The 21 best things to do in Northern Ireland

Telegraph

18 hours ago

It doesn't matter how you like to spend your time – birdwatching on a rugged island, pottering around a food market or getting active on a coastal hike – chances are, there's something that'll fit the bill in Northern Ireland.
There are art galleries and unique museums, points of historical interest and a gorgeous coastline peppered with interesting landmarks. And alongside the more visited sights, there are the quirkier activities, like food tours and peaceful lake districts, as well as the attractions that don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon – the Game of Thrones filming locations. Here are some activities to add to your list.
All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Northern Ireland. Find out more below, or for further inspiration, explore our guides to Northern Ireland's best hotels, restaurants, nightlife and beaches.
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Best for families
Best for being outdoors
Best free things to do
Best for culture
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Best for families
Titanic Belfast
Step back in time
Set on the very spot where the famous ship was built, this museum is a flashy, high-tech ode to all things Titanic. You walk through the journey of the liner, from construction to the sinking; the stories told both through interactive exhibits and personal stories. And it's all suitable for kids.
Insider tip: If you're up anyway, book the early riser ticket, which offers a discount for the first time slot of the day. This includes entry to the restored SS Nomadic, the tender to the Titanic and the last remaining ship from the White Star Line.
The MAC
Let their imaginations run wild
At The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre), you'll find a rotating series of exhibitions in the three gallery spaces, but there is also a whole heap of theatre performances, workshops and a schedule of specialised family activities, like baby time, drawing and crafts. These activities are mainly in the school holidays, but outside of those periods there are creativity stations and activity sheets for kids.
Insider tip: While some of the specialised workshops are free and available on a drop-in basis, others have a fee and should be booked in advance – check the schedule ahead of time.
Giant's Causeway
Uncover mythical landscapes and wild climbs
Depending on whose story you believe, the hexagonal basalt columns on the County Antrim shore were created by volcanic activity or an angry giant. But either way, these rock formations – perfectly symmetrical shapes stacked up against the wild coastline – are almost beggar belief. While you're free to roam the columns, you'll need to keep a close eye on the kids, as rogue waves are far from a rarity.
Insider tip: If your kids aren't averse to a longer walk, the hike along the two-mile Red Trail gives you a great vantage point of the Unesco World Heritage site from the cliffs above.
Crawfordsburn Country Park
Explore a fairytale woodland
There's a definite fairytale feel to this park, with thick woodland, winding pathways and a huge waterfall. It's an easy stroll with little kids, plus there's a picnic area and a woodland café. Walk the full trail and you'll end up at the beach, or you can stick to the wildflower meadows closer to the village.
Insider tip: Pop into the thatched Old Inn afterwards, right by the entrance to the park – it dates back to 1614 and has plenty of cosy tables next to roaring fireplaces, and a bigger restaurant if you're looking for lunch.
Best for being outdoors
Rathlin Island
Take a boat trip to a rugged island
It's only a short hop from Ballycastle over to Rathlin and, as there are residents on the island, the ferry runs throughout the year. However, if you can time a visit to fall between April to July, you can see the resident colony of puffins. Stop by the seabird centre in the working lighthouse between April and August, while at other times, you hike around the island or pop into the craft shop.
Insider tip: During the summer, there are minibus tours of the island available, if you'd rather not hike. Alternatively, you can rent a bike 15 minutes' walk from the ferry port.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Get a shot of adrenaline
Gently swinging almost 100 feet above the sea, this rope bridge over to Carrick-a-Rede Island was first built back in 1755 – but don't worry, it's been upgraded since. The crossing itself doesn't take too long, but it's a thrill ride even for those who aren't scared of heights, with the waves crashing into the craggy, rocky shore below.
Insider tip: You need to pre-book your tickets online, but bear in mind the bridge can close at short notice due to weather conditions, so don't be disappointed if your slot is cancelled.
