Northern Ireland has experienced a remarkable transformation since the signing of The Good Friday Agreement in 1998. It is now widely regarded as one of the top travel destinations, boasting an array of exciting cultural and economic opportunities for visitors. With its newfound stability and prosperity, Northern Ireland is an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience history and tradition in a vibrant and peaceful atmosphere.
It has become a popular tourist destination due to its recent use as the filming location for Game of Thrones. It is well known for its natural attractions, such as the Giant’s Causeway, and more modern attractions like the Belfast Titanic.
The government of Northern Ireland has put a great emphasis on making the region an attractive destination for tourists. From shopping to restaurants, golf courses, cultural attractions, and vibrant music scenes, there is something to appeal to everyone. Visitors can be confident that they will experience a hospitable atmosphere wherever they go in Northern Island (also known as Ulster).
Find out more about the best places to visit in our list of top attractions in Northern Ireland.
1. The Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is a unique geological formation in Northern Ireland, consisting of around 40,000 columns of basalt formed by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago. It has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country.
The Lower Basalt is made up of smaller, individual pieces that were laid down over many years. The Upper Basalt is made up of much larger pieces that were laid down in a short period of time. The legend says that the giant Finn McCool fought a battle with the giant Benandonner across the water in Scotland.
This myth tells the story of a giant, whose boot, chair, and camel can all be seen in a clifftop location across Scotland. The Giant’s Granny and an organ are said to be part of the legend too. On a clear day, it is sometimes possible to get a glimpse of Scotland from this spot.
The Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre is a modern and architecturally stunning building that reflects the area’s topography. It provides audio guides with information about the history of the area, allowing visitors to learn more about its significance.
Address: 44 Causeway Rd, Bushmills, Antrim
2. The Causeway Coast and Dunluce Castle
Visitors usually start by exploring the breathtaking Giant’s Causeway, yet they should not overlook the amazing coastal regions of Portrush and Portstewart. These areas offer a plethora of stunning beaches, crashing waves, and rolling dunes that are sure to take your breath away. Those feeling adventurous can take a plunge and go swimming at both spots too!
The ruined medieval Dunluce Castle is easily accessible from the village of Bushmills, situated on a spectacular cliff edge overlooking the tumultuous sea. It is believed that many centuries ago, during a fierce storm, one section of this majestic castle suddenly broke away and plummeted into the wild waves below – none other than the kitchen itself! Even today, visitors can stand at this historic site and imagine what it must have been like to witness such an incredible event.
The only person who made it through the incident sane and sound was the kitchen lad, whom authorities had to bring out off the window sill. The castle which was formed by capturing visuals in popular series like Game of Thrones was consumed by flames completely.
Address: 87 Dunluce Rd, Bushmills, Antrim
3. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Visitors to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, located 15 minutes east of the Giant’s Causeway, will experience vertigo as they traverse this spectacular coastal attraction. The bridge is situated near the village of Ballintoy and should not be attempted by those with a fear of heights.
The vertiginous rope bridge, spanning the gap between two rocky cliffs and connecting to a small island where fishermen would come to catch salmon, offers visitors an exciting experience. Access to the grounds is free of charge but those brave enough to venture across the bridge must pay a fee in order to do so.
Address: County, 119a Whitepark Road, Ballintoy, Antrim, Ballycastle
4. The Titanic Belfast
The Titanic Belfast is a landmark in Belfast, Northern Ireland that pays tribute to the city’s maritime history and honors the story of the RMS Titanic. It is star-shaped to represent the White Star Line logo, and its presence serves as a reminder of Belfast’s key role in British Empire shipbuilding during its heyday.
This spot offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and legacy of the Titanic. There are nine interactive exhibitions that provide an in-depth look at the vessel, its construction, and ultimately its demise. Visitors can additionally take part in a guided tour around the slipway and dry-dock where it was built, as well as pay an additional fee to visit SS Nomadic, which was built in 1911 as a tender for passengers from shore to their waiting ocean liners.
There is a restaurant, cafe, and gift shop on site too. This is truly a world-class tourist attraction.
Address: 1 Olympic Way, Queen’s Rd, Belfast
5. The Glens of Antrim
The Glens of Antrim are a group of nine valleys located in Northern Ireland, near the North Antrim coastline. The area is renowned for its natural beauty and offers visitors peaceful lakes, waterfalls, forest trails, and rolling hills. Glenariff is the most famous of the glens and is known as the “Queen of the Glens”.
As you make your journey, keep an eye out for the Glendun Bridge – a standout example of remarkable engineering and craftsmanship. Furthermore, Ballypatrick Forest Park features breathtaking scenery with its 10-km loop drive around Carneighaneigh Mt.
Portrush is a small seaside resort town located on the border of County Londonderry in Northern Ireland. It is best known for being home to the Royal Portrush Golf Club and its world-renowned Dunluce Links golf course, which is renowned for its challenging layout.
