It is one of the most popular countries in the United Kingdom; the nation of Northern Ireland is famous for its medieval castles, its mountains, limestone rocks and its pubs. You cannot claim to have paid a visit to Ireland without experiencing Northern Ireland in its entirety or just a portion by visiting its glens at Antrim, climbing its mountains and abseiling off its cliffs as you wash the stress away with several shots of genuine Irish whiskey. You can almost inhale the magic in the air of this famous city, and you can practically touch the years of history that is draped all over the United kingdom’s most distinctive cultural community. Do you want to know all the pleasures that abound in Northern Ireland? Read on to discover the best things to do in Northern Ireland. You will want to cross them off your bucket list hurriedly.
1. Walk across Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
If you are up for some hair-raising, nail-biting and adrenaline-pumping adventure, there is one place that comes to mind readily, in all of Northern Ireland. The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a short bridge, connecting two rocky outcrops, made of ropes which can get the first time user short of breath and get their heart beating like a super bass. The bridge is the only route connecting the island to the mainland, and, as precarious as it may seem, it is safe enough and a fun activity for you to try.
Giant’s Causeway & Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Tour from Belfast - Klook
2. Be amazed by Carrickfergus Castle
Carrickfergus Castle, Northern Ireland.
Posted by From Ireland on Sunday, 1 May 2016
The ruins of the iconic and beatific Carrickfergus Castle reminds the Irish about their past and it has inspired artists around the world on what to do with their crafts. This landmark has made the Republic of Northern Ireland a destination of choice for lovers of Celtic and Norman cultures. Don’t forget to arm yourself with a camera as you gaze upon the once imposing walls of Carrickfergus Castle; it is a piece of history that needs to be preserved in many places other than your memory. You will be amazed.
Carrickfergus Castle
Address: Marine Hwy, Carrickfergus BT38 7BG, UK
Website: Carrickfergus Castle
Opening hours: 9:30am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 6.21 USD
3. Tour the historic Dunluce Castle
Are you scared of living on the edge? Then do not visit the historic Dunluce Castle. But if living on the side is your forte, you shouldn’t miss out on visiting this prominent Irish landmark. Dunluce Castle is situated at the edge of a cliff, nestled between moss-filled rocky outcrops and green vegetation. Some part of its walls still stand like they did when they were still inhabited, and they have served as an inspiration to diverse creative arts all over the world. It’s such a sight to behold, especially if you are fascinated by creativity.
Dunluce Castle
Address: 87 Dunluce Rd, Bushmills BT57 8UY, UK
Website: Dunluce Castle
Opening hours: 10am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 6.21 USD
Tip from Content Creator
This clifftop medieval castle is located on the picturesque Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland. Its earliest inhabitants were the McQuillan family, residing here in 1513, but it was taken over by the MacDonnell clan during the 16th century after two battles. It stood strong until the 18th century when the north wall collapsed into the sea. You can tour both the castle and the stunning grounds.
For Game of Thrones fans, you may recognize the castle as the great castle of Pyke, the Seat of House Greyjoy!
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4. Experience the stupendous views from Mourne Mountains
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Posted by Visit Mourne on Saturday, May 28, 2022
Everything is small but visible from the top, this is the confession of the many who have dared to climb the heights of Mourne Mountains. This mountain is one out of the many mountains that dot the Irish landscape, making it a wild beauty to behold and indeed there is hardly a guided tour of Northern Ireland that doesn’t involve a trip to Mourne Mountain. Your conventional camera may not be able to capture all the details unless it comes with a super large lens.
Mourne Mountains
Address: Newry BT34 5XL, Northern Ireland, UK
Website: Mourne Mountains
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Admire the picturesque beauty of Rathlin Island
There is so much beauty to be admired in Northern Ireland, from the waterways to the snowcapped mountains and moss-covered valleys. You can never have enough of nature’s dynamism in this remarkable destination. You must ask to be taken to the beautiful island of Rathlin. Surrounded on both sides by blue water and nestled between mountainous outcrops, this Island is reminiscent of Celtic glory days. Arm yourself with enough materials to ensure you capture every single detail as stated by the tour guide.
Rathlin Island
Address: Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland
6. Snap a beautiful photograph at Giant’s Causeway (from USD 30.52)
If you don’t have a camera, you can still capture the many sights in Northern Ireland. It may look like ruins filled with jagged rocks and water, but you will be mistaken if that is all you think of the Giant’s Causeway. There are about 50,000 basalt rock columns polygonally shaped and crafted by none other than nature itself, and your camera should not stop clicking as you watch what effects sunlight has on the water caught in the basalt polygons. The Causeway is, indeed, a beauty to behold.
From Belfast: Giant's Causeway Fully Guided Day Trip
Duration: 9.5 hour
7. Relax at Glenoe Waterfall
Glenoe Waterfall is one of the most relaxing environments on earth because of the brilliance of the water and the tranquility of the entire ecosystem. There is more to the environment than splashing water and the silence that permeates the atmosphere. If you visited Northern Ireland without making a stop at the Glenoe Waterfall, you did yourself a great disservice. Don’t be in a hurry to take pictures when you should be enjoying the whole scenery; some say the waters have healing powers if they splash on you.
Glenoe Waterfall
Address: Waterfall Road, Gleno, County Antrim, BT40 3LE, Larne, Northern Ireland
8. Visit the wonderful Enniskillen Castle Museums
You can’t mention Northern Ireland without mentioning museums, and you can’t talk about museums without talking about artifacts and relics that were collected from the ruins of the famous Enniskillen Castle. The museum is housed in the famous castle which was built as a stronghold by Gaelic Fermanagh and his fellow Maguire Chieftains, but it was reconstructed many years afterward. With over 19,000 visitors annually, it is clear that the beauty and history that are hidden within the walls of the museum are worth exploring.
Enniskillen Castle Museums
Address: Enniskillen BT74 7ER, UK
Website: Enniskillen Castle Museums
Opening hours:Sat - Sun: 11am - 5pm; Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 5pm
Price: 5.64 USD
9. Watch a hockey game at Belfast Giant’s
Belfast Giants v Coventry Blaze - EIHL Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 15th March 2019 - Photo by William...
Posted by Belfast Giants on Friday, 15 March 2019
The SSE Arena in Belfast is the home of one of North Ireland’s best and greatest ice hockey teams: the Belfast Giants. No one plays ice hockey as much as the giants and no better place to watch the champions take on a rival squad than at their home ground. If you are in Northern Ireland, stop by at the SSE Arena and join your voices with the cheering fans, wave your flags like them and enjoy yourself. Don’t forget to take a picture with the mascot.
Belfast Giant’s
Address: The SSE Arena, Belfast, 2 Queens Quay Belfast
Website: Belfast Giant’s
10. Explore the historic Northern Irish Assembly
This building houses the entire Northern Irish Assembly and the parliamentarians. Styled to look almost like the United States Pentagon, it is an architectural masterpiece to behold. If you are a student of history and political science paying a visit to see where policies are made, this destination will interest you, and you should look forward to meeting a few familiar faces and learn a thing or two about the parliamentary system. Don’t forget to try some of the tasty Irish delicacies in the adjoining cafes.
Northern Irish Assembly
Address: Parliament Buildings, Belfast BT4 3SY, UK
Website: Northern Irish Assembly
11. Tour the green village of Bushmills
The river Bush flowing through Millenium Park and under the new bridge.
Posted by Bushmills Village on Wednesday, 10 July 2019
Bushmill is an adventurous village nestled on the north coast of County Antrim and it is the closest town to the Giant’s Causeway only 5km (2mi). The name ‘Bushmill’ originated from a 17th-century watermill and the River Bush. Hikers exploring the Causeway Coast and cognoscente of Irish whiskey have stormed this fantastic destination which has had endless shades of green vegetation since time immemorial. With the town’s old distilleries including the Old Bushmills Distillery and old-style shop frontages, it almost feels like you have stepped back in time. Check out the historic houses and shops lined in the Main Street, the Bushmills War Memorial in The Diamond and the Market Square.
