The Black Arch

The Black Arch stands just outside Larne like a defiant Victorian monument to ambition - and it's instantly striking. Built in 1878 to commemorate the arrival of the first Irish mail train, this limestone structure dominates the landscape with its sheer presence. You can walk right up to it, which most visitors do, and the views across the surrounding countryside stretch properly far on a clear day.

It's not a place to spend hours. Fifteen minutes gets you there, lets you have a good look, and you've got your photos. What makes it worth the trip, though, is how it anchors a quick stop between Larne and Belfast - and if you're staying at Down to Earth Wild Camping just up the road, it's almost on your doorstep. The arch itself tells a story about Northern Ireland's transport heritage without requiring a guide or an entry fee, which is refreshing.

Historically minded visitors will appreciate the Victorian engineering. Anyone driving through the area should absolutely pull over - it's one of those landmarks that rewards a five-minute detour. The setting is rural enough that you get a sense of how important this structure once was to the region's identity.

Families with young kids might find it a bit of an anticlimax unless they're into architecture. Walkers and photographers will rate it more highly. There's no visitor centre or facilities, so come prepared for weather.