Why You Should Visit Northern Ireland: The Wee Country That’s Actually Pure Class

Northern Ireland might be small, but it’s packed with beauty, history, and adventure. From wild coastlines to buzzing cities, it’s the kind of place that surprises you at every turn. You can wander through ancient castles, dance the night away in Belfast, hike mountain trails, or visit film spots from Game of Thrones, How To Train Your Dragon and Derry Girls.

No matter what you’re into, Northern Ireland has something for you. It’s easy to get around, full of friendly people, and one of the most underrated travel spots in Europe. There’s no better time than right now to make sure you visit Northern Ireland.

Stunning Coasts & Beaches Across Northern Ireland

From Newry to Portrush, The Rugged and Beautiful Coastline

The Northern Irish coastline is famous for its raw beauty. There’s even a coastal road that lets you take a road trip along the coast, from one end to the other.

With miles of golden sand, limestone cliffs, and wild scenery, it’s the perfect place for anyone who loves the outdoors. You can swim, surf, or even go horseback riding along the shore with local trekking groups.

Some beaches you can’t miss are Portrush Whiterocks and Ballycastle Beach in County Antrim, Tyrella Beach and Cranfield Beach in County Down, and Benone Beach in County Derry/Londonderry. Each one has its own charm, from quiet family spots to wide open sands that look straight out of a postcard.

Vibrant Belfast Nightlife

Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter

The Cathedral Quarter has become one of the best spots in Belfast for a night out. With pubs, clubs, and restaurants packed into a few lively streets, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy the music, specialty beers or the tasty traditional pub food.

It’s also one of the most recognisable parts of the city, especially on Instagram. The famous neon umbrella lights and colourful artistic murals make for great photos and give the area a quirky, colourful feel.

Historic Pubs

Some of Belfast’s oldest pubs date back to the 1600s, and many are part of the city’s story. Whites Tavern has been serving drinks since 1630, while Kelly’s Cellars, open since the 1700s, still keeps much of its old charm. Both spots now serve excellent food too. Whites even has a seafood restaurant upstairs called The Oyster Rooms, inspired by the story of a local fishmonger who set up shop nearby in the 1860s.

Another must-see is the Crown Liquor Saloon, just across from Great Victoria Street station. Its Victorian design has stained glass, wood carvings, and antique bells that are still in use. It makes it one of the most beautiful pubs in the UK. It was even visited by Prince William and Princess Kate in 2019.

The Iconic Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion

Activities for Every Adventurer

The Mourne Mountains are one of the most beautiful places in Northern Ireland. With trails for every level of hiker, it’s a dream spot for walkers and adventurers.

New paths keep opening every year, giving visitors even more ways to explore. If you like cycling, you can bring your bike and try one of the mountain trails too.

There’s plenty more to do besides hiking. You can go horse riding, canoeing, bush walking, or rock climbing. Local activity centres make it easy (and safe) to try new outdoor adventures while taking in the incredible scenery.

A Fun Filled Weekend Retreat

The Mournes and the nearby Ring of Gullion aren’t just for hikers. They’re full of forests, stately homes, archaeological sites, and even wellness retreats.

Fans of archaeology will find lots on offer here too. Finis Souterrain, a 9th-century underground passage, and the 12th-century Inch Abbey are two fascinating stops nearby. The area is packed with dolmens, cairns, and the remains of old castles that tell stories from long ago.

If you prefer something more relaxing, visit Castlewellan or Montalto Estates for garden walks and forest bathing. Some of Northern Ireland’s best hotels are close by, making this area perfect for both a wild weekend or a calm getaway.

Folklore & Geology: Giant’s Causeway 

Finn McCool and the Giant’s Causeway

Legend says the Giant’s Causeway was built by the Irish giant Finn McCool. Finn wanted to challenge his Scottish rival, Benandonner, so he built a stone path across the sea to reach him. But when Finn saw how big Benandonner was, he ran home in fear.

Benandonner still came looking for him, but Finn’s clever wife, Oonagh, dressed Finn up as a baby and told Benandonner her husband wasn’t home. When the Scottish giant saw the size of the “baby,” he panicked. If the baby was that huge, he thought the father must be even bigger. He ran back to Scotland, tearing up the causeway behind him so Finn couldn’t follow.

Today, the Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Northern Ireland’s most famous landmarks. The hexagonal stones that form the causeway are actually ancient volcanic rock formations, which give the area its unique look.

It’s a dream for anyone interested in geology. You can see other hexagonal pillars along the coast, like the Giant’s Organ, whose tall basalt columns look like the pipes of an organ. Don’t forget to find the “Wishing Chair”, a natural stone throne you can find on the causeway said to grant one wish to anyone who sits in it.

