tourist attraction northern ireland

11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Northern Ireland

Written by Andrew Birbeck and Lura Seavey Updated Jul 13, 2022

Eschewed by visitors for years, Northern Ireland has made a comeback following The Good Friday Agreement of 1998, a power-sharing contract seeking to promote peace. Since then, Ulster (as Northern Ireland is also known) has rebounded both economically and culturally and is one of the world's must-see destinations.

Most recently, Northern Ireland's role as the filming location for Game of Thrones has brought another wave of tourists. For those in the know, even during the bad times, this corner of Ireland was always high on the sightseeing agenda. Legendary natural attractions, such as the mystical Giant's Causeway , join newer arrivals, such as Belfast Titanic, as top things to do.

The power-sharing government has invested massively in making Ulster attractive to visitors. There's great shopping, world-class restaurants, a remarkable history and culture, outstanding golf, and a lively music scene. These add up to plenty of places to visit in Northern Ireland for families, couples, and solo travelers, all of whom can be assured of a warm and friendly welcome.

If visiting from the Irish Republic, remember you're crossing the border into a separate sovereign country. Here, you'll need pound sterling, not the Euro as used in the south.

Learn more about the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions in Northern Ireland.

1. The Giant's Causeway

2. the causeway coast and dunluce castle, 3. carrick-a-rede rope bridge, 4. the titanic belfast, 5. the glens of antrim, 6. carrickfergus castle, 7. ards peninsula, 8. the ulster folk museum and transport museum, 9. dark hedges, 10. londonderry (derry), 11. lough erne, more must-see destinations near northern ireland.

Famed around the world for its columns of layered basalt, the Giant's Causeway is Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site . These polygonal-shaped natural features (there are around 40,000 of them) were created by a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. Today, they are the prime focus of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Three different periods of volcanic action birthed the Lower, Middle, and Upper Basalts. The Middle Basalt rock forms the famous amphitheaters of columns shaped like hexagons. That's the science. However according to legend it was carved out by the mighty giant Finn McCool who left behind his ancient home to do battle with his foe Benandonner across the water in Scotland.

Various names bear testament to this engaging myth: The Giant's Boot, The Wishing Chair, The Camel, The Giant's Granny, and The Organ high up on the cliffs. Weather permitting, you might even see Scotland in the distance.

Be sure to pop into the modern-looking Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre, too. This state-of-the-art facility is not only architecturally stunning, boasting a design that reflects the area's unique topography, but also provides a fascinating insight into the history of the area (audio guides are provided).

Address: 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills, Antrim

Official site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway

Naturally, most visitors' first stop along this scenic coast is the World Heritage-listed Giant's Causeway . The surrounding coastline, however, is magnificent and shouldn't be bypassed. Many treats await, including the beautiful beaches, dunes, and rolling waves at Portrush (where there's a world-class golf course) and Portstewart . If you're feeling brave enough, either is perfect for a bracing dip.

An easy 10-minute drive west, through the picturesque village of Bushmills, brings you to ruined medieval Dunluce Castle (Dún Libhse). It's impossible to miss, perched precipitously on the cliff edge, the kitchen having plunged into the thrashing waves below one terrible night many centuries ago.

The only survivor, apparently, was the kitchen boy who was perched on the windowsill and had to be rescued. Exterior shots of the castle were used in Game of Thrones .

Address: 87 Dunluce Road, Bushmills, Antrim

An easterly drive from the Giant's Causeway of around 15 minutes brings you to another of Ulster's must-sees, the vertigo-inducing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge . Located near the beautiful coastal village of Ballintoy, this spectacular attraction, though, is not one for the faint-hearted.

The vertiginous rope bridge joins to a tiny island, where fisherman would catch salmon. While access to the grounds are free, if you dare to cross the bridge itself, a fee is required.

Address: County, 119a Whitepark Rd, Ballintoy, Antrim, Ballycastle

Official site: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carrick-a-rede

A striking landmark, this star-shaped building representing the White Star Line logo traces Belfast's maritime history and honors the story of the RMS Titanic. Belfast was once the powerhouse of British Empire shipbuilding, a fact that can't be missed in this part of the city.

There are nine interactive exhibitions on this spot where the infamously ill-fated ocean liner Titanic was built. Enjoy a guided tour around the slipway and dry-dock and, for an additional fee, visit the SS Nomadic . Built in 1911, this tender would carry passengers from shore to their waiting ocean liners.

There's a restaurant, café, and gift shop located on-site, too. This truly is a world-class tourist attraction.

Address: 1 Olympic Way, Queen's Road, Belfast

Official site: http://titanicbelfast.com/

It's not just the North Antrim coastline that beguiles. Inland are the nine Glens of Antrim - usually referred to simply as "the Glens" - each exuding its own charm. Drive from Ballycastle towards Larne along the main A2 coast road, and serene lakes, tumbling waterfalls, forest trails, and rolling hills await. Glenariff , the "Queen of the Glens," is the most famous of the nine.

Along the way, notice the Glendun Bridge, an excellent example of innovative design and construction. Ballypatrick Forest Park has a 10-kilometer loop drive around Carneighaneigh Mountain, which is especially scenic.

The small seaside resort town of Portrush , on the County Londonderry border, is also worth a visit. It's home to the Royal Portrush Golf Club and one of the world's most challenging links golf courses, the Dunluce Links.

Official site: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/ballypatrick-forest

Around 20 minutes' drive from Belfast is the substantial town and port of Carrickfergus, home to imposing Carrickfergus Castle. One of the best-preserved medieval structures in Ireland, this Norman castle has seen off foes over eight centuries.

Perched near the shore and dominating the town, the fortress is still intact and the recreated banqueting hall is a particular treat, especially for kids. You can pick up an audio guide at the visitor center and explore the interior and battlements at your leisure.

Nearby is the Andrew Jackson Centre , the reimagined ancestral home of the 7th president of the USA.

Address: Carrickfergus Castle, Marine Highway, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Belfast

South of Bangor, at Donaghadee, is the start of the 32-kilometer-long picturesque Ards Peninsula. From Donaghadee, a road runs along the Irish Sea coast to Ballywalter with its beautiful beach, Ballyhalbert, and finally Cloughy, where it turns inland to Portaferry.

Serene 18th century Mount Stewart House and Gardens is well worth stopping off to admire and it's only a 10-minute drive or so from Ballywalter. On the west shore of the Strangford Lough is the resort of Killyleagh , with Hilltop Castle overlooking the town. On a good day, you'll see the famous Mourne Mountains shimmering in the distance.

Portaferry is on the peninsula's southern tip where there's a ferry link to Strangford. Either that or make the drive, which skirts the west side of the peninsula by the shores of Strangford Lough .

Around 15 minutes' drive from Belfast city center brings you to this living history museum, which allows visitors to experience Ulster life more than 100 years ago. Tourists can stroll the village , which is home to nearly three dozen structures, including both restored historic buildings and reproductions.

Among them are laborers' cottages, working farms, rural schools, and village shops, many of which feature interpreters who go about their day in an early 19 th -century life. Visitors can ask questions and learn about their various trades, including basket-weaving; the carpenter's shop; and a print shop, where you can watch them work.

Right next door is the Transport Museum , where you can clamber aboard steam locomotives and explore its impressive collections of electric trams, fire engines, motorbikes, beautiful vintage cars, and horse-drawn carriages. If you're visiting both sites in one day, leave one to two hours to explore the transport museum.

The same non-profit foundation also operates two other excellent museums, including a living history museum in Omagh, the Ulster American Folk Park . This is dedicated to the mass emigration of Irish to North America during the 18 th and 19 th centuries and includes homes, workshops, and other buildings with costumed interpreters. The most fascinating exhibit here is the full reproduction of an emigrant ship, allowing visitors to see and feel what it was like to make the arduous ocean crossing.

In Belfast, there is also the Ulster Museum , which contains exhibits about Northern Ireland's natural history and cultural heritage in a traditional museum setting.

Address: 153 Bangor Road, Holywood, Belfast

Official site: http://nmni.com/uftm

The sight of Dark Hedges' centuries-old beech trees dramatically enveloping the road is so fantastical that even the best photos don't seem real, appearing to be detailed illustrations taken from the pages of a fantasy story instead of a living tunnel that you can walk through in the real world.

Originally planted by the Stuarts in the 18 th century , the lane was designed with the express purpose of inspiring awe in travelers as they approached the family's estate. Time has only added to this effect, and today it is one of the most photographed sites in Northern Ireland . Its beauty and grandeur have also made it the perfect backdrop for film and television, most recently featured in Game of Thrones as the "King's Road."

Today, it is a pedestrian-only lane that is free to visit and open to the public at any time of day or night.

Address: Bregagh Road, Stranocum, Ballymoney BT53 8PX, United Kingdom

The second city of Northern Ireland, Londonderry – or Derry, as it's more commonly known locally – lies where the River Foyle opens out into the sea-lough of the same name. The town has been robbed of part of its natural hinterland of Donegal by the division of Ireland, yet remains an important port and industrial center with a traditional textile industry, chemical and mechanical engineering plants, and ceramics factories.

With its attractive surroundings it's a popular tourist center and a good base for trips into the Inishowen Peninsula and Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. The town itself has an almost completely preserved circuit of medieval walls and a number of interesting old buildings.

Two connected lakes combine to form Lough Erne, in County Fermanagh, a favorite for fishing, kayaking, or exploring on a day cruise . Castles and manor houses dot its banks, and its islands are a main attraction.

A 12th-century round tower dominates Devenish Island's ruined Augustinian priory, and mysterious carved stone figures on White Island and Boa Island were the work of Celts between AD 400 and 800. The 39-mile Shannon Erne Waterway connects Lough Erne to the River Shannon in Ireland.

Once you have seen the highlights of Northern Ireland, you may want to cross into the Republic of Ireland and explore its capital, Dublin . Or you might consider the options available by ferry from Belfast. Two ferry routes connect Northern Ireland to Scotland , one from Belfast and the other from Larne, each about a two-hour trip. Ferries also depart Belfast for Liverpool , in England , and twice a week ferries travel to the Isle of Man , in the Irish Sea, halfway between England and Ireland.

More on Northern Ireland

29 Best Things to do in Northern Ireland in 2024

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

There are heaps of things to do in Northern Ireland, yet many never look beyond Belfast and the Causeway Coast.

Which is a shame, as many of the best places to visit in Northern Ireland rarely make it onto the cover of shiny tourist guidebooks!

In this guide, we’ve packed in a mix of off-the-beaten-track hidden gems (like Torr Head) along with the attractions in Northern Ireland that tourists love (like the Antrim Glens ). Dive on in!

Table of Contents

The best things to do in Northern Ireland

Photos via Shutterstock

The six counties of Northern Ireland (Antrim, Armagh, Down, Derry, Tyrone and Fermanagh) are an explorers paradise – here’s our favourite attractions!

Note: There’s some key differences between Northern Ireland vs Ireland for those of you that have never visited before (currency, metric system, road signs, etc.).

1. The Causeway Coastal Route

The Causeway Coastal Route is a 120-mile drive between Belfast and Derry. It’s an incredibly scenic drive that takes you past many of the best things to do in Northern Ireland ( here’s a map ).

Although you can drive it in one day, we recommend giving yourself at least two to three days to take in the sights, ramble around some quaint villages, and tackle some of the various hikes and walks.

Popular sights along the way include the Giant’s Causeway , Dunluce Castle , and the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge and much, much more! 

2. Tollymore Forest Park

Tollymore Forest Park sits at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. It spans over 1,500 acres, with amazing views of the surrounding mountains and the Irish Sea.

The park is packed with things to do and see, with four way-marked trails, and several interesting buildings and historical features. 

For a short easy walk, choose the Blue Arboretum Path, a 0.8km trail that wanders through one of Ireland’s oldest arboretums (a botanical garden exclusively for trees).

Make time to visit the Barbican Gate, and admire the ornate Stone Bridges, and the mystical Hermitage. This is one of the best places to visit in Northern Ireland for good reason!

3. The mighty Mourne Mountains

The Mourne Mountains are Northern Ireland’s most impressive mountain range, and they’re home to NI’s tallest peak, Slieve Donard , which rises 850 metres tall.

The range’s raw beauty and dramatic landscapes were an inspiration for C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia, and are a walker’s paradise!

There’s a clatter of trails on offer here from Slieve Doan  and Slieve Binnian to the mighty Slieve Bearnagh . The trails vary in length and difficulty (find an overview of each in our Mourne Mountains walks guide).

If you’re looking for active things to do in Northern Ireland, you could easily spend a weekend in Newcastle and tackle several of the walks over the course of a few days.

4. Belfast Black Cab Tours

If you’re wondering what to do in Northern Ireland that’ll give you a good insight into its turbulent past, look no further than the Belfast Black Cab Tours .

This is an incredibly unique way to explore the city and a must for anyone visiting Belfast! It’s no secret that Belfast has had a turbulent past, and the Black Cab Tours (which are given by long-term residents) can give you an in-depth understanding of what it was like to live in the city during those times. 

There are several companies offering Black Cab tours ( see them here ), and depending on which you choose, they may have slightly different tours/routes on offer.

The tours take you past the Belfast murals , along the Falls Road and the Shankill Road and past many of the more notable places to visit in Northern Ireland’s capital.

5. Castles galore

There are endless castles in Northern Ireland for those of you looking to step-back-in-time for a bit.

Some of the more notable castles are Dunluce Castle , Belfast Castle , Kinbane Castle , Carrickfergus Castle , Castle Ward , and Dunseverick Castle .

Carrickfergus Castle is arguably Northern Ireland’s most famous castle. Dating back to 1177, the castle is in pristine condition and it boasts a postcard-worthy location right on the water. 

If you’re looking for a castle fit for a Disney Princess, then Belfast Castle is a must. With beautiful turrets and lovely grounds, it’s definitely one of the most picturesque castles in Ireland !

6. The Torr Head Scenic Route

Photo left: Shutterstock. right: Google Maps

One of the more unique things to do in Northern Ireland is the mighty Torr Head Scenic Route (a slight detour off the Causeway Coast).

The route, which takes you between Cushendun and Ballycastle , is not for the faint-hearted, with 23km of narrow roads, bendy turns, and endless blind spots.

However, if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be rewarded with breath-takings vistas. On a clear day, you’ll see Scotland off in the distance!

From start to finish, it takes around 40-minutes without stops, but we recommend making a few detours to see Murlough Bay , the Fair Head Cliffs , and of course, Torr Head. 

7. The Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most popular places to visit in Northern Ireland and, while it’s well worth a visit, large crowds, pricy parking and bad weather can make or break your experience. 

The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site that was formed between 50 and 60 million years ago due to volcanic activity.

Although, according to the legend of the Giant’s Causeway , it was built by giant Fionn mac Cumhaill , so that he could cross the Irish Sea and duel Benandonner, a Scottish giant!

We recommend parking in the Causeway Coast Way Car Park, a 10-minute walk from the site. It costs £10 per car, but it’s miles cheaper than buying “Visitor Experience” tickets which include parking at the visitor centre. 

8. Kodak Corner

A ramble up to Kodak Corner at sunrise is another of the top things to do in Northern Ireland. This is a glorious spot with breathtaking views over Carlingford Lough and you’ll find it in Kilbroney Forest Park  in Down.

There’s a lovely 4.1km looped walk to reach the viewpoint known as the Cloughmore Trail via Fiddler’s Green. 

Start the walk in the Kilbroney upper car park. From there, follow the trail to the “Big Stone”, which according to Irish folklore, was thrown from across the lough by giant Fionn mac Cumhail.

After the stone make a detour down along the dip to the left of the stone, and follow the trail to Kodak Corner! Afterward, you can either go back to the stone and follow the rest of the loop or walk back to the car park. 

9. Glenariff Forest Park

Glenariff Forest Park boasts over 247 acres of woodland, lakes, and waterfalls. It’s a great spot for a short ramble or a longer walk with several scenic trails on offer.

The park is fantastic for a group or family day out, with a tea house, picnic area, and barbecue facilities. For first-time visitors, the 3km waterfall walk is a must.

For something easier, try the 1km Viewpoint Trail which passes through the ornamental gardens and has lovely views.

A visit here during the off-season when crowds are smaller is one of the best things to do in Northern Ireland, in our opinion, as there’s a surprise around every corner.

10. The Game of Thrones filming locations

Northern Ireland played a big role in the filming of HBO’s Game of Thrones, and all in all, a whopping 25 locations were used! The Dark Hedges is one of the more iconic locations, used for the road from King’s Landing. 

But, if you’re firmly team Stark, you may be more interested in Castle Ward which was used to film Winterfell, and Tollymore Forest Park, used for the Wolfswood near Winterfell, the Haunted Forest North of the Wall, and more.

The Game of Thrones Studio opened recently in Banbridge, but if you’d rather see the natural settings, hop into our guide to the various Game of Thrones filming locations in Ireland .

11. Crumlin Road Gaol

The Crumlin Road Gaol is an old jail in Belfast that dates back to 1846. It was a fully operating jail for 150 years before closing in 1996. During its time, the jail was home to a wide range of prisoners from suffragettes, to republicans and loyalists. 

The gaol is not only open for tours but it’s also a concert venue and has a licensed restaurant, the Cuffs Bar & Grill. To get a real insight, either take a self-guided tour (usually 60 – 90 minutes) or a fully guided tour (90 minutes).