6. Carrickfergus Castle
Carrickfergus is a town and port located approximately 20 minutes outside of Belfast. It is home to Carrickfergus Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval structures in Ireland. Built-in the Norman style, Carrickfergus Castle has withstood numerous battles over its eight centuries of existence.
Perched near the shore and majestically dominating the town, the impressive fortress still stands tall and intact. The recreated banqueting hall is a particular delight, especially for kids, with an audio guide available from the visitor center which can be used to explore its interior and battlements at your own pace.
The Andrew Jackson Centre, the ancestral home of the 7th President of the United States reimagined, is situated nearby.
Address: Carrickfergus Castle, Marine Hwy, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim
7. Ards Peninsula
Donaghadee marks the commencement of the Ards Peninsula, a 32-kilometer stretch of coastline embracing the Irish Sea. As you traverse along this route you will come across breathtaking beaches such as Ballywalter and Ballyhalbert before arriving at Cloughy. From here, your journey takes an inland direction towards Portaferry.
Mount Stewart House and Gardens is a stunning 18th-century estate located 10 minutes from Ballywalter on the west shore of Strangford Lough, near Killyleagh. The picturesque Hilltop Castle overlooks the town and Mount Stewart, while on clear days the Mourne Mountains can be seen in the distance.
Portaferry is situated at the southmost tip of the peninsula, with a ferry easily available from there to Strangford. Otherwise, travelers can take a road trip encompassing the west side perimeter of Strangford Lough.
8. The Ulster Folk Museum and Transport Museum
Around 15 minutes by car from Belfast city center lies a living history museum for visitors to experience how life in Ulster was over 100 years ago. The village, complete with both restored historic buildings and reproduction structures totaling close to thirty, offers guests a charming authentically-preserved town.
There are different types of buildings on the plantation, such as cottages for the laborers, working farms, rural schools, and shops in the village. There are interpreters who go about their day in early 19th-century life. Visitors can ask questions and learn about their various trades, including basket-weaving, carpenter’s shop, and print shop.
The Transport Museum, located right next door to another attraction, offers visitors the chance to explore its extensive collections of vintage transport including steam locomotives, electric trams, fire engines, motorbikes, cars, and horse-drawn carriages. Visitors should plan for around two hours if they wish to visit both attractions in one day.
The Ulster American Folk Park is a non-profit museum in Omagh, Northern Ireland dedicated to the mass emigration of Irish people to North America during the 18th and 19th centuries. It features costumed interpreters in reconstructed homes, workshops, and other buildings as well as a full reproduction of an emigrant ship for visitors to experience what it was like to travel across the ocean.
The Ulster Museum in Belfast showcases Northern Ireland’s natural history and cultural heritage, showcasing artifacts and exhibits of the region in a traditional museum setting.
Address: 153 Bangor Rd, Holywood, Belfast
9. Dark Hedges
Dark Hedges is a magical place in Northern Ireland, famous for its majestic beech trees that create an enchanting tunnel along the road. Photos of the area do not do justice to the surreal beauty of this natural wonder.
The Dark Hedges is an iconic lane in Northern Ireland that was originally planted by the Stuarts in the 18th century. The purpose of its design was to create a sense of awe and grandeur as visitors approached their estate, and today it remains one of the most photographed sites in Northern Ireland. It has been featured in various films and television series, including Game of Thrones as “King’s Road”.
Today, it is a pedestrian zone and is free to visit at any time of the day or night.
Address: Bregagh Rd, Stranocum, Ballymoney BT53 8PX, United Kingdom
10. Londonderry (Derry)
Derry is the second largest city in Northern Ireland and is located where the River Foyle opens into a sea lough. Despite losing its natural hinterland of Donegal due to political division, Derry remains an important port and industrial center with various industries such as textiles, chemicals, engineering, and ceramics manufacturing.
The town of Derry, renowned for its attractive features, is regularly visited by tourists eager to take part in excursions such as those offered throughout the Inishowen Peninsula and Donegal existing in the Republic of Ireland. Derry’s stunning allure is highlighted by a breathtakingly preserved circuit of old medieval walls
11. Lough Erne
Lough Erne, located in County Fermanagh, is a popular destination for various activities such as fishing, kayaking, and taking day cruises. It is made up of two connected lakes and features many castles and manor houses along its banks. Its islands are a major draw for visitors too.
Devenish Island in Ireland is home to a 12th-century round tower and the ruins of an Augustinian priory. Additionally, mysterious carved stone figures from the Celtic period (400-800 AD) can be found on White Island and Boa Island. The Shannon Erne Waterway is a major inland water navigation route that links Lough Erne to the mighty River Shannon, traversing a distance of 39 miles. This historic waterway, which was constructed in the early 20th century, offers an idyllic and tranquil passage for cruising pleasure craft and barges alike. It meanders through stunning scenery and natural beauty, as it passes through two countries – Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland – before ultimately connecting with one of Europe’s longest rivers.