Historic Castles & Stately Homes

Carrickfergus Castle

In East Antrim sits Carrickfergus Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Ireland. Built in 1177 by John de Courcy, it’s so old that the town of Carrickfergus actually takes its name from it.

The castle doesn’t have a moat. It was built right on top of a huge rock that sticks out into the sea. There’s even a freshwater well in the middle of the keep. Over the years, it’s been used by many armies and was once the landing spot of William of Orange, a major figure in Irish and British history.

Today, you can walk around the castle and nearby Norman sites like the Dobbin Inn, which is said to be more than 500 years old and once had a secret priest’s tunnel connecting it to the castle. If you’re in the area, take a walk along the Gobbins Coastal Path, or visit Whitehead to see the lighthouse and nearby beaches.

Dunluce Castle

Perched dramatically on the cliffs of County Antrim, Dunluce Castle looks like something straight out of a fantasy movie and in fact, it did appear in Game of Thrones. The first version of the castle was built in the 1300s, but the structure that stands today dates from the early 1500s.

The castle was once home to the Earls of Antrim and even played a role in the story of the Spanish Armada. When the ship Girona sank nearby, its cannons were recovered by the people living in the castle.

According to local legend, part of the castle’s kitchen fell into the sea during a storm in 1634, and by the late 1600s, it was completely abandoned. You can still visit the ruins today, but it’s dependent on the weather. If it’s too wild, unfortunately it’s not safe to visit. 

Tandragee ‘Tayto’ Castle and Other Castles

Northern Ireland has hundreds of castles, from Norman ruins to Victorian manors. One of the most famous is Tandragee Castle, better known as Tayto Castle, the home of Northern Ireland’s beloved Tayto crisps. The castle is around 500 years old and now doubles as a crisp factory. Visitors can take tours to see how Tayto crisps are made, and of course, get a few samples.

If you’re up for exploring more, check out Dunseverick Castle on the north coast. It was once one of the most important fortresses in Antrim, though most of it was destroyed in the 1600s. Today, only the gatehouse remains. It was also one of the locations used in the live action film How To Train Your Dragon.

In County Tyrone, you can see Harry Avery’s Castle, one of the few Gaelic-built castles still standing. Other great examples of later castles include Castle Ward, Castlewellan, Crom Castle, and Belfast Castle, which all show off more modern architecture and are open for visitors.

Archaeology and Ancient Graves

St Patrick’s Grave in Downpatrick 

In Downpatrick, you can visit the grave of Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick, at Down Cathedral. The graveyard is free to enter, and it also has some of the oldest Irish Christian crosses, with the earliest believed to date back to the 9th century.

The cathedral itself was built in the late 1700s but incorporates parts of medieval abbeys that once stood on the site. The area has been used as a religious site since at least the 13th century. St Patrick’s story is linked to other saints too, like St Brigid and St Comgall. Nearby, you can explore Bangor Abbey, founded in 554, which still has relics, ancient crosses, and lots of information about early Ireland.

Dolmens, Burial Mounds & The Giant’s Ring

Northern Ireland is packed with Neolithic sites. You’ll find dolmens, burial mounds, and reconstructed Celtic roundhouses at places like Navan Fort in County Armagh, which is tied to the Ulster Cycle of Irish mythology.

Another fascinating site is the King’s Stables, a Bronze Age settlement in Armagh where archaeologists discovered a man-made pool. Armagh is full of standing stones and other ancient sites, making it a hotspot for history fans.

Not far from Belfast is the Giant’s Ring, a huge Neolithic enclosure older than the pyramids in Egypt. Its original purpose is still unknown, but it’s easy to visit and a must-see for anyone interested in ancient history.

All over Northern Ireland, you can find megalithic tombs, cairns, dolmens, and other burial sites. If you love history, archaeology, or mythology, this is the perfect place to explore.

Pop Culture Hotspots: Become A Derry Girl Or Enjoy The World of Game of Thrones

Derry Girls

When Derry Girls first aired, it became a pop culture phenomenon. The show is set in Derry/Londonderry and was filmed both there and in Belfast.

Fans can take walking tours to see many of the filming locations around the city. There’s even a famous Derry Girls mural wall that’s become a popular spot for photos. You can get a full rundown of all the locations here.

If you’re in Derry/Londonderry, make sure to also check out the infamous Free Derry wall mural and the Derry Walls. 

