several other places worth visiting in the area - Mahee Castle and Nendrum Monastic site (on Mahee island), Ballydorn Lightship and Sketrick castle (on Sketrick Island) - all of these can be done together in an hour or two, so take a picnic and make a day of it.

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Co-ordinates: 54.50618, -5.683439 • what3words: ///relishing.imposes.showdown

Nearby free parking available at the Nendrum Monastic site (a 4 minute walk away). Good views over Strangford Lough.

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Co-ordinates: 54.50112, -5.648198 • what3words: ///showrooms.easygoing.grunt

RAF Ballyhalbert is an old WW2 base. The abandoned control tower and two other small buildings are all that remain. The old runways are still visible from the air, though some are in farm use and others are now a caravan park. In 2019 a memorial stone was erected at the site, which can be accessed on foot via the caravan park. Parking is also available at the claypits, a local beauty spot on High Street, Ballyhalbert. (If parking there be aware of the proximity of two nearby schools and fly within The Drone Code).

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Co-ordinates: 54.49491, -5.473394 • what3words: ///resurgent.committee.welcome

Located on a very quiet country road, lots of open fields around. Limited parking, but you can use the gravel areas in front of the church gate or across the road.

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Co-ordinates: 54.5042, -5.48701 • what3words: ///looms.fakes.poetic

Plenty of open space to fly but no parking other than at the roadside. North Down Model Aircraft club site is across the road from the track (flying for members only).

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Co-ordinates: 54.45541, -5.46039 • what3words: ///riskiest.email.exit

Parking on the B133 Millvale Rd near Bessbrook, or at the small car park on the Craigmore Road (under the main A1 Belfast to Dublin). There are several public footpaths in the area where you can get views of the viaduct.

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Co-ordinates: 54.19531, -6.36158 • what3words: ///note.round.fence

This scenic park can be busy so fly with caution. There are several notices at various points stating that dogs must be kept on leads and that cyclists are not allowed - these are universally ignored. There are no notices regarding drones.

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Co-ordinates: 54.65861, -5.660589 • what3words: ///herb.rewarding.onion

Can be viewed by launching from the adjacent public road (there is a small patch of gravel waste ground near the gateway where you can safely park).

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Co-ordinates: 54.5733, -5.565914 • what3words: ///tomato.licks.prone

Fly from Windmill Road, a very quiet country road. You can park at the windmill's own car park and walk down to get your photos.

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Co-ordinates: 54.60745, -5.557586 • what3words: ///riverbed.drives.adding

There are numerous car parks from which to take walks in The Mournes. For this hike we used two cars, parking one at Bloody Bridge and the other at Meelmore Lodge. The photo was taken with my Mini 2 along the way where The Brandy Pad meets the Mourne wall.

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Co-ordinates: 54.17257, -5.927957 • what3words: ///trim.incursion.driveways

The marked location is the Hen Mountain car park (free) at 33 Sandbank Rd, Hilltown, Newry BT34 5XU. Facilities are available nearby at Hilltown. Just cross the road and follow the track for great scenery and loads of space to fly freely.

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Co-ordinates: 54.18385, -6.112031 • what3words: ///boat.rescuer.bleaching

Just outside Ballymena, near the village of Broughshane, Slemish has a free car park with a small information centre & toilets (which are temporarily closed due to covid). There are great views from the top even without a drone. It is a very exposed mountain and can often be too wet or windy to fly, which is when your backup (phone?) camera comes in handy.

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Co-ordinates: 54.88313, -6.104284 • what3words: ///fiery.goodbye.foremost

The Dungonnell Way Trail is a circular walk in the hills above Glenariff in The Glens of Antrim. You can start at the dam (position marked) or at the nearby village of Cargan. The scenery is outstanding and there is plenty of opportunity for flying and photography.

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Co-ordinates: 54.98895, -6.137954 • what3words: ///reckoned.parade.bookshop

From the car park you can head South towards Larne passing Winterfell (Game of Thrones location), part of which has been left for future filming, or you can head North towards Scawt Hill. There is plenty of open land for flying and great views of the Antrim coast. There are also a few ancient hill fort sites in the location.

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Co-ordinates: 54.89545, -5.923158 • what3words: ///flitting.excuse.earliest

You can drive direct to the location I've marked or you can park at Lough Cowey and walk there (along very quiet country roads). Lough Cowey is also a suitable location for flying, though there are often fishermen, and the local model aircraft club sometimes use it for their seaplanes.

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Co-ordinates: 54.40523, -5.577471 • what3words: ///bandstand.snapped.rewarded

There is a small carpark at the lough, or you can park at The Barn pub in Saul village and walk the quiet roads and lanes to get there. Slieve Patrick, nearby, is also drone friendly. There are plenty of open fields, quiet lanes and few houses in the locality.

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Co-ordinates: 54.33767, -5.643775 • what3words: ///deferring.friday.language

Flown with the DJI Mavic Pro at the end of lockdown in Northern Ireland. Free car park/picnic tables at Dree Hill near the village of Finnis, Co. Down. Nearest small town is Dromara, nearest big town is Ballynahinch.

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Co-ordinates: 54.33937, -6.00137 • what3words: ///unhelpful.straws.capacity

Easy, free parking at the Tomphubil Lime Kiln on the B846 between Tummel Bridge and Kenmore.

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Co-ordinates: 56.66647, -3.996315 • what3words: ///blotches.puzzle.nickname