10 Best Things to Do in Northern Ireland

The Giant’s Causeway is a bizarre and spectacular rock formation that spills out into the sea. Northern Ireland’s most famous natural attraction is made up of 40,000 basalt columns, caused by a volcanic eruption some 60 million years ago!

As well as the actual rock formation, you can take a look in the visitor’s centre, which has more information about Giant’s Causeway and information about the legendary giant from ancient folklore that gave the site its name. Located on the north coast of County Antrim, the wind really whips in off the Irish Sea here so wear plenty of layers and suitable footwear.

The lakes of Fermanagh mark the boundary between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This area encapsulates the classic image of rural Ireland – rich, green rolling hills and wide-open lakes. The main town of Enniskillen is the main hub of activity in the region, with plenty of natural wonders for you to visit, most notably Fermanagh’s largest body of water, Lough Erne.     

Boat tours and kayaking trips out on the lake are a great way to explore the area from a new angle. Of all the small islands scattered throughout Lough Erne, Devenish Island, with its ancient monastic ruins, is a highlight not to be missed. You can also explore caves, spend a few hours fishing, squeeze in a round of golf, or simply enjoy a local meal and a few pints while soaking up the lakeside views.

Titanic Belfast is a fascinating museum dedicated to the ill-fated vessel which was the largest ocean liner of its time. She was built in Belfast in the early-20th century and captivated people across the world, both for her size and her promise of luxury.

When she sunk on her maiden voyage across the Atlantic, it created a furore. Over 1,500 people perished in the icy waters, and the stories of those on board are told in dramatic detail at this museum in the docklands of Belfast, close to where the ship was originally built. This fascinating museum is one of the best things to do in Belfast and highly recommended.

Derry City Walls encircle the whole city and are some of the finest preserved city walls in Europe. They are well maintained and allow you to explore Derry from a prime vantage point.

You will pass decorative cannons and ornate gates on your walk around with plenty of information boards explaining how and why the walls were built in the 1600s by Scottish and English settlers. You can walk the walls on your own or pay for a guided tour to add some context to the sights you see.

The 28 peaks of the Mourne Mountains dominate County Down and offer some of the UK’s most dramatic hikes, complete with views of forests, lakes and granite mountains. Use the town of Newcastle as a base.

If hiking isn’t your thing, take a pleasant drive through the hills and soak up the scenery from the comfort of your car. Highlights to look out for include the majestic Blue Lough and Slieve Binnian Mountain. For adventure seekers, consider a caving trip or an afternoon of mountain climbing.

The Causeway Coastal Route is a 130-mile road trip linking Northern Ireland’s 2 largest cities – Belfast and Derry. One of the UK’s most celebrated seaside routes, you will pass a collection of famous landmarks along the way so you should expect to stop often on this journey.

The town of Ballycastle marks the halfway point of the route – it's just a few miles from Northern Ireland’s most famous tourist attraction, the Giant’s Causeway. Factor in some time to stop and gaze at this geological peculiarity but be ready for some extreme weather conditions. Other highlights along the way include Dunluce Castle and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.

Gobbins Cliff Path is a must-do 2.5-hour cliffside route for dramatic views and a few hair-raising moments. It was built in the early 1900s and has been evoking awe ever since. You’ll see plenty of wildlife along the way, including seals, puffins and even dolphins. A reasonable level of fitness is required as some parts of the cliffs are quite steep. You’ll also need some proper hiking boots – they are available to rent from the visitor centre.

You can drive to Gobbins Cliff Path from Belfast in 30 minutes, making it a great day out from Northern Ireland’s capital city. If you’re visiting in the summer months, it’s advisable to book tickets in advance as numbers are limited.

The Ulster American Folk Park is an open-air museum that tells the story of the Irish emigrants who left their home in the 1800s and settled in America. This immersive village has more than 30 replica buildings to explore, including traditional homes and trades like the blacksmith’s workshop, and the weaver's house along with the stone cottages that they built once they arrived in America. There’s also a replica ship so you can see how they crossed the Atlantic to try their luck in the New World.

Suitable for all ages, it’s a fascinating look at Northern Irish history which is brought alive by actors who you can talk to in each building.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a footbridge linking the mainland to Carrickarede island. With blustery winds and the waves crashing 100 ft below, crossing the bridge really gets the adrenaline pumping.

If you manage to cross the bridge, you’ll be able to enjoy an incredible seascape with Rathlin Island visible and even the Scottish coast on clear days. Located on County Antrim, this is a popular stop on the Causeway Coastal Route, not far from the Giant’s Causeway. There’s a small fee to cross the bridge.

The Dark Hedges is a country lane lined with twisted beech trees. It has become one of Northern Ireland’s most famous stops after being featured on Game of Thrones.

Beautiful in any weather, Dark Hedges is actually called Bregagh Road and links to the towns of Armoy and Stranocum in County Antrim. Due to the number of visitors, there’s now a driving ban in place so you will have to park at a nearby hotel and walk to Dark Hedges to get your selfie.