Game of Thrones

Northern Ireland is probably best known internationally for Game of Thrones. Many of the show’s most iconic locations were filmed here, including the Dark Hedges, which served as the Kingsroad in the series.

The country’s wild and beautiful landscapes made it perfect for bringing Westeros to life. You can take guided tours to most of the filming spots, or make your own route, combining them with other attractions along the North Coast.

Some other famous sites already mentioned include Dunluce Castle and Castle Ward, and there’s also the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge for an immersive behind-the-scenes experience. You can find out about the tours on the Tourism NI website.

Sports & Major Events

Royal Portrush Golf Club & The Open

Royal Portrush Golf Club hosts The Open Championship, one of the biggest golf tournaments in the world. Golf is very popular in Northern Ireland, and there are plenty of courses for visitors to try.

Even if you’re just a fan of the sport, visiting Portrush is worth it. You can combine a golfing trip with a visit to the Giant’s Causeway or other spots along the North Coast.

North West 200 Motorbike Race

The North West 200 is one of the fastest motorbike races in the world and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2029. Motorbike racing is hugely popular in Northern Ireland, and the Dunlop family is legendary in the sport. Robert, Michael, and William Dunlop have all won races at the North West 200, while Joey Dunlop was voted Northern Ireland’s greatest sports star in 2015.

The event attracts fans from all over the world, making it an exciting spectacle for anyone who loves speed and adrenaline.

Ulster Rugby

Northern Ireland is also home to top-level rugby at Kingspan Stadium (also known as Ravenhill). Match days are full of energy and local pride, usually every Friday night.

Even if you’re not a rugby fan, the atmosphere is electric. You’ll find plenty of banter, craic, and fun. It’s a night out everyone can enjoy.

Loughs, Manor Houses & Tranquil Escapes

Lough Erne and Strangford Lough

Northern Ireland is home to many beautiful loughs (lakes). Strangford Lough, near the Mourne Mountains, is the largest in Northern Ireland and a great spot for both relaxation and adventure.

Lough Erne, in County Fermanagh, is the second largest in Northern Ireland and fourth largest on the whole island. It’s full of tiny islands, each with its own wildlife and natural beauty. Irish folklore even says that the Érainn, mythological beings, drowned there.

Both loughs are perfect for boating, water sports, or birdwatching. Whether you want a peaceful day on the water or some adventure, these loughs have it all.

Manor & Country Houses

Northern Ireland also has many manor and country houses. Unlike ancient castles, these homes are more modern, usually built from the 1700s onwards.

Some of the most famous include Mount Stewart and Florencecourt, both now managed by the National Trust. Visitors can explore the houses as museums and walk through their beautiful gardens. These estates give a glimpse into Northern Ireland’s history, culture, and architecture, and are perfect for a quiet day out in the countryside.

Titanic Belfast: The Most Infamous Ship

The Titanic Experience

Titanic Belfast is an interactive museum that tells the story of the Titanic, from its construction in Belfast’s shipyards to its tragic voyage. The museum lets you explore recreated decks, historic exhibits, and interactive displays that make the story feel alive.

The building has become an easily recognisable feature of Belfast’s skyline. It manages to resemble both the front of the ship, and an iceberg.

The Titanic Quarter

The Titanic Quarter is full of history. The two huge yellow Harland and Wolf cranes are one of Belfast’s most recognisable features. The cranes are named Samson and Goliath, and have become part of the Titanic quarter.

You can visit the place where the Titanic was built, see the drawing rooms and even visit the last remaining White Star Line ship, the SS Nomadic. The ship has been restored to show what it would have been like in 1912, when it was used to ferry the first class passengers on to the Titanic. 

Join the craic, and visit Northern Ireland this year

If all the beautiful coastlines, fascinating history, and breathtaking castles weren’t enough to convince you, Northern Ireland is also very budget-friendly.

The country has a great network of buses and trains that connect different towns and cities. If you don’t drive, it’s easy to get from Dublin to Belfast by either train or bus.

Whether you’re after stunning nature, ancient history, lively cities, or just a few days of absolute banter, Northern Ireland has it all, and it’s more accessible than you might think.

Interested in learning more about the things mentioned in this article?

Check out our guide with the Top 5 Scenic Irish Film and TV Locations to Visit, a great resource for anyone who’s interested in Irish film and media. Also make sure you check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our Game of Thrones itinerary.

If you want to learn more about the conflict in Northern Ireland, these 4 Movies About The Conflict In Northern Ireland are pretty good starting points.

Before you visit, make sure you learn some of the Northern Irish slang as well.

If you can think of any other hidden gems, make sure you let us know in the comments!