Fun Things to do in Northern Ireland – 15 of the best activities in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is a country of culture, with buzzing metropolitan cities such as Belfast, mesmerising natural landscapes like the Giants Causeway and historic landmarks including Dunluce Castle. There are so many fun activities to enjoy during your stay in Northern Ireland and we hope to include some of the best of them below.

There are many reasons to visit Northern Ireland. It is a country steeped in rich history and unique culture and has many unforgettable attractions. If you’re looking for a place that will create lots of memories, then you’ll be delighted by what Northern Ireland has to offer. For such a small place there are so many fun things to do during your stay!

This is our list of all the fun things to do in Northern Ireland for all. Northern Ireland offers the perfect surroundings and landscape to enjoy unique activities and regardless of your preferences, you are never too far away from lively cities and towns, the tranquil countryside or the rugged coast. In this article we will cover:

• Fun things to do in Northern Ireland for adults.
• Fun things to do in Northern Ireland for families.
• Fun things to do in Northern Ireland for children.
• Fun things to do in Northern Ireland for groups.

We have included locations, opening times and accessibility features where possible!

So, look no further, we are here to provide you with all the fun things to do on your next trip to Northern Ireland. Whether you are visiting on your own, with friends, family or children, there’s so much to enjoy in this list.

1. Things to do in Northern Ireland: Visit Colin Glen Forest Park

Where:

Colin Glen Forest Park

Colin Glen River Entrance, 163 Stewartstown Rd, Dunmurry, Belfast BT17 0HW, United Kingdom

River Entrance Opening Hours:

Autumn/Winter – 9am-5pm

Spring/Summer – 9am-6pm

Accessibility:

• Accessible for buggies and wheelchairs but the route can be steep at times. You should contact the team in advance if you feel unsure.
• Guide Dogs are permitted.

First up on our list of fun things to do in Northern Ireland is a trip to the beautiful wooden glen known as Colin Glen Forest Park, which is home to the Gruffalo Trail Belfast. The Gruffalo trail, based on the beloved Gruffalo character, has become a big hit with families in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland’s only official Gruffalo trail takes visitors through a magical adventure. Each character from the much-loved children’s book makes an appearance throughout the walk. It’s one of the best free family attractions to enjoy in Belfast.

There’s so much more to enjoy at Colin Glen Forest Park, it is home to a thrilling adventure centre that offers a variety of fun outdoor activities. You can take part in activities such as SKY Trek, Archery, Laser Tag, Mountain Biking, Orienteering and much more, including flying through the park on Ireland’s longest zipline!

SKY Trek is one of the most popular attractions here, it is Northern Ireland’s premier high ropes course. Located in the heart of Belfast Hills, visitors will get a unique perspective of Belfast as they enjoy high views of the city. The high ropes course reaches 16 metres at its peak, but don’t worry if heights aren’t your thing, there are also less daunting ropes courses to try here.

Visitors can also enjoy a 30-foot multi-level climbing wall and Ireland’s first ever double 90 metres zip lines. The Adventure Park at Colin Glen Forest Park offers an adventurous and fun day out in Northern Ireland and is one of the best fun activities in Belfast for people of all ages!

The Gruffalo trail is one of many fun free things to do in Belfast, which is great if you are on a budget.

2. Things to do in Northern Ireland: Visit Jungle NI

Where:

60 Desertmartin Road Moneymore Magherafelt BT45 7RB

Opening Hours:

Click here to view Jungle NI’s seasonal operating hours.

Next up on our list of fun things to do in Northern Ireland is a trip to the leading outdoor activity centre in the country. Jungle NI offers those visiting Northern Ireland an exciting escape from everyday life. The Jungle staff are here to give you a daring adventure unlike anywhere else.

Located in the enchanting woodland among the Sperrin Mountains, Jungle NI is about 45 minutes from Belfast.

Jungle NI offers 24 incredible activities such as Body Zorb Football, Adults Tree Top Adventure, Paintballing and Segway Experiences. They are perfect for many group activities including birthdays, family days, couple adventures, and teaming building activities.

