Northern Ireland Travel Guides

Northern Ireland

Mountains, caves, castles and rich cultural experiences await in this attractive country on the edge of Europe.

With spectacular geological forms, a beautiful coastline, friendly cities, deep glacial valleys and historic monuments, Northern Ireland is full of attractions. The once troubled country is emerging from years of conflict and visitors are once again pouring in. Ramble across mountains, visit the birthplace of the Titanic and enjoy some traditional Irish music.

There are plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy Northern Ireland’s scenic beauty. Hike across the Mourne Mountains and stop by some of the towns and villages located in the foothills. Take a boat trip across Lough Neagh and its waterways. The large freshwater lake borders five of Northern Ireland’s six counties. Picnic on one of the country’s many beaches and venture underground to explore the chambers, rivers and waterfalls of Marble Arch Caves.

On the North Antrim Coast is one of Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions, the Giant’s Causeway. The large basalt columns, which can be walked across, were created by volcanic action more than 60 million years ago.

Travel to Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital and home to a third of its population. Visit Titanic Belfast, the place where the ill-fated passenger liner was built. Learn about its construction and first and only voyage. Go on a free public tour of City Hall, a stunning neoclassical building in Portland stone and look down on the city from the ramparts of Belfast Castle. Watch a concert at the Odyssey Arena or catch a musical at the Grand Opera House.

Enjoy trips to some of Northern Ireland’s other cities. In Armagh, find St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded by the patron saint of Ireland in A.D. 445. Visit Londonderry for St. Columb’s Cathedral and to walk on the 17th-century defensive wall that encircles the inner city. If you are feeling energetic, cycle the Foyle Valley, a 21-mile (34-kilometer) route that links Londonderry with the border towns of Lifford and Strabane.

Round off your Northern Ireland experience with a drink and some live Irish music in a traditional pub.

Explore the cities of Northern Ireland

Belfast

Just an hour away from the pretty Atlantic coast is Belfast, the vibrant and welcoming capital of Northern Ireland.

Antrim

County Antrim is located in the north-east of Northern Ireland and is rich in history and stunning natural beauty. Characterised by isolated, rugged landscapes, unspoilt coastlines and bustling cities, County Antrim is a fantastic place to visit for all ages.

Londonderry

There are many places you can visit that you just know you are going to love, but there are very few that can genuinely surprise you. Derry is a surprise. In fact, Northern Ireland’s second city is an unexpected delight.

Down

County Down, situated in the north-east of Northern Ireland, is steeped in history and rich in areas of great natural beauty. Characterised by rugged coastlines, dramatic mountain ranges and bustling, vibrant towns, County Down has something to offer everyone.

Portrush

Portrush is Northern Ireland’s quintessential seaside town: a fun and lively resort with sandy beaches, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of daytime amusements. Portrush stretches out across a mile-long peninsula that juts into the North Atlantic and presents a panorama of the Causeway Coast, from the Giant’s Causeway in the east to Lough Foyle and the headlands of Donegal in the west. With its range of restaurants, nightclubs, hotels and eye-catching scenery, Portrush is a great place for a family holiday.

Enniskillen

The largest town of County Femanagh in Northern Ireland, Enniskillen is located on the beautiful River Erne, at the heart of the Northern Irish Lake District. With activities on hand for all ages, Enniskillen is an excellent place for a short break away.

Fermanagh

If you love fishing, watersports or messing about in boats County Fermanagh is the place to be. It may not have a coastline but water is in abundance just about everywhere - this is Northern Ireland’s lake country.

Armagh

County Armagh, located in the south of Northern Ireland, is home to beautiful mountain ranges, expansive flatlands and a splattering of uninhabited, rugged islands.

Bushmills

For the quintessential Northern Irish experience, the small village of Bushmills in County Antrim won’t disappoint.

Coleraine

The affluent town of Coleraine on the north shores of Northern Ireland is one of the country’s longest populated areas and is undoubtedly a contender for Europe’s most dauntless countryside. Home to the University of Ulster, and close to the popular seaside resorts of Portrush and Castlerock, Coleraine makes the perfect family getaway.

Explore the best attractions of Northern Ireland

Diamond

Inspect the solemn tribute to the fallen from the Great Wars and use this central plaza as a base to explore the city.

Giant's Causeway

Created millions of years ago by volcanic activity, this dramatic rock formation is one of Northern Ireland’s top attractions.

Peace Bridge

Opened to the public in 2011, the £14.6 million Peace Bridge links the two sides of Londonderry, the second largest city in Northern Ireland.

Grand Opera House

Belfast’s majestic Grand Opera House opened its doors in 1895 and since then has played host to some of the biggest names from the world of entertainment. Located in the heart of Belfast’s bustling city centre, this magnificent Victorian building has provided enchanting theatre for over 100 years as well as engaging with the local community and igniting a love of the stage in the city.

Dunluce Castle

Don’t forget to bring your camera when you visit this striking medieval Irish castle that clings to a headland above the wild Irish Sea.

Guildhall

The Guildhall is a major landmark in Londonderry in Northern Ireland and has been at the centre of city life since the late 19th Century. Built by The Honourable Irish Society in 1890, the neo-Gothic style building dominates Guildhall Square, the city’s main square.

Titanic Belfast

The world’s biggest Titanic museum experience, Titanic Belfast sits on the very slipway where the ill-fated ocean liner was built between 1909 and 1911. The location, Belfast’s former Harland and Wolff shipyard, is dominated by the towering exhibition space, with its glittering blocks recalling four ship hulls.

Belfast Castle

One of Belfast’s most popular attractions, this beautiful and historic sandstone building gives great views over the city below.

Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall is an imposing sight – it sits on the edge of the shopping district and looms over the shoppers, dividing them from the business area on the other side of the city centre. It has strong links with the Titanic – it was referred to before construction began 1898 as “the Stone Titanic” – and features a memorial garden for the sunken ship.

Old Bushmills Distillery

Try one of Ireland’s famous whiskeys at the oldest operating distillery in the world.

Mussenden Temple

Bring a picnic and enjoy some bird-watching at this charming stone temple that sits dramatically atop a cliff.

Marble Arch Caves

The Marble Arch Caves are a glistening, glittering, eerie experience where visitors can explore the depths of one of the best cave networks in the UK.

Mount Stewart

Built in the 18th Century, Mount Stewart is a handsome neoclassical house and garden on the eastern edge of Strangford Lough in County Down in Northern Ireland. Once the seat of the Marquesses of Londonderry, the Vane-Tempest-Stewart dynasty, who bought the estate in 1744, this National Trust-owned property is a must-see for anyone interested in history or horticulture or who likes nothing better than to spend time appreciating beautiful and calm surroundings.

Northern Ireland