Bushmills
Address: BT57 8QB, UK
Website: Bushmills
12. View the spectacular Glens of Antrim (from USD 150.73)
You may have seen them in your favorite epic movies, but you are about to experience them if the view of the glamorous Glens of Antrim is on your bucket list for your Northern Ireland trip. They are about 9 in number, they stretch for about 80 miles (128.7km), and they are certainly a must-see. The cliffs are rugged, the greenery is captivating, and there is suitable accommodation around if you intend to spend a few more days exploring the glens.
Dublin: Giant's Causeway & Glens of Antrim Day Tour
Duration: 1.0 day
13. Visit the magnificent Mussenden Temple
The temple was built in the year 1785 and was formerly part of the estates of the former Lord Bishop of the Church of Ireland. Today, the Mussenden Temple stands as a wonder, a delightful sight for tourists because of its beautiful dome, its location on the hill and the background of the Atlantic Ocean extending behind it. Here’s a piece of a secret; you can hold your weddings or other private ceremonies in Mussenden Temple, with permission, of course.
Mussenden Temple
Address: Sea Coast Rd, Coleraine BT51 4RH, UK
Website: Mussenden Temple
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
14. Admire the architecture of Belfast City Hall
If you find yourself in Belfast and architecture is your thing, you have to check out the breathtaking edifices that make up the Belfast City Hall. Belfast City Hall is imposing by day and intimidating by night because of the brilliance of the lights the radiance of the corniches, pillars, and battlement. Also, it is strategically situated at the intersection between the commercial and business areas of the city of Ireland. Formerly known as the Linen Hall Library, the almost 300-year-old building is made up of interior and exterior Victorian-style architectural brilliance.
Belfast City Hall
Address: City Hall Donegall Square, Belfast BT1 5GS, Northern Ireland
Website: Belfast City Hall
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm; Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5pm
15. Marvel at the spectacular Dark Hedges
If you missed this scenic location in the blockbuster legendary eight-part series, Game of Thrones, you shouldn’t miss visiting this part of Northern Ireland that is known as the ‘most photographed place in the world. This collection of mangled and twisted beech trees that have formed an arc has inspired many tourists, painters, photographers, and other creativities for years because of its mystical appearance and its sentimental value. Prepare to be marveled and don’t forget to shoot all you can with your camera.
Game of Thrones Day Tour with Dark Hedges Experience from Belfast - Klook
16. Drink at Victorian-era Crown Liquor Saloon
The Victorian era may be long gone, but it left behind memories in the form of buildings and other types of architecture that everyone should see, and every artist should be inspired by. The Crown Liquor Saloon is one of this Victorian-era styled pub, located on Great Victoria Street in Belfast. If you visit, you will still find stained windows, exotic marble floors, and exquisite tiling and you can enjoy your gin and tonic in one of the 10 wooden booths at the ring of a bell.
The Crown Liquor Saloon
Address: 46 Great Victoria St, Belfast BT2 7BA, UK
Website: The Crown Liquor Saloon
Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 12am; Mon - Fri: 9am - 12am
17. Tour the Larne Museum and Arts Centre
Posted by Larne Museum and Arts Centre Official on Friday, 5 July 2019
All roads lead to Antrim County in Northern Ireland for the tour of the Larne Museum and arts center- a very historic building constructed in the early 1900s. If you are interested in the relics and antiquities of maritime, military, agricultural and industrial history, you will see them all preserved in the Larne Museum and Arts Centre. Also, on display are several of the Irish navy’s artifacts of years gone by. Plan to visit when one of the numerous exhibitions are being held.
Larne Museum and Arts Centre
Address: 2 Victoria Rd, Larne BT40 1RN, UK
Website: Larne Museum and Arts Centre
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
18. Check out the magnificent Kinbane Castle
Posted by Krisztina Tar on Sunday, 7 July 2019
You will have to pay to take in this utter magnificence. Kinbane Castle is a two-story building that was constructed in the mid 15th century by one of Irish’s nobility, laced with a lot of history, tragic and otherwise. This magnificent castle, as you will later find out, is a historical monument that every lover of history would love to experience in all its beauty. Although a large part of the castle was lost in a fire and the effects of time and weather, you will still enjoy the view.
Kinbane Castle
Address: 81 Whitepark Rd, Ballycastle BT54 6LP, UK
Website: Kinbane Castle
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
19. Visit the unique Armada Tree
"The Armada Tree" ?@armadainvencible1588 Este castaño brotó de la tumba de un marino español de la #ArmadaInvencible...
Posted by Peter Spanarmada on Friday, 23 February 2018
Ever heard about the Spanish armadas? If you think they were great and their story almost unbelievably true, wait till you hear about the story of this old tree that looms over the church’s graveyard in Belfast. Your tour guide is likely to tell you that this monstrosity sprang up from seeds that fell from the pocket of a soldier who ended up being buried under the same tree. The tree is almost 500 years old- wouldn’t you like to see that?
Armada Tree
Address: Larne Northern Ireland, UK
Website: Armada Tree
20. Go skating at Skate 56 in The Belfry
Who says Northern Ireland is all about Victorian styled architecture, historical sites, museums, and gnarled old trees? There is also some fun for the old and young in Belfast, and it comes in the form of Skate 56. Built in the early 2000s by Ireland’s top skateboarder, Mike Keane, Skate 56 in The Belfry is situated in an old chapel that was reconverted into a multi-purpose skating facility for the young and bold. You may not love skating, but you will enjoy watching others skate.
The Belfry
Address: 54 Main Street Newcastle BT33 United Kingdom
Website: The Belfry
21. Click a photograph with polar bears of Ballygalley
Polar Bear at Ballygalley with the Maidens behind
Posted by Bill Guiller on Saturday, 23 July 2016
Imagine someone told you that you would take a picture with a polar bear rising from the sea in North Ireland, would you believe? Well, believe it or not, there is a polar bear, and you can take pictures if you find yourself in Ballygalley. This rock shaped like a polar bear painted in white with a grin to match is a pleasure instead of terrifying to most visitors who make it to east Antrim. Whether you are visiting by car or by bicycle, your album won’t be complete without a shot of Mr. Bear of Ballygalley.
Ballygalley
Address: Near Larne, United Kingdom
22. Wander around in Ulster American Folk Park
Open from Monday to Sundays between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm, Ulster American Folk Park is the place to go to hear the story of emigrants who journeyed hundreds of years ago from America. There are so many stories to be heard and so many sights to behold from their cabins made from logs, their thatched cottages, peculiar clothing, and other exhibits of interests. There is so much information about the 18th and 19th-century life of the emigrants in Ulster Park to fill several volumes of books – you might be lucky to get a taste of their food.
Ulster American Folk Park
Address: 2 Mellon Rd, Omagh BT78 5QU, UK
Website: Ulster American Folk Park
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 7.9 USD
23. Visit the haunted Cairndhu House
Posted by House and Heritage on Sunday, 12 November 2017
Located on A2 county Antrim Road Coast, one of the most dreaded yet exciting locations to visit during your vacation is the haunted Cairndhu House. Climb up the stairways, walk through the alleys and feel the floorboards of the attic creak under your feet in this house of mystery named the most haunted house in all of Ireland. If you are too scared to go in, you can still capture the ethereal atmosphere surrounding the house by staying a few meters away from the barbwires. You might even capture a ghost-on photo.
Cairndhu House
Address: Coast Rd, Glenarm, Ballymena BT44 0BB, UK
Website: Cairndhu House
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 9 USD
24. Check out the sculptures at Castlewellan Forest Park
Posted by Mari Ana on Saturday, 13 July 2019
Have you ever imagined playing in a birdhouse? Has sitting beside a life-size fox ever featured on your bucket list? If yes, then you can have those wishes come to life when you visit Castlewellan Forest Park with unbelievably life-sized sculpting. Several wooden sculptures and carvings can and should catch your fancy from the spider-shaped play area to mounted badger carvings as well as several climb apparatuses and fox holes you can always burrow in.