Jungle NI started out as the first paintballing site in Northern Ireland back in 2005. The Jungle has only gone from strength to strength and is now the biggest outdoors activity centre in the whole country. Jungle NI is suitable for all ages and abilities, it is a place that is filled will fun, excitement and engaging activities; it is the perfect way to get back into nature.

Group Activities Northern Ireland:

Jungle NI offers various activities suitable for groups, from glamping and paintball to archery and even an outdoor waterpark! Whatever your tastes, there is something for everyone at Jungle NI.

Glamping at Jungle NI

Visitors can even stay at the glamour camping spot in the Jungle, nestled in its great outdoors. The glamping pods are a top-quality and luxurious camping accommodation for those who want to enjoy the beautiful outdoors without having to compromise on comfort.

Glamping is perfect for those nice summer nights in Northern Ireland when you can really take in the gorgeous scenery we have to offer. It even comes equipped with a BBQ area, fire pit, picnic table and fresh water taps, so why not choose Jungle NI as your location for your next staff night out, girls’ weekend, stag party or any other excuse you can think of to enjoy the great outdoors! You can find out more details at Glamping at the Jungle NI’s website, one of the best activities in Northern Ireland for adults who want something different from the typical night out.

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Glamping at Jungle NI definitely should be on your list of fun things to do in Northern Ireland for couples, friends and families! We don’t think you’ll regret it as in our opinion, glamping at Jungle NI is one of the most fun things to do in Belfast for adults!

3. Things to do in Northern Ireland: Visit We Are Vertigo

Opening Hours:

You can check seasonal operating hours at We are Vertigo’s opening hours page. It is strongly recommend to check opening hours and book online in advance, especially during holidays and public holidays

Where:

There are two locations which host various activities:

• Titanic Quarter: Indoor Skydiving, Inflatable Park and Ninja Master Course at Titanic Quarter
  T13 Building, Queens Road, Belfast, BT3 9DT.

• Newtownbreda: Adventure, Inflatable Park and Ski Centres, Unit 1 Cedarhurst Road
  Newtownbreda Factory Estate, Belfast, BT8 7RH

Accessibility:

Check We are Vertigo’s Help & FAQ’s page for a detailed guide on the safety rules and necessary requirements for safe participation.

Following Jungle NI, why not take a trip to We are Vertigo, Northern Ireland’s leading entertainment complex for all ages? This is the ultimate place for fun in Northern Ireland that you won’t want to miss out on!

There are two ‘We are Vertigo’ complexes located in Northern Ireland both offering different things for you to enjoy. In Newtownbreda you’ll find the Inflata-Park, Adventure centre and Ski centre. At Titanic Park, you can enjoy indoor Skydiving and a Ninja Master course.

Perfect for all seasons, the Ski centre is one of the best things to do in northern Ireland in winter as you can enjoy the excitement of skiing, without ever leaving the city of Belfast!

This is one of the best things to do in Belfast with kids. Families will love bouncing around in whichever We Are Vertigo location they choose!

Amazing Inflatable Indoors Park and Sky Diving at We are Vertigo

The Inflata-Park is a whole lot of fun no matter how old you are! The massive 30,000 square ft. inflatable playground is where your childhood fantasies can become your reality.

The park includes inflatable floors, walls, slides and doors. TheInflat-park even have nights exclusively for adults, so you can really enjoy yourself without feeling like you are too old to be there. They also host event nights that are autism-friendly and tailored for those with sensory sensitivities.

You can also try out We are Vertigo’s Indoor Ski Centre, a fun and safe environment where you can learn to Ski or Snowboard before hitting the slopes on holidays. It is also the first and only indoor ski centre in all of Northern Ireland!

One of the most accelerating experiences available in Northern Ireland is Indoor Skydiving at Titanic Park. You will literally be flying without wings! This is one of the most unique experiences in Northern Ireland as you will get to experience skydiving in a safe environment. Even children as young as four years old can try out the Skydiving experience, so it can be an amazing family memory.

