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Things to do in Northern Ireland allows you to experience an exhilarating adventure, rich heritage, and breathtaking landscapes. Climb along cliff-top rope bridges and discover medieval castles, trek mist-shrouded mountains, and follow Game of Thrones film locations. Discover UNESCO wonders like the Giant’s Causeway, walk along Derry’s old walls, or discover Belfast’s Titanic heritage. Its sheer coastlines, fiercely defended heritage, and warm Irish hospitality mean that Northern Ireland is a journey of myth and legend, of landscape and living history that will inspire and invite you to return.
Top 10 Things To Do In Northern Ireland
Find the top things to do in Northern Ireland, from exploring dramatic coastlines and medieval castles to seeing Game of Thrones filming locations.
1. Marvel At The Basalt Columns Of The Giant’s Causeway
Photo: XaetaRhythm / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best things to do in Northern Ireland, a visit to the Giant’s Causeway is an experience not to be missed, an unforgettable encounter. Situated on the Causeway Coastal Route, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a natural phenomenon created by the ancient volcanoes 60 million years ago. The site features over 40,000 basalt columns in a seamless fit as it inclines towards the sea, creating natural stepping stones that raise questions and amazement. Mythic significance is added to its beauty by the legend that Finn McCool, the Irish giant, built the Causeway as a bridge between Ireland and Scotland.
Major Highlights: Danger, nature, marine life
Location: 44 Causeway Rd, Bushmills BT57 8SU, United Kingdom
2. Cross The Thrilling Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
Photo: Suicasmo / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most adrenaline-filled activities in Northern Ireland is to see the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge adventure. It begins with a warm-up coastal promenade over degraded wildflower fields and rocky sea headlands resonating with the calls of seabirds. Originally constructed over 250 years ago by salmon fishermen, the 20-metre-long rope bridge hangs a stomach-lurching 30 metres above undulating waves and jagged rocks below, perfect for those who are adventurous. Crossing the rickety bridge offers exciting adrenaline fixings as well as spectacular panoramic views of Rathlin Island and Scotland’s distant coastline.
Major Highlights: Adrenaline rush, Rathlin views, cliffs drama
Location: 119a Whitepark Road, Ballintoy, County Antrim, BT54 6LS, Northern Ireland
3. Wander Through The Enchanted Dark Hedges
Photo: Colin Park / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most mysterious things to do in Northern Ireland is to go check out the Dark Hedges, which are located on Bregagh Road. This moody avenue is flanked by gnