Northern Ireland is a tiny dreamy place, located in the northeast of Ireland, shares a border with the Republic of Ireland, and is a part of the United Kingdom.
There are so many things to do in Northern Ireland that it will make your trip to the north very fulfilling. From magnificent Giant Causeway to breathtaking cities like Belfast, there are many places to visit in Northern Ireland.
Game of Thrones fans are probably aware of the places like Winterfell and the Iron Islands. The show’s filming and the Game of Thrones festival in Castle Ward alone make the site loaded with a handsome number of tourists. And the friendly people add up more to the place and makes your travel a memorable one.
Starting from the birthplace of the world’s most famous shipwreck to the abundant number of places to visit in Northern Ireland where you can roam around to enjoy the alluring landscapes. I’ve been to Norther Ireland twice, so I’ve curated a list of some of the best things to do here.
25 Things To Do In Northern Ireland
Visit The Giant’s Causeway
A UNESCO world heritage site was formed by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago, which has to be one of the best things to do in Northern Ireland.
This place holds its enduring beauty with a historical tale about its formation. It was carved out by the mighty giant Finn McCool, who left behind his old home to battle across Scotland’s water with his rival Benandonner. The place is also named after him.
There are around 40,000 of these basalt polygonal-shaped columns known to be the unique natural beauty ever. Make sure to visit the Giant’s Causeway Visitors Centre to get all the insightful details about the place’s history. Sometimes visitors are even able to spot Scotland in the distance.
People from every corner of the globe come to see this mix of Irish mythology and fantastic natural beauty. Undoubtedly it has to be one of the best places to visit in Northern Ireland.
Click here for a detailed guide.
Walk In Ulster Folk And Transport Museum
This is an open-air museum built around the 1900s inspired by all the things there over more than 100 years ago. It is made like a living museum, all the 30 buildings there are built in a way like they’re from that period, the people dressed in that way and the food available there is also inspired from that period.
The 170 acres of land has many things to explore and is a 15-minute drive from Belfast city. They have an impressive collection of all the different things to see from the past, like fire engines, vintage cars, horse-drawn carriages, fire engines, shops, churches, rural schools, historic cottages, all inspired by the life of over 100 years ago.
The museum also has an art gallery on the top floor, comprising over 100 real artifacts. Trust me; this is one of the most impressive things to do in Northern Ireland.
To get to the official site of the place, click here.
Adventure On Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
This majestic bridge is located near a beautiful coastal village, Ballintoy in County Antrim. It is also a 15-minute drive from the Giant’s Causeway. This is one of the must-do adventurous things to do in Northern Ireland.
The spectacular bridge links to a small island, stretching 20 meters and 30 meters above, and is mainly used by fishermen to catch salmon. The island was formed by a volcanic event 60 million years ago. National Trust manages the bridge, and a small fee is charged to cross the bridge.
If you’re someone who loves heights, this will be one of the most fun things to do in Northern Ireland.
Click here for a detailed travel guide.
Experience The Walk On The Gobbins Cliff Path
The Gobbins is located at Islandmagee, County Antrim, and the cliff path on the Causeway Coastal Route. It is known to be one of the most dramatic walks on Northern Island. You will be able to spot many historic places along the way, like Gordon’s Leap, Otter Cave, and Wise’s Eye.
The path has a lot of spectacular stories to tell. If you want to get close to the delightful nature, this is one of the best places to visit in Northern Ireland.
Take a Walk Through Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail
Do you like hiking?
If yes, then for you, this will be one of the best things to do in Northern Ireland.
It is one of the most extensive tracks in Northern Ireland, including a boardwalk and staircase, and is located in County Fermanagh. And after a long hike, you will be rewarded with a mesmerizing and breathtaking view of the surrounding lands.
In the first part of your climb, you will come across many fascinating landscapes, like the Fertile Rock, cottages, stone walls, and large Irish cultivation fields.
Then starts the epic Cuilcagh Mountain, filled with a red, white, and purple flowers blanket. It is also known as the Stairway to Heaven Walk as it will grant you all the jaw-dropping painted scenery.
Go Back In History With Titanic Belfast
Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and some of the top tourist attractions. Titanic Belfast is one of the most famous things to do in Northern Ireland. You are visiting the place from where this iconic ship was conceived, made, and launched.
You will get all the detailed tours of the area by the guides available there. There is a nominal fee to visit the place, but every penny will be worth it in the end. You will come across the whole story and the exclusive insight that went behind the ship.
The place received many awards of excellence and is the most prominent place to visit in Northern Ireland. You can stop at the hotel nearby for some food and drink, apparently the room where the ship was designed.
This place will give you a whole new visitor’s experience. This is the most exquisite one from the list of all the things to do in Northern Ireland.
Get Mesmerized By Dunluce Castle
Game of Thrones fans welcome to the House of Greyjoy Castle, located along a 10-minute drive from a small village Bushmills, County Antrim.
This is a 1-hour drive from Belfast, and otherwise, you can take a train to Portrush. Other than the castle, You will be treated to beautiful beaches, dunes, and waves.
The castle was maintained by the McQuillans and then taken over by MacDonnells after a battle. And it is still owned by Mac Donnells but is abandoned. These will be the most impressive things to do in Northern Ireland if you visit historical places.
Immerse In The Beauty of Rathlin Island
It is a six-mile-long Island, L-shaped, and has a population of around 150 people. The ferry to this island travels across the Sea of Moyle.
The beautiful tranquillity between the rugged landscape is so fulfilling. Besides the long walks along the shore of Mill Bay, you can also hire a bicycle or take a bus to roam around. The perfect time to play with sea birds is from April to July.
Take a View From Londonderry
This is another city of Northern Ireland, which is also called Derry by the locals. The town is filled with tall walled buildings all around and is the finest in all of Europe. The best way to enjoy them is to take a slow walk and learn about every building’s historical stories.
Both of Ireland’s great coastal routes meet here, the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route meeting, making it one of the best places to visit in Northern Ireland.
You will also see some of the best traditional singers and dancers’ skills, performing in a classic Irish style. Peace Bridge and craft village make this place more incredible.
There are so many things to do in Northern Ireland, and this city alone has so many things to explore, so make sure to stop by here and make some cherishing memories.
Explore The Glenariff Forest Park
This place, formed by glaciers during Ice Age, will take you to through nature in a pleasing way. The park is covered with woodland areas and lakes and is very popular among walkers, horse riders, and campers.
This 1000-hectare land is also known as the Queen of the Glens and is a drive of around one hour from Belfast. The route is filled with sheer beauty, so keep your camera handy. The Waterfall Walkway is the most famous route here.
Trust me; you don’t want to miss out on this. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Northern Ireland.
Shop at St George’s market
One of the last surviving Victorian markets, St George’s market is one of the things to do in Northern Ireland. It is open between Friday and Sunday, and the atmosphere is lively throughout. 200 stalls sell a variety of things like fruits, cakes, craft items and fresh fish.
Local musicians provide some of the best live music as you shop and walk around the market. At St George’s market, you’ll also find pottery, metal and glass pieces and local photography. This is a great thing to put on your weekend agenda in Belfast.
See the Game of Thrones Filming Locations
The castles, roads and scenery of northern Ireland give it its character. This is widely seen in Game of Thrones, one of the most popular shows of all time.
If you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, visiting some of their filming locations is one of the things to do in Northern Ireland you’ve got to check off your list. From Murlough Bay to Titanic Studios in Belfast, and Inch Abbey to Ballintoy Harbour, this epic show was filmed in these places.
A guided tour would help you understand and map out the locations better. It’s really cool to see the actual places where this amazing show was filmed.
Visit the Mourne Mountains
When you think of natural beauty in Northern Ireland, the Mourne mountains come to mind. This mountain range is magical from every corner.
The second they come into view, their majestic character becomes apparent. Walking and hiking trails, or just driving around will give you some of the best views these mountains can provide.
The scale is large and the amazement is even larger. Visiting the mourns mountains is something I’d highly recommend adding to your list.
Bask in the Beauty Of The Glens of Antrim
A drive along the causeway will give you a view of the 9 Glens of Antrim. Known locally as “The Glens”, these are a series of 9 valleys with outstanding beauty. This is one of the most unique locations in Northern Ireland.
Within twenty square miles, you’ll be able to see so many different landscapes. From waterfalls to valleys, beaches to hedges and vertical cliffs to villages- it’s quite the place.
The view is different at every point, and there are so many picture opportunities. I find it really cool that all of these different landscapes can be seen within this area.
Visit Slieve Gullion
Frequently called Northern Ireland’s mountain of mystery, the Slieve Gullion Forest Park is a beautiful place to have a day out with family or friends. With several walking and hiking trails, natural beauty is present all around.
The Slieve Gullion mountain lies in the middle of the ring of hills, called the Ring of Gullion. There’s just so much to do here.
The Adventure playpark is a playground for kids and adults alike. The several nature walks and hiking trails go through levels of difficulty, as well as stunning views.
Go Back In Time At Ulster American Folk Park
A visit to Ulster American Folk Park is a journey back in time. Understand the journey from the old Ulster world to the New American world. The pathways, the traditional farmhouses and just learning about how life used to be can really make you appreciate history.
The guides wear costumes and have demonstrations of willow weaving and wool spinning. The museum will also give you an idea about what life was like.
The full-scale emigrant ship will give you an insight into just how cramped and dangerous journeys were like to America.
Watch the North West 200
“Race week”, held in May, is one of the busiest and most popular weeks in Northern Ireland. If you’re here during May, watching a race is one of the things you must do in Northern Ireland.
It’s almost like the North West is a Mecca for motorcycle fans, if you are one too, this is a dream. Over 850000 fans come every year to watch this spectacular event, and it’s the place to be for some high-speed thrills.
Portrush Whiterocks Beach
Portrush Whiterocks Beach is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in Northern Ireland. Its on the beautiful causeway route, so you can imagine just how gorgeous it must be.
Soft sand and clear blue waters will give you a scenery to remember. Water sports enthusiasts are also welcome here, with surfing and kayaking being some of the top sports.
This is a dog-friendly beach, and you can even take a horse ride. Portrush Whiterocks Beach is a beach you’ve got to visit in Northern Ireland.
Irish pub hopping in Belfast
When you’re here, one of the things to do in Northern Ireland has got to be pub-hopping. “The traditional Irish Pub Crawl” is what it is frequently called and Belfast is the place for this.
With the most delicious and authentic Guinness and traditional Irish music, this is an amazing experience.
There is a long, long list of popular and good pubs in Belfast, you’ll certainly have a good time.
View From Cave Hill
The Cave Hill county park in Belfast is one of the best places to get some stunning views. The park itself gets its name from the five caves, which might have been iron mines.
These are located on the side of the Belfast cliffs. The view of Belfast from Cave Hill is one of the best ways to view the city. From Belfast Castle to the city itself, the views here are unparalleled.
Crumlin Road Gaol museum
Crumlin Road Gaol used to be a prison. It first opened in 1846 and was a proper prison for 150 years. Today, it is a museum and is open to the public for events tours and concerts.
The history of what actually went on in the original prison is what attracts so many visitors. Murders, suffragettes, births, hunger strikes and marriages have all happened throughout the 150 years at this prison.
Visit Glenoe Waterfall
When it comes to understated things to do in Northern Ireland, Glenoe Waterfall should be on your list. This is a hidden treasure of this place.
Located in the popular gems on Antrim, this waterfall is 30 feet long. The lush green surrounding the waterfall creates a beautiful scenery.
The calming sounds of the waterfall make this an experience to remember.
Spend Family Time At Portstewart
This little seaside town provides the perfect setting for a family day out. A gorgeous harbour with a stunning beach adorns the town, and this is also one of the most happening parts of the town.
You can take a walk along the promenade, play a little golf or have a meal at the many restaurants here. The Victorian seaside port is one of the most popular attractions.
Ice cream parlours, parks and outdoor swimming pools make Portstewart a great place to spend some time with family.
Walk Around Belfast Cathedral Quarter
The Cathedral Quarter is one of the most bustling places in Belfast. Every city has a few spots that are lively all the time, and Cathedral Quarter is one such spot in Belfast.
With cobblestone streets and warehouses, you’ll get to see that historic side. With bars, restaurants and clubs, you’ll see the modern character. The Metropolitan Arts Centre and NI War Memorial are some tourist attractions.
Street art adds to the vibrant atmosphere of the Cathedral Quarter. When you’re in Belfast, spending a day or an evening here is something you’ve got to consider.
Visit Carrickfergus Castle
Castles are one of the main reasons why Northern Ireland is such a beautiful place. Carrickfergus castle is situated on the shore of Belfast Lough.
This Norman castle is one of the most well-preserved medieval structures in all of Ireland. It used to have a military role until 1928. Today, the castle has historical displays, including actual cannons between see 17th and 19th centuries.
A guided tour will give you a better insight into the history and structure of the castle.
Frequently Asked Questions About Northern Ireland
Is Northern Ireland worth visiting?
Yes, Northern Ireland has many adventurous places which makes it totally worth visiting.
Is Northern Ireland friendly with foreigners?
Yes, It is friendly to foreigners and very warm and welcoming.
What is the best time to visit Northern Ireland?
The best time to visit Northern Ireland would be between June to August.
Conclusion
All these places make Northern Ireland one of the most amusing sites ever. You wouldn’t want to miss the chance to tick off northern lights from your bucket list, also called Aurora Borealis, as it is located between the 52nd and 55th latitudes, which makes the country a perfect location for the lights. October to February is the period in which the lights appear.
The landscapes, buildings, and iconic landmarks sum up one of the most beautiful places to visit in Northern Ireland. It is the perfect place to plan a vacation, as it has all that anyone can ask for.
I hope this was helpful to you. In the comment section, let me know about the place that you liked the most from this list of things to do in Northern Ireland.
