10 Things to See in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is all too often completely overlooked in favour of people rushing to its southern neighbour and rival. Truth be told, the North offers Ireland in a nutshell, a dramatic coast, a bustling capital city full of culture and plenty of characters. So, should you take the time to visit the North, you will be enormously rewarded. The warm welcome and local craic stands up to that of the South and there is an incredible food scene which competes. The true joy of Northern Ireland is that it is a pocket sized destination where it is easy to tick off most of the highlights over the course of a long weekend. Here we look at our top ten things to see and do during visits to the Emerald Isle. 

1. Giants Causeway 

Yes, its the obvious one and so probably the best place to start. The Giants Causeway, UNESCO protected and one of the 8 Wonders of the World, the Giants Causeway is usually top of peoples lists when they visit Northern Ireland. Ancient legend goes that Finn McCool produced the hexagonal rocks in a bid to lure his enemy from Scotland across to fight, having warred with words across the Irish Sea for years. The rocks acted as stepping stones for the giants and it worked, although the fight never happened when Finn McCool, disguised as a baby scared off his enemy who was so fearful at what the size of the babies father would be if his offspring was so large! Scientists have a much less amusing theory for the phenomena, the area once housing Europe’s largest lava field and various chemical reactions producing what we now know today as the Giants Causeway. Where visiting by land is a great way to get up close to the environment, kayaking tours and scenic helicopter visits can also be arranged. 

2. Strangford Loch 

Located on the east coast of Northern Ireland, Strangford Loch is a worthy place to visit for a stunning walk by the sea. Increasingly made popular thanks to the Game of Thrones series where much of the surrounding landscape will be familiar to fans. The National Trust Mount Stewart has the most beautiful grounds to explore and take the ferry from one side to another for lunch in any choice of local charming restaurant. 

3. Hillsborough Castle 

A perfect stop off when travelling between north and south capitals Belfast and Dublin, Hillsborough Castle is a Historical Royal Palace with plenty of history dating right back to the villages inception to modern day. Plenty of famous Royal faces have spent the night here, even the Queen who spent chunks of her childhood in the rose gardens. It is also full of political anecdotes, it was here that the heads of state signed treaties to end the war in Iraq. Hillsborough Castle also has exceptionally groomed gardens and Europe’s largest hydranga flower. Hillsborough is a pretty village itself and authentically Irish with a choice of local restaurants for lunch after your tour. 

4. Carrick a Rede Ropebridge 

Best combined with a trip to the Giants Causeway, the Carrick a Rede Ropebridge is not for the faint hearted. As suggested, it precariously joins a rocky outcrop to the mainland with steep drops into the sea around it. On a rare sunny day it is astonishingly beautiful and children in particular absolutely love it. 

5. Ballycastle 

A seaside town with the best fish and chips in Ireland at Mortons - by the harbour. A long stretch of beach if you are not yet tired of walking and treat yourself to a Pooh Bear ice cream at the local ice cream shop before a pint of the Black Stuff at local bar Tessie’s. 

6. Mountains of Mourne 

Made famous in a number of Irish folk songs, the Mountains of Mourne really do sweep right down to the sea and are a stunning place to spend a day hiking in the Irish hills. With some of Ireland's more famous golf courses in easy reach, you may well find this the reason you travel to this corner of the country. 

7. Rathlin Island 

Just off the coast from Ballycastle, Rathlin island is home to a lucky few. Most notably it is home to migrant puffins who come to call the island home temporarily each year. Take the local ferry across and explore by foot with a good set of binoculars. It is a stunning space to spend a day in the unique Irish countryside. 

8. Belfast 

The Northern Irish bite size capital that is easy and fun to explore. Visit the Temple Bar, the only pub that has UNESCO Protection in the world. Hop in a Black Cab Tour to get a greater understanding of the cities turbulent political past through the 1970’s right up to how things are in the present day. Experience the growing food scene at St George’s Market and let your hair down at the bars of the Cathedral Quarter for some good old Irish craic!

9. Titanic Museum 

Flying into Belfast City Airport look for the yellow H&W cranes of Harland and Wolf, where the Titanic was built, in the Belfast docks. The recently opened Titanic Museum is an impressive place to experience and learn about the famous ship, from its production right up until its tragic ending and developments since then. The museum is accessible to all and has its fair share of artefacts that survived the fateful crash, as well as stories of those who made it and were aboard it. 

10. The Peace Wall 

For anyone with an interest in Ireland's turbulent past, the Peace Wall is a must. With the right guide, you can fully piece together how it came to exist and still operate as a wall that splits two communities in middle today. To truly understand the city and Northern Ireland this is an incredibly important site to see.