Attractions include the tunnel from the goal to the courthouse, the holding cells, and the chilling Hangman’s Cell. If you’re wondering what to do in Northern Ireland when it’s raining, this is a great shout.

12. The Slieve Gullion Scenic Drive

The Slieve Gullion Scenic Drive is a gorgeous 10km drive through winding mountain roads and forests. Start in the Slieve Gullion Lower Car Park, and follow the one-way tarmacked road around the southern and western border of the mountain back to the car park.

At the top of the drive, there’s a parking area where you can enjoy the views and stop for a picnic, or hike to Slieve Gullion’s summit (the highest point in County Armagh at 576 metres). The Peak has two Bronze Age cairns and spectacular views. It’s 1.5km back and forth from the upper car park. 

This is another good option if you’re looking for the best things to do in Northern Ireland when it’s raining, as you can enjoy the views from the comfort of your car.

13. Cuilcagh (Ireland’s Stairway to Heaven)

Photo left: Irish Road Trip. Right: Joseph Molloy (shutterstock)

The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (nicknamed Ireland’s Stairway to Heaven) is an 11km walk in County Fermanagh that weaves its way through Northern Ireland’s largest patch of blanket bog. 

You can either park in the Cuilcagh Boardwalk car park (it costs £6 and should be pre-booked) at the entrance to the trail, or at Killykeegan Nature Reserve car park (free) 1km past the trail entrance.

The walk is moderately tough, taking most people between two and three hours to complete, but you’ll be rewarded with the most stunning views of the bog and of the boardwalk meandering out of sight!

As this is one of the more popular active things to do in Northern Ireland, it can get  very  busy at the weekends!

14. The Old Bushmills Distillery

The Old Bushmills Distillery is the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery. Few tourists attractions in Northern Ireland draw thirsty crowds like this place!

It’s been operating for over 400 years producing triple-distilled single malt whiskey using 100% malted barley. Located just off the Causeway Coastal Route, it’s a great little detour and the chance to tour a working distillery!

Tours are around one hour long, with the chance to learn about the distilling process and see the copper stills, barrels, and casks. The tour ends in the 1608 bar, where you’ll get to taste one of the most iconic Irish whiskey brands .

15. The Sperrins

The Sperrins are one of the most overlooked places to visit in Northern Ireland, but they’re well worth considering during your visit.

Located on the border of counties Tyrone and Derry, the Sperrins are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and one of the country’s largest upland areas.

In the southeast of the Sperrin Mountain range, you’ll find the Beaghmore Stone Circles, a circle of seven stones that date back to the Bronze Age.

For a truly unique experience, head to the Dark Sky Observatory in Davagh Forest. The lack of light pollution makes it perfect for stargazing and there’s an outdoor viewing platform. 

16. The Cave Hill hike

The Cave Hill hike is arguably one of our favourite things to do in Belfast . The hike takes you through the Cave Hill Country Park, although it’s not for the faint-hearted. 

A challenging 7.2km loop, people usually start at Belfast Castle and follow the green way-marked arrows.

Start by climbing the path from the car park, when you reach the top, turn right and continue through the woodland. Go up through the trees to the plateau for some amazing views of Belfast!

Highlights along the way are McArt’s Fort, the Devil’s Punchbowl, and of course, more magnificent views. 

17. Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast is the world’s biggest Titanic visitor experience, with nine interactive galleries. There are two tours available, the self-guided Titanic Experience and the guided Discovery Tour. 

During the Titanic Experience, you’ll be able to wander the galleries such as the Shipyard Ride, The Maiden Voyage, and The Sinking.

It also includes admission onto the SS Nomadic , the ship that ferried first and second-class passengers to the Titanic from Cherbourg. 

The Discovery Tour is a one-hour walk outdoors with a tour guide and roaming headset. During the tour, you’ll learn about building the ship, its last hours, and the “easter eggs” in the Titanic Belfast building. 

18. The Marble Arch Caves

The Marble Arch Caves are a series of limestone caves and underground rivers at the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain. Although only 1.5km are accessible during tours, the cave and river system extends 11km underground. 

A visit to the caves is the ultimate subterranean adventure, with a 60-minute guided tour on offer. On the Owenbrean River – Walking Cave Tour, you’ll discover pools, and hidden tunnels, and follow the river’s journey as it carves a path through the stone. 

Those lucky enough to visit when the underground water levels are high enough will be automatically upgraded to the Martel Tour (an extra 15 minutes), which adds a short boat ride!

If you’re wondering what to do in Northern Ireland this weekend, tackle the Cuilcagh hike, first, and then explore the caves after!

19. Portstewart Strand

Portstewart Strand is an gorgeous Blue Flag beach managed by the National Trust. Stretching for 3.2km, the beaches’ fine golden sand and abundant wildlife make it extremely popular. 

The beach is backed by 6,000-year-old sand dunes which are home to native wildflowers and butterflies, with some dunes reaching a whopping 30 metres high!

The Portstewart Strand – Sand Dune & Estuary Trail is the perfect way to stretch your legs, with lovely coastal views during the easy 5.6km trail. 

A part of the Causeway Coast, Portstewart Strand is another G.O.T filming location, and a great spot for a swim, a surf, or a family picnic. 

20. Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge

Few places to visit in Northern Ireland are as photographed as our next attraction. The Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge dates back to 1755 when salmon fishermen built the bridge to connect Carrick-a-Rede to the mainland.

Luckily, over the years it’s been upgraded, and today, it’s a thrilling (yet sturdy) 20-metre walk across, suspended 30-metres above the water!

Once you’re on the island, take time to admire the lonely white-washed cottage, a reminder of the island’s fishing legacy which came to an end in 2002.

21. The Ards Peninsula

The Ards Peninsula in County Down is a lovely corner of Northern Ireland full of interesting attractions and rolling green hills. There are several towns and villages on the peninsula, including Donaghadee, Newtownards, and Ballywalter. 

The peninsula borders Strangford Lough , a highly biodiverse area, and the largest sea lough in the United Kingdom. The lough is a fantastic for birdwatching, with three-quarters of the worldwide Brent Geese population migrating there over winter. 

Some must-sees on the Ards Peninsula are Scrabo Tower in Newtownards, Grey Abbey, a 12th-century Cisterian abbey ruin, and Portaferry, a quaint harbour village.

22. Murlough Beach

Murlough Beach is an expansive 6.4km-long beach in County Down that sits in the shadow of the mighty Mourne Mountains. The Blue Flag beach is managed by the National Trust, with a summer lifeguard service and on-site parking, although it’s a short walk over the dunes.

The extensive dune system behind the beach, Murlough Nature Reserve dates back 6,000 years! It is home to a diverse range of animals and plants and became Ireland’s first nature reserve in 1967. 

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Northern Ireland this weekend, hike Slieve Donard , first, and then grab food in Newcastle followed up with a ramble on the sand!

23. St. Patrick’s Cathedral(s)

There are two St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Armagh, one for the Roman Catholic Church and one for the Church of Ireland. Both are beautifully built and whilst they’re not to be confused, they are interlinked.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Church of Ireland) is built on a site that dates back to a stone monastery founded by St. Patrick in the 5th century.

The church played a significant role in the Catholic Church of Ireland until the 16th century when it was taken over by the Church of Ireland during the Irish Reformation. 

This led to the founding of the other St. Patrick’s (Roman Catholic), which was built between 1840 and 1904, a historically and politically important venture. 

24. The Divis Summit Trail

Photos by Art Ward via Ireland’s Content Pool

The Divis Summit Trail is a 4.5km loop walk across Divis Mountain. It has magnificent views of Belfast, Lough Neagh and the Irish Sea.

It’s a moderate walk up to the 478-metre summit where you’ll be able to enjoy the panoramic views of the city and beyond.

The red way-marked trail starts at the upper car park, although there is a lower car park a short stroll away.

Both are managed by the National Trust and can get crowded on nice days (see parking here and here on Google Maps).

25. Mussenden Temple

Mussenden Temple in County Derry is one of the more picture-perfect places to go in Northern Ireland.

This is a scenic spot in the Downhill Demesne. The temple sits on the edge of a tall cliff, with amazing views of the ocean and Downhill Strand. 

The circular building dates back to 1785, and although it sits on a cliff today, it used to be possible to drive a carriage all the way around it! 

We recommend taking a stroll along the Downhill Demesne Walking Trail, an easy 3.2 km dog-friendly trail that passes through a pretty walled garden, along cliff edges, and by the Mussenden Temple. 

26. The Gobbins

The Gobbins is a thrilling coastal walk that’s unlike any other in the country! A word of warning, it’s a long and challenging 5km walk with lots of stairs, and a height restriction of four feet. The walk takes most people two and a half hours. 

The cliff path opened in 1902 and was an immediate hit. It’s easy to see why, with its dramatic cliff-side bridges, exciting walkways, and tunnels.

The Gobbins has opened and closed several times, but last opened in 2016, with an ambitious addition of 12 new bridges and six paths.

It’s one of endless things to do in Northern Ireland along the Antrim Coast, but maybe save a visit for when the weather’s good!

27. The Binevenagh hike

The Binevenagh Hike is a 4.5km loop through the Binevenagh forest and up to the Binevenagh summit. From the summit, there are spectacular views of the Roe Valley, Lough Foyle, and even Scotland’s west coast! 

The route passes by Binevenagh Lake, an artificial lake that is popular with anglers. It’s worth taking a detour from the main route to the Devil’s Thumb, an incredible rock formation with breathtaking vistas over the lough. 

Start the hike on Leighery Road, where there’s a small parking area just before the trailhead (see parking here on Google Maps).

28. Colin Glen

Photos via Colin Glen Forest Park on Facebook

Colin Glen is one of the most popular things to do in Belfast with kids ! This a family-friendly adventure park right just outside of the city!

It’s home to the country’s first Alpine Coaster, longest zipline, and heaps of other attractions. The 200-acre park is full of trees, has a river flowing through, and even a 9-hole golf course. 

Some must-try activities are the Black Bull Run, a 565-metre roller coaster through the Colin Glen Forest, the Gruffalo & Stickman Guided Walk (great for young kids!), and the SKYTrek ropes course, a 50ft high course with a 90-metre zipline.

Colin Glen is widely regarded as one of the best things to do in Northern Ireland with kids for good reason.

29. Belfast (and the benefit of the doubt)

Belfast gets a bad rep. Usually from people that have never visited (or from those who visited for a weekend on the beer and who never took the time to explore).

However, once you have a decent itinerary, the NI’s capital is a fine spot to spend a weekend. For beautiful architecture, a visit to the Cathedral Quarter is a must.

It’s full of charm, character, and lots of great restaurants and pubs. Belfast City Hall (especially when the Belfast Christmas markets are on!) is also well worth rambling around.

There’s also some excellent  restaurants in Belfast to kick-back in after a long day of exploring).

What places to visit in Northern Ireland have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant things to do in Northern Ireland from the guide above.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out!

FAQs about what to do in Northern Ireland

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What Northern Ireland tourist attractions are good for families?’ to ‘What things to do in NI are good for a date?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best things to do in Northern Ireland?

In our opinion, some of the best tourist attractions in Northern Ireland are the Mournes, the Antrim Coast, Tollymore Forest, Glenariff Park and the Belfast Black Cab Tours.

What are some unique places to visit in Northern Ireland?

The Gobbins, Carrick-a-rede, Torr Head, Rathlin Island, the Marble Arch Caves and Mussenden Temple are some very unique things to do in Northern Ireland.

I’m wondering what to do in Northern Ireland when it rains?

Some good rainy day attractions in Northern Ireland are Crumlin Road Gaol, The Old Bushmills Distillery, the GoT Studio and the Marble Arch Caves.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Tuesday 9th of April 2024

How can the city walls of Derry/Londonderry not be on this?

The only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the best examples of a walled city in Europe.

Incredible history, from medieval to modern; and there are walking tours of the walls and other areas.

Tuesday 25th of July 2023

Ulster Transport Museum and Folk Park is a lovely place to visit and a great day out. Belfast zoo is also worth a visit and Aunt Sandra's Candy Factory.

Wednesday 1st of March 2023

This website is amazing. The amount of tips and resources is incredible. Well done and thank you for taking the time and effort to create this!

Brendan Duignan

Friday 12th of August 2022

Ulster Transport Museum in Belfast is outstanding. It has two DeLoren cars! A brilliant day out.

Best Things to Do in Northern Ireland: 19 Top Places to Visit

Wondering what to do in Northern Ireland? Discover this stunning country’s hidden gems and must-see attractions with this guide to the best things to do in Northern Ireland.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Northern Ireland multiple times, and I can – hand on heart – say from personal experience that it’s an incredible place. 

Not that you need me to tell you. It’s pretty clear that, from the rugged coastline to the rolling hills and pristine lakes, it’s a country of beauty. But I promise there’s more to Northern Ireland than just its breathtaking landscapes. 

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Northern Ireland has something to offer that will leave you feeling inspired and fulfilled. 

Ready to explore? Let’s take a look at the best things to do here so you can plan your next weekend away in Northern Ireland .

Looking for somewhere to stay? I recommend you book The Culloden Estate & Spa for a luxury break – read my review here.

Top 5 Things to Do in Northern Ireland

See the famous giant’s causeway .

I’ll be very surprised if you haven’t at least heard of Giant’s Causeway, one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic attractions. It’s a must-see for any traveller (which is why I’ve added it to my Ultimate Europe Bucket List ). 

What is Giant’s Causeway? Well, in short, it’s the site of more than 40,000 basalt columns – folklore dictates that Irish giant Finn McCool was the one who created it, so that he could head to Scotland and battle his enemy Benandonner.

Take your time to explore the area, hike the nearby trails, and learn about the local legends surrounding the formation of the basalt columns. 

The site is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer when the weather is mild and the days are long. There’s also a visitor centre with informative exhibits and a gift shop. 

Book Your Giant’s Causeway Tour Here

Discover the Wonders of Titanic Belfast Museum

The Titanic Belfast Museum tells the story of the world-famous RMS Titanic, from its construction to its tragic sinking. It blends history, technology, and art to create a powerful, immersive experience.

The museum is in a stunning building resembling the Titanic’s hull, with galleries and exhibits that take visitors through the ship’s entire history. 

The exhibits are interactive and engaging, featuring state-of-the-art technology and multimedia presentations that bring the Titanic’s story to life. 

You’ll see artefacts from the ship and its passengers, including personal belongings and photographs, and learn about the social and cultural context of the Titanic era.

Take a Game of Thrones Tour

Northern Ireland was a primary filming location for the show, and many of its most iconic scenes were shot there. 

There are plenty of guided tours of various filming locations around Northern Ireland including the stunning forests and coastlines of County Antrim and County Down. Orrrrr, you can follow my self-guided tour to visit the locations independently. 

Seeing the filming locations IRL was one of my favourite memories from my most recent Northern Ireland trip and if you’re even a passing fan of the programme, it’ll be yours too! 

Some of the most popular locations include the Dark Hedges, (Kings Road), and the sprawling estate of Castle Ward (used as the set for Winterfell).

Read Next: A Guide to Game of Thrones Locations in Northern Ireland

Step Back in Time at the Walls of Derry

The Walls of Derry, AKA the Derry City Walls, are a historic landmark in the city of Derry in Northern Ireland. 

Built between 1613 and 1619, they are among the best-preserved city walls in Europe and one of the finest examples of fortification in the world. The walls encircle the Old City and offer stunning panoramic views of the cityscape and surrounding countryside.

The walls span about a mile long, and the walking tour takes approximately an hour. Along the way, you’ll see key landmarks such as the four original gates, the cannons, and the bastions. 

The walls symbolise the city’s resilience and a reminder of the civil rights struggles of the 1960s and 1970s. The famous “Free Derry” mural just outside the walls commemorates the area’s role in the civil rights movement.

Book Your Derry Walls Tour Here

Explore Everything Belfast Has to Offer

Belfast is the vibrant capital city of Northern Ireland, known for its rich history, culture, and stunning architecture. Belfast has several top Northern Ireland attractions, from its bustling markets to its iconic landmarks.

For a taste of Belfast’s cultural scene, head to the Cathedral Quarter, where you’ll find art galleries, theatres, and live music venues. 

Belfast is also home to several stunning parks and gardens, including the Botanic Gardens and Cave Hill Country Park, a popular hiking destination. Another must-see attraction is the Crumlin Road Gaol, a Victorian-era prison converted into a museum. 

Don’t miss the stunning architecture, including the City Hall, a Victorian-era building that houses the city’s government offices. Don’t forget the Queen’s University Belfast, which features beautiful Gothic Revival architecture.

Brilliant Things to See & Do in Northern Ireland 

Stop and admire the dark hedges .

Northern Ireland’s Dark Hedges is a stunning natural phenomenon that has made it onto many a UK bucket list . No wonder this is one of the best places to visit in Northern Ireland.

The Stuart family planted this picturesque tree-lined road in the 18th century to impress visitors to their estate. The trees have twisted branches and a dense canopy creates a dark and eerie atmosphere. 

This unique landscape has made the Dark Hedges a popular filming location, featuring in the hit TV series Game of Thrones as the King’s Road.

Learn all about Whiskey at Bushmills Distillery 

Now, it wouldn’t be a trip to Northern Ireland without indulging in a little bit of whiskey, would it? Founded in 1784, Bushmills Distillery has produced some of the world’s finest. 

Situated in the picturesque town of Bushmills, County Antrim, the distillery offers a range of guided tours, tastings, and experiences.

