15 Best Places in Northern Ireland to Visit

What to see in Northern Ireland? What places and attractions are breathtaking? Does it actually “just rain” there? In this post I will discuss how to organize a trip to Northern Ireland, how much time to spend there and how to prepare for a journey.

Let me start with the basics: Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. This means that we need to take pounds or a multi-currency card with us. The capital of Northern Ireland is Belfast, and its second largest city is Derry-Londonderry. The country is home to more than 2 million sheep and just under 2 million people. In a pub we order a pint of beer, and the metrics are yards, feet and miles.

Northern Ireland for a vacation is a rather unusual choice, or at least that’s what you’ve written to me in the messages. This makes it a very good destination for travel, because many places will not be trampled by tourists, and there are really a lot of places to see in this country. In my opinion, the best time to visit Northern Ireland is spring and summer, when you can admire the beautiful green countryside and enjoy your time outdoors.

Let’s start exploring – you can find Northern Ireland’s most beautiful attractions below!

Attractions of Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is a beautiful country. I’ll start by saying that it’s really green, and you’ll see that on the photos. There are world popular spots such as the Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the Titanic museum (it was built in Belfast), and many other places. There are really plenty of attractions to visit in Northern Ireland although it’s a small country. There are quite a few places for both first-time visitors and those who have been to Northern Ireland many times. In this post I’ll focus on the attractions between Belfast and Derry-Londondery, we’ll take the Causeway Coastal Route, where there are many amazing spots. Northern Ireland is a country, in which you can fall in love at first sight!

Belfast – the Capital of Northern Ireland

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland. It is inhabited by more than 300,000 people, is one of the oldest cities in Ireland, and has a really rich history. There are many historical monuments where one can learn more about the city and the country. It’s a great city with many attractions and places to visit.

For example, there are several amazing museums, including the Ulster Museum and Titanic Belfast. It’s worth walking around the city with a guide. We madethe Beflast food trail tour and it was really fun! The city also has many festivals throughout the year, so there is always something going on. Also, while you’re in Belfast, it’s recommended to learn more about the Irish Troubles, or the Northern Ireland Conflict that took place in the 1970s. A sad story, but definitely worth learning about.

Also check:

TOP Things To See & Do in Belfast

Titanic Belfast

The Titanic Museum is one of the most popular places in Belfast. No wonder, after all, this is where the story of the famous ship began. In this museum you will see not only videos or photographs. Titanic Belfast is the real story of the ship, the shipyard and the people who worked there.

Visiting Titanic Belfast, it is worth noting that this is the time when the great emigrations began. You can see where the ships departed from, what it was like, and at the end of the tour discover how many people survived (their names, or what nationality they were). Interestingly, the shape of the museum refers to the ship. After visiting the Titanic, I recommend going to the SS Nomadic ship (it is located around 200 meters away), where you can learn even more history.

Causeway Coastal Route – Route Along the North Coast

If you are going to Northern Ireland, I think it’s good to rent a car and do the route along the northern coast. The Causeway Coastal Route is one of the most beautiful roads in the country, perhaps the most beautiful. On one side we have the blue ocean, on the other the green meadows. Along the way there are really a lot of attractions to stop at (you can find some of them in this post).

I would add that the weather in Ireland is changeable. During one day we could take photos in full sun, with light clouds or strong clouds cover. An interesting experience, thanks to which we took hundreds of interesting photos.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Northern Ireland? A week on the long May weekend cost about £300. This was at Enterprise rental company, so I suspect it may be even cheaper.

Game of Thrones Studio – Linen Mill Studios

Let me start by saying that about 70% of the famous series was filmed in Northern Ireland. For this reason, in 2022 an unusual attraction was created just 40 minutes away from Belfast – a Game of Thrones studio! 30-40% of the series was filmed in this studio and there are authentic scenes and film backgrounds. You will see not only scenes or costumes and accessories, but also sketches, themes and plans for the making of the series. An amazing place that shows the enormity of this project. On site we visit all the lands from GOT, and the farther we go, the warmer it gets. Fans of the series will probably know why ?.

Address: 245 Castlewellan Road, Banbridge BT32 3SG. Important! We park at the shopping center, pick up our tickets there and go by bus to the studio.

Also check:

Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Northern Ireland

Tollymore Forest Park

If you are in the Newcastle area, be sure to visit this place. Tollymore Forest Park is a lovely park on the east coast of Northern Ireland. It is primarily famous for its beautiful trails and charming bridges, which have taken part in various film productions. However, it is mainly a lovely arboretum, which was established in 1752. There you will find a variety of tree species from different parts of the world, including the famous Himalayan cedars.

Parking, as at other National Trust sites, costs £5.

The Gobbins Cliffpath Walk

If I had to recommend the most amazing experience in Northern Ireland, it would be the Gobbins path. The name “The Gobbins” comes from the Irish name “An Gobain” which means “points of rock,” and indeed, let’s walk along the cliff. The Gobbins is a dramatic cliff path that includes bridges, tunnels and a very large number of stairs! We climb into the rock, climbing farther and farther. It’s definitely a unique experience: this coastal route, was first opened in 1902. Since August 2015, we have been walking along a new, much safer route.

The place is extraordinary, and very well protected. What’s interesting, even people with a fear of heights (like me) felt safe there. The route takes about 3 hours.

Price: £20/adult.

Giant’s Causeway – Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that were formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago. A remarkable place, a true wonder of nature that was created without human intervention. No wonder it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts tourists from all over the world who want to see it up close!

Various legends are associated with this remarkable place, which will appeal especially to younger tourists. You will see the characteristic formations of the camel, chairs and harps!

Note that there are different options for visiting the Causeway. The first – buying a ticket and parking at the visitor center. For £13 there we get a guide in different languages and a map. The second – parking in another parking area, also usually paid (in May 2022 it was £3).

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is an iconic attraction in Northern Ireland. If you look at the photo, you’ll know that “you’ve seen it somewhere before.” The bridge is located on the northern coast of Northern Ireland, and interestingly enough, it did not originate as a tourist bridge. Its history is much older, as it was built to facilitate salmon fishing in the area. It was built by fishermen as a passage to allow access to nets and other equipment on the other side of the gorge.

The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge connects two cliffs over a deep gorge. Its length is 20 meters, and it was suspended almost 30 meters above the sea. Bridge connects the mainland with a tiny island called Carrickarede. Its view is impressive and crossing the bridge is an amazing experience, unfortunately, it was recently closed. Nevertheless, it’s worth a trip to experience the natural beauty, enjoy the scenery and get closer to the sea.

Admission: parking £5, entrance to the bridge currently unavailable (May 2022).

Cushendun Caves

I mentioned earlier that Game of Thrones was filmed in Northern Ireland. The Cushendun Caves are one of the locations featured in the series. The caves were formed more than 400 million years ago and are mysterious, interesting and incredibly photogenic in their own right. I say this because you may think that this place is only for fans of the series, and in my opinion, it is worth seeing because of the fact that they are simply beautiful.

Admission: free (May 2022).

Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland

Another spot popular for visiting is Dunluce Castle, or rather its ruins. Dunluce Castle is located on the edge of a cliff, with a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean. This medieval castle has a very long history, more precisely, its history dates back to the Viking Age.

Other famous castles in Northern Ireland include Carrickfergus and the further mentioned Demesne Castle.

Glenariff Forest Park – There You Will See the Most Beautiful Waterfalls!

There are quite a few waterfalls in Northern Ireland. Passing through the coast near White Beach, you can see several streams, flowing down steep cliffs. Waterfalls can also be found in the central part of the country, hidden in forests.

The most popular and famous for its waterfalls is Glenariff Forest Park. It is located a bit away from the coast, so when doing the northern route along the ocean, you have to go slightly off the road. Spectacular waterfalls are a characteristic feature of this park. The park is crossed by two small rivers. It is the Inver and Glenariff that create the waterfalls and stretches of fast-flowing water that rushes through rocky gorges with steep slopes! The route along the waterfalls is beautiful and scenic. One of the most spectacular places we  saw in Northern Ireland.

Parking: £5 (May 2022).

Fair Head – Unusual Irish cliffs

This is one of the places you must visit while in Northern Ireland. The Fair Head cliff stretches for 5 kilometers and is truly phenomenal. Located right next to Ballycastle, a small village on the northeastern “corner” of the island of Ireland – this is where we had a hotel booked and took a break on the Causeway Coastal Route. Fair Head is a great backdrop for photos, and the nearby rocks are perfect for a small picnic. I might also add that it’s where Game of Thrones was filmed (yes, again!).

The cliff is also high, its height reaching 100 meters. It is considered one of the best climbing areas in Ireland, and during our stay we had the opportunity to watch climbers. Definitely, it is impressive.

Parking: £3.

Derry-Londonderry

This unusual town in Northern Ireland attracts visitors for several reasons. First, it’s a completely wall-surrounded city, the only one in Ireland. Second, there is plenty to explore here. Third, this is where much of the country’s sad history and Bloody Sunday took place.

If you’re going to Northern Ireland, I think it’s worth learning about its history, which unfortunately was really difficult for the residents for many years.

Also check:

Things to Do in Derry- Londonderry

Demesne Castle and Mussenden Temple

Demesne is another great place in Northern Ireland. Mussenden Temple and Downhill Castle are phenomenally located , on top of a cliff above the Atlantic Ocean. From the cliff the view of the beach is spectacular. The place is great for hiking and scenic walks. I recommend starting the route at Bishops Gate, and that’s where we parked the car. Why exactly there? The park is beautiful, and the blooming bluebells and bear garlic on the long stretches make it seem like a place from a fairy tale. The trail takes a few dozen minutes one way, and at the end it is worth going down or downhill to Downhill Beach.

An interesting fact! Musseden Temple is another beautiful place that was featured in Game of Thrones.

Beaches in Northern Ireland

There are many great sandy beaches in Northern Ireland. They weren’t the focus of my trip, but I was able to save a few places as ones I would love to return to, such as the previously mentioned Downhill beach, Castlerock beach and Whiterocks beach. Beautiful places and great for a picnic or afternoon coffee/tea with something sweet. Besides, from the cliffs the beaches look simply fantastic.

Accommodation in Northern Ireland

If you are going to Northern Ireland, you are probably waiting for my accommodation recommendations. This time we slept in hotels that served a good breakfast. For a week, we stayed at:

Malmaison Hotel on Victoria Street in Belfast – a hotel inspired by Belfast’s most famous ship, the Titanic. Beautiful, and the beds are incredibly comfortable!

Salthouse Hotel in Ballycastle (a break from the Causeway Coastal Route tour). Beautiful eco hotel with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean!

Bishops Gate Hotel in Derry – built in 1899, the hotel features stunning Edwardian architecture, carefully restored rooms and furnishings

Accommodation in Northern Ireland can be found here (link).

Sightseeing in Northern Ireland – What’s Good to Know?

At the end of this blog post, I will briefly write about the weather. It is sometimes said that it “rains all the time” in the Northern Ireland. We were there in late April and early May and the weather was very changeable, but there was really a lot of sunshine. If you are wondering how to dress or pack, I can say one thing: dress in layers!

When the sun comes out, it’s really warm (the felt temperature is higher than on the thermometer), when it’s cloudy, it’s better to have an autumn jacket with you (I wore a fleece + vest).

This is one of the posts about the attractions of Northern Ireland. The aforementioned points are just the beginning of the tour – you can find more places in the category. And if you want to know something special, I look forward to your messages and suggestions.

And if you have already been to Northern Ireland, I look forward to your recommendations. I’d love to fly there again to discover what I haven’t seen!

I discovered Northern Ireland upon the invitation of Tourism Ireland. Thanks to you I was able to see how beautiful a country it is. Thank you!