Blair Mayne statue

You'll find this bronze statue standing quietly in Lisburn, honouring Major Blair Mayne - a man whose wartime exploits were so classified that his story stayed buried for decades. The sculpture captures him in military dress, a fitting tribute to someone who became one of the SAS's most decorated soldiers, though few knew it at the time.

Mayne was a rugby international before the war, then led raids across North Africa and Europe with ruthless efficiency. The irony is that his peacetime life as a solicitor in Belfast was marked by personal struggles that contrasted sharply with his battlefield brilliance. The statue itself is understated - no grand plinth or theatrical posturing - which feels right for a man who operated in shadows.

It's a straightforward stop rather than a destination in itself. Lisburn's town centre is walkable, and you can take in the statue in ten minutes while exploring the wider area. History buffs and military enthusiasts will appreciate the backstory; casual visitors might pause, read the inscription, then move on. Free to view, obviously.

If you're based at The Pods at Streamvale or Dundonald Touring Caravan Park - both within easy reach - Lisburn makes a sensible half-day excursion from Belfast. The statue won't occupy hours, but paired with Lisburn Castle or a walk around the town, it slots into a proper afternoon out. Best visited midweek when the town's quieter.