Find your perfect somewhere where giants once roamed

Northern Ireland

Orlaith Costello
September 03, 2024

Northern Ireland — Ireland

Epic coastal routes, unbridled creativity and a giant spirit — Northern Ireland has something for everyone.

Northern Ireland is a special place. It’s home to incredible myths and legends that tell the story of the land, from the iconic Giant’s Causeway to the Sperrin Mountains.

It’s bursting with creativity, music and gastronomic delights — you’re guaranteed a great feed whether you’re on a local food tour or treating yourself to an evening at one of the many Michelin-recommended restaurants.

With so much to cover, we’ve crafted this curated guide to Northern Ireland together with Ireland.com. It includes important heritage sites, excellent eateries, natural landmarks and unique stays you should add to your itinerary.

Getting Around

Northern Ireland uses pound sterling as its currency (£), so be sure to bring some. You can rent a car for flexibility or use the reliable network of buses and trains. Translink operates this transport network, including NI Railways, which connect major cities like Belfast and Derry~Londonderry. Ulsterbus and Goldline bus services cover towns and rural areas. For private tours of the region, check out Wild Willow Tours and Giant’s Causeway Tours.

Did You Know?

Belfast was designated a UNESCO City of Music in 2021, acknowledging its rich musical heritage and vibrant contemporary scene. The city has a long history of producing influential musicians in a range of genres, including Van Morrison and The Undertones. It also boasts over 80 music venues, including the 11,000-capacity SSE Arena and 80 music festivals throughout the year.

Locals Love

When it comes to golf, locals have a special fondness for Royal Portrush Golf Club. It was named host for the 153rd Open for 2025, and GOLF ranks it in the top 20 golf courses in the world for 2021–2022. Located in the Causeway Coast and Glens area with the majestic Dunluce Castle as a backdrop, this iconic course offers stunning views and a challenging experience.

Don’t Miss

To get a real feel for the story of Northern Ireland, you can’t pass up a visit to Derry~Londonderry located at the meeting point of The Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route. Explore the 400-year-old city walls and the iconic murals in Bogside, walk across the Peace Bridge and enjoy a good feed and traditional music from numerous cosy pubs. Join a Derry Girls-themed tour that celebrates the show that put the city on a worldwide stage.

Five of the Best

Find your perfect somewhere in Northern Ireland.

Natural Beauty

From the Glens of Antrim to the Sperrins, there are plenty of unique landscapes to explore.

1. The Sperrins

If you're looking for easy rambles with epic views, you can enjoy both in Tyrone.

2. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Put your nerves to the test on a rope bridge just off the Causeway Coastal Route.

3. The Gobbins Cliff Path

Walk along the edge of the basalt cliffs of Antrim on this heart-pounding hanging metal pathway.

4. Giant's Causeway

Traverse the basalt columns that have inspired epic myths of warring giants.

5. Mourne Mountains

Challenge yourself and take on this majestic mountain range solo or in a group, on foot or by bike.

Drinks and Eats

From the oldest distillery to beachfront eats, here are the top spots to check out.

1. Old Bushmills Distillery

Raise a glass to tradition at the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world.

2. Wine and Brine

As the name suggests, you'll enjoy top wines and brine-y delights at this fine-dining restaurant.

3. The Dirty Duck Alehouse

Come here for craft beers, hand-pulled cask ales, great pub grub and stunning views across Belfast Lough.

4. Watermill Lodge

Enjoy French fine dining combined with Irish cuisine at this quaint lodge by Upper Lough Erne.

5. Harry's Shack

Tuck into a top-notch seafood feast while enjoying the views of Portstewart Strand.

Heritage Sites

Check out castles perched on the edge of cliffs and towns that date to the second century.

1. Downpatrick

Dive into ancient history in one of Ireland's oldest towns — it was included in Ptolemy's list of Irish towns in 130 AD.

2. Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

Soak up dramatic views across the North Atlantic Coast at this picturesque clifftop estate above Downhill Beach.

3. Dunluce Castle

Walk among the ruins of an ancient clifftop fortress that appears in HBO's Game of Thrones®.

4. Lough Erne

Discover ancient island settlements as you sail through the Upper and Lower Loughs of the Fermanagh Lakelands.

5. Carrickfergus Castle

Take a step back in time at this incredibly well-preserved medieval fortress on the shores of Belfast Lough.

Landmark Museums

Northern Ireland has a storied history, delve into it at these important institutions.

1. Titanic Belfast

Uncover Belfast's shipping history along the Maritime Mile at the Titanic Quarter.

2. Ulster Museum

Take a stroll through history, nature and art at Northern Ireland's largest national museum.

3. North Down Museum

Imagine life as a Viking in the longhouse reconstruction on the grounds of Bangor Castle.

4. Seamus Heaney HomePlace

Explore the life and times of one of Ireland's greatest poets and laureate for the 1995 Nobel Prize for Literature.

5. Ulster Folk Museum

Experience the lives and traditions of Ulster Irish from a century ago at this immersive museum outside Belfast.

Charming Coastal Towns

Stop in at these small towns along the Causeway Coastal Route.

Unique Accommodation

Whether you're intrigued by cottage stays, tower escapes or glamping adventures, we've got you.

Five of the Best

Find your perfect somewhere in Northern Ireland.

Belfast and Beyond

Add these family-friendly stops to your Belfast itinerary.

W5 Interactive Discovery Centre

Its name stands for "Who What Where When Why", reflecting its focus on exploration and curiosity. Made for kids big and small, this attraction features interactive exhibitions that range from science and technology to art and history. Read more.
St George's Market

To get a real feel for Belfast's buzzing culinary scene, head to St George's. It's open Friday to Sunday and stocked with local produce, cheeses, warm baked bread, fresh seafood and so much more. Read more.
Cave Hill Country Park

It’s not all city streets and heritage buildings in Belfast. Lace up your hiking boots and tackle this challenging 7.2-kilometre trek up the unsurfaced path past archeological sites, caves and heathland until you reach the top to enjoy panoramic views of Belfast city. Read more.
Belfast Castle

This iconic castle is located at the base of Cave Hill. In 2024, it's celebrating its 90th year since it was gifted to the city by Earl of Shaftesbury. Come here for a picnic on the grounds, a pick-me-up from The Tavern Coffee Shop, dinner at The Cellar Restaurant or check out the events schedule for upcoming happenings. Read more.
Crumlin Road Gaol

Explore this legendary prison, built in 1845 and in operation for 150 years. It has witnessed significant moments including escapes, executions and WWII bombings. Now, it is a captivating visitor centre with self-guided and guided tours. Read more.

Game of Thrones® Locations

We've mentioned a few already, here are some more filming locations for the hit show. Find even more here.

The Dark Hedges

These hedges were already a popular photography spot before Game of Thrones®. In the series, they acted as the moody Kingsroad to and from King's Landing. Read more.
Ballintoy Harbour

This charming harbour in County Antrim was the setting for the Free Cities and the port on the Iron Islands where Theon Greyjoy met his sister Yara. Read more.
Cushendun Caves

These magnificent caves and sea cliffs were used as the setting for the Stormlands in season two of the series. Keep a look out for shadow creatures and women in red cloaks. Read more.
Tollymore Forest

Numerous scenes were filmed in this atmospheric woodland. Walk through the trees as the Night's Watchmen did in the very first scene of the series when they encountered the White Walkers. Look for direwolves by the bridge where Jon Stark found their pups. Read more.
Castle Ward

Say hello to the seat of House Stark: Winterfell — well, the gate and courtyard at least. The castle was also used to portray locations from the Riverlands to battle camps, the Twins, and the tree where Robb Stark and Tulisa exchanged wedding vows. Read more.

Plan Your Journey

Track down the must-visit spots.