MV Joyce

The MV Joyce sits in the water near Antrim like a piece of forgotten industrial history. This abandoned vessel is what remains of a once-working cargo ship, now a stark reminder of the area's maritime past. It's the kind of thing that stops you mid-walk - that unexpected moment when you round a bend and see something that shouldn't be there anymore.

You can't board her, and there's not much infrastructure around it, but that's rather the point. This is a spot for walkers and history enthusiasts who appreciate the raw, un-manicured side of things. Kids might find it interesting for five minutes; they'll take a photo and move on. Adults tend to linger, wondering about the ship's story and why she was left to decay here. The contrast between the industrial relic and the quiet water is genuinely affecting.

It's free to visit and takes barely ten minutes to see properly, though you might stand there longer just thinking about it. The nearest town is Antrim itself, which is handy because you can easily combine this with one of the excellent caravan parks in the area. Six Mile Water Caravan Park and Blair's Castlewood Holiday Park are both within walking distance, making this a good rainy-day wander or a brief diversion on a longer route. Visit when the light's low - grey skies actually suit the mood here better than sunshine.