The Gobbins
Walk a Victorian cliff-side trail
Forget about your average walk by the sea. This trail clings to the edge of the cliffs on the Causeway Coast, taking you along a suspension bridge, through tunnels and under sections carved from the rock, with the sea to your side. The only way you could get closer to the cliffs is if you were rock climbing. Be warned that The Gobbins is periodically closed after storms or rockfall; check the website for more information.
Insider tip: There are usually a few pairs of binoculars shared with your tour group, but bring your own if you want to get a closer glimpse at the seabirds.
Fermanagh Lakelands
Visit a romantic lake district
This understated region to the west doesn't get too much attention, but that means you have more space to explore the calm, reed-lined lakes and tiny islands. Take a boat trip out on Lough Erne to see the 6th-century monastic ruins on Devenish Island, or walk the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, a raised pathway known as the Stairway to Heaven.
Insider tip: Book a night in one of the swish bubble domes in Finn Lough, where you can drink in the night skies from a four-poster bed or a roll-top bath.
Strangford Lough
Explore the lakeside mansions
Considering it's so close to Belfast, Strangford Lough feels like a secluded paradise. There's plenty of interesting birdlife, but also two historic National Trust estates on its shoreline – Mount Stewart has impressive gardens and lavish interiors, and Castle Ward (better known by many as Winterfell in Game of Thrones) has a beautiful estate for walking.
Insider tip: If you want to pop from one side of the lake to the other, take the ferry between Portaferry and Strangford to save driving all the way around.
Best free things to do
The Causeway Coast
Embark on a road trip of epic proportions
The Republic of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way may get more attention, but the Causeway Coast, stretching 120 miles from Belfast over to Derry-Londonderry, is every bit as impressive. There are wild, wind-battered cliffs, sweeping white sand beaches and pretty harbours, and you don't need to drive the whole thing to get the full effect – just pick a section and follow the coastal road.
Insider tip: If you want to see the coastline from a different perspective, book in for a kayaking tour with Causeway Coast Kayaking Tours, which runs trips from Ballintoy and under the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.
Belfast's street art
Walk between impressive murals
There are incredible pieces of street art around Belfast, with some of the best-known works found in and around the Cathedral Quarter. These range from giant, lifelike portraits that look like large-scale sketches, to multi-colour three-dimensional pieces reminiscent of the old Magic Eye books. There's even an annual street art festival, Hit the North, held each May.
Insider tip: If you want a little more insight, take a guided street art walking tour with Seedhead Arts, whose artist guides know the stories behind each piece.
Mourne Mountains
Hike the peaks that inspired CS Lewis
Whether you want to take a scenic road trip or lace up your hiking boots, the Mournes are home to some of the best views in Northern Ireland. The roads around the foothills are winding and narrow, and the gentle curve of the peaks is romantic, whatever the weather.
Insider tip: The hiking trails in Tollymore Forest Park are ideal on more inclement days, as the majority of the walking is sheltered by the ancient trees. When you emerge, you get a killer view of the mountain range and the old Mourne Wall.
Slieve Gullion Scenic Forest Drive
Tick off some epic scenery on a quick spin
It may only take you 20 minutes, but this linear, narrow mountain drive is one of the most scenic in the country. In the summer months, the undulating plains are thick with purple heather, and you get a great view down to Carlingford Lough, too. Plus, there are plenty of lookout points along the way where you can pull over to take in the views.
Insider tip: If you don't want to see all the sights cooped up in the car, you can also cycle or walk the forest drive – it's just over six miles one way and a steep climb in places.
Best for culture
Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne
Overlook the sea from a clifftop landmark
It's one of the most photographed sights in Northern Ireland, despite the fact you can't even go inside. Modelled on the Temple of Vesta in Italy, this domed temple is right on the edge of the cliffs, built as a library for the Earl Bishop – or his niece, if you believe the scandalous rumours. It's occasionally open to the public for events, and is just as striking on the inside.
Insider tip: There are plenty of walking trails on site and a great coffee shack in the car park, where you can pick up a flat white and a slice of Guinness cake.
Game of Thrones
Discover all the filming locations from the hit show
You can't swing a dire wolf in Northern Ireland without hitting a Game of Thrones filming location. From tiny harbours and forests to coastal caves and the tree-lined Dark Hedges, numerous places doubled up as Westeros, particularly in the early seasons of the show. Take a self-guided drive using the free Game of Thrones Locations app, or go on a guided bus tour that departs from Belfast.
Insider tip: Real fans will want to pay a visit to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, where you can see the sets, costumes and props up close.
Traditional Music Trail
Drift between pubs on a musical pub crawl
There's loads of live music around Northern Ireland, but if you want a guided experience, then the Traditional Music Trail is a great option. You'll be led between traditional pubs in the pretty village of Ballycastle, catching various musicians playing the fiddle, tin whistle and Uilleann pipe in each cosy, fire-warmed space.
Insider tip: Wherever you are, remember that an Irish trad session is something of a sacred space, so resist the urge to join in, unless asked, and avoid loudly chatting near a musicians' circle.
Dunluce Castle
Visit a striking clifftop ruin
Sitting precariously on the edge of the cliffs, Dunluce Castle is a skeletal ruin but impressive nonetheless. Walk around what remains of this medieval structure and you can see remnants of its former life, like giant fireplaces and tall arched windows, as the waves batter below.
Insider tip: Keep an eye out for the tiny wildflowers that grow in the grasses and around the old stone – there are several rare varieties, including the 'blue flower of Dunluce', which only grows between Dunluce and Ballintoy.
Black Cab Tour
Hear the stories of Belfast from the people who know it best
The best way to get a handle on Belfast's history is to take a tour led by a chatty cabbie who knows the stories inside and out – because they lived through them. These casual tours take you around the city sights, the geographic tales peppered with snippets of gossip and historical tidbits, before ending up at the Peace Wall.
Insider tip: You can fit up to six people in a cab, but most tours are based on a per person rate, so it's not that much more to go as a twosome.
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Best for food and drink experiences
Old Bushmills Distillery
Go behind the scenes at a historic distillery
The oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, this riverside spot is home to one of the best-known whiskeys on the planet. On a guided tour, you'll learn about how the whiskey is made, but the best part comes in the cosy old tasting room, where you'll get a taste of three of their single malts – book the premium tour for a taste of the good stuff.
Insider tip: Head for a drink (or stay the night) at the nearby, but not affiliated, Bushmills Inn – the bar is lit by gas lamps and, unsurprisingly, there's a great selection of Bushmills on offer.
St George's Market
Wander around a historic marketplace
This redbrick building is a cornerstone of Belfast life, and one of the last Victorian covered markets left in the country. There are stalls selling classic local fare like 'fifteens' (dense, sweet tray bakes made with 15 of each ingredient) and baps filled with all the components of an Ulster Fry. You can pick up fantastic regional produce, too.
Insider tip: You can take a guided tour of the market every weekend to learn more about the history of the building, including its use as a morgue during the Second World War. Bear in mind the market is only open Friday to Sunday.
Taste and Tour
Delve into the Belfast food (and drink) scene
Food tours can be hit or miss, but when you get good guides then you're onto a winner. The folks leading these Belfast and Holywood tours know every inch of the city and its food scene, with general tours leading you to all the best places to eat, with a few pubs thrown in the mix too.
Insider tip: If you're more about drink than food, they also run specialised gin, craft beer and whiskey tours (not all at once), where you'll sample the best Irish artisanal tipples in different bars.
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How we choose
Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.
About our expert
Nicola Brady
I'm originally from Sussex, and I went on holiday to Ireland 16 years ago and never came back. While I'm now based in Dublin, I spent a decade living on the Northern Irish border and still visit regularly.