Northern Ireland is a small country with a rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and a vibrant culture. The capital city of Belfast is a great place to start your trip. Here you can visit the Titanic Belfast museum, St. George’s Market, and the historic Crumlin Road Gaol.
One of the most popular attractions in Northern Ireland is the Giant’s Causeway. This unique rock formation on the north coast was formed by volcanic activity and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hexagonal basalt columns are a sight to behold and offer a great opportunity for hiking and photography.
If you want to explore the countryside, the Mourne Mountains, the Glens of Antrim, and the Causeway Coastal Route are must-see destinations. The landscapes are stunning, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching.
Northern Ireland is also home to many historic sites, such as Carrickfergus Castle, Dunluce Castle, and the Navan Centre & Fort. These sites offer a glimpse into the country’s rich history and are worth a visit.
Finally, experiencing the local culture is a must when visiting Northern Ireland. The people are friendly, and the food and drink are delicious. Be sure to check out some of the local pubs and restaurants to sample traditional dishes like Irish stew and soda bread, and no trip would be complete without a pint of Guinness!
Fun facts about Northern Ireland
- John Dunlop made a massive contribution to the transport industry, he invited the pneumatic tire in Belfast.
- The Giant’s Causeway, situated on the North East coast of Northern Ireland, is an area of about 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.
- The HMS Titanic was built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast. Visit the award-winning visitor experience, Titanic Belfast.
- Royal County Down has been named the best golf course in the world by Golf Digest for several years. Northern Ireland is home to many golfing greats including Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell, and Darren Clarke
- For ten years, Game of Thrones® made Northern Ireland its home and was filmed in various locations including the Dark Hedges and the Castle Ward estate.
Here are some fun things to do in Northern Ireland
- Visit the Giant’s Causeway: this natural wonder is a unique geological formation of interlocking basalt columns. It’s one of the most famous tourist attractions in Northern Ireland.
- Explore Belfast: the capital city of Northern Ireland is full of history and culture. Visit the Titanic Museum, take a black taxi tour, or check out the street art in the Cathedral Quarter.
- Game of Thrones Tour: if you’re a fan of the hit TV series, Northern Ireland is a must-visit destination. Take a Game of Thrones tour and visit locations such as the Dark Hedges, Castle Ward, and Ballintoy Harbour.
- Walk the Mourne Mountains: the Mourne Mountains offer breathtaking views and excellent walking trails. You can also go camping, rock climbing, or horse riding in the area.
- Visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a famous attraction located near the Giant’s Causeway. It offers stunning views of the North Antrim Coast.
- Go to the Belfast Christmas Market: if you’re visiting in December, check out the Belfast Christmas Market. It’s a festive event with stalls selling traditional food, crafts, and gifts.
- Visit the Ulster Museum: the Ulster Museum is a fascinating museum that showcases Northern Ireland’s history, culture, and the natural world.
- Go on a whiskey tour: Northern Ireland is home to several whiskey distilleries, including Bushmills and Echlinville. Take a tour and learn about the production process, and sample some of the best whiskeys in the world.
- Explore Derry/Londonderry: this historic walled city is a must-visit destination in Northern Ireland. Walk along the walls, visit the museums, and take a stroll along the Peace Bridge.
- Visit the Fermanagh Lakelands: the Fermanagh Lakelands offer beautiful scenery, water activities, and plenty of places to explore. You can take a boat tour, go fishing, or enjoy a picnic by the lake.
- Visit the Dark Hedges: the Dark Hedges is an iconic natural landmark in Northern Ireland, famous for its avenue of beech trees that form a tunnel-like canopy over the road. It’s also a popular filming location for Game of Thrones.
- Explore the Causeway Coastal Route: the Causeway Coastal Route is a scenic drive along the North Antrim Coast. It’s one of the most beautiful drives in the world, with stunning views of the coastline, castles, and quaint towns.
- Visit the Ulster Folk Museum: the Ulster Folk Museum is an open-air museum that showcases life in Northern Ireland from the 18th to the 20th century. You can explore traditional buildings, see traditional crafts, and experience life in the past.
- Go on a cycling tour: Northern Ireland has many scenic cycling routes, such as the Loughshore Trail, the Newry Canal Towpath, and the Comber Greenway. Cycling is a great way to explore the countryside and enjoy the fresh air.
- Take a ferry to Rathlin Island: Rathlin Island is a small island off the coast of Northern Ireland, known for its wildlife, scenery, and historical sites. Take a ferry to the island and explore its lighthouses, seals, and bird colonies.
- Visit the Ulster American Folk Park: the Ulster American Folk Park is a museum that tells the story of Irish emigration to America. It’s a fascinating place to learn about the history of the Irish in America and see how they lived.
- Visit the Marble Arch Caves: the Marble Arch Caves are a series of underground caves and waterfalls, located in the Fermanagh Lakelands. You can take a guided tour of the caves and see the unique rock formations.
- Go on a fishing trip: Northern Ireland is a popular destination for fishing, with many rivers, lakes, and coastlines to choose from. You can go sea fishing, fly fishing, or coarse fishing, depending on your preferences.
- Visit the St. Patrick Centre: the St. Patrick Centre is a museum that tells the story of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It’s a fascinating place to learn about the history and legend of St. Patrick and his impact on Irish culture.
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