Northern Ireland

Things to do in Northern Ireland

Visiting Northern Ireland couldn’t be easier with our Cairnryan to Larne ferry crossing which takes just under two hours.

Northern Ireland has seen unprecedented economic growth since the 1998 peace treaty which ended 30 years of political unrest in the region, as tourism and industry have boomed since then.

Belfast, the country’s capital, features a wealth of great things to do and places to explore. Between this metropolitan city of culture and the surrounding countryside steeped in history and ancient tradition, this region is noteworthy for its rich history, from ancient Celtic myths and legends, to Victorian and industrial heritage, offering a wealth of different areas to explore.

Whether you’re looking to indulge your love of all things fantasy with the nearby Game of Thrones filming locations or mythical Giant’s Causeway, or a city break with all the contemporary amenities in Belfast, or even just a countryside getaway to do some hiking and kayaking, this area has got something for everyone.

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Cairnryan Port

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Larne Port

Mon - Fri	04:00	08:00	12:00	16:00
Sat	04:00	10:00	14:00	17:00
Sat	04:00	10:00	16:00
Sun	08:00	12:00	16:00	22:00

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About the city

Visit Belfast

There are so many things to do in Northern Ireland’s capital that you’ll be absolutely spoilt for choice when you visit. If you’re interested in discovering more about this city’s rich history, look no further than the Titanic Belfast, a massive visitor centre built on the site of the original dockyard where the famous ship was built. Here you can find out all about Belfast’s industrial past through lots of fun interactive displays and rides, as well as exploring the shipyard to discover the legend of the RMS Titanic.

For more history around the city, the Botanic Gardens are a must-see for some brilliant examples of Victorian architecture, and why not check out the Ulster Museum whilst you’re here? Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter is the perfect place for a tasty meal or delightful drink at the end of a long day. Visit our Belfast Tourist Board [link] for more inspiration of great things to do in Northern Ireland’s capital city.

Winterfell Castle and Demesne

Northern Ireland has been made famous in recent years as one of the main filming locations for the popular TV adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones series, with Winterfell Castle and Demesne acting as the country’s premier visitor attraction for the TV show. Only a 40-minute journey from Belfast, here you can take part in a Game of Thrones tour to explore over 20 key filming location hotspots.

Learn how to use a medieval bow and arrow at a replica of the Winterfell Castle Courtyard archery range movie set. Dress up in character costumes from the show, tour the movie set either on foot or on a bike tour, meet the show’s Direwolf dogs, and even enjoy glamping minibreaks here! Minimum entry age is 6 years old, so this is definitely an attraction to be enjoyed with the whole family.

Giant’s Causeway & Coast

The world-famous Giant’s Causeway is Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a national nature reserve. The striking columns of layered basalt are made up of mostly hexagonal interlocking stones, formed by a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. According to local legend, the columns are the remains of a causeway built heroic giant Finn McCool, who was challenged to a fight by the Scottish giant Benandonner. Finn built the causeway across the North Channel so that the two giants could meet.

This Area of Outstanding National Beauty is known for being one of the greatest drives on earth, so if you’re visiting with a car this is a great opportunity to view this vast landscape of impressive coastline and spectacular countryside. If you’re visiting on foot, there are many walking trails along the coast, including one which is wheelchair and buggy-friendly, accessible for the whole family.

Giant Causeway Coastal Drive in Northern Ireland

Lough Erne

Lough Erne consists of two connected lakes which are widened sections of the River Erne which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The Lough has 154 islands as well as many coves and inlets, perfect for fishing, kayaking, or exploring on a day cruise. Castles and manor houses dot its banks with Devenish Island featuring the ruins of a 12th century Augustinian priory dominates. White Island and Boa Island are both home to mysterious carved stone figures which were the work of Celts between AD 400 and 800.

Lough Erne Resort, host of the 2013 G8 Summit, is a luxurious 5-star resort based in Enniskillen, a town which lies in between the two lakes. If you’re a golf fanatic you’ll have to get a round in at the award-winning, 36-hole experience consisting of the Faldo Course and Castle Hume Golf Course to take in the beautiful countryside views.