Castlewellan Forest Park
Address: Castlewellan Castle Castlewellan Forest Park, Castlewellan BT31 9BU, Northern Ireland
Website: Castlewellan Forest Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: 6.77 USD
25. Hike to the Cliffs of Magho
Posted by Places to Stay in Ireland on Saturday, 25 February 2017
Extending about 9 kilometers long (5.6 miles), the Cliffs of Magho are made from limestone formations, and they are covered in absolute green and several other peculiar faunae. If you find yourself in the beautiful country of Northern Ireland, don’t fail to climb up to the cliffs and if possible, capture your unique journey on a video recorder. This activity is a feat for only the brave at heart.
Cliffs of Magho
Address: Magho, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.
Website: Cliffs of Magho
26. Be awestruck by the Madman's Window
This is Madman’s Window, located in Northern Ireland. The story goes that a local man lost his sweetheart in the waters...
Posted by Atlas Obscura on Thursday, 29 March 2018
Okay, don’t get mad, know before you go. The Madman’s Window is not for madmen, and interestingly it is not even a conventional window. It was named so because of its uniquely sad story and fantastic sight. The Madman’s Window is a naturally created gap in the rock, shaped like a window and facing the Irish Sea. It is said that a heartbroken man visited those windows every day of his life to peer at the sea, perhaps waiting for the return of his loved one. You don’t have to be a geographer to appreciate those limestone boulders that represent nature’s wonders.
Madman's Window
Address: Larne, Ballymena BT44 0BA, UK
27. Marvel at the stunning views from Slieve Donard
So yesterday me & good pal Jordan decided to climb the highest mountain in NI, Slieve Donard ? Great day out in...
Posted by Sho Vij on Tuesday, 9 July 2019
If Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, Slieve Donard is the highest mountain in all of Northern Ireland. Located in the province of Ulster, this mountain stands at a startling 850 meters (2,790 feet) above sea level. It was famous for being a pilgrimage site and ritual spot for many Irish citizens during the prehistoric times. It is such a stunning view to get lost in and once done, you can cross it off your bucket list.
Slieve Donard
Address: Newcastle BT33 0GR, UK
28. Check out the exhibits at Titanic Belfast Center (from USD 36.0)
You may have heard a lot or maybe read a lot about the ill-fated, luxurious liner, The Titanic, but you will be surprised to know that it existed and like every ship, it took off from a port - a port in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Your hope may have sunk just like the ill-fated ship, but your expectations should rise because there is a museum that documented the Titanic’s journey, which includes pictures, information about the ship and its passengers and much more useful and presentable exhibits. This museum is known as the Titanic Belfast Center.
Titanic Belfast Experience and Open-Top City Tour
29. Try whiskey at Old Bushmills Distillery (from USD 1.0)
Old Bushmills Distillery is one of the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distilleries in the world, and it is located nowhere else than the beautiful coast of Northern Ireland. Are you a whiskey and a history lover? You can have it all when you visit this 411-year-old distillery in the village of Bushmills. Be prepared to take a few swigs straight from the bottle and be ready to take a few bottles back to your father in law or your boss.
Giants Causeway and Bushmills Distillery Private Tour
Duration: 510 to 540 minutes
30. See the amazing Peace lines (from USD 154.0)
If you know a thing or two about Northern Ireland, you will remember its wars and the internal conflicts. Located in Belfast is a modern wonder in the form of steel, brick, and iron all about 25 feet (8 meters), serving a dividing function more than a dignifying role, separating catholic neighborhoods from protestant neighborhoods to minimize the tension and violence between the two neighbors. This is known as the peace lines, and you can access the gated entrances anytime by day- it’s a must-visit site.
Belfast Political & Murals Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Kick off your unforgettable adventure
We could go on and on about the many engaging activities that can be done by tourists and locals alike in Northern Ireland. The fact remains that this region is not just a destination for movie directors alone because of its breathtaking glens and awe-inspiring sights but for everyone in search of unique experiences. Kick off a memorable adventure with these top things to do in Northern Ireland.
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