During your visit, you’ll learn about the distillery’s history, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a beloved global brand. You’ll also get to see the entire whiskey-making process, from the barley’s malting to the whiskey-ageing step in oak casks. 

Of course, no visit to the Bushmills Distillery would be complete without sampling some of the award-winning whiskey for yourself. The gift shop offers a range of Bushmills-themed souvenirs, from glassware to apparel, and a selection of rare and limited-edition whiskeys. 

Visit the Ulster Museum

Looking for free things to do in Northern Ireland? The Ulster Museum inside the beautiful Botanic Gardens boasts a vast collection of over 8,000 works of art and 10,000 archaeological artefacts. Not to mention a variety of natural history exhibits.

One of the most impressive exhibits at the Ulster Museum is the Treasures of the Armada exhibition, with artefacts from the Spanish Armada shipwrecks off the coast of Ireland. 

Admission to the Ulster Museum is totally free, although donations are welcome. The museum is open seven days a week, and guided tours are available upon request. 

Drive the Causeway Coastal Route

So I’ve already touched on Giant’s Causeway, but the next attraction is a must . The Giants Causeway Coastal Route is one of the world’s most famous coastal routes, and it offers a chance to see Northern Ireland’s natural beauty up close. 

The drive can take anywhere from a day to several days, depending on how many stops you want to make (I say, make as many as you can – you’ll find hidden gems along the way).

The route stretches for approximately 120 miles along the country’s northern coast, taking in incredible natural landmarks. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming towns and villages, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.

See the Dunluce Castle 

Dunluce Castle is a mediaeval fortress located on the northern coast of Northern Ireland near Portrush. This striking ruin sits on a cliff edge, overlooking the turbulent sea below, making it a popular attraction for visitors to the region.

The castle has several buildings connected by a bridge spanning a 100-foot-deep chasm. You can explore the castle’s ruins, including the main gatehouse’s remains, kitchen, and servants’ quarters. 

The site is open year-round, but it’s best to check the opening times before planning your visit.

Enjoy the Beaches

You might not think it, but Northern Ireland boasts some stunning beaches – offering miles of golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking scenery to daring (and, most likely, freezing) visitors. 

Portrush Whiterocks is one of the country’s top shores and one of the best beaches in the UK . This long stretch of beach is home to impressive limestone cliffs forming part of the Causeway Coast.

There are many other beaches to see, and even if the weather isn’t quite “beach weather”, the Northern Ireland cliffs and dramatic shorelines are picture-perfect almost any time. 

Spend Some Time in Derry

Derry, also known as Londonderry, is a historic city on the banks of the River Foyle, surrounded by the rolling hills of County Derry. 

While you’re checking out the walls of Derry, it’s worth spending some time in the centre of town as it has SO much history. A walk around this city (the second-largest in the country) allows for abundant learning. 

Another highlight of Derry is St. Columb’s Cathedral, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This impressive cathedral, built in the 17th century, has served as a place of worship for the people of Derry for over 400 years. 

Brave the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Initially built by fishermen in the 18th century to access a prime salmon fishing spot, the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge is now a popular tourist attraction. You can access the bridge via a scenic coastal path that takes visitors past cliffs, caves, and stunning sea views.

Crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge — stretching 20 metres above the rocky coastline and connecting the mainland to the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede — is a thrilling experience. 

Expect breathtaking views of the surrounding coastline and the rugged cliffs below, but be aware that the bridge sways slightly in the wind. It’s a knee-wobbling experience.

Visit the Ulster American Folk Park

Time for something a little bit unusual, I think – Northern Ireland’s Ulster American Folk Park is set in beautiful parkland and home to various historical buildings and exhibitions, including a full-scale replica of an American street from the 1800s. 

Discover the important role that the Irish played in shaping American history, from their involvement in the American Civil War to their contributions to the growth of the country’s cities and industries.

Unique Things to Do in Northern Ireland: Hidden Gems Off The Beaten Track

Take a breather in tollymore forest park.

Tollymore Forest Park spans over 1,600 acres and offers diverse landscapes, including ancient woodland, rivers, and meadows.

This tranquil spot is also home to various wildlife, including red squirrels, otters, and kingfishers. History buffs will also appreciate the park’s traditional features, such as the stunning 18th-century Tollymore House and the Gothic-style Hermitage.

Hike in the Mourne Mountains

Looking to get your blood pumping in Northern Ireland? I’ve got you – head to the Mourne Mountains, where you’ll find plenty of hiking trails.

Though trails range from easy walks to challenging hikes, the most popular is the Slieve Donard Trail, which takes you to the highest peak in the range.

Another popular hike is the Hare’s Gap Trail, which leads you through a narrow mountain pass and offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. This trail is relatively easy, making it a great choice for beginners or those looking for a shorter hike.

Explore the Marble Arch Caves 

The Marble Arch Caves, located in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, is one of the country’s most unique and fascinating natural wonders.

The limestone that makes up these caves dates back over 330 million years; underground rivers carved out the caverns over thousands of years. You can take guided tours of the caves, which lead through a series of chambers and passages, some with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

Visit the Dunseverick Castle Ruins

Dunseverick Castle Ruins is a historic landmark on the north coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland. 

The castle was built in the 5th century by the Irish chieftain Donnchad mac Cinnfhaelaidh, though the Vikings later took it over in the 10th century.

Today, you can explore the remains of the castle ruins and learn about its rich history. The castle’s walls and towers still stand tall, despite centuries of wear and tear from the harsh weather conditions of the north coast. 

Witness the Many Wonders of the Glens of Antrim

Last (but certainly not least), one of my favourite destinations in NI. The Glens of Antrim are a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities, including hiking, fishing, cycling, and horseback riding. 

The Glens consist of nine distinct valleys, each with its own unique character and charm.

But I love this region so much for its several scenic hiking trails, including the Causeway Coast Way, which runs along the coast and offers stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean. There’s truly nowhere more beautiful to hike than in this beautiful green country.

Things to Do in Northern Ireland: Practical Tips for Your Trip

If you’re short on time, a weekend getaway can be enough to experience the country’s unique culture and history.  However, if you’re able, I recommend spending at least a week exploring the stunning countryside, vibrant cities, and charming towns. You’ll be able to find more of the unusual things to do in Northern Ireland as well. 

The best time to visit Northern Ireland is during the summer from June to August, when the weather is mild and the days are long. This is when the countryside is at its most vibrant, with green fields and blooming wildflowers. 

Where Should I Stay in Northern Ireland? 

Malmaison belfast (mid-range) .

Housed within a majestic Victorian warehouse, Malmaison B elfast is the city centre’s premier boutique hotel experience. 

Each of its lavish bedrooms features mood lighting, power showers, deluxe beds as well as satellite TV for extra style and comfort, while historic iron pillars or imposing stone gargoyles stand guard to lend an air of intrigue. 

Check Rates and Availability

The Culloden Estate & Spa (Luxury) 

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life at The Culloden Estate & Spa . This grand 5-star hotel is on 12 acres of gardens and woodland — a perfect retreat to relax your mind and body. 

If you need any more convincing, read my review of the hotel first. 

Recommended Tours in Northern Ireland

• From Belfast: Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones Day Tour
• Derry: Walled City Private Tour
• Private Tour, Belfast: More Than The Troubles Walking Tour
• Belfast Murals – Street Art Tour

Things to Do in Northern Ireland: Map

Planning a Northern Ireland Trip? Read Next

• The Perfect Weekend in Northern Ireland
• The Game of Thrones Filming Location Guide: Northern Ireland Edition
• Culloden Estate + Spa Review: A Stunning Weekend in Northern Ireland

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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Northern Ireland

An exploding food scene, hip cities and the stunning Causeway Coast: there's plenty to pull visitors to the North. When you cross from the Republic into Northern Ireland you'll notice a couple of changes: the road signs are in miles and the prices are in pounds sterling – you're in the UK. At the time of research, there was no border checkpoint and not even a sign to mark the crossing point.

Best Things to Do

Leave the planning to a local expert.

Experience the real Northern Ireland. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Titanic Belfast

The stunning, star-shaped Titanic Belfast is the city's number-one tourist draw. Standing majestically at the head of the slipway where the Titanic was…

Dunluce Castle

This medieval castle ruin is perched on top of a dramatic cliffside overlooking the glorious Causeway Coast.

Ulster American Folk Park

Counties Fermanagh & Tyrone

In the 18th and 19th centuries more than two million Ulster people left their homes to forge a new life across the Atlantic. Their story is told here at…

Giant’s Causeway

County Antrim

This spectacular rock formation – Northern Ireland's only Unesco World Heritage site – is one of Ireland's most impressive and atmospheric landscape…

Belfast's classical Renaissance-style City Hall was built in fine, white Portland stone in 1906. Highlights of the free, 45-minute guided tour include the…

Ulster Museum

You could spend hours browsing this state-of-the-art museum, but if you're pressed for time don't miss the Armada Room, with artefacts retrieved from the…

Crown Liquor Saloon

There are not many historical monuments that you can enjoy while savouring a pint of Guinness, but the National Trust's Crown Liquor Saloon is one of them…

Cave Hill Country Park

The view from the summit of Cave Hill (368m) takes in the whole sprawl of the city, the docks, Belfast Lough and the Mourne Mountains – on a clear day you…

Top picks from our travel experts

10 top things to do in mythical northern ireland.

Dark Hedges

Planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century as the formal entrance to their property, these shadowy, gnarled, entwined beech trees are now among…

Glenarm Castle & Walled Garden

Glens of Antrim

Since 1750, Glenarm has been the family seat of the McDonnell family, earls of Antrim; it's currently the home of Lord and Lady Dunluce. The castle itself…

People's Gallery Murals

Derry (Londonderry)

The 12 murals that decorate the gable ends of houses along Rossville St, near Free Derry Corner, are popularly referred to as the People's Gallery. They…

Castlewellan Forest Park

County Down

Castlewellan Forest Park offers gentle walks around the castle grounds, one of the world's largest hedge mazes, the Peace Maze (entry free), and, from…

Free Derry Corner

The Free Derry Corner, where the gable end of a house painted with the famous slogan 'You are Now Entering Free Derry' still stands, is all that remains…

Old Bushmills Distillery

Bushmills is the world's oldest licensed distillery, having been given permission to produce whiskey by King James I in 1608. The whiskey is made with…

Bloody Sunday Memorial

A simple granite obelisk that commemorates the 14 civilians who were shot dead by the British Army on Bloody Sunday, 30 January 1972.

Carrickfergus Castle

The central keep of Ireland's first and finest Norman fortress was built by John de Courcy soon after his 1177 invasion of Ulster. The massive walls of…

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

This 20m-long, 1m-wide bridge of wire rope spans the chasm between the sea cliffs and the little island of Carrick-a-Rede, swaying 30m above the rock…

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Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

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Feb 7, 2022 • 1 min read

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Northern Ireland and beyond

27 Best Things to Do in Northern Ireland

Written By: The Planet D

Northern Ireland

Updated On: June 21, 2023

Planning a trip to The Emerald Isle? We’ve rounded up our picks for the best things to do in Northern Ireland to help you out. You can squeeze a lot into a Northern Ireland Road Trip exploring everything from famous Game of Thrones Filming Locations to visiting incredible castles and enjoying the great outdoors. If Northern Ireland is on your bucket list, keep reading because we have rounded up all the best places to visit and top tourist attractions to put on your list.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is filled with beauty, friendly people, and heaps of history. There are so many places to visit in Northern Ireland, it will surprise you. The landscape changes before your eyes as you drive through the rolling coastline and the glens and plateaus that are so green and visit, you need to see it to believe it.

1. Drive The Causeway Coastal Route

The Causeway Coast spans from Belfast to London Derry with most of Northern Ireland’s most famous tourist attractions. It is considered one of the best road trips in the world , and we recommend taking your time to go for hikes, hop on the water for some boat tours, and to enjoy all of the amazing Northern Irish hospitality. Compare car rental prices for Northern Ireland here.

While there are many famous sites to see, it is also a stunning drive that is worth visiting just to get out of the car to take in the high sea cliffs and breathtaking coast.

2. Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Northern Ireland. In fact, probably in most of Europe! Is something really that spectacular and deserving of the status of owning that top honor? The answer is a resounding yes! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is spectacular.

The basalt columns leading out to the sea were perfectly formed by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. As the lava dried it created nearly perfect symmetrical hexagonal pillars in the form of a staircase. The Giants Causeway is one of the most extraordinary places to visit in the world at often at the top of many a bucket list by avid travelers, so it is not to be missed.

The Giant’s Causeway is Free to Visit, but you can also go inside the Visitor Centre which has interactive displays. There is also parking at the Visitor Centre.

If you don’t have time to explore both Ireland and Northern Ireland, this Giant’s Causeway tour from Dublin is a day tour that showcases the highlights of popular attractions in Northern Ireland including the Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, and some time in Belfast.

Legend of the Giant’s Causeway

The columns are so perfectly formed, that it is easy to believe the legend that the giant’s causeway was actually built by the Giant Finn McCool. Legend has it that Finn McCool built the Giant’s causeway to challenge the Scottish Giant Bennandoner who he was constantly bickering with.

It is an easy legend to believe because the 40,000 plus pillars resemble stone steps leading out over the sea. It’s so perfectly formed and beautifully crafted it makes it hard not to believe in the legend. We could easily imagine a bridge across the sea.

• Tip: Stay at the Causeway hotel to explore the stones in peace and quiet. All tour buses arrive at 10 am, but you can visit the centre from dawn to dusk. We explored at both sunrise and sunset and each time we shared the Giants Causeway with only two other people. Check reviews and rates on TripAdvisor

3. Game of Thrones at Linen Mill Studios

Now that the new Game of Thrones prequel is out, it’s time to revisit your favorite characters from the Game of Thrones. Lens Mills Studios is located just 30 minutes from Belfast and is the actual filming location of many epic scenes from the HBO Series. Walk through this incredible interactive museum created on the original sets of the Night’s Watch, Westeros and more. You’ll even be able to sit on the actual iron throne!

This was our favorite thing to do in Northern Ireland and even if you are not fans of the series, you’ll love this studio tour. See how the land of the seven kingdoms was created from artists’ sketches, to set designs, costumes and set pieces. Former actors from the series run the tours and tell you of their experience being in the epic battle scenes. Walk through the Hall of Faces, The Crypts of Winterfell, Kings Landing throne and map room. You will instantly be transported to the land of John Snow, Daenerys Targaryen and Tyrion Lannister.

4. Ballintoy Harbour

This quiet village is now famous for being featured in Game of Thrones when Theon Greyjoy landed in the harbor of his homeland the Iron Islands. However, this is really worth the stop regardless if you are GOT fan, to walk out to the coast and witness the fearsome waves crashing against the large rocks and jagged coast.

The switchbacks and winding roads leading to Ballintoy Harbour are too tight for tour buses to make the turns, therefore, you won’t see many package tours in Ballintoy Harbour and will. have it all to yourself.

It’s also one of the best things to do in Northern Ireland for free. Why? because not only can you tour where the Game of Thrones was filmed, you get to see giant waves crashing against the most incredible coast. Make sure to rent Game of Thrones before you visit Northern Ireland.

5. Dark Hedges

The Dark Hedges is a short stop near the Giants Causeway, but we would have to say that they are one of Northern Ireland’s is must-see attractions. This lane of 90 beech trees line a country road creating a canopy of twisting branches overhead. It is a magnificent thing to see. Read more about them at The Dark Hedges of Northern Ireland – Tips to Visit and What you Need to Know

Built in the 18th century by the Stuart family to impress visitors as they approached their home, the Dark Hedges have endured and have become one of the staple stops for anyone visiting Northern Ireland. They have been pruned in recent years so you will see a different view than what you are used to, but they are still worth visiting. Make sure to go early in the morning to beat the rush of tour buses.

We highly recommend renting a car while exploring Northern Ireland to have the freedom to visit its top attractions off-peak times. It is the best way to truly appreciate its beauty. The Dark Hedges is one of the most photographed sights in Northern Ireland, making it one of the top things to see in Northern Ireland so if you go during mid-day, you will be with a crowd of people.

6. Castle Ward

The immensely popular HBO series, Game of Thrones was filmed in Northern Ireland. Its main studio and production office was in Belfast and there are countless locations throughout the country that you’ll recognize from the show. These are a few highlights of where to experience Game of Thrones in Ireland.

You can’t visit Northern Ireland without seeing at least one Game of Thrones site at the entire grounds of Castle Ward lets you immerse in an interactive experience. We found ourselves acting out John Snow teaching Bran archery in Winterfell. There are 11 filming locations in total on the grounds of Castle Ward where you can see many scenes from the series.

• Visiting Castle Ward lets you re-enact moments from the Game of Thrones.
• Clearsky Adventures ran the location when the Game of Thrones was filmed there and they have many stories to tell of what happened during the months that the HBO Production was based here.

7. Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge

Once upon a time, fishermen walked across a precarious rope bridge to cross over to the island of Carrick a Rede to fish for salmon. It was a dangerous and difficult bridge to cross, but the salmon was plenty. Today there aren’t many salmon in the area, but the Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge has remained one of the most popular places to visit in Northern Ireland.

The Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge has been rebuilt and is an easy and safe cross, but some people found it to still be quite a thrill. If you aren’t afraid of heights, it’s not a very exciting walk. we didn’t care much for the bridge itself, but it was the views from the island that are worth the trip.

8. Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle is another great stop in Northern Ireland along the Coastal Route. It’s an ominous castle ruin overhanging on these cliffs and you can just imagine what life would’ve been like there when people were living there. Wandering the castle grounds lets you imagine what life was like in medieval times.

Dunluce Castle dates back to the 13th century and was built by the 2nd Earl of Ulster. It changed hands throughout the centuries and during the mid 16th century became the seat of the MacDonnell Clan. Its setting is extraordinary and it is no surprise that the Vikings were drawn to this area.

9. Marble Arch Caves Global GeoPark

The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, situated just outside Enniskillen, County Fermanagh is one of Europe’s finest show caves. The Marble Arch Caves are not exactly a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but they were named a UNESCO Global Geopark due to the world importance of their geology and landscapes.

You start by taking a very short underground boat ride to a path that takes you through the narrow passageways of the caves. There are rivers, waterfalls and stalactites, and stalagmites. It’s an easy walk so you don’t have to worry about dressing for the occasion. However, be prepared for a steep climb up 160 steps at the end of the tour. Visit their websit e for tours and admission details.

10. Old Bushmills Distillery

Ireland is known for its Irish whiskey and a trip to the country would not be complete without visiting a distillery. The tour of the Bushmills Distillery  is interesting, but you are not allowed to take any photos once inside. It was fun to see how the Whisky is prepared, but let’s be honest, it was tasting the spirits in the end that we all looked forward to.

Dave splurged and bought an expensive bottle of 16-year-old Bushmills Single Malt and I can guarantee that we’ll be reminiscing about the experience when we finally pop it open and have a taste over the holidays.

11. Torr Head Drive

If you take a detour off of the Causeway Coastal Route, you’ll discover a hidden gem known as Torr Head Drive. Located between Cushendun and Ballycastle, this route doesn’t see a lot of traffic because of its clinging cliffs and narrow roads. So the caravans tend to avoid this route. It offers a clear view of Scotland. As a matter a fact, it is the closest point to Scotland at only 12 miles apart!

While in the area, take a ferry to Rathlin Island to spend some time away from it all. It is the only inhabited island off shore of Northern Ireland with a population of only 150 people.

12. Speedboat to Europe’s Highest Tides

We took an amazing speedboat ride out to the harbor of Strangford Lough to see the neighboring villages and the thrilling whirlpools created by the highest tides in Europe mixing with the seas. The tides here are the highest and fastest tides in Europe and the water is moving at a fast speed. So fast, in fact, they are harnessing the tidal water for hydroelectric power.

It was crazy to take the boat over the tidal pools. You could see yourself approaching the scary-looking foamy pools and our driver cranked the steering wheel twirling us around and around. What a thrill! You can book your speedboat adventures through Clearsky Adventures

13. Enjoy Belfast

Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland and the city has gone through many changes. It is worth spending a couple of fo days exploring Belfast. There are plenty of things to do in Belfast, but be sure to spend some time in the pub for a real taste of Irish culture. One of our favorite places to visit is The Historic Crown Bar, Belfast’s most famous saloon! Read our full guide to visiting Belfast Best Things to do in Belfast, Northern Ireland

14. Black Taxi Tour of Belfast

The Black Cab political tours are an excellent way to learn about the history of Northern Ireland. Get in a taxi driven by a local driver who survived the troubles as he tells you about the Catholic and Protestant conflict. It takes you through the two neighborhoods where you’ll see the painted murals depicting pivotal moments in history at Shankhill road and the Clonard Martyrs Memorial Gardens at Falls Road that pays respect to the IRA volunteers who fought and lost their lives.

T his tour is a must when visiting Northern Ireland. Take this bucket list tour with an expert guide as you learn the story of “The Troubles” and events in Northern Ireland’s tumultuous history. You’ll discover the Belfast murals and go through the former conflict areas of The Falls and Shankill Road.

15. Titanic Belfast Museum

When making a list of things to do in Northern Ireland, don’t rule out visiting a museum. We’re not huge fans of museums, but the Titanic Belfast Museum is something special. It’s a fascinating display of artifacts from the ship with letters, clothing and even rooms re-created.

There are multimedia displays, virtual reality rooms and even live cameras from the team that discovered the Titanic showing the underwater salvaging and research they are doing today. The Titanic Belfast Museum has certainly become one of the top things to see in Belfast. Visit their website for the latest exhibits.

16. Crumlin Road Gaol

A self-guided tour of the Crumlin Road Gaol (Jail) takes you through the only remaining Victorian-era prison. Located in Belfast, The Crumlin Road Jail closed its doors in 1996. There is an underground tunnel that connects the jail to the courthouse across the street.

17. Carrickfergus Castle

The Carrickfergus Castle is located in County Antrim just outside of Belfast. The medieval castle is one of the best-preserved in Ireland and is a must-visit when in Belfast. Chances are you will stop at Carrickfergus Castle as nearly every tour from Belfast makes its first stop at the castle.

Surrounded on three sides by the sea sitting on a high outcrop Carrickfergus Castle remained a strategic location to defend Ireland for centuries. It was completed in 1242 and saw 800 years of military operations. It’s a lovely walk around the 12th-century castle to see the stone walls and ancient harbor.

18. Londonderry Murals

Take a walking tour through Derry with Derry Bogside tours for information and first hand accounts of the Blood Sunday conflict. See the murals dedicated to those who were killed as you retrace the footsteps of the day of the march that saw many civilians killed.

19. Walls of Londonderry

The Londonderry walls date back to the 17th century and is one of the best preserved walled cities in Europe. A walk along the high and wide walls and take a walking tour to learn about the sieges and conflicts of its past. You can book both tours with Bogside History Tours

20. Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

When I read about the Mussenden Temple I was really curious because you walk through remnants of an ancient settlement. Downhill House was once a grand Italian-inspired villa built by the Earl Bishop of Derry. It was devastated by fire in the 1800s but there are still remnants of its grandeur.

Once you pass through the Bishops Gate, follow a pather where you come to the end of a cliff where a very small stone temple stands more than 250 feet above the sea! The Bishop of Derry built the Mussenden Temple in 1785 as a summer library. I can imagine how peaceful it was to read books as the summer air swooped through the land.

Downhill Demense doesn’t take too much time to see but it’s an incredible scene to photograph. Other points of interest on the site include Lady Erne’s Seat, Downhill House, The Lion’s Gate, the Black Glen and the Mausoleum.

Note: To park at Downhill Demesne and Mussenden Temple, you must pay by phone, so make sure you have a data plan.

21. Portrush

Portrush is a beach community on the County Londonderry border, that is known as the capital of the Causeway Coast! It’s a great place to make a base. From here you can easily visit Whiterocks Beach located on the Causeway Coastal Route to take in the beautiful sandy beach flanked by limestone cliffs.

Known for its surfing and watersports, there is a boardwalk that will take you down from the parking lot.

22. Portrush Sea Tours at Portrush Harbour

Take a tour with Causeway SeaTour at Portrush Harbour to discover the stunning coastline from the sea. This tour goes out to a cluster of rocky islands known as the Skerries . YOu’ll see a lot during this tour such as Dunluce Castle. Portbalintrae, Runkerry house, Giant’s Causeway, Ballintoy, and Carrick-a-rede Rope bridge.

This is also a great way to visit Rathlin Island to do some hiking. Check out their website for bookings.

23. Ride a Horse on the Beach

One of our favorite things to do in Northern Ireland and Ireland is to go horseback riding. Horse culture is a huge part of Irish history and taking a ride is an amazing way to explore the countryside. We loved the ride that took us through the Irish countryside and then ended with a gallop along the beach. I can’t remember who we rode with, but Tourism Northern Ireland has a great list of stables here.

24. Glens of Antrim

Located in County Antrim, the Glens of Antrim are Northern Ireland’s most beautiful locations. Consisting of 9 valleys (glens), the Glens of Antrim is located in Country Antrim. They are an extraordinary landscape of green farmland and rolling hills. The Glens aren’t simply one place to visit they span all the way from Larne to Ballycastle so while you explore many of the attractions in Northern Ireland, you’ll be right in the middle of the Glens of Antrim.

The Nine Glens of Antrim span an area of 50 square km and consist of:

• Glenarm (valley of the army), Glenariff Forest Park (valley of the ploughmen), Glencloy (valley of the dykes), Glenaan (valley of the fords), Glencorp (valley of the dead or bodies), Glendun (the brown valley), Glenballyemon, Glentaisie (namesake of Princess Taisie of Rathlin Island), Glenshesk (valley of the sedge)

There are beautiful lookouts that you can drive to and there are plenty of hiking trails. If you have time, getting out into the Irish countryside is a must!

25. Glenarriff Forest Park

Known for its waterfall walks, Glenarriff Forest is located in Glenarrif, one of the nine Glens of Antrim. It is known as the Queen of the Glens and is a wonderful place to spend some time outdoors. This conservation area spans 1000 hectares with walking trails, horseback riding and viewpoints. It is also a great place to spy wildlife. There is a boardwalk that has been reconstructed through the river gorge and the glen. When you are finished stop in at the teahouse.

26. Hiking in the Mourne Mountains

The Mourne Mountains are home to Northern Ireland’s highest peak, Slieve Donard. The Mourne Mountains are also the premier place in Northern Ireland for rock climbing. You can also ride the Mourne Mountain Cycling Route if you are ready to tackle an epic climb. We saw a lot of cyclists on the roads of Northern Ireland during our road trip.

For more information on outdoor activities at the Mourne Mountains, visit the Northern Ireland Tourism Website here.

26. Ulster American Folk Park

And finally, Ireland has become popular for North Americans to retrace their roots and heritage to see where their ancestors have come from. Ulster American Folk Park and Folk Museum is dedicated to the Irish who made the journey across the Atlantic seeking a new life. We traced our heritage to Ireland and it was one of the best travel experiences we’ve ever done. For more information and tickets visit their website here.

27. Watermill Lodge

This article is called The Best Things to do in Northern Ireland and we feel it wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the best meal we had in the country. The Watermill Lodge in Lough Erne was hands down the best meal we’ve had in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. We really felt the Northern Irish hospitality in this cozy restaurant.

The Watermill Lodge is a Michelin-rated restaurant and we can understand why. The food was exquisite and the atmosphere was quiet and romantic. I know you’ll find this strange, but it’s a French fine dining restaurant with an incredible menu designed by Chef  Pascal Brissaud.

We had a delicious meal with a wine pairing recommended by our well-informed server. Everything he suggested went beautifully with our set menu £25. Even the wines were reasonably priced. Book your stay at the Watermill Lodge here.

Getting Around Northern Ireland

Renting a car is a perfect way to explore all there is to see and do in Northern Ireland.

You can also book a tour of Northern Ireland with Vagabond Tours who we used on one of our trips and had a hoot! Get Your Guide , also offers tours of Northern Ireland with easy cancellation and last-minute bookings.

Where to Stay in Northern Ireland

Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is one of Northern Ireland’s most luxurious resorts. It is located on the beach on one side and Royal County Down Golf Links on the other. It’s a great place to start exploring the Northeastern Coast.

Ballygally Castle Hotel is located on Causeway Coastal Route, Ballygally Castle, a 17th Century Castle overlooking Ballygally Bay. Ballygally Castle Hotel is a great base for exploring the Causeway Coast.

Causeway Hotel – We loved staying here because it was so close to Giant’s Causeway. We could walk down at sunrise and at sunset avoiding all the tour buses and crowds.

Watermill Lodge – Besides eating at Watermill Lodge, we also stayed overnight. Located on Lough Erne, it is a wonderful and luxurious country retreat.

An Old Rectory Guesthouse was originally a Church of Ireland rectory. It was built in 1896 to house the rector of St John’s, Malone. The Victorian-era property is situated in South Belfast, close to all transport links and onsite parking.

Fast Facts About Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is small a small land, with a population of only 1.8 million people and an area of only 14,130 km². (Canada is 9.9 million square km). But it packs a huge punch!

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and is separate from the Republic of Ireland.

On May 3, 1921, Ireland was split in two after the Irish War of Independence, where all but six counties gained independence from Britain.

The six counties of NI have been a part of the UK ever since. And it is a fascinating place to visit as Northern Ireland has its own distinct identity from both Britain and Ireland.

And there you have it, that’s our suggestions for the best things to do Northern Ireland by Dave and Deb. Do you have a favorite site to see in the country?

Get More Northern Ireland Travel advice

• The Legend of the Giant’s Causeway – Do You Believe?
• The Dark Hedges of Northern Ireland – Tips to Visit and What you Need to Know
• A Game of Thrones Tour of Northern Ireland
• 25 of The Best Road Trips in the World – That We’ve Taken
• Northern Ireland Travel Guide

For Ireland you may enjoy these articles

• 28 of the Best Things to do in Dublin
• A Tour of Skellig Michael – How to Visit the Beehive Monasteries of Ireland
• Cliffs of Moher – Tips for Visiting This Wonder of Ireland
• The Best Things to do in Cork, Ireland
• 27 Photos that will make you want to Discover Ireland Right Now

For more information on visiting Northern Ireland check out Ireland Tourism Canada.

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

How To Visit the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland

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About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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16 thoughts on “27 Best Things to Do in Northern Ireland”

Thanks for that great guide 🙂

I love traveling this post is very exciting for me. I’m getting excited to visit Ireland. Thanks Lots of information.

Thank you for sharing this amazing information with the best pics. GLENGARRIFF FOREST PARK is one of the best things that I liked in this blog. now I will take a trip to northern ireland.

Such a great guide for all things Ireland!

Wonderful blog. Amazing things to do in Ireland. I am in love with all these beautiful photographs. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

This was a great mix of things to do and places to stop. When we travel (pre-Covid), we’re usually in a multigenerational family group. Keeping everyone happy means that we need a choice of activities for any location. I’d really like to get out on the water and take some of those tours, but I’m always worried about getting sea sick. How were the Portrush Sea tours in that regard?

This is such a great guide! Thanks for sharing!

Northern Ireland is still part of the EU. And there is a “Welcome to Northern Ireland” sign at the border.

Never been to Ireland. Part of my heritage lies in County Cort. I hope someday I will be able to visit there.

The Mourne mountains are beautiful too.

Here’s one angle: http://www.martinspencephotography.co.uk/product/mourne-sunrise/

Thanks! We didn’t make it to the Mourne mountains. Ireland is full of so many amazing places.

Nice Pics…..Been to Belfast but did not visit this places. Surely need a return visit.

I’m so glad you enjoyed the Wild Atlantic Way. I’m from Southern Ireland and it’s lovely to see such a positive reaction to the drive. You really have highlighted the best of Northern Ireland as well, great list!

The Giant’s Causeway is one of my favourite things ever. My dad and I only had a day and a half in Northern Ireland but we’d both love to go back and explore more. So many people still think it’s a dangerous place to travel but I love showing people otherwise.

These all are amazing things to do! Love the natural wonder photos of the Giant’s Causeway and the Dark Hedges! Thanks for sharing!

Great intro to an awesome travel destination, Ireland is at the top of my travel wishlist. Looking forward to visit it some day.

68 Of the Best Tourist Attractions in Northern Ireland

Visiting Northern Ireland and looking for something to do beyond Belfast; or want to take some day trips from  Belfast ? There is so much to see and do outside of the City limits and beyond the magnificent  Causeway Coastal Route  but most visitors don’t take the time to visit all of Northern Ireland.

There are many things to do in Northern Ireland and if you have been here before and are hoping to see more of the North past the Giant’s Causeway,  Game of Thrones sites  and the  Carrick-a-rede  rope bridge the areas outside of Belfast are well worth taking a look at. A major tourist attraction in Northern Ireland is of course the Titanic Exhibition, but there are many places to go in Northern Ireland and many are off the beaten path of tourism for example you can explore the Ulster Scots history and legacy. Here are 60-day trips you can take from Belfast.

• Things to do in Belfast

In Belfast itself, there is a lot to see, visit the Titanic Visitors Experience, hit up the fabulous shopping districts of the Victoria Centre or the bustling city centre shopping street, book your  Game of Thrones tour,  take a  famous black cab tour of the Belfast murals or a Belfast city sightseeing tour .

There are many tours and day trips from Belfast as tourism in Northern Ireland has grown substantially in the last 20 years from castles to nature walks, and neolithic sites there are so many unique things to do in Northern Ireland you will be spoiled for choice.

• Northern Ireland Map

• Northern Ireland Tourist Attractions Map

Top rated tourist attractions in Northern Ireland

Landmarks in northern ireland, belfast – crumlin road gaol, titanic belfast, enniskillen castle, carrickfergus castle, kirkistown castle, dunluce castle, dundrum castle, belle isle castle, crom castle, narrow water castle, ballygally castle, helen’s tower , killyleagh castle, the barbican gatelodge, ulster american folk park, the ulster folk & transport museum, creggandevesky, legananny dolmen, ballylumford & ballykeel dolmens, giant’s ring, beaghmore stone circles, lisburn linen museum, dark hedges, tollymore forest park, castle ward – winterfell, cushendun caves, ballintoy harbour – the iron islands, glens of antrim, glenariff forest park, the mourne wall, slieve gullion, slieve gullion forest park, the gobbins, strangford lough, the barnes gap, slieve gallion, marble arch caves geopark, carnmore viewpoint & slieve beagh hills, maghery country park, lough neagh, cranfield church, stairway to heaven, giant’s causeway, carrick-a-rede rope bridge, mussenden temple, bonamargy friary, rathlin island, old bushmills distillery, walk the ancient walls of derry, view the derry girls mural, visit the derry murals and bloody sunday memorial, walk across the peace bridge.

