The Best Tourist Attractions in Northern Ireland

Updated On: April 07, 2024 by   Asmaa Alhashimy

If it isn’t already Northern Ireland, it must be on your list of places to visit. As a pretty small place compared to many other countries, you can explore so much without going too far in this unique part of the world. That’s why I created a list of the best tourist attractions in Northern Ireland that you must check out if you haven’t already.

Northern Ireland has so much to offer tourists with its fascinating history, cultural attractions and the welcoming nature of the locals. So keep reading to find out what’s made it on my list – Your NEXT Northern Ireland trip will be sorted!

Famous Attractions in Northern Ireland

Peace Maze

The First tourist attraction in Northern Ireland that is a must-see is the amazing Peace Maze in Castlewellan Forest Park. This maze is the second largest hedge maze in the world. It was designed to celebrate the peace of Northern Ireland and a symbol of moving on from our troubled past.

At the Peace Maze, you could spend hours of fun trying to find your way out and simply enjoying the unspoilt countryside. Also located in the Castlewellan Forest Park is a beautiful Victorian castle worth seeing. This forest park offers lots to see and do, with the Peace Maze being the main feature; you will also find a children’s play sculpture and a variety of walking trails.

Check out the video below of the Peace Maze and Castlewellan Forest Park:

The Dark Hedges

If you are a Game Of Thrones Fan, you will know Northern Ireland is home to some iconic locations used in the popular series. One very well-known location is The Dark Hedges in Ballymoney, County Antrim. They are the most famous 18th-century Irish trees and, since appearing on Game Of Thrones, have become one of the most popular attractions in Northern Ireland.

The trees are a magnificent sight, and our one is a highly photographed natural landscape. You might have seen them in the fantastic TV show, but you have to see the beauty of them up close on your trip to Northern Ireland.

Check out the video below of our trip to the famous Dark Hedges:

Belfast’s Peace Wall

You can not visit Northern Ireland without exploring the history of the iconic Peace Walls in Belfast, which is the most popular free attraction here. The Peace Walls offer you an insight into the history of this country while showcasing some fantastic murals.

Many artists have turned the Peace Walls into murals representing the past, present, and future and have sent out a message of hope. We would also recommend going on a black taxi tour so that you can hear all about the fascinating stories surrounding the wall as told by locals.

Check out the video below of the Peace Walls:

Giants Causeway

Next is a must-see attraction in Northern Ireland that’s known as one of the wonders of the world, ‘The Giants Causeway.’ The Heritage site that offers unique rock formations and beautiful sea views is home to a lot of history and legends. The site was created through a volcanic eruption over 60 million years ago.

Now people from all over the world come to visit this attraction. You can go on a guided tour and explore the history further while enjoying the most fantastic coastal scenery. This is one attraction you can’t miss out on when coming to Northern Ireland.

Check out the video below to see more of the Giants Causeway:

Titanic Museum

Another tourist attraction in Northern Ireland that you must visit is the Titanic Museum, known as the world’s biggest Titanic visitor centre.  Located in the Titanic Quater of Belfast, It adeptly tells the story of the tragic doom of the famous Titanic.

Taking you on a journey back to the construction of the Titanic and even to her conception in the early 1900s. The museum is rich with authentic artefacts that will draw your attention.

Check out the Titanic Museum Belfast below:

Ulster Folk and Transport Museum 

If you love to explore history and culture, then The Ulster Folk and Transport in Holywood is the perfect place to visit. We would love to see this museum as it will transport you back to what life was like in Northern Ireland over 100 years ago.

You can roam through the lovely parkland at the Folk Museum mee, meet some costumed locals, and try your hand at traditional crafts. Or check out one of Europe’s most fantastic transport collections, which includes cars, vintage transport, and horse-drawn carriages. This museum makes a great day out for the family, where you will uncover lots of history while having plenty of fun.

Check out the video below to see more of the Folk and Transport Museum:

Crumlin Road Gaol

The Crumlin Road Gaol is next on our list of the best attractions in Northern Ireland for tourists to visit. The Crumlin Road Gaol, located on Crumlin Road, was once a jail full of a deep, dark history that has now been transformed into a tourist attraction. A wonderful Belfast tour full of facts, history, culture, and plenty of drama -17 men have been executed over its 150 years of history.

During the tour, you will see what prison life was like through the ages and the dark secrets that lie within—something different and exciting to check out. Around Halloween, they theme paranormal events that are very popular and a bit scary- not for the easily scared, but still lots of fun.

Check out the video below to see inside the historic jail:

Dunluce Castle

Another tourist attraction in Northern Ireland that’s not to be missed is the incredible Dunluce Castle in County Antrim. This beautiful ancient castle on the edge of a cliff holds so much history and offers fantastic views of the North Coast.

Game of Thrones fans will be interested in seeing this castle up close, as it has been used on popular television. So, if you plan to go up to the North Coast of Antrim, ensure this is on your list of things to see; you’ll regret it if you don’t. 🙂

Cushendun Caves

The last attraction we’ve picked, one of Northern Ireland’s hidden gems, is Cushendun Caves in County Antrim. Cushendun is a small coastal village between Cushendall and Ballycastle with a lovely beach and excellent restaurants. It’s well worth a stop if you are passing by. The road north along the coast from the village gives impressive viewpoints. The Cushendun Caves are a fantastic piece of history formed over 400 years ago.

Check out the video below to explore the fantastic caves:

Northern Ireland is a beautiful place to visit, with various things to see and do, from historical landmarks to cultural attractions. I hope this list will inspire you to visit Northern Ireland and check out all the brilliant things we offer.

The Ideal Time to Explore Northern Ireland

With its rugged coastline, lush green landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Northern Ireland offers a captivating experience year-round. However, the optimal time to visit this enchanting destination is during the late spring and early summer months, from May to July. During this period, the weather is pleasantly mild, with longer daylight hours allowing ample time for exploration.

The vibrant cities of Belfast and Derry~Londonderry come alive with festivals, outdoor events, and lively street performances, providing visitors with a taste of the local culture. Additionally, the iconic Giant’s Causeway, with its dramatic basalt columns, is exceptionally breathtaking during these months, as are the verdant glens of County Antrim and the serene beauty of the Mourne Mountains. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of ancient legends or immersing yourself in the warmth of traditional Irish hospitality, the late spring and early summer offer an ideal window to discover the timeless charm of Northern Ireland.

These are just some of the great tourist attractions in Northern Ireland. Still, there are many attractions we haven’t covered that you may wish to check out, such as Bushmills Distillery, Tollymore Forest Park, Ulster Museum, City Hall Belfast, St. George’s Market, Peace Bridge.

Also, check out some of our related blogs: Things To Do In Belfast, Game of Thrones Tapestry, Bushmills & Causeway Coast, Exploring The Town of Carrickfergus, Best Cities to Visit in Ireland, Movies Filmed in Ireland