40+ Best Northern Ireland Tourist Attractions A Local’s Guide
Planning to explore Northern Ireland beyond Belfast? As someone who was born in Coleraine, Derry I have been the beneficiary of my families long history in Northern Ireland and privy to many hidden gems and local secrets.
These days living in Donegal I make many a trip to visit family and tour the best places in Northern Ireland. I’ve discovered countless hidden gems that most visitors miss when they focus solely on Belfast and the famous Causeway Coastal Route. Drawing on my families and my own experiences I’ve carefully curated this comprehensive guide to Northern Ireland’s most remarkable attractions.
While the Titanic Exhibition, Giant’s Causeway, and Game of Thrones filming locations attract millions annually (According to Tourism Northern Ireland’s latest figures, Giant’s Causeway welcomed 2.5 million visitors in 2024) the region offers far more than these popular sites. From ancient Ulster Scots heritage trails to secluded coastal paths this guide reveals 68 exceptional destinations that showcase Northern Ireland’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.
- 40+ Best Northern Ireland Tourist Attractions A Local's Guide
- Castle Heritage
- Castle Hotels & Historic Stays
- Living History Museums
- Ancient Heritage
- Ancient Sacred Sites
- Coastal Wonders – Causeway Coast Highlights
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
- Mussenden Temple
- Island Experiences
- Lakelands and Waterways
- Game of Thrones Filming Locations
- Natural Wonders & Scenic Routes
- Derry/Londonderry: Ireland's Only Intact Walled City
- Insider's Planning Tips
- Hidden Gems Worth the Detour:
- Additional Resources
Castle Heritage
Northern Ireland’s castle heritage is a fascinating and multi-layered tapestry, reflecting centuries of conflict, power, changing architectural styles, and romantic revival. It’s not just about grand, furnished palaces; it includes rugged fortresses, romantic ruins, and Victorian baronial mansions.
Carrickfergus Castle
Northern Ireland’s most intact Norman castle stands as a commanding sentinel over Belfast Lough, with its massive stone walls and defensive features telling stories of 800 years of sieges and battles. You can also search for the Castle’s ghost an ancient army drummer.
Location: Marine Highway, Carrickfergus BT38 7BG
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Admission: Adults £7.50, Children £4.50, Family £20
Local’s Tip: Visit during weekday mornings for smaller crowds
Dunluce Castle
Perched dramatically on coastal cliffs, this ruined medieval castle inspired C.S. Lewis and served as House Greyjoy in Game of Thrones.
Location: 87 Dunluce Road, Bushmills BT57 8UY. Hours: Daily 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Admission: Adults £6, Children £3
Must-See: Kitchen ruins that famously fell into the sea
Glenarm Castle
A stunning, lived-in family seat of the Earls of Antrim, featuring magnificent Victorian architecture and one of Ireland’s oldest walled gardens. It is a working estate nestled in the first of the nine Glens of Antrim. It’s on the world-famous Causeway Coastal Route, about 35 miles north of Belfast.
Location: Glenarm, Co. Antrim. Entry Fee: Gardens & Tea Room Only: £7.50 per adult (as of 2023). Children are often free or at a reduced rate.
Castle Tours: Require a separate, pre-booked ticket and are only available on specific dates. Prices are higher (e.g., £20-£25) and include garden entry. Always check the official website for the most current prices and tour schedules.
- Local’s Tip: Walk the Village: The charming village of Glenarm is one of Ulster’s oldest and is well worth a stroll. It’s the first of the nine Glens of Antrim.
Hillsborough Castle
A elegant Georgian royal palace and the official residence in Northern Ireland for both the Royal Family and the Secretary of State, set within beautiful, expansive gardens. It’s located in the beautiful Georgian village of Hillsborough, about 12 miles southwest of Belfast.
Location: The Castle, Main St, Hillsborough, Co. Down. Entry Fee: An Adult ticket for Hillsborough Castle and Gardens costs £20.20.
Royal Connection: Remember this is a working royal palace. Tours may be cancelled or routes altered at short notice if it is being used for official government business.
Local’s Tip: Explore the Village: Allow time to explore the picturesque village of Hillsborough with its lovely independent shops, cafes, and the beautiful Hillsborough Forest Park and lake.
Castle Ward
A unique 18th-century mansion famously split between Classical and Gothic architectural styles, now a popular estate known as the filming location for Winterfell in Game of Thrones.
Location: Downpatrick, Co. Down, BT30 7LS. It overlooks Strangford Lough, about 5 miles from the town of Downpatrick.
Entry Fee: Full Experience Pass (House, Gardens, Farm): ~£14.50 per adult. Gardens & Grounds Only: ~£9.50 per adult.. National Trust members get free entry. Additional fees apply for activities like archery or cycling.
Local’s Tip: Wear Comfortable Shoes: The estate is huge (820 acres!). To see the house, farm, and filming locations, you’ll do a lot of walking.
Tully Castle
Tully Castle is a ruined 17th-century plantation castle situated on the shores of Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. It was built for Sir John Hume and tragically burned in 1641 during the Irish Rebellion, leading to its abandonment.
Location: Tully Castle, Derrygonnelly, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, BT93 6EY. It’s on the shores of Lower Lough Erne.
Entry Fee: FREE. This is a ruin managed by the government’s Historic Environment Division. There is no charge for entry.
Enniskillen Castle
Castle was originally built in the early 15th century by the Gaelic Maguire chieftains to guard a key strategic crossing point between Upper and Lower Lough Erne. It later became an important English garrison and is famously known as the birthplace of the 17th-century Inniskilling Dragoons. A must-visit for its rich history spanning over 600 years and its role as a key guardian of Ulster.
Location: Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, straddling the river channel that connects Upper and Lower Lough Erne.
Entry Fee: £8.50 for an adult, visitors can explore its two excellent museums, which are typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Castle Hotels & Historic Stays
Belle Isle Castle
A stunning 17th-century castle set within a 1900-acre estate offers luxury accommodation amid the tranquil waters of Lough Erne.
Location: Belle Isle Estate, Lisbellaw, Enniskillen BT94 5HG. Rates: From £250/night
Features: Lake views, estate grounds, cooking school
Ballygally Castle
This 17th-century castle turned luxury hotel boasts stunning views over the Antrim Coast and its own resident friendly ghost.
Location: Coast Road, Ballygally, Larne BT40 2QZ. Rates: From £180/night
Features: Game of Thrones Door, ghost tours
Local’s Tip: Book a sea-view room for spectacular Irish Sea sunrises
Helen’s Tower
A romantic three-story stone tower tucked away in the woods of County Down, immortalized in Tennyson’s poetry.
Location: Bangor, Co. Down. Rates: From £143/night. Sleeps: 2 people
Special Feature: Rooftop viewing platform
Narrow Water Castle
A dramatic 16th-century tower house offering unique self-catering accommodation in the original Mount Hall section.
Location: Warrenpoint, Co. Down. Rates: From £200/night
Views: Carlingford Lough
Historical Note: Site of important Anglo-Norman settlement
Living History Museums
Ulster American Folk Park
An immersive journey through Irish emigration, featuring authentic buildings, costumed guides, and a full-scale emigrant ship.
Location: 2 Mellon Road, Omagh BT78 5QU. Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Admission: Adults £12, Children £8, Family £35
Must-See: The fully recreated emigrant ship experience
Ulster Folk & Transport Museum
Step back in time to experience life in early 20th-century Ulster while exploring one of Europe’s finest transport collections.
Location: 153 Bangor Road, Cultra BT18 0EU. Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Admission: Adults £12.50, Children £6.50
Highlight: Working traditional crafts demonstrations
Ancient Heritage
Neolithic Sites
Navan Fort (Emain Macha)
Ancient capital of Ulster and one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites, steeped in mythology and legend.
Location: 81 Killylea Road, Armagh. Hours: Daily 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Admission: Adults £8, Children £5
Experience: Interactive archaeology exhibits
Beaghmore Stone Circles
A mysterious complex of seven stone circles, cairns, and alignments dating back to the Bronze Age.
Location: Cookstown, Co. Tyrone. Access: 24/7, free entry. Best Time: Dawn or dusk
Features: Astronomical alignments with summer solstice
Giant’s Ring
A massive earthwork henge enclosing a megalithic tomb, predating the Egyptian pyramids.
Location: Ballynahatty, Belfast. Access: Year-round, free
. ize: 180m diameter
Significance: Largest henge in Ireland
Ancient Sacred Sites
Boa Island Janus Figure
One of Ireland’s most enigmatic ancient sculptures, this two-faced Janus figure dates back over 2,000 years and represents a pre-Christian deity.
Location: Caldragh Cemetery, Boa Island, Fermanagh. Access: Year-round, free down a lane and the cemetery is on your left. A bit of a bumpy ground but easily accessible.
Features: Two-sided carved figure, ancient burial ground
Historical Significance: Rare example of Celtic pagan sculpture
Local Tip: Combine with a visit to nearby Lusty Beg Island
Sacred Isle – White Island
Its key feature is a remarkable collection of seven enigmatic stone figures. The island is accessible year-round via a free public ferry from the marina, and the carvings are believed to originate from an earlier Early Celtic monastic settlement.
Location: Lower Lough Erne in County Fermanagh. Access: Dawn to dusk year round, free
Features: the carvings date from the 8th or 9th century, and are likely from an earlier monastic settlement on the island.
Historical Significance: its role as a sacred site that encapsulates the complex transition from pagan Celtic beliefs to early Christianity in Ireland.
Local Tip: call the ferryman in advance to confirm he is available. While the island is accessible year-round, the ferry service from the marina is run by a local boatman and is not a continuously running public service. This is especially important outside of the peak summer season or early in the morning (+44 (0) 7968 348 726)
Coastal Wonders – Causeway Coast Highlights
Giant’s Causeway
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, created by volcanic activity 60 million years ago. You can access the site free of charge if you head behind the visitor centre and through the tunnel where you can take a shuttle bus down to the stones for £1.50, perfect for those who may be mobility challenged.
Location: 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills. Access: Dawn to dusk
Admission: Includes parking, access to the Visitor Centre exhibition, and a guided tour or audio guide) costs £15 per adult and £7.50 per child (aged 5-17) during peak season
Parking: If you don’t want to pay that excessive fee you can park at the pub nearby, grab a pint and lunch and park for free. Or park in Bushmills and take the shuttle bus.
Local’s Tip: Look for the Giant’s Boot and visit at sunrise to avoid crowds
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
A thrilling rope bridge first built by salmon fishermen, now spanning a 30-meter chasm above the churning Atlantic. It is a difficult trip to the bridge if you are mobility challenged and there are around 186 steps down to cross the bridge itself.
Location: 119a Whitepark Road, Ballintoy. Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Admission: Adults £13, Children £6.50
Booking: Essential in peak season. Weather Note: Closes in high winds
Safety note: The bridge is closed during high winds—check conditions before traveling.
Current information: National Trust operates the site | Adult tickets: £14 | Advance booking essential
Mussenden Temple
Perched dramatically on the cliffs of Binevenagh Mountain, overlooking the vast sands of Magilligan Strand and Lough Foyle, the Mussenden Temple is an 18th-century circular library. This stunning neoclassical folly was built by Frederick Hervey, the Earl of Bristol and Bishop of Derry, as part of his lavish Downhill Demesne.
Location: Downhill Estate, Castlerock. Access: Daily dawn to dusk. Admission: Adults £10, Children £5 (includes Downhill Demesne)
Photography: Best at sunset for dramatic coastal views. Historical Note: Originally a library dedicated to Lord Bristol’s cousin.
Fair Head
Northern Ireland’s tallest cliff face rises dramatically 196m above the sea, offering stunning views across to Scotland and premier rock climbing routes.
Location: North of Ballycastle. Access: Private land, small fee applies
Activity: Rock climbing, hiking trails. Views: Rathlin Island, Mull of Kintyre
Safety Note: Keep well back from cliff edges
Torr Head
A spectacular headland where Ireland and Scotland nearly meet, featuring a historic coastguard station and some of the strongest tidal races in Britain.
Location: North Antrim Coast, Access: Narrow, winding road
Best Time: Clear days for Scottish views. Historical Note: Former smuggling lookout point
Kinbane Castle
A haunting 16th-century ruined castle dramatically situated on a narrow limestone headland projecting into the sea.
Location: Kinbane Head, Ballycastle. Access: Dawn to dusk, free
Features: Castle ruins, limestone cliffs. Walking: 140 steps to castle ruins. Photography: Best at sunset
Island Experiences
Rathlin Island
Northern Ireland’s only inhabited offshore island, home to tens of thousands of seabirds and a unique “upside down” lighthouse.
Ferry From: Ballycastle Harbor. Cost: Adults £12 return, Children £6
Highlights: RSPB Seabird Centre, three lighthouses. Wildlife: Puffins (April-July), seals year-round
Activities: Walking trails, bicycle hire
Local’s Tip: Book first morning ferry for best bird viewing and take Bert’s Puffin Bus on Rathlin Island (costs £5 for an adult return and is cash only). There is also a £3 fare for children, and dogs are free. The bus picks up passengers at the ferry and takes them to the Seabird Centre
Lakelands and Waterways
Strangford Lough
The largest sea lough in the British Isles, this marine nature reserve is rich in wildlife and dotted with historic sites.
Activities: Kayaking, sailing, seal watching. Wildlife: Common and grey seals, porpoises.
Strangford Ferry
The Strangford Ferry is a passenger ferry service that operates across the narrow Strangford Narrows, connecting the villages of Strangford (on the County Down side) and Portaferry (on the Ards Peninsula side) in Northern Ireland. The short crossing is renowned for its strong tidal currents and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area, which is rich in wildlife and history.
Route: Strangford <-> Portaferry
Journey Time: Approximately 8 minutes.. Ticket costs: For one vehicle the cost if £7.70
Significance: It saves a 75-minute (47 mile / 75 km) drive around the top of Strangford Lough
Lough Erne
A magnificent lake system dotted with islands containing monastic ruins and castle remains.
Location: County Fermanagh. Activities: Boating, fishing, water sports. Boat Hire: From £30/hour
Key Sites: Devenish Island Monastic Site, White Island’s Celtic figures, Castle Archdale Country Park, Boa Island, Enniskillen Castle, Belleek Pottery.
Game of Thrones Filming Locations
Northern Ireland hosted over 31 filming locations for the HBO series, transforming the region into a major filming destination. Beyond visiting outdoor locations, fans can now experience the Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge.
Game of Thrones Studio Tour: Behind-the-Scenes Magic
What’s included: The studio tour features original sets, costumes, props, and weapons from the series. Walk through the actual Great Hall of Winterfell and sit on the Iron Throne.
Insider tips for the studio tour: Book morning slots for better lighting in photos. Allow 2-3 hours for the full experience. Photography is permitted throughout most areas. The studio tour includes interactive experiences not available at outdoor filming locations
Travel tips: The studio tour is located 30 minutes south of Belfast city and easily combined with other County Down attractions.
Dark Hedges: The King’s Road
These 18th-century beech trees, planted by the Stuart family, create a natural cathedral tunnel. Originally designed to impress visitors approaching the nearby mansion, they’ve become one of Northern Ireland’s most photographed locations. Many of the trees are now dying as they only live 100 years and they have survived longer so far. You can follow the Game of Thrones Tour of Doors across Northern Ireland to locations that host a door carved from the trees that have fallen.
Filming note: Used for Arya Stark’s escape from King’s Landing in Season 2.
Photography tip: Early morning visits (before 8 AM) offer the best chance for crowd-free shots.
Castle Ward: The Real Winterfell
This National Trust property features a unique architectural split—Classical on one side, Gothic on the other—reflecting the different tastes of the 18th-century couple who built it.
Behind-the-scenes insight: The Game of Thrones courtyard scenes were filmed here, but the interior shots used a studio recreation. The actual house interior is far more ornate than Winterfell’s austere halls.
Natural Wonders & Scenic Routes
The Glens of Antrim: Ireland’s Hidden Valleys
Nine glacial valleys, known as the Glens of Antrim, carve through the County Antrim plateau, each with distinct character: The nine Glens of Antrim are listed here in order from north to south, with their Irish names and meanings:
Glentaisie (Gleann Taise): Meaning Taisie’s valley, named after a pagan princess, or the damp valley.
Glenshesk (Gleann Seisc): Meaning the barren valley or the valley of sedge.
Glendun (Gleann Doinne): Meaning the valley of the River Dun, often called the brown glen.
Glencorp (Gleann Corp): Meaning the valley of the body (or bodies), often anglicised as Glencor.
Glenaan (Gleann Athain): Meaning the valley of the burial chamber or the glen of the little fawns.
Glenballyeamon (Gleann Bhaile Éamainn): Meaning the valley of Éamonn’s town.
Glenariff (Gleann Aireamh): Meaning the arable valley or valley of the ploughman, famously known as the “Queen of the Glens”.
Glencloy (Gleann Claidheamh): Meaning the valley of the sword or the glen of the hedges.
Glenarm (Gleann Arma): Meaning the valley of the army, which is the southernmost glen.
Travel tips for County Antrim:
Allow a full day to explore 3-4 glens properly. The coastal road between glens offers spectacular photo opportunities. Local food recommendations: Stop at Mary McBride’s Bar in Cushendun for traditional Irish stew.
Local secret: The ancient “ladder farms” on Glenariff’s steep slopes represent one of Ireland’s oldest continuous farming methods, some dating back 400 years.
Mourne Mountains: Where Mountains Meet the Sea
The Mourne range includes Northern Ireland’s highest peaks, with Slieve Donard reaching 850 meters. The area inspired C.S. Lewis’s Narnia landscapes—he spent childhood holidays here.
The Mourne Wall: This 22-mile dry stone wall, completed in 1922, took 18 years to build and employed over 2,000 men during construction, providing crucial employment during difficult economic times.
Unique route: The “Brandy Pad” trail follows 18th-century smugglers’ routes from Newcastle harbor through the mountains—original hoof marks are still visible in the stone paths.
Derry/Londonderry: Ireland’s Only Intact Walled City
The City Walls: 400 Years of History
Completed in 1619, these walls remain the most complete city fortifications in Ireland and among the finest in Europe, according to Derry City and Strangford District Council.
Unique feature: The walls have never been breached—earning Derry the nickname “The Maiden City.“
Walking route: The complete circuit is 1.5 kilometers and takes about 45 minutes with stops at the seven gates and bastions.
Local’s Tip: Head to Derry for Samhain (Halloween) the most spectacular celebration in the world, but book early.
Bloody Sunday Memorial: A Place of Reflection
This granite memorial marks the site where 14 civilians were killed by British paratroopers on January 30, 1972. The Bloody Sunday Trust maintains the memorial and organizes educational programs.
Cultural impact: The Saville Inquiry (1998-2010) officially acknowledged that the victims were unarmed and posed no threat, leading to a formal apology from British Prime Minister David Cameron.
Derry Murals: Political murals of Derry in Bogside area,
Painted by renowned artists like the Bogside Artists, these large-scale works depict key events such as Bloody Sunday and the civil rights marches, serving as poignant memorials to victims and symbols of resistance.
There are around 12-15 major, iconic murals in the Bogside area, created primarily by the renowned “Bogside Artists” (Tom Kelly, William Kelly, and Kevin Hasson).
Cultural impact: The murals serve as an open-air history book, visually narrating the story of the Troubles from a community perspective. They document pivotal events like Bloody Sunday (“The Death of Innocence”) and the civil rights movement (“The Civil Rights Mural”), ensuring that the memory of struggle and sacrifice is preserved for future generations.
Insider’s Planning Tips
Best Times to Visit:
- April-May & September-October: Fewer crowds, mild weather
- Avoid July-August: Peak tourist season, especially at Game of Thrones locations
Transportation Recommendations:
Car rental essential for maximum flexibility
Wild Rover Tours offers excellent small-group alternatives
Translink buses connect major attractions but limit spontaneous exploration
Hidden Gems Worth the Detour:
Creggandevesky Court Tomb: One of Ireland’s finest Neolithic sites, rarely crowded
Rathlin Island: Best puffin viewing in Ireland (May-July)
Marble Arch Caves: Europe’s finest show caves, featuring underground boat tours
Northern Ireland’s tourism landscape has evolved dramatically since the Good Friday Agreement (1998), transforming from a conflict zone into one of Europe’s most compelling destinations. The region’s authentic storytelling—from ancient Celtic legends to recent historical struggles—creates travel experiences that engage both heart and mind.
After many years of exploring these attractions with friends and family, I’ve learned that Northern Ireland’s greatest asset isn’t any single landmark—it’s the combination of dramatic landscapes, complex history, and the warmth of its people who are eager to share their stories.
Planning your visit? Start with 2-3 major attractions per day, allowing time for spontaneous discoveries. The most magical moments often happen in the spaces between planned stops.
Prices and hours verified August 2025 – please check official websites for current information.
Additional Resources
- Tourism Northern Ireland Official Site
- National Trust Northern Ireland
- Historic Environment Division
- Discover Northern Ireland
Have you visited any of these attractions? Share your experiences in the comments below, or contact me directly for personalized Northern Ireland itinerary planning.
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