Xyuandbeyond is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission . You can read my privacy policy here.

If you don’t rent a car and want to tour Northern Ireland personally, one of my favourite and highly recommended tour companies is  Wild Rover Tours . The company does tours from both Dublin and Belfast along with private tours designed to your schedule and bucket-list sites.

If you are travelling with kids and looking for things to do in Northern Ireland you will find plenty of things to keep them occupied from castle ruins to heritage sites like the  Giant’s Causeway  and outdoor activities from farm visits to adventure centres.

68 Things to Do in Northern Ireland

There are probably hundreds of castle ruins many of which are haunted in Northern Ireland and if you rent a car and drive around the countryside you are bound to stumble across ones that you never heard of. Stop and take in the sights and sounds of these ruined castles and hauntingly beautiful sites you won’t be sorry.

One of the top tourist attractions in Belfast is the Crumlin Road Gaol. In 1996 the Crumlin Road Gaol finally closed its infamous doors. These days a guided tour of the Gaol will cost around £9.00 for an online ticket. You will take a guided tour and hear the entire miserable history of the site. Dating to its early days in the 1800’s up to the days in the 90s when the prison contained both Republican and Loyalists prisoners.

One of the places to see in Belfast is the Titanic Museum and it is considered one of the must-see attractions in Belfast. I am not a Titanic fan per se so I really didn’t bother to go and see the Titanic Experience although I hear it is just amazing. Having said that I understand that the interactive displays and exhibits are not something that interest me. What fascinated me was the fabulous Afternoon Tea held on Sundays in a replica of the Titanic’s grand Salon including that amazing staircase.

Belfast Castle

One of the best places in Belfast for a view of the city is from Cave Hill, a basaltic hill overlooking the city and where Belfast Castle is located in the Cave Hill area of north Belfast. It was built in the 1860s and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The location of the castle is named after the five caves located on the side of the cliffs. Cave Hill’s most famous feature is called Napoleon’s Nose, and it is believed to have been the inspiration for Jonathan Swift’s novel, Gulliver’s Travels.

Entrance to the grounds and the castle are free and you can wander around at your leisure – take a camera the views are stunning. The park is home to the Cave Hill Adventurous Playground, archaeological sites, eco-trails, walking and orienteering routes.

Enniskillen situated beside the River Erne in County Fermanagh was built almost 600 years ago by the ruling Gaelic Maguires. Guarding one of the few passes into Ulster, it has been strategically important throughout its history. Today, the  historic site  houses two museums, Fermanagh County Museum and The Enniskillen Museum .

Carrickfergus is a Norman castle in Northern Ireland, set in the town of Carrickfergus in County Antrim, on the northern shore of Belfast Lough. Besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French, the castle played an important military role until 1928 and remains one of the best-preserved medieval structures in Ireland. You can wander the grounds and climb the tower and it’s an interesting castle to visit. 

It is believed that Kirkistown Castle was built by Roland Savage of Ballygalget in or around 1622 and it is debated whether or not there was a castle on the site, on which he built his domain on.

The castle consists of a three-storey tower house within the remains of a bawn (fortified enclosed space) and a later barn. Because the castle was built upon a marsh in the late 19th century buttresses and two iron braces were added to prevent the walls from shifting. The tower was extensively remodelled in a neo-gothic style in the early 19th century.

Dunluce  Castle clings to the side of a cliff on the Causeway Coastal Route of Northern Ireland. The castle kitchens collapsed from the rest of the building taking the entire kitchen and servants with it. Their screams are said to be heard on foggy stormy days. This is a really evocative site as it rises up when you go round the Causeway bend in the road.

Castle ruins in Ireland

Believed to have been built in or around 1177, Dundrum Castle was built by John De Courcy as part of his coastal defence after he invaded Ulster. Dundrum Castle is located on a wooded hill northwest of Dundrum village near Newcastle. It controls access to Lecale and dominates Dundrum Bay. Its main purpose was to control the land routes from Drogheda to Downpatrick.

Castle hotels in Northern Ireland

Fancy  staying in a castle  in Northern Ireland for a night or two? Well, anything is possible and here are some of the loveliest castles to stay in when you visit Northern Ireland.

Originally called Ballymacmanus, Belle Isle Castle in County Fermanagh was once home to the old MacManus and Maguire families, and later the residence of generations of nobles. It has been inhabited since the 12th century. Now, extensively refurbished, you can stay in the castle, coach house and a variety of Belle Isle cottages.

The stunning Belle Isle is nestled on the grounds of Belle Isle Estate. Rooms are tastefully decorated in a style that bears all the characteristics of a majestic stately home. The Estate has been designated a Special Area of Conservation and the award-winning castle is a stunning 17th-century country house offering lake views.

Stay at Belle Isle Castle

Crom is a romantic nineteenth-century Victorian castle set in a 1900-acre estate and one of Northern Ireland’s most important conservation areas. The stunning castle estate, overlooking the waters of Lough Erne, is surrounded by acres of parkland and its West Wing is available for guests on a self-catering basis.

A privately-owned home, Narrow Water Castle is a luxurious self-catering property located in Warrenpoint, Co. Down. Dating back to the fifteenth century, the Elizabethan revival style castle was built next to the existing home, Mount Hall (1680) and completed in 1836. The self-catering apartment is in the original hub of the castle (Mount Hall).

Book a stay at Narrow Water Castle

Only 26 miles from Belfast and set on the spectacular Causeway Coast Ballygally Castle faces the sandy beaches of Ballygally Bay. The hotel has a host of amenities and a  Door of Tours  carved door from the Dark Hedges along with its resident ghost.

The Ghost of Ballygally has been around for the best part of 400 years. Locals believe that the ghost is that of Lady Isabella Shaw, wife of Lord James Shaw.

Book a stay at Ballygally Castle

Helen’s Tower is hidden on the edge of a winding lane on a beautiful hillside in County Down. It is a 3 storey, stone tower with accommodation for two guests for that perfect romantic getaway.

Built in the 12th century by Norman knight, John de Courcy, Killyleagh Castle is the oldest inhabited castle in Ireland today. It is located outside Belfast in the County Down area. It is a unique self-catering hotel where the two towers have been converted into self-contained apartments for short-term rentals. Guests can have the use of tennis courts and a swimming pool as well as the rooftop patio. The towers can sleep up to 15 people and offer modern facilities including central heating.

Along the Causeway Coastal route, this charming gate lodge sits on the end of a stone bridge over the Glenarm River. The Barbican Gatelodge comes complete with Gothic windows and a stone turret staircase.  For a special view, head up to the roof garden in the early evening for some spectacular views of the coastline.

This self-catering accommodation is the perfect romantic hideaway and the ideal starting point for taking a road trip to discover the drama of the Causeway Coast. You can also visit the stunning gardens of Glenarm Castle and Estate.

Book a stay at the Barbican Gatelodge

Folk Museums in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has a history that goes back thousands of years and archaeologists are constantly finding new wonders and updating information on our prehistoric and recent past. These two living Museums in Northern Ireland are fascinating places to wander and experience the past up close and personal.

The  Ulster American Folk Village  is found on the outskirts of Omagh near the Donegal border. It contains the story of the emigrants who made the journey across the dangerous Atlantic to make a new home in America hundreds of years ago.

You can wander through the thatched cottages, log cabins and meet the characters who will demonstrate traditional crafts, tell a few Irish tales. Follow the path to the full-scale replica of the ships that brought the emigrants to America and then pass through the ship into the new world.

From post offices to shops, the village contains over 30 buildings and exhibits to explore and immerse yourself in the Irish experience.

Another brilliant folk museum is located on the Eastern side of N. Ireland near Cultra around 25 minutes outside Belfast. The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum include both a folk museum where you can experience what life was like in N. Ireland over 100 years ago with costumed guides and hands-on displays.

The Transport Museum has one of the most comprehensive transport collections in Europe. The collections include horse-drawn carriages, vintage cars, motorcycles, and some amazing steam trains.

Neolithic Sites in Northern Ireland

Court tombs or ‘horned cairns’ are the most common Neolithic structures in the north of Ireland. The court tom b at Creggandevesky, near Carrickmore in Co Tyrone, is one of the most impressive. Probably in use around 3500 BC, the Creggandevesky court tomb was excavated from the bog in the 1980s. Cremated bones and grave goods were found in the interior chambers and 11 other court tombs have been discovered within a 10-mile radius of this site.

There are more than 150 tombs or dolmens in Northern Ireland. The Legananny dolmen stands on the slopes of Slieve Croob in Co Down is another impressive site. Three upright stones support a large capstone, beneath which would probably have rested the skeletal remains of one or more people. Originally, a stone cairn would have covered the Neolithic tomb, but few traces of this remain.

Other portal tombs include the Ballylumford Dolmen in Islandmagee, Co Antrim and the Ballykeel dolmen in Co Armagh. Elsewhere in Co Down, there are dolmens at Annadorn, Goward and Kilfeaghan.

On the southern outskirts of Belfast, the Giant’s Ring is a vast circular enclosure known as a  ‘henge monument’ . This structure encloses the remains of a passage tomb.

Probably dating from around 2000BC the site’s social or ritual function is unclear, but excavations and aerial photography show that the Giant’s Ring is part of a complex landscape of tombs, standing stones and other circular enclosures in the area.

Near Cookstown in Co Tyrone, the Beaghmore  stone circle s were excavated from a blanket bog in 1965. This site is a complicated arrangement of Cairns, rows of stones and stone circles. These remains seem to be orientated towards the midsummer sunrise.

The most important and impressive of Ireland’s ancient monuments, Navan Fort is identified with Eamhain Mhacha, the capital of ancient Ireland . A few miles west of the historic city of Armagh. It is believed that the ditch and bank surrounding the fort was built in the late Neolithic period whilst the larger mound within the henge has been used as a protective “fort” in later years.

12 Ancient Ring forts in Ireland to visit

Places to see in Northern Ireland

The Lisburn Linen Museum’s goal is to collect and interpret artefacts from the Irish Linen industry. The exhibit from  ‘Flax to Fabric: the Story of Irish Linen’ . Trace the  history of linen  production in Ulster, from the earliest times to the present. You can see samples of the earliest linen production in N. Ireland and trace the history of this fascinating fabric.

There are free guided tours and demonstrations of the weaving of linen that are incredibly informative.

Game of Thrones Sites

Northern Ireland’s most famous for the Game of Thrones filming sites. There are over 31 filming sites for  Game of Thrones  in Northern Ireland and most can be visited either with an organized tour or it’s pretty easy to self-drive and see the particular sites you want to see. 

Game of Thrones has changed Northern Ireland irrevocably for the good, bringing in hundreds of thousands of tourists a year you can get pretty bogged down at these sites in season.

I would recommend if you want to do a GOT inspired Tour in N. Ireland try April to May and Sept to October once school is back in many of the tourist sites calm down a lot. These are a mere handful of the Game of Thrones tourist attractions in Northern Ireland

One of the most visited places in Northern Ireland is of course the Dark Hedges. Visiting The Dark Hedges or rather The Kings Road is a must. They are located in Ballymoney near Armoy. Tucked into the Bregagh road the ancient beech trees were planted by the Stuart’s in the 18th century. The hedges were used for the scene of Arya Stark’s escape from King’s Landing on the orders of King Joffrey.

Tollymore comprises over 600 hectares of forest from ancient redwoods, gothic stone arches and the remains of an 18th-century estate. If you can find your way to the Altavaddy Bridge this is where the dire wolves clearing can be found. Stroll along the river and you will see the deep hole where the Night’s Watchman Will comes upon the village where everyone has been killed by the White Walkers.

Inch Abbey is the remains of a Cistercian Abbey that were founded in 1180 by John de Courcy. There are lovely views towards the Cathedral town of Downpatrick and it is set beside the River Quoile. The Abbey was used as Robb Starks camp Riverrun.

The real-life Winterfell is at Castle Ward in County Down, Northern Ireland. Aside from hosting Game of Thrones tours, it’s a beautiful National Trust property on the shores of Strangford Lough, with an 18th-century stately home and acres of landscaped gardens to explore.

Castle Ward is a unique demesne of over 800 acres with a manor house that has two facades the first one, which faces the main road, is done in a classic Palladian style and the other side is completely gothic with pointed windows, finials and battlements.

The Game of Thrones scene where the shadow baby was born takes place here. This is where Davos Seaworth, on the orders of Lord Stannis, takes the sorceress Melisandre ashore to give birth to the murdering shadow.

Ballintoy is a village on the coast of Co Antrim with a small fishing harbour located at the end of a narrow, steep road down Knocksaughey hill. It features in season two of Game of Thrones when Theon Greyjoy returns home to Lordsport Harbour. It was also used as the location of Pyke, one of the eight major Iron Islands.

For me personally one of the best things to do in Antrim Ireland is to visit the  Glens of Antrim  these are some of the most beautiful places in the world and the drives will mesmerize you from start to finish. There are 9 Glens of Antrim, each and every one with its own story and its own type of beauty.

Each of the Nine Glens has its own ancient story but the Queen of the Glens is Glenariff Forest Park with its ladder farms, grazing sheep and rushing waterfalls.

Glenariff, the Queen of the Glens, is one of the nine Antrim Glens in Northern Ireland. Glenariff Forest Park covers over 1,000 hectares with planted woodland, lakes, a stunning waterfall , outdoor recreation spaces and conservation areas.

Due to the richness and diversity of these plants, part of the Glenariff Glen has been designated as a National Nature Reserve. The wooden boardwalk that winds through the glen and alongside the river gorge was first built about 100 years ago and has been carefully reconstructed to provide a spectacular walk.

Mourne Mountains

The Mourne Mountains are the highest and most dramatic mountain range in Northern Ireland. Crossed and re-crossed by a phenomenal network of paths and tracks and voted the Best Walking Destination in Northern Ireland by WalkNI. The Mournes are divided into 2 very distinctive areas – the Eastern or ‘High’ Mournes and the Western or ‘Low’ Mournes, each with its own distinctive hike or walking routes.

The Wall which is now a famous landmark running through the mountains was finished in 1922 after 18 years of work. The stonewall which stands up to feet high and 3 feet wide was originally built to keep cattle and sheep out of the water in the Silent Valley reservoir.

During the 18th and 19th Centuries illegal cargo ships, stocked full of tobacco, wine, spirits, leather, silk and spices docked at the foot of the Mournes in Newcastle. Smugglers then loaded up donkeys and ponies and trekked through the Mourne Mountains to Hilltown. Trade was so popular and the route so widely used that the hooves of the heavily laden ponies soon created a track. The track stills exist and today is known as the “Brandy Pad” route.

The Slieve Gullion Scenic Drive runs through 10 acres of woodland and mountain heath, which turns the mountains a luminous purple in the summer months. There is a marked trail, which leads from the scenic drive up to the ancient passage tombs on the south summit of Slieve Gullion and a Bronze Age tomb on the north side of the Mountain. Plenty of places to rest grab a great coffee or tea and just enjoy the beauty of these mountains.

Slieve Gullion Forest Park offers the opportunity to experience tranquil woodland trails, stunning views across the Ring of Gullion, Mourne Mountains, Cooley Peninsula and Armagh Drumlins and top-class facilities for walkers and families.

Play in the Adventure Play Park; explore the Giant’s Lair in the wonderful Hawthorn Hill Forest Nature Reserve and woodland trails, or take a turn in the ornamental walled garden, where you will find picnic benches, an outdoor performance stage, an alfresco coffee bar (open in the summer) and a wildlife pond with covered seating areas.

The Gobbins experience is not for the faint-hearted or unfit and if you are mobility challenged you won’t be able to do this walk. Proper gear is required and safety helmets are required and supplied. You must be wearing good solid hiking boots and rugged outdoor clothing it can get very cold with the winds and the waves out there.

If you can’t climb 50 stairs, you can’t do the Gobbins. It’s a narrow path hugging the cliff face that takes you around the Gobbins. Staring into the North Channel, taking in hidden tunnels and caves that were once home to smugglers and pirates the Gobbins is immensely challenging.

Take a beautiful ferry ride across Strangford Lough to the Republic of Ireland. You can stop at the Cuan on the Northern Irish side to enjoy a fine meal and view some GOT costumes and props.

Sperrin Mountains

The Sperrins are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and one of the country’s largest upland areas. The Sperrin Mountains are Northern Ireland’s most extensive mountain range and can be found along the border of counties Tyrone and Derry The Sperrins span over 40 miles, and they are described in National Geographic’s. List of the world’s 101 scenic drives. The Sperrins are wild, untouched and raw and there are four scenic driving routes through, around and over the Mountains to be enjoyed.

The Gap is situated on the Central Sperrins Driving Route; the glaciers driving through the mountains caused this deep groove in the ridge of hills lying to the south of Glenelly Valley. You can follow in the footsteps of St Patrick at the Barnes Gap.

Is located on the South Sperrins Route to the west of Omagh, this popular viewpoint and picnic area offer some fantastic views of surrounding hills such as Bessy Bell, and further afield.

Is just off the East Sperrins Route near Moneymore, this mountain lies at the eastern edge of the Sperrins with a road leading much of the way to the top. Take in the stunning views over Lough Neagh, the Sperrins, Antrim Hills and the Mourne Mountains.

