Things to do in Northern Ireland

Giant's Causeway

Marvel at 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. This UNESCO World Heritage Site combines natural wonder with legendary tales.
Titanic Belfast

Experience the world's largest Titanic exhibition where the legendary ship was built. Interactive galleries bring the story to life.
Carrick-a-Rede Bridge

Cross the famous rope bridge suspended 30 meters above the Atlantic Ocean. Not for the faint of heart, but the views are spectacular.
Dunluce Castle

Explore the dramatic ruins of this medieval castle perched on clifftops, offering spectacular views of the Antrim coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.
Mourne Mountains

Conquer Northern Ireland's highest peaks and explore the stunning granite mountains that inspired C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia.
Belfast Murals

Discover the world's most famous political street art that tells the story of Belfast's complex history and journey to peace.
Old Bushmills Distillery

Visit the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery and sample premium Irish whiskey made with traditional methods since 1608.
Glens of Antrim

Explore nine scenic valleys running from the Antrim Mountains to the sea, steeped in Celtic history and natural beauty.
Dark Hedges

Walk through the famous tree tunnel that served as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones and discover the legend of the Grey Lady.

Latest Travel Guides

Expert insights from our local writers

MEDIEVAL HERITAGE
Medieval Monasteries & Round Towers

Explore Northern Ireland's medieval monastic sites from Nendrum to Devenish Island.

AD
Aoife Doherty
Oct 28, 2025
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS
Traditional Ulster Crafts

From Irish linen weaving to Belleek pottery and basket making.

JW
James Wilson
Oct 25, 2025
INTERNATIONAL FOOD
Belfast's International Food Scene

A global culinary journey through Northern Ireland's capital.

SM
Sarah McKenna
Oct 20, 2025
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Mountain Biking Trails Guide

Best trails from Rostrevor to Davagh Forest and beyond.

CO
Connor O'Neill
Oct 18, 2025
View All Travel Guides
150+
Attractions & Experiences
6
Counties to Explore
90min
Max Drive Anywhere
2
UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Understanding Northern Ireland

Discover Northern Ireland's rich and fascinating history - from ancient Celtic kingdoms and Viking raids to the Industrial Revolution that built Titanic, through to today's vibrant peace. Learn about Ulster-Scots heritage, the great migrations that connected this small place to the world, and the journey from conflict to the welcoming, modern destination you'll experience today.

A balanced, inclusive guide to help visitors understand the places they'll see and the stories behind them.

Explore Our History
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From ancient times to modern peace

Perfect Itineraries for Every Traveler

Expertly curated routes to help you make the most of your visit

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2-Day Highlights

Perfect for first-timers

Day 1: Belfast & Titanic Quarter
  • Titanic Belfast museum
  • Belfast Murals walking tour
  • St. George's Market lunch
  • Crumlin Road Gaol
Day 2: Causeway Coast
  • Giant's Causeway
  • Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
  • Dark Hedges photo stop
  • Dunluce Castle
View Full Itinerary
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5-Day Adventure

For outdoor enthusiasts

  • Day 1: Belfast arrival & city exploration
  • Day 2: Mourne Mountains hiking
  • Day 3: Causeway Coast adventures
  • Day 4: Glens of Antrim & coastal trails
  • Day 5: Sperrin Mountains & departure
Includes:

Hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and breathtaking coastal walks

View Full Itinerary
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7-Day Grand Tour

The complete experience

MOST POPULAR
  • Days 1-2: Belfast & Titanic heritage
  • Day 3: Causeway Coastal Route
  • Day 4: Derry-Londonderry & history
  • Day 5: Fermanagh Lakelands
  • Day 6: Mourne Mountains
  • Day 7: Game of Thrones locations
Perfect blend of:

History, nature, culture, food, and all six counties

View Full Itinerary

What Travelers Say About Northern Ireland

Real experiences from visitors around the world

★★★★★

"The Giant's Causeway exceeded all expectations! The natural beauty combined with the rich mythology made it truly magical. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the geology and legends."

JM
Jennifer Martinez
California, USA
★★★★★

"Belfast completely surprised us! The Titanic museum was world-class, the food scene is incredible, and the people were so warm and welcoming. We can't wait to return."

TW
Thomas Weber
Munich, Germany
★★★★★

"The Causeway Coastal Route is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Every turn reveals another breathtaking view. Don't miss the Carrick-a-Rede bridge - thrilling!"

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Sophie Laurent
Paris, France
★★★★★

"Hiking the Mourne Mountains was the highlight of our trip. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and the trails are well-maintained. Perfect for families and serious hikers alike."

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David Patterson
Edinburgh, Scotland
★★★★★

"The Game of Thrones tour was fantastic! Seeing the real filming locations brought the series to life. The Dark Hedges is even more magical in person. A must for any fan."

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Aisha Khan
London, UK
★★★★★

"The Bushmills Distillery tour was excellent - informative and fun, with generous tastings! Combined with the nearby Causeway, it makes for a perfect day trip from Belfast."

MO
Michael O'Brien
Dublin, Ireland

Come and Dream in the Land of Legends

Northern Ireland offers unforgettable experiences around every corner. From the dramatic coastlines of the Causeway Coast to the vibrant streets of Belfast, discover ancient castles, world-class museums, stunning natural landscapes, and warm hospitality that will make your visit truly memorable.

With its rich history, breathtaking scenery, and welcoming people, Northern Ireland is the perfect destination for those seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty all in one place.

Plan Your Visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know for your Northern Ireland adventure

For first-time visitors, we recommend 5-7 days to experience the highlights. A 2-day trip can cover Belfast and the Causeway Coast, while 7 days allows you to explore all six counties, including the Mourne Mountains, Fermanagh Lakelands, and Derry-Londonderry. Northern Ireland's compact size means everything is within 90 minutes' drive, making it perfect for a road trip.

May through September offers the best weather with longer days and temperatures of 15-20°C (59-68°F). July and August are warmest but busiest. Spring (April-May) brings beautiful blooms, while autumn (September-October) offers stunning foliage and fewer crowds. Winter can be rainy but atmospheric, perfect for cozy pub experiences and indoor attractions like Titanic Belfast.

While you can explore Belfast by public transport, renting a car is highly recommended for visiting coastal areas, rural attractions, and the Causeway Coastal Route. Many of Northern Ireland's most stunning locations are best accessed by car. Alternatively, consider guided day tours from Belfast, which cover major attractions including the Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, and Game of Thrones filming locations.

Yes, Northern Ireland is very safe for tourists. The peace process has been successful, and Northern Ireland now has one of the lowest crime rates in the UK. Cities like Belfast and Derry are welcoming and tourist-friendly. The locals are known for their warm hospitality. As with any destination, use common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and respect local customs.

Northern Ireland uses the British Pound Sterling (GBP/£). Northern Irish banks issue their own notes, which are legal tender throughout the UK but may not always be accepted in England, Scotland, or Wales (though they should be). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are readily available in cities and towns. If traveling from the Republic of Ireland, you'll need to exchange euros for pounds.

Absolutely! There's no border control between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland - you can drive freely between them. Many visitors combine both destinations. Popular cross-border trips include Belfast to Dublin (2 hours by car or train), or exploring the Wild Atlantic Way from Derry-Londonderry. Remember: Northern Ireland uses pounds (£) while the Republic uses euros (€), and they're separate mobile phone networks.
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