This is one of the best recommendations for all of the adrenaline junkies out there. If you’re unsure about taking the plunge for real, why not visit indoor skydiving at Titanic Park, and who knows, you may want to do some real-life sky diving after!

If you decide to travel Belfast with kids, you can easily spend a day at one of the We are Vertigo locations without getting bored.

4. Things to do in Northern Ireland: Visit Extreme Bowling at Dundonald

Where:

111 Old Dundonald Road, Belfast
BT16 1XT, Northern Ireland

Opening Hours:

• Mon-Thurs: 11am-10pm
• Fri-Sun: 10am-10pm

Accessibility:

• Suitable access for wheelchair and mobility-restricted visitors
• Dundonald International Ice Bowl have created a ‘before you visit guide‘ to help you prepare for your trip, which is aimed at helping children with autism. You can download the guide or contact the team for more information.

Next on our list of cool things to do in Northern Ireland at night is trying out Extreme bowling at Dundonald International Ice Bowl. Here you can enjoy all the normal fun of tenpin bowling but with a twist.

The surprise is that it’s in the dark with glowing bowling balls, pins and ultraviolet lights for the ultimate bowling experience. You can also party as you bowl with DJ entertainment, prize competitions, disco lights and even some cool smoke effects!

There are also other things to do at the Dundonald International Ice Bowl, such as Ice Skating at Northern Ireland’s only public Olympic size ice rink. Younger children may enjoy Indiana Land, a jungle gym that offers plenty of fun.

Dundonald International Bowl is a perfect place for a day trip with a variety of activities that will suit all of the family.

5. Things to do in Northern Ireland: Visit Timescape Live Escape Rooms

Where:

• Titanic and Jack the Ripper: 46 Castle Street, Belfast, BT1 1HB (Enter through iPhix…ring the doorbell to start your adventure!)
• Spellbound: Kantar Media Building 3rd Floor, 115 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 2GU

Opening Hours:

• 10am-10pm daily

Accessibility:

• Spellbound has wheelchair access, unfortunately the Castle street location does not.
• Games are constantly monitored by staff and you can leave whenever you want.

Another fun thing to do during a trip around Northern Ireland is to enjoy the cleverly designed escape rooms at Timescape Belfast. The escape rooms at Timescape Belfast offer people a break from ordinary life and the opportunity to step into a fascinating mystery that only they can solve.

For those that are unsure of what an escape room is, it’s basically an interactive adventure where you have an hour to complete a mission with your team/friends and escape the room. Escape rooms offer a challenging night out and an alternative way to spend your evening in Belfast. It could even be a fun way to start a night out before you head to the best Bars in Belfast!

From the moment you step into your game, you’ll be transported to another world. This is a perfect activity for team building, celebrating birthdays, or just something fun to do with friends.

At Timescape you can choose between three original escape rooms, Titanic – The Final Hour, Jack the Ripper – Murder Mystery, or Spellbound – A Wizards Trial. Each room offers a captivating interactive story where you have to solve hidden puzzles before the clock runs out.

The homage to the Titanic disaster of 1912 is fitting, considering that the Titanic was actually built in Belfast. If you are in Northern Ireland, you should take the opportunity to learn about the cities history and the Timescape escape room offers an immersive experience that may ignite a love for history in your little ones.

Timescape is up there with the best fun things to do in Northern Ireland. Families, adults, groups and parties will all love this immersive experience. The escape rooms are only an hour long, so it won’t take up much time in your itinerary and it could be a great way to fill an hour or two in between your other plans in the city.

Timescape is the #1 Rated Fun and Games attraction in Belfast according to TripAdvisor, and is one of the most unique things to do in Belfast at night. The escape rooms open until 10pm and they are one of the best secret things to do in Belfast, definitely overlooked by many people who would really enjoy them.

6. Things to do in Northern Ireland: Visit Ulster Museum

Where:

Stranmillis Road, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB, Northern Ireland

Opening Hours:

• Monday – Closed
• Tue-Sun – 10am-5pm

Accessibility:

• The majority, but not all of building is wheelchair friendly. You can contact staff in advance for more information.
• 10am-11am is recommended for visitors who would prefer a quieter crowd during their visit.
• Service dogs are allowed in the museum.

One of the best places you can visit in Northern Ireland for fun and learning is the Ulster Museum. The Ulster Museum offers something for everyone; whether you are an art lover, history buff, or simply excited to discover and learn about the past, you’ll find entertainment here.

The impressive collections at the Ulster Museum will take you across Ireland and all around the world. You can come face to face with dinosaurs, get close and personal with an Egyptian mummy and enjoy the interactive discovery zones.

This is a great family fun attraction and at each discovery zone, children and adults alike are encouraged to explore, discover and question the world around them. There is so much to enjoy and experience at the Ulster Museum, and best of all, it is completely free to visit!

7. Things to do in Northern Ireland: Visit Slow Adventure

Where:

Derry & Strabane

Opening Hours:

You can check the opening hours and accessibility details for the various activities through Slow Adventure’s website.

Next up on our list of fun things to do in Northern Ireland is Slow Adventure, a new concept that offers slow and immersive experiences in nature-rich locations. Slow Adventure offers people the chance to engage with nature and partake in activities, while also learning about aspects of the local areas such as wildlife, produce and environment.

It can be so hard to appreciate the areas we are in during our travels. We often spend so much time trying to fit as many activities into our daily schedule as possible to make sure we are seeing everything that an area has to offer, that we forget to be mindful and appreciate our surroundings. Slow Adventure is ideal for families and adults in Northern Ireland who want to relax after a busy few days of exploring. You can take time to admire your surroundings and be at one with nature.

There are different packages to try out at Slow Adventures, including the Food and Mindfulness Tour, where you can explore and appreciate the outdoors in the wild spaces of the Sperrin Mountains.

You can also try out the Great Foyle Canoe, Heritage and Slow Food Experience that includes a three-hour guided canoe trip by the river, a 1.5-hour slow food cooking experience and lunch. Or why not enjoy Horseback riding at Beech Hill which takes you through the gorgeous and secluded setting with historic landscapes to be discovered.

Slow Adventure offers many more great activity packages that you can take part in. Most of these packages are aimed at adults, providing a truly unique experience in Northern Ireland.

8. Things to do in Northern Ireland: Off-road Driving at Todd’s Leap

Where:

Todds Leap Activity Centre, Todds Leap Road, Ballygawley, Co Tyrone

BT70 2BW

Opening Hours:

Times vary by season, so we have linked Todd’s Leap opening hours page

Accessibility:

You should contact the team in advance to see if you can participate in the off road driving experience. There are many other activities at Todd’s Leap and every effort will be made to accommodate your safety requirements. You can read the My Way Access review of Todds Leap, a dedicated disabled rights and disability blog that focuses on reviewing premises around the country and rating their accessibility

Following Slow Adventure, we have another fun activity for you to do while you are in Northern Ireland, namely the off-road driving experience. Adrenaline junkies will want to experience the Todds Leap ultimate driving experience. At the award-winning outdoor activity centre, you’ll find many exciting activities.

Off-road driving is one of the best things you can do at Todd’s Leap as you get to tackle one of the toughest terrains imaginable in the available Land Rovers, across a purpose-built road for a thrilling experience.

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You will be guided by professional instructors as they take you through the muddy tracks, up steep hills, around twisty corners and past water hazards on a challenging eight-mile track.

Those willing to take part will be behind the wheel at all times. There is no level of driving experience or driving license required. Todds Leap also offers, ziplining, paintballing and air rifle shooting activities. This is an ideal activity for adventurous families, group-bonding sessions and parties who want an adrenaline rush!

9. Things to do in Northern Ireland: Titanic Belfast Discovery Tour

Where:

Titanic Belfast, Belfast, BT3 9EP, gb (google maps)

1 Olympic Way, Queen’s Road, Belfast BT3 9EP, United Kingdom

Opening Times:

The Titanic Experience operates on seasonal opening hours, with the last admission being 1 hour and 40 minutes before the scheduled closing time. We have linked the Titanic Experience list of opening hours here.

Accesibility:

The Titanic Museum (which includes the Discovery Tour) offers a range of accessibility options including:

• Accessible Bathrooms, Blue-badge parking, Rentable Wheelchairs.
• Audio, Brail, British Sign Language and Printed guides.
• Austim-friendly options, including VIP passes, rentable ear-defenders and blackout tents

The Titanic Experience was voted as one of the most disability friendly locations in NI by Belfast Live. You can contact the team in advance to find out more information.

Looking for one of the best ways to explore some key locations and attractions around Belfast while having fun? Then check out the Titanic Belfast Discovery Tour around the Titanic Quarter in Belfast. This is one of the most unforgettable and fun things to do in Northern Ireland.

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Learn how and why the Titanic ship was built and what happened in its final hours by walking the same steps of the designers and shipbuilders who brought the iconic boat to life.

The Titanic experience is an iconic part of Belfast, and by taking the tour you can learn more about the history of Belfast and how it became the city we know and love today. If you really want to experience a place, learning about its history will always enhance the time you spend there. So why not visit the docks where the Titanic was built and learn the harrowing but true story of the Titanic disaster.

The Titanic Discovery Tour is an Award-winning activity, so you are guaranteed everything will be done to ensure you have a good experience. The Discovery Tour will also allow you to see notable Belfast points of interest, so be sure to have your camera at the ready!

10. Things to do in Northern Ireland: Visit Corralea Activity Centre

Where: Corralea Activity Centre Ltd, Belcoo, Co. Fermanagh, BT93 5DZ

Opening hours:

Next up is the Corralea Activity Centre in Fermanagh, filled with fun activities to do in Northern Ireland. One of the most enjoyable things you must try out here is the trampoline water park, an activity that the whole family will surely love.

The trampoline park is impressive to look at, sitting above the water level. Three trampolines all connected to different walkways provide hours of fun, where participants can bounce around and slide into the water.

You don’t need to worry about being cold as the centre will provide you will wetsuits and life jackets. If water activities aren’t your thing though, don’t worry because the place is filled with other great activities for you to enjoy.

You could try out the climbing wall located in the beautiful forest surroundings with different levels for different abilities, or try your hand at some Archery that is ideal for all types of people and offers lots of fun!

This is another activity that is suitable for everyone. Children’s, families, group-bonding sessions and parties are all held at Corralea Activity Centre.

11. Things to do in Northern Ireland: Visit Montalto Estate

Where:

Montalto Estate, Spa Road, Ballynahinch, BT24 8PT

Opening Hours:

Open Wednesday to Sunday. Last Access is 3pm, with the estate closing at 4pm. Click here for the seasonal operating times.

Accessibility:

• Carers have free entry, providing they bring suitable ID
• Not all of the grounds are wheelchair accessible, you can contact the team for more information. The Woodland trail is unsuitable, but the path down to the children’s natural play area in this route is suitable.
• The café and shop are fully accessible for wheelchair users and those with walking aids.

Like a fairy tale nestled in the heart of nature, Montalto Estate is a place that offers something for everyone. Everything combined produces a beautiful scene that will warm your heart and pleasure your spirit. Together with its historical past, this location has redefined what it means to have fun and adventure.

Montalto Estate is made up of beautiful cottages combined together with outstanding buildings cut out of a solid rock face, creating a set of houses that are sure to draw your attention instantly.

Montalto Estate is a serene setting where lush gardens meet crystal-clear ponds, creating a relaxing ambience to enjoy. And the only thing that can be heard is the calm stream of water and the rustling of leaves.

12. Things to do in Northern Ireland: Visit Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory

Where:

Aunt Sandras, 64-72 Castlereagh Road, Belfast, BT55FP

Opening Times:

After completing all of these fun activities in Northern Ireland, why not treat yourself with a visit to Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory in Northern Ireland. Located in the heart of East Belfast on the Castlereagh road, the factory has been open since 1953.

You can join a fun chocolate or candy making workshop, or skip to the best part and buy some sweets from the Aladdin Cave’s shop.

The candy factory is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth, and the perfect way to end a day full of the best fun activities in Northern Ireland!

13. Things to do in Northern Ireland: Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail – Fermanagh’s Stairway to Heaven

Where:

43 Marlbank Road, Legnabrocky Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, Enniskillen BT92 1ER

Opening Hours:

You have to book a place for the official parking spot in advance. The car park opens for 7am to 7pm.

The Cuilcagh Boardwalk trail is famous for being Fermanagh’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’. The Self-led walk is 11km and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

The Board walk is a family-owned conservation project which aims to protect the farmland and surrounding bogland in the area. It is also situated near the Marble Arch Caves, a UNESCO Global Geopark that is well worth a visit!

The climb is ideal for charity, corporate and group events, with discounts and flexible offers available to groups. For people outside of organised groups, there is only a parking fee which is used for resotration purposes and maintenance. This is one of the most rewarding things to do in Northern Ireland if you are a nature lover who likes a challenge; the view from the top is simply beautiful!

The boardwalk is considered a difficult Terrain, and may not be accessible for all readers which is important know. There are lots of steep and narrow steps on the route.

14. Things to do in Northern Ireland: DC Tours – Belfast Walking Tours

DC Tours offer scheduled city tours every day, ranging from private and group tours, to self-guided tours and groups led by professionally accredited tour guides. City tours can be some of the most educational things to do in Norther Ireland and there are so many to choose from to ensure that you take a tour that you really love!

The most popular tours led by DC include:

• A History of Terror (duration: 2hrs 30min / 1.5 miles)

The History of Terror tour is an award-winning experience led by expert guides who explain the Troubles and peace process from an entirely neutral perspective. The tour involves visiting locations of major events that occurred during the 70’s in Belfast.

This tour takes place every day at 10.30am

• The Best of Belfast (duration 1.75 miles)

If you don’t know what to do in Belfast, why not take this tour on our first day in the city? The Best of Belfast will guide you around the city, showing some of the best highlights and secret locations that you can come back and visit! Lovers of history, architecture, entertainment and art will enjoy this adventure.

15. Game of Thrones Tour

This will be one of the favourite things to do in Northern for fans of the fantasy drama. Game of Thrones is one of the most popular TV shows of all time, and a lot of the first 8 seasons was actually filmed in Titanic Studios in Belfast and on location in places around the country.

This is one of the most immersive experiences of any TV tour or visitor experience, as the tour guides were actually extras in the show and will tell you stories about their time on set; you will even get to don cloaks, banners and swords as you parade around the city!

Game of Thrones Tours include:

• Glass of Thrones Walking Trail:

Six huge stained glass windows were created to celebrate 10 years of filming in Northern Ireland. The windows are found along the ‘Maritime mile’, which is found in the Titanic Quarter.

• Tolleymore Forest Trek

This tour includes iconic locations such as The Haunted Forest, The Wolfswood and Kingsroad to name but a few. Visitors will even receive Stark wool cloaks during their journey!

• Iron Islands and Giant’s Casueway Tour from Derry

This 9 hour trip will see visitors dress up in Iron Born costumes, accompanied with swords and banners. You will see locations such as Dragonstone beach, Renly’s Camp and Lordport harbour on the Iron Islands. Even better, you will also get to see the Giants Causeway during your tour which will is one of the most popular things to see in Northern Ireland.

Never Ending Fun in Northern Ireland

I hope this list of fun things to do in NI will help you to plan the ultimate adventurous trip here. We may be a small country but we never fail to impress anyone who visits. These fun activities in Northern Ireland are something you can enjoy while also exploring the amazing history and culture the country has to offer.

Have you been to any of these fun places to go in Northern Ireland? Or do you have any other recommendations? We would love to see you recommendations, let us know in the comments below!

If you have enjoyed our article about fun things to do in Northern Ireland, here are some other blogs that might interest you:

Northern Ireland Travel Guide| Belfast Travel Guide| Famous Landmarks in Northern Ireland| Movies Filmed in Ireland| Best Tourist Attractions in Northern Ireland| Belfast Games of Thrones Exhibition