Dominated by the twin lakes of Upper and Lower Lough Erne, Fermanagh has some of the most scenic forest drives including the  Lough Navar Forest  across the lower expanse of Lough Erne.

The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, situated just outside Enniskillen, County Fermanagh is one of Europe’s finest show caves. The Marble Arch Caves are not exactly a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but they were named a UNESCO Global Geopark due to the world importance of their geology and landscapes. If you are a Game of Thrones Fan you will recognise the cave which was which was home to the rebels that captured Arya.

Check out Carnmore Viewpoint, which is, located in the Slieve Beagh hills with outstanding views of the countryside’s drumlins and small loughs and you can rest in the stone chair.

While in Fermanagh check out the Maghery Country Park, which you will find, tucked away in the S.W. corner of the lough, Located in the village of Maghery, on the shores of Lough Neagh. The park covers thirty acres, includes five kilometres of woodland walks and picnic areas, and is used for bird watching, fishing, and walking.

The park is located on both the River Blackwater and Lough Neagh Canoe Trails with jetties on site. You can visit and take in some beautiful northern Irish countryside, then you might want to spend the day exploring the area of lough Neagh. Touching five of Northern  Ireland’s six counties , Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles and boasts a variety of attractions and some great, unspoilt scenery.

The park has some great views of the shoreline and out to Coney Island. Visit Cranfield Church and Holy Well, which is located in a secluded location on the northern shore of Lough Neagh, the medieval church, occupies a picturesque setting overlooking the shore.

Another absolute must-see in Fermanagh is the  Stairway to Heaven  one of the best walking spots in N. Ireland. The boardwalk raises up to the sky when standing at the beginning of it and so it got its name.  

Boa Island  is located in Lower Lough Erne which is in Fermanagh. Lough Erne is located in the north-west corner of Ireland. The Lough is made up of 2 large lakes with Enniskillen sitting on an island that separates the upper and a lower lough that runs into the sea in  Donegal  through Ballyshannon.

Within the lake are several beautiful and mysterious islands including Boa Island,  Lusty Beg, Lusty More, Devenish and White Island.

The  Janus Stone on Boa Island  predates Christianity and it is believed that it goes far back in time to pagan  Ireland . The stone itself is over 2000 years old and is one of the most famous carved stones in Ireland today.

Causeway Coast  

The Causeway route begins in Belfast and ends in Derry (London/Derry) and covers over 120 miles or 190 km of the North Coast of Ireland. There are over 50 stops along the Causeway Coastal route and that isn’t the least of the scenic views and points of interest.

Many of these stops were and are being used in the HBO Game of Thrones series. When you travel the route, you will see small plaques with the information as to what scene was filmed in that location. You can if you want do your very own self-guided GOT tour or take one of the many tours out of Belfast or Dublin .

When you visit Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage site the unique natural wonder of the Giant’s Causeway you can see pictured in your mind’s eye the Giant Finn Mccool striding those basalt cliffs and columns determined to finish that bridge to Scotland and best Bennandonner. This is one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders on the Causeway Coastal Rout e.

Don’t pay to use the Visitor’s Centre at the Giant’s Causeway as it only really covers parking and the Causeway is free to enter.

One of the top things to do for tourists visiting Ireland is to walk the rope bridge. The bridge itself is a crossing between N. Ireland to the Island of  Carrick-a-Rede . It is made of planks, wire, rope and netting suspended 100 feet in the air and crossed 60 across the water to the Island. The rope bridge is maintained and managed by the  National Trust  which ensures that the bridge is safe to cross.

Mussenden Temple  is located in the beautiful surroundings of Downhill Demesne near Castlerock in County  Londonderry . It perches dramatically on a 120 ft cliff top, high above the Atlantic Ocean on the north-western coast of Northern Ireland, offering spectacular views westwards over Downhill Strand towards Magilligan Point and County Donegal and to the east Castlerock beach towards Portstewart, Portrush and Fair Head.

Standing on the cliffs at Fair Head and looking off to the west you can see the Republic whose lands in Donegal push further north than any other Irish county. Narrow lanes fenced by stone hand laid and locked into place with consummate skill.  Mile-long puzzle pieces pulled from a land that couldn’t feed its own anything more than this. The Causeway Coastal Route will make poets out of all of us.

Rain rinsed skies meet a magical coastline as you move east into Torr Head and the Glens. Torr Head looks directly across the Irish Sea to the Mull of Kintyre.  The tides of Torr Head are lethal but often it was easier to dare the crossing to Scotland as the valleys and mountains of the Glens behind were more treacherous than the tides. Follow the Torr road directly to Ballycastle.

Just outside Ballycastle on the Whitepark Road lies the ruin of Bonamargy Friary, which is famous for its “Black Nun”. The nun wished to be buried at the entranceway of the chapel so that “she might be trodden under the feet of all who entered”. Her grave is marked by a round holed cross the only one of its kind in Ireland.

An island whose ancient history stretches back in time hundreds of years  Rathlin Island  has played its part in the legends of Robert the Bruce of Scotland, the massacre of Sorley Boy’s family and Viking raids. Its waters harbour shipwrecks from World War II and WWI and over 40 wrecks were lost to the cold deeps of the Sea of Moyle. Rathlin Island is where you need to go to see  puffins .

Bushmills Village is, of course, the home of Bushmills the world-famous Irish whiskey . You can’t come to the Causeway Coast and not take a tour of the Village and the distillery.

Londonderry/Derry

For me one of the best places to visit is Londonderry. Visiting Derry  or Londonderry Ireland (Northern) as it’s “officially” known is something I do quite often. Londonderry is often overlooked and extremely underrated for folks visiting Ireland and yet it is one of my favourite cities in the country. Drop by the Visitor Centre where you can find information on all the tours of Derry, the Hop on Hop Off buses, Derry history and so much more.

Derry is the second biggest city in Northern Ireland borders  Donegal  and has close ties to the County. Its name Derry comes from the Irish word Daire which means oak forest. Derry is the only remaining intact walled city in Ireland. The old City which is walled is on the west bank of the Foyle River and is spanned by two bridges for vehicles and the pedestrian bridge named the Peace Bridge.

There is a lot to see and do in Londonderry the city holds a lot of history from the ancient oak forests that were plundered by the British to the Troubles and Civil Rights marches.  

Derry City centre is surrounded by ancient walls that were completed in 1619. The Derry Walls are 8 metres high and 9 metres thick. These are the only walls in Ireland to survive virtually intact today. The walk around the walls is approximately 1.5 kilometres long.

A worldwide hit TV series Derry Girls this sitcom has been an inspiration for a new generation of Irish folks that grew up during the Troubles. The reality of British Army checkpoints, bomb warnings and peace walls are all exposed in the show along with the Catholic nuns and schools attended. The Derry Girls make us laugh at the absolute absurdity of the past. The city of Derry is the filming location for the series and these days you can even take a Derry Girls tour.

One of my favourite things to do in Northern Ireland is take visitors to see the murals both in Derry and in Belfast. Painted between 1997 and 2001 the murals are a commemoration of the events of the troubles in the Bogside. The murals include Bloody Sunday, Battle of the Bogside, Operation Motorman, and the hunger strike that took place in 1981. To see them beginning to understand that the Troubles were a civil war and that the British and IRA have a lot to answer for in the killing of hundreds of innocents is incredible.

A simple granite obelisk is surrounded by a small cast iron fence and a plaque that explains the Bloody Sunday massacre that took place here in 1972. Piles of flowers are left daily in remembrance of the event and the victims.

The Derry Peace Bridge has become an integral part of Derry City and has changed the way local people use and view their city with over 3 million people having crossed it so far and many of the locals using it daily. It is a universal symbol of peace that joins the two sides of a once terribly divided city.

This is just a start on the beauty of Northern Ireland outside of Belfast and all the best things to do in Northern Ireland. Many folks never get to see beyond the city and the Causeway Coast or the Giant’s Causeway but there is much to see beyond Belfast and this is just a tiny portion. I’ve even put together a 101 Landmarks in Northern Ireland article so you can see how many things there are to do in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland is a treasure trove of tourist attractions that are sure to leave any traveller with a sense of wonder and awe. From the stunning natural beauty of the Giant’s Causeway to the fascinating history of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, there is something for everyone in this charming corner of the world. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to explore all that Northern Ireland has to offer – just be sure to bring an umbrella because, let’s face it, this is Ireland we’re talking about!

My best advice is to rent a car , start driving and get yourself lost only then will you see the real beauty of Northern Ireland . So when are you leaving to discover Northern Ireland?

Places to visit in Northern Ireland some more reading for you:

Carrick-a-rede rope bridge – an intrepid crossing

Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

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Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

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The Perfect 3, 4 or 5 Days in Northern Ireland Itinerary

Last Updated on February 12, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning out a Northern Ireland itinerary is an excellent option for those who want to see more of this area than a simple day trip along the Causeway Coastal Route or a day or two exploring Belfast.

If you have 3, 4 or 5 days to dedicate to exploring Northern Ireland, you can see a lot of the country and experience some of the island of Ireland’s most incredible scenery and learn about the heartbreaking recent history.

If you’re planning on visiting Northern Ireland and are curious about what to see and do here, this route will help you map out up to five days of exploring this corner of the United Kingdom.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Northern Ireland?

Before jumping into this route, you’re likely wondering how many days to spend in Northern Ireland. This can really depend on what kind of trip you’re after, however, if you’re interested in spending time in the city along with seeing the iconic natural sites, then plan to spend at least 3 days in Northern Ireland.

With 3 days, you will have the time to explore Belfast and learn about that city while also having time to get to take in the basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway and some of the other highlights of the Antrim Coast.

However, if you have 4 days in Northern Ireland, you will have more time to take your time on the Causeway Coast and to spend time at attractions other than the Giant’s Causeway.

For those who want quite a holistic experience, then plan to spend 5 days. This will allow you to add on a visit to the city of Derry and learn about the history here.

Getting To & Around Northern Ireland

There are a range of options available for you when it comes to arriving in Northern Ireland. First and foremost, Belfast is home to its own international airport that connects it to a number of destinations within the UK, Europe and further afield.

Though flying into Belfast is certainly an option, you will find that there are far more flight options going into Dublin airport. Dublin is located only about a 2-hour drive from Belfast and there are also lots of stops along the way . The two cities are also well-connected by bus or train.

It’s worth noting that there is no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and it is likely you won’t even notice that you’ve crossed. However, if you are driving, keep in mind that speed limits in Northern Ireland are listed in miles per hour while they’re listed in kilometres per hour in the republic.

It’s also possible to arrive into Belfast via ferry from Liverpool in England and from the village of Cairnryan in Scotland.

Once in Northern Ireland, you’ll be wondering how to get around whilst there. In Belfast and Derry, you can certainly plan to get around on foot and via public transport – in fact, it’s probably easier than planning on driving.

Those venturing outside of the cities have a couple of options. The easiest and most convenient option to get around is by having your own vehicle as it will give you the flexibility to visit where you want when you want without having to reckon with bus timetables and routes. Doing a Northern Ireland road trip is easygoing, fun and incredibly scenic and generally the most recommended option.

And if you’ve decided that a Northern Ireland road trip itinerary is the choice for you, you can browse car hire options on Rentalcars.com to compare prices across major companies.

However, you can also get around regional Northern Ireland by bus and train, where applicable. For instance, there is a regional bus system connecting the sites along the coastline so it is possible to travel independently in this area even if you don’t drive.

3, 4 or 5 Days in Northern Ireland Itinerary

Without further ado, here is how to spend 3 to 5 days exploring Northern Ireland. This route is meant to be built upon each day so if you’re only seeing Northern Ireland in 3 days, then plan to spend the first 2 in Belfast before heading onto the Causeway Coast. And if you’re spending 4 days, it’s best to leave a visit to Derry for another time.

Day 1 – Belfast

Begin your time in Northern Ireland in the capital city of Belfast . Though this city has a bit of a dark reputation and something of a rough-around-the-edges vibe, it’s very much worth exploring and it has a lot to offer visitors – especially for those interested in learning more about its recent history.

On your first day in Belfast, make sure to learn as much about the history of the city as possible by embarking on a black cab tour . On these tours, you can learn about the Troubles from knowledgeable guides and also get a good feel for the geography of this divided city.

After your tour, head to Belfast City Hall and then visit the historic Crumlin Road Gaol before rounding out your day.

Where to Stay in Belfast

The Warren Belfast – Those looking for luxury will love this plush, centrally-located hotel in the heart of Belfast. They have several luxe rooms to choose from, great amenities, breakfast each morning and an unbeatable location in the Queen’s Quarter

Central Belfast Apartments: Citygate – If you’re looking for a self-catering option while visiting Belfast, then these apartments are the perfect choice. Centrally located, they have many fully-furnished flats available along with free parking for guests.

Vagabonds – Budget and solo travellers will love this cool, highly-rated hostel in Belfast. Offering both private rooms and dorms, there are also clean facilities and great common areas making it easy to meet other travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Belfast hotels!

Day 2 – Belfast

On day 2, it’s time to visit one of the Northern Irish capital’s top museums – the Titanic Belfast. The infamous ocean liner was actually constructed in Belfast before it embarked on its fateful 1912 journey across the Atlantic.

This iceberg-shaped museum will take you through a range of exhibits explaining all there is to know about the Titanic and the history surrounding both the construction of the ship itself and also some information about the crash and its repercussions. It’s truly a great experience to have while in Belfast. You can book tickets in advance here.

Spend the rest of your day in Belfast exploring some of the sites that you didn’t make it to the first day. For instance, you can grab a bit to eat at St George’s Market, get the views from the Victoria Square Dome or even head to CS Lewis Square to take in some statues dedicated to the late children’s author and theologian.

Day 3 – Causeway Coast

On day 3 of this trip, it’s time to head out of the city and make your way to the north of the country – to the iconic Causeway Coast. We highly recommend leaving Belfast as early as possible to make it to the Giant’s Causeway before the tour buses arrive – it takes about an hour to drive here from the capital.

If you don’t have a car, there are a number of guided tour options such as this full-day tour or this full-day tour that will pick you up from Belfast in the morning.

The Giant’s Causeway is the name for a collection of roughly 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns that were likely formed as part of an ancient volcanic eruption.

However, in Irish myth, it is said to have been formed when an Irish giant built a causeway in order to fight a Scottish giant — there are similar rock formations on the island of Staffa just off the Hebridean Isle of Mull in Scotland.

Note that the Causeway is free to enter, however, it is not free to park at the visitor’s centre or go inside unless you’ve paid for that. If you’re up for a bit of a (beautiful) walk, we recommend parking at the Salmon Rock Beach car park in the town of Portballintrae and walking to the Giant’s Causeway – that way you can visit entirely for free!

Plan to spend a couple of hours at the Giant’s Causeway as there is more here than just the rock formations. Take the time to walk on all of the trails and really take in the views of this gorgeous place. It’s a truly spectacular experience and an essential inclusion on any Northern Ireland road trip itinerary.

After visiting the Giant’s Causeway, you can take the time to take in some other sites on the Northern Ireland Coast. Head over to the town of Bushmills and tour the Bushmills distillery. You can also make your way over to some viewpoints and maybe even go on a few more walks.

If you’re only spending 3 days in Northern Ireland and want to maximise your time here, you can take in some of the other sites in this area, such as the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Dunluce Castle and the Dark Hedges. However, if you are planning a 4- or 5-day itinerary, then you can take your time more at go at a slower pace.

End your day in the town of Portrush. This makes a great base in the area and the town itself is a popular seaside resort complete with its own amusement park and lovely beach. There are also plenty of pubs and restaurants to unwind in at the end of the day with a pint of Guinness and a good meal.

Where to Stay on the Causeway Coast

Anvershiel House – Located in the town of Portrush, this bed and breakfast is an excellent mid-range option for those exploring this part of Northern Ireland. They offer several clean and bright rooms, an excellent breakfast available in the mornings, and a location within walking distance of the beach and town centre.

Elephant Rock Hotel – Those looking for a luxury hotel while on the Causeway Coast will love this chic hotel in Portrush. Centrally located, they have a range of lovely rooms to choose from, an on-site restaurant and bar along with plenty of other great amenities.

Causeway Hotel – If you’d like to stay within a stone’s throw of the Giant’s Causeway and see it without the tour buses, then this hotel is a great option. Located adjacent to the visitor’s centre, booking a night here will also grant you free entry to the centre along with plenty of other perks.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Causeway Coast hotels!

Day 4 – Causeway Coast

Those who have more time to devote to the Causeway Coast will be energised to hit the road early and start exploring again.

Start your day by touring the lovely and striking Dunluce Castle. This ruined castle is perched on striking cliffs not far at all from the town of Portrush and it makes for an excellent place to visit.

Next, you can make your way over to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. This place was used as a filming location for the HBO series Game of Thrones and it is now very popular amongst visitors – so make sure to book your tickets online in advance and also to arrive relatively early if you want to beat the crowds.

You can spend a fair amount of time hiking around here and it’s worth doing this on your second day so that you don’t feel rushed.

Of course, no visit to this area of Northern Ireland is complete without heading to the Dark Hedges. Again, this was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones and it is an incredibly popular tourist attraction. It’s simply a country laneway that is lined with intertwining trees.

Keep in mind that it is definitely a lot more beautiful in the late spring and summertime when there are leaves on the trees and it can seem a bit lacklustre in the winter to about mid-May.

Day 5 – Derry

If you’ve got five days to devote to your Northern Ireland road trip, then make sure not to miss the city of Derry (Londonderry). As Northern Ireland’s second-largest city, Derry can be overlooked by visitors here, however, it has a lot to offer visitors and can provide important cultural context.

Though the city has been popularised as a destination because of the sitcom Derry Girls (you can even tour filming locations ), it doesn’t get the same amount of attention as Belfast.

Derry is a small city and you can certainly take in the majority of the sites and points of interest within the confines of a day. Take the time to walk the city walls – Derry is, in fact, the only walled city in Ireland and this is a great thing to do here.

Of course, no visit to Derry is really complete without taking the time to learn about the city’s more recent history and what life was like during the Troubles. You can visit the Bloody Sunday memorial to learn more about the 1972 massacre and you can also opt to take a walking tour of the Bogside murals with a knowledgeable local guide.

Those who want to learn even more about the city’s history will also find the Free Derry Museum interesting.

Another top Derry attraction is the Peace Bridge. The pedestrianised bridge connects the majority Unionist east side of the city to the majority Republican west side of the city and was meant to be an emblem of bridging the gap of a centuries-long political divide.

Have More Time?

If you have more time after this Northern Ireland itinerary, why not continue on from Derry into the Republic and visit County Donegal ?

If you’re coming from Northern Ireland and only have a day, then driving the Inishowen 100 is an excellent way to explore this part of northwestern Ireland. However, you could easily spend more time exploring this area, as well.

You can reach the town of Muff in County Donegal in about 15 minutes or you can drive north and take the ferry across Lough Foyle to the town of Greencastle. The latter option would also give you the opportunity to make a stop at Mussenden Temple.

For those who want to tour more of the Emerald Isle, then consider heading further south and enjoying some of (or the entirety of) the Wild Atlantic Wa y. County Donegal is absolutely gorgeous, but other highlights include Benbulben in County Sligo, Achill Island in County Mayo, Connemara in County Galway and more.

When planning a trip to Northern Ireland, you may not realise just how much this small country has to offer visitors. From vibrant and historic cities to some of the most spectacular natural scenery there is to offer in this world, spending a few days exploring Northern Ireland is never a bad idea.

Are you planning to visit Northern Ireland? Have any questions about this route? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

The Ultimate Giant’s Causeway Day Trip from Belfast

The Perfect 1, 2, or 3 Days in Belfast Itinerary

10-Day Ireland Itinerary: 3 Road Trip Routes

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hi, I enjoy reading your travel blogs and find them informative. Living in Northern Ireland I’d like to let you know that not only do we have an airport some 20 miles away from the city centre but there is also George Best Airport less than 2 miles from the City Centre and is great for those arriving to the city for its convenience. Also please note that St George’s market is only open from Friday to Sunday . I have seen many disappointed tourists arrive to the market on other days only to find it closed. Finally if you are travelling from Britain and have a National Trust membership this will allow free entry at the Causeway centre and other attractions – their website would provide more detail.

Thanks for those insights, Barbara!

Thank you so much Barbara Would not have thought about our N T membership. We are thinking about driving, any suggestions??

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Top Attractions in Northern Ireland

Natural wonders and centuries of innovation and enterprise mean today's visitors to Northern Ireland are greeted with some of the island of Ireland's most unique attractions. Until recently, years of political unrest and uncertainty saw visitor numbers to Northern Ireland fail to grow at the same rate as the rest of Ireland.

After years of peace and relative calm, the people of Northern Ireland are proud to be given the chance to show off their top attractions. Below we have created a list of the top attractions in Northern Ireland, both man-made and natural.

For more ideas on things to do in Ireland, take a look at this great website: Ireland Before You Die .

Check out Belfast hop on hop off bus tours.

1 Belfast City

Since peace returned to Belfast in the late 1990s, Northern Ireland's capital has undergone an astonishing transformation. Once tied in with sectarian violence and, perhaps cruelly, lumped in with Bosnia, Beiruit and Baghdad on the list of places for globe-trotting tourists to avoid, the city is now a modern, thriving and cosmopolitan hub of hotels, restaurants and family-friendly attractions.

This transformation is made all the more evident in cultural representations of the region, which have at last moved beyond the all-too-predictable film and TV depictions of The Troubles with which the city become all but synonymous.

Just as Northern Ireland has garnered attention as the eye-catching backdrop to Game of Thrones, creating a sub-industry of its own comparable to "Tolkien Tourism", Belfast has gained added prominence as the location of the hit BBC drama series The Fall starring Gillian Anderson (The X Files, Hannibal) and Jamie Dornan (50 Shades of Grey).

For the best way to see Belfast City on foot, check out our Belfast City Walking Tour page .

Insider Tips

Right across the street, outside City Hall, you will find the meeting point for a free walking tour of the city which departs every day at 11:00 and 14:30.

2 The Giant's Causeway

According to Gaelic mythology, the causeway was built by the giant Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn MacCool) so that he could reach Scotland and fight with his Scottish rival, Benandonner. As with all great rivalries, the outcome varies depending on whose version is being recounted.

More scientific data suggests that the spectacular formation is a result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption around 50 to 60 million years ago. The 40,000 interlocking basalt columns were formed through the cooling and contracting of the resultant lava.

In 1693, the causeway began to enjoy international acclaim; Sir Richard Bulkeley, of Trinity College, mentioned the phenomenon in a paper presented to the Royal Society of London. In 1739, Susanna Drury really kick-started the global love affair with Giant's Causeway through her watercolour paintings, which were later engraved in 1743.

One legendary status which is not disputed, though, is the Causeway's immense pulling power as a tourist destination, with 750,000 visitors making the trip annually. Here, tourists can enjoy not only the geological feature itself, but also the modern and impressive Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience .

The walk to the Causeway itself can be a bit strenuous for those with lower mobility. Some stretches are steep and rocky. Sturdy shoes and some drinking water are recommended.

3 Derry / Londonderry

Although Derry's recent transformation is perhaps less dramatic than that of Belfast, visitors who come to Derry expecting a city still darkened by the long shadows of The Troubles will almost certainly be pleasantly surprised. In anticipation of the city's status as UK City of Culture 2013, Derry received considerable investment and underwent a rejuvenating makeover.

Visitors and locals alike can look to the Peace Bridge, Ebrington Square, the redeveloped waterfront and the Guildhall area as examples of a city which has shaken off its outdated stereotype, under whose weight Derry had unfairly served as a metaphor for Ulster's violent past. In the city which greets tourists so warmly today, visitors will find plenty of enjoyable diversions.

Visitors who wish to gain the fullest appreciation of this side of Derry should make time for Free Derry Corner , the Bloody Sunday Memorial , the People's Gallery Murals and the Museum of Free Derry . View the Visit Derry website for more information .

If you'd like to to see how best to explore Derry City on foot, take a look at our Derry City Walking Tour page .

If you're visiting in October, be sure to stick around for Halloween which is a major event in the city and culminates in the largest street party in Europe. Just remember to wrap up warm!

4 Titanic Belfast

The angular edifice which houses The Titanic Experience is so evocative of the transformation which Belfast has undergone in recent years that it has become almost as iconic as the ill-fated ship to whose short history this attraction is dedicated.

An extensive multimedia tribute to the world's most famous ocean liner, The Titanic Experience is located at the top of the slipway from which the ship made its first and only descent into the Belfast Lough and the waters of the Irish Sea beyond. Opened in 2012 for the centenary of the ship's launch and tragic demise, the museum has rapidly become Ulster's most visited tourist destination, outstripping even The Giant's Causeway .

Cleverly put together, the attraction encapsulates more than simply the scale of the ship, more even than the scale of the disaster which befell it; drawing on all the sights, sounds and smells of the age, the museum recreates all facets of this most fascinating period of history, bringing to life the experiences not only of the passengers but also of the ship workers who realized this vision of early twentieth century engineering.

As the museum gets busy, be sure to take advantage of the downstairs left-luggage lockers. More space and comfort for you and your fellow visitors.

5 Murals of Belfast

Although their history spans over a century, and although they began as a unionist motif, it was in the early 1980s that Belfast's iconic murals would gain the prominence that now draws tourists, when Republican depictions of the infamous hunger strike of Bobby Sands and his follow prisoners began to spread across Republican districts of the city.

For two decades, murals on both sides of the city voiced the deep divisions between communities whose differences seemed insurmountable. On the Unionist side, the imagery was chiefly militaristic, with slogans like "No Surrender" a near-constant refrain. In Republican communities, depictions drew on a more diverse palette of cultural and historical symbolism, but their message was no less clear and no less divisive.

To get the most out of a trip to Belfast and its rich history, a local tour guide is recommended.

6 Guildhall

Lording it over an open expanse of fountains and marbled stone, Guildhall rises to majestic heights to take its place on the Derry skyline. A £10m renovation in 2013 has brought the very best out of what was already a magnificent structure of stone and stained-glass. As well serving an important civic function for the city (it was the seat of the historic Bloody Sunday Inquiry headed by Lord Saville from 2000 to 2005), Guildhall has become a nexus for Derry tourism and a focal point for most visits here. View the Visit Derry website for more information .

If you're are heading to Derry specifically to see the Guildhall, then be sure to call ahead and check what times are best to visit. Some days, areas of the building are closed for private functions.

7 Walled City

Ireland's first attempt at town planning, modelled in 1545 on the French town of Vitry-le-François. Visit derrywalls.com for further information. Those interested in architecture should allow time to visit St Columb's Cathedral, situated within the city walls.

A good local tour guide is recommended to get the most of this historic city and its iconic fortifications.

8 Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

A handy stop-off point between The Giant's Causeway and Ballycastle, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is a dizzying experience to be enjoyed or studiously avoided, depending on your head for heights. Looking like something from an Indiana Jones movie, the rope bridge conveys locals and tourists alike across the 20-metre chasm between the sea cliffs and the island of Carrick-a-Rede.

The bridge which draws visitors today is actually a stronger and safer version of the original which was put up every spring by fishermen whose nets, cast from the island's northern cliffs, would intercept migrating salmon. Today, there is a small visitor centre, a café and a car park.

The bridge itself is very sturdy and only bounces if people jump while crossing it. Take a deep breath and go for it!

9 Glenariff Waterfall Walk

Glenariff Waterfall Walk is one of a series of walks in the Glenariff Forest Park, County Antrim. The forest is laid out with pathways and steps for people to explore. It might take up to 2 hours walking to reach the payoff, the waterfall, but it is well worth the wait. The walk which leads to the waterfall is a little strenuous and is not advisable for everyone. The steps are steeper and can become slippery on approach.

All trails are well-signposted and have clearly defined pathways. Bring sturdy shoes and a sense of adventure.

10 Ballymacdermott Court Tomb

Ballymacdermott Court Tomb, located on Ballymacdermott Mountain in County Armagh, is a megalith portal tomb. It dates from between 4000 and 2500 B.C. The tomb was excavated twice, in 1816 and 1962. The first excavation unearthed pulverised human bones in an urn while the second discovered human cremations. During the second excavation, archaeologists found that some of the stones in the tomb had been recently disturbed, locals informed them that this was caused by an American tank during World War II.

A beautiful spot but fairly exposed so be sure to wrap up on a blustery day.

11 Stairway to Heaven

The Stairway to Heaven, officially known as the Cuilcagh Mountain Trail, is a 4 and a half-mile walkway through bogland in County Fermanagh. The walkway was constructed to protect the rare blanket bog that was being eroded by walkers in the area. The walkway ascends to over 550 metres to the Cuilcagh Mountain face.

Bring cash for the carpark and a flask of something that warms the cockles while you take in the amazing views.

Getting to Northern Ireland

The easiest way to travel into Northern Ireland, if it is possible, is to aim for Belfast City. It is the capital city of Northern Ireland and is the area that all roads in the north eventually lead to. For simplicity, the following section will be mainly focusing on getting in and out of here. Think of Belfast City as the base of Northern Ireland, from there you can explore the smaller towns and villages of the region.

Arriving by Plane

From the uk and europe.

There are 3 International airports in Northern Ireland. In Londonderry, there is the City of Derry Airport and in Belfast City, there is George Best Belfast City Airport (Named after former Northern Ireland and Manchester United soccer player) and Belfast International Airport. These airports operate flights from the UK as well as Holland, Spain and Portugal.

From North America

Dublin Airport is the most convenient airport for visitors to Northern Ireland coming from the United States and Canada. You can travel to and from Dublin Airport to Belfast City in a number of ways. If you are renting a car in Dublin Airport be sure to book a Sat-Nav as well. This will come in handy to find your way out of Dublin city more than anything else. Once you find your way onto the M1 motorway the rest of the journey is pretty much plain sailing. Just remember that once you cross the border into Northern Ireland that the speed limit is read in miles per hour, whereas in the Republic it is in kilometres per hour. You can also avail of the direct bus from Dublin Airport to Belfast City via Aircoach and Expressway , this journey takes, on average, 2 hours and costs around 13 euro one-way.

Arriving by Bus

The main bus station in Belfast City is Europa Buscentre. Based in the city centre and servicing both Belfast airports and Dublin Airport. Europa Buscentre also has a route to Dublin City, which in turn connects you with the other cities in the Republic of Ireland. There is also a bus route running from Londonderry to Dublin , this route can have as much as three change overs and takes 4 hours 20 minutes.

Arriving by Train

The best way to enter Northern Ireland via train is also via Belfast City. The Dublin train runs from Connolly Station to Lanyon Place in Belfast. There is an average of eight trains per day, leaving every hour and 40 minutes, starting at 7:35 am and finishing at 8:45 pm. The quickest of these routes takes two hours and five-minutes. Dublin also acts as the change over point if you are taking the train to or from Belfast to any other city in Ireland.

Arriving by Car

If you have gotten to grips with driving in the Republic of Ireland and are crossing the border into Northern Ireland there are a few things to look out for. The roads of Northern Ireland are categorised the same as all other countries in the UK. The letter 'M' stands for motorway, the next most important roads are classed with the letter 'A', the next with the letter 'B' and so on. Both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland drive on the left-hand side of the road and both use the 'Roundabout' system. The only real difference to keep in mind is that the measurement of speed in Northern Ireland is miles per hour while in the Republic it's kilometres per hour. To make it a little more tricky, the speed limit often appears on road signs as just a number in both countries.

Arriving by Ferry

There is a ferry route running between Larne, County Antrim in Northern Ireland to Cairnryan in Scotland and from Belfast City to Liverpool in England.

Getting around in Northern Ireland

Rail & Bus Services

One of the most cost-effective ways to travel around Northern Ireland is by bus. Translink is the main bus and train operator in Northern Ireland. They offer a great range of combo deal tickets and Smartcards which help lower your day to day travel cost.

Visitors can avail of the Ramblers Bus Service which is designed to make the more remote areas of Northern Ireland more accessible. If you are planning to travel around Belfast on public transport then the Belfast Visitor Pass from Translink is definitely worth a look. This gives you unlimited travel on all Metro, NI Railways and Ulsterbus services for £6.50 per day.

Just-Eat Bikes (Belfast only)

Belfast City runs a bike hire scheme, sponsored by the food delivery company Just Eat. It is a cost effective and quick way to get around the city. There are around 40 stations in total, each within close proximity to another.

A user must first create an account on the website , there is a £5 sign up fee which then goes towards your account as credit. You can choose from three different pricing options.

• Pay as you go: 30 minutes for £1
• Casual: 3 days for £6
• Annual: £25 per year

Taxis in Northern Ireland are broken down by classes A,B,C and D. Class A and B taxis are regular taxi cabs that can be hailed on the street or phoned from a base.

These class of taxis have an initial charge (up to 0.5 miles of £3). One mile is £3.80 and every additional mile is £1.60. Class C taxis are ones that are used chauffeur services, weddings and funerals, the above maximum fare structure does not apply to Class C taxis. Class D is Taxi Buses and again the maximum fare structure does not apply to these.

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Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

About Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.

Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way .

Black Taxi Tour Belfast

About Black Taxi Tour Belfast

Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.

Blarney Woollen Mills

About Blarney Woollen Mills

Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.

Visit their website...

Culloden Battlefield

About Culloden Battlefield

The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.

Glenveagh Castle

About Glenveagh Castle

Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.

Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.

King John's Castle

About King John's Castle

Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.

About Moriarty's

Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Mount Congreve Gardens

About Mount Congreve Gardens

Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.

Mount Stewart House & Gardens

About Mount Stewart House & Gardens

Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.

Muckross House

About Muckross House

Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.

Muckross House Traditional Farms

About Muckross House Traditional Farms

Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.

The Quiet Man Museum

About The Quiet Man Museum

The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.

Ireland Travel Guide

As a local Irish company, we at My Ireland Tour are passionate about our country and our local community. We're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the place we call home. That's why we put together this definitive travel guide for anyone who wants to come to Ireland and discover this amazing place for themselves.

This is a completely free resource covering everything from top tourist attractions to the nearest yoga centre. We hope it helps!

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Tourism in Northern Ireland

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Tourism in Northern Ireland is big business. But why? And how should this important industry be managed? Read on to find out…

Geography of Northern Ireland

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Northern Ireland, a region known for its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, plays a vital role in the UK’s tourism industry. This article explores the dynamics of tourism in Northern Ireland, highlighting its iconic attractions, cultural significance, and the various economic aspects that influence its growth and sustainability.

Northern Ireland is one of the four regions that make up the United Kingdom, located on the northeastern part of the island of Ireland. It shares borders with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west, and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, east, and west. Here’s an overview of the geography of Northern Ireland:

1 – Landscapes: Northern Ireland’s landscape features a diverse range of scenery including mountains, valleys, rolling hills, forests, beaches, and stretches of coastline, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

2 – Mountains: The highest peak in Northern Ireland is Slieve Donard, which is part of the Mourne Mountains range situated in County Down, standing at 850 metres above sea level.

3 – Lakes and rivers: There are also several lakes and rivers throughout Northern Ireland, including Lough Neagh, which is the largest lake in the British Isles, and River Bann, which is the longest river in Northern Ireland.

4 – Climate: The climate is temperate maritime, characterised by mild, wet winters and mild summers influenced by the Atlantic Ocean.

5 – Counties: There are six counties in Northern Ireland: Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, and Tyrone.

6 – Major cities: Northern Ireland’s largest city and capital is Belfast, which is located in County Antrim. Other major cities in the region include Derry/Londonderry, Newry, and Armagh.

7 – Transportation: Northern Ireland is well-connected to the Republic of Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom through air, sea and land transportation. Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport are the two major airports in the region.

8 – Natural attractions: Northern Ireland is home to several natural attractions, such as the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO world heritage site, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Murlough National Nature Reserve and many more.

Overall, Northern Ireland is a beautiful region with varied landscapes, characterised by rugged coastlines, verdant rolling hills, and historic cities, that is attractive to tourists, and is often a popular choice for visitors seeking outdoor activities, and historical and cultural experiences.

Tourism is a growing industry in Northern Ireland, with attractions ranging from historical sites to stunning natural landscapes, as well as a vibrant cultural scene in its cities. Here’s an introduction to the tourism industry in Northern Ireland:

1 – Attractions: Northern Ireland offers a variety of attractions, such as the iconic Giant’s Causeway, the Titanic Belfast Visitor Centre, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, and the historic city of Derry/Londonderry.

2 – Historic sites: Northern Ireland has a rich history, including the legacy of the Titanic ship, the ancient megalithic site of Newgrange, ancient monastic sites, and several castles and historic buildings.

3 – Natural attractions: Visitors can enjoy numerous natural attractions like the Causeway Coastal Route, the Mourne Mountains, the Fermanagh Lakelands, and a wealth of walking trails and cycling routes.

4 – Tourism infrastructure: Northern Ireland has an extensive tourism infrastructure that offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, B&Bs, self-catering cottages, camping, and caravanning parks.

5 – Food and drink: Northern Ireland has emerged as a food and drink destination, with a vibrant food culture, offering visitors a diverse range of culinary experiences from traditional Northern Irish meals to modern cuisine.

6 – Festivals: Northern Ireland hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Belfast International Arts Festival, the Belfast Film Festival, the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, and the St. Patrick’s Day Festival.

7 – Film and TV productions: Northern Ireland’s stunning landscapes have been featured in famous productions like “Game of Thrones” and “The Fall,” positively impacting the tourism industry.

Overall, the tourism industry in Northern Ireland has been growing in recent years, taking advantage of the region’s stunning natural landscapes, history, culture, and infrastructure, and providing visitors with an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Now lets put things into perspective. Here are some statistics about tourism in Northern Ireland:

1 – In 2019, tourism in Northern Ireland generated £968 million GVA and supported 65,000 jobs, making it a significant contributor to the region’s economy.

2 – There were 5.2 million overnight visits to Northern Ireland in 2019, a 3% increase from the previous year.

3 – In 2019, the average spend per visitor for overnight stays was £259, with holidaymakers spending more than business and visiting friends/family visitors.

4 – North Americans make up the majority of visitors from overseas, accounting for 20% of total international visitors, followed by mainland Europeans (17%) and then residents of the Republic of Ireland (16%).

5 – Visitors are primarily attracted to the natural beauty and scenic drives of Northern Ireland, including the Giant’s Causeway, the Mourne Mountains, and the Causeway Coastal Route.

6 – Tourism in Northern Ireland has shown steady growth over the past decade, with overnight visitor numbers increasing by 47% from 2010 to 2019.

7 – Most tourists stay in hotels while visiting Northern Ireland, with hotel occupancy rates averaging 78% in 2019.

8 – The Titanic Belfast Visitor Centre is the most visited paid tourist attraction in Northern Ireland, attracting 841,563 visitors in 2019.

9 – The UK market is the largest source of visitors to Northern Ireland, with 3.7 million overnight visits in 2019, followed by the Republic of Ireland (1.8 million) and the rest of the world (600,000).

10 – Almost 50% of visitors to Northern Ireland engage in outdoor activities, with walking/hiking being the most popular, followed by golf, cycling, and angling.

These statistics provide a snapshot of the importance of tourism in Northern Ireland, highlighting the sector’s value to the local economy and the preferred travel interests of visitors.

Now lets take a look at why tourism in Northern Ireland is so popular by highlighting the range of tourist attractions:

1 – The Giant’s Causeway: Located on the North Antrim Coast, the Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO world heritage site, famous for its unique basalt columns and stunning coastal vistas.

2 – The Titanic Belfast Visitor Centre: The Titanic Belfast Visitor Centre presents the story of the Titanic, a famous ship constructed in this shipyard, providing an interactive experience featuring state of the art exhibits and structures.

3 – The walled city of Derry/Londonderry: This historical and cultural city features a storied past, with one of the most magnificent iconic walls, dating back to the 1600s, and stunning views of the River Foyle.

4 – Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge: This popular coastal attraction features a rope bridge, suspended over a dramatic chasm and clear seawater. It’s situated near the charming town of Ballintoy.

5 – The Causeway Coastal Route: This spectacular drive from Belfast to Derry/Londonderry covers over 120 miles of a diverse range of landscapes including high cliffs, beaches, verdant valleys, small fishing towns, and plenty of photo opportunities galore.

6 – The Dark Hedges: made famous in the set of Game of Thrones, the Dark Hedges is a beautiful avenue of trees that provides a picturesque border for what was once a private estate.

  7 – The Ulster Museum: The Ulster Museum is the largest museum in Northern Ireland, boasting a vast collection of historical artefacts and artworks, including the ancient and mediaeval period, and natural history exhibits.

  8 – The Marble Arch Caves: The Marble Arch Caves offers tourists an underground adventure, leading you on a guided tour of winding cave passageways, underground rivers and waterfalls.

9 – The St. Patrick’s Trail: Through the rolling hills of County Down and Armagh, the St. Patrick Trail gives visitors an understanding of St. Patrick’s life through landmarks, his writings

Northern Ireland offers several types of tourism, catering to diverse interests based on the visitors’ preferences. Here are some of the most popular types of tourism in Northern Ireland:

1 – Historical tourism: Northern Ireland has a rich history, and travellers are drawn to the region’s many historic landmarks and sites, such as the ancient castles, mediaeval churches, and sites connected to the Troubles and the Titanic.

2 – Rural tourism: Rural tourism is sought-after in Northern Ireland, with several picturesque landscapes like green valleys, rolling hills, and beaches, as well as a myriad of outdoor activities such as horse-riding, fishing, cycling, and walking.

3 – Cultural tourism: Northern Ireland is renowned for its unique and vibrant cultural heritage, including traditional music, literature, arts, and crafts like the world-renowned Linen-weaving heritage, joining craft fairs, and exhibitions.

4 – Adventure tourism: Visitors can enjoy various adventure tourism activities in Northern Ireland, such as rock climbing, ziplining, water sports, and glamping in some of the region’s most beautiful natural spots.

5 – Film tourism: The success of the HBO blockbuster Game of Thrones and other series filmed in Northern Ireland have led to an increase in tourist interest in filming locations and set tours of spots on locations like the Dark Hedges and Castle Ward.

6 – Religious tourism: Northern Ireland offers several religious landmarks and sites sacred to various religions, as well as pilgrimages to St. Patrick’s Trail, which traces the footsteps of the patron saint in northern Ireland, and other religious trails.

Tourism plays a critical role in the economy of Northern Ireland, generating substantial economic impacts and contributing to the region’s growth and prosperity. Here are some of the major economic impacts of tourism in Northern Ireland:

1 – Employment: Tourism is a significant source of employment in the region, employing over 65,000 people. The industry is responsible for 5% of the total workforce in Northern Ireland.

 2 – Revenue: The tourism industry generates significant revenue for the region’s economy, with visitors spending around £968 million in 2019. This revenue supports local communities and businesses in the region, contributing to their growth and development.

3 – Infrastructure and development: Tourism provides a stimulus for infrastructure and development in Northern Ireland. Investment in tourism can lead to the creation of new facilities, hotels, attractions, and other amenities that benefit both tourists and locals, creating a ripple effect of economic gains.

4 – Foreign exchange earnings: Tourism is an important source of foreign exchange earnings for Northern Ireland, thus balancing imports by attracting international spending – and mitigating the strain on transferable currency.

5 – Regional development: Tourism is a catalyst for the development of regional areas, reducing regional disparities, and helping to provide an alternative destination for investment, growth and varied economic opportunities.

6 – Supporting the local economy: The growth of tourism has positive impacts on supply chains and supporting businesses in the industries of manufacturing, construction, transport, food and beverage.

1 – Cultural exchanges: Tourism provides opportunities for cultural exchanges with visitors from around the world, and between people from different regions within Northern Ireland. This can cultivate respect and understanding for different cultures and promote cultural awareness.

2 – Community engagement: Tourism encourages interaction between tourists and the local community, leading to the creation of new social bonds and relationships, and fostering support for local businesses.

3 – Infrastructure and amenities: Tourism provides opportunities for the development of infrastructure, essential amenities, and social services like hospitals, education and communication facilities, and other supporting needs, that benefits both visitors and the local community.

4 – Social tension: Although Tourism can drive community cohesion, it can also create social tension, particularly in the popular tourist destinations, where the presence of visitors and crowds can disrupt the local community’s daily life.

5 – Balancing tourism demand: The growth of tourism can create shifts in demographics, leading to overcrowding, changes in housing trends, and an increase in commodity costs like food, rentals and other basic products and services.

6 – Risks to cultural heritage: The growth of tourism can put stress on cultural heritage sites like historic buildings, ethnic practices and traditions, and other non-renewable assets, leading to the sites’ wear and tear.

1 – Carbon footprint: The transportation of visitors to Northern Ireland by planes, cars, and buses contributes to the carbon footprint, potentially leading to environmental degradation and global warming.

2 – Resource consumption: The growth of tourism in Northern Ireland can lead to high water consumption in the accommodation industry, responsible for waste, energy and water consumption, leading to the depletion of local resources, affecting valleys and streams across the region.

3 – Waste production: Tourism generates large amounts of solid waste, particularly in tourist hotspots, impacting the environment through the environmental impact of littering, pollution and plastics disposal.

4 – Preservation of natural resources: The natural beauty and ecotourism that Northern Ireland offers are major draw cards for visitors. However, the continued usage of these resources for tourism activities threatens to degrade the ecology, leading to declining habitats, and reduced biodiversity.

5 – Overexploitation of attractions: Vital attractions, cited for tourism purposes, and visited on a large scale, including the Giant’s Causeway, can suffer from wear and tear, leading to damage, soil erosion and further natural degradation.

6 – Environmental awareness: The growth of tourism can stimulate environmental awareness and can promote the stewardship of ecosystems and environment as responsible travel purposes become more prevalent among consumers.

Now that we know a bit more about tourism in Northern Ireland, lets answer some of the most common questions on this topic:

1 – Q: What is the best time of year to visit Northern Ireland?

A: The best time to visit Northern Ireland is between June and August when the weather is warmer and the region’s natural beauty is at its best. However, the weather can be unpredictable, so visitors should pack appropriately.

2 – Q: What is the currency used in Northern Ireland ?

A: Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom uses Pound Sterling (GBP).

3 – Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Northern Ireland?

A: If you are travelling from an EU country No, however it’s important to check the visa requirements that are specific to your country of origin.

4 – Q: What is the main airport in Northern Ireland?

A: The main airport in Northern Ireland is Belfast International Airport, followed by Belfast City Airport.

5 – Q: Is Northern Ireland expensive to visit?

A: Northern Ireland’s cost of living is average to moderate, and the cost of visiting would generally depend on your travelling choices, ranging from accommodations, restaurants, transportation, and activities.

6 – Q: Is it safe to travel to Northern Ireland?

A: Northern Ireland is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

7 – Q: What is the typical time period for a visit to Northern Ireland?

A: Visitors typically stay for about seven to ten days to explore the region’s major attractions and get a taste of the Northern Irish way of life.

8 – Q:What are the must-see attractions in Northern Ireland?

A: Some of the top tourist attractions in Northern Ireland are the Giant’s Causeway, Titanic Belfast, the walled city of Derry, and the Causeway Coastal Route.

9 – Q: What is the best way to get around Northern Ireland?

A: Public transportation, including trains and buses, can be an affordable way to explore Northern Ireland. It is also possible to hire a car or bicycle for a more bespoke or active way to see the region.

10 – Q: What is the cuisine like in Northern Ireland?

A: Northern Irish cuisine ranges from traditional dishes such as fish and chips, Irish stew, soda bread and potato dishes to refined modern dishes, with artisanal cheese, fresh seafood, and farm-to-table produce, showcasing the region’s top-quality produce.

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St George's Market

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Discover the delights of St George’s Market, where sounds, flavours and community converge in a historic setting.

Built during the 19th century, this popular market has become a cornerstone of Belfast's social and economic life, and is popular with both locals and visitors from around the world.

Fridays begin with the Variety Market, a 200-stall celebration of local produce, including the island of Ireland's leading retail fish market. The Food and Craft Market opens on Saturdays, and is a melting pot of great food, art and plenty of craic (fun). From traditional Irish fare to exotic global cuisine, there's something to satisfy every palate. And Sunday offers all the above, with a strong focus on local artists and craftspeople, giving them an opportunity to showcase their work. Beyond its role as a marketplace, St. George's Market also serves as a great hangout spot, where friends and families come together to shop, chat and eat.

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St George's Market, Belfast

Need to know

St George’s Market is only open at the weekend from Friday to Sunday.

Entry is free and dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead.

The market is a five-minute walk from the Belfast Lanyon Place train station.

Things to see and do nearby

Ulster Museum

Belfast Botanic Gardens and Palm House

Accommodation

Titanic Hotel Belfast

Crumlin Road Gaol

C.S. Lewis Trail

Titanic Belfast

Crown Liquor Saloon

54.5944986069849 -5.93632302573077

Duke of York

Belfast Castle Estate

Ulster Museum is home to treasures past and present. There’s something for art lovers, history buffs, inquisitive kids and the culturally curious! Come face to face with dinosaurs and for a fun family day out dive into the Discovery Zones of art, history and science where you can try on costumes from the past, explore the tree of life and create your own art to take home.

OX retaurant offers relaxed dining overlooking the River Lagan.

First established in 1828, the gardens have been enjoyed as a public park by the people of Belfast since 1895. There is an extensive rose garden and long herbaceous borders and the tree enthusiast can seek out the rare oaks planted in the 1880s.

The world's most authentic Titanic hotel is now open. The transformation of the legendary Harland & Wolff headquarters and spectacular Drawing Offices is now complete. Belfast's deluxe-hotel offers an unforgettable experience.

On the 31st March 1996 Crumlin Road Gaol slammed shut its doors for what many thought would be the final time, but, on the 19th November 2012 the chains fell off and HMP Belfast was reborn as one of Belfast's most popular visitor attractions.

This trail will take you to the places that inspired the young C.S. Lewis, one of our most famous literary sons, best known for his magical world of Narnia.

Welcome to Titanic Belfast, an award-winning visitor experience offering the opportunity to learn about Titanic’s history, just a few minutes from where the ship herself was famously designed, built and launched in 1911. This self-guided tour tells the Titanic’s story from conception through to its first and final journey across the Atlantic, as well as the historical and cultural impact on Belfast and beyond.

The Crown is both ageless and priceless, a gem of Victoriana.

Historic and traditional Belfast bar.

Belfast Castle estate is situated on the lower slopes of Cave Hill Country Park in North Belfast. It contains both parkland and mature mixed woodland and offers superb views of the city from a variety of vantage points.

Built in 1911, Nomadic provides the story of Titanic's little sister, the only tangible surviving link with the world's most famous ship and the last White Star Line vessel in the world.

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Experiences

All across Northern Ireland, you’ll see our people hard at work. It’s in our blood. There’s always bread to be baked, fish to be caught, trails to be walked, tunes to be played, tales to be told and smiles to be had. 

We’re more than happy to share all these Giant Feasts, Giant Experiences and Giant Adventures with you.

Our experiences represent who we are and everything that’s good about us. Our passion. Our warmth. Our respect for heritage and history. Our sense of place. Our giant spirit. Each experience has a unique story to tell, which we hope adds to the rich fabric of your visit to Northern Ireland.   

Whatever experiences you choose, our big-spirited hosts look forward to welcoming you as you embrace the giant spirit that lives strong in Northern Ireland.

• Food & Drink
• Dogs accepted by arrangement
• Dogs Welcome Inside
• Dogs Accepted Inside
• Gym On Premises
• Free (parking charges may apply)
• Car parking
• Off site parking
• On site parking
• Parking (charge)
• Parking (free)
• Restaurant on Premises
• Restaurant on site
• Indoor pool
• Outdoor pool
• Swimming Pool On Premises
• Wi-fi available

Awaken your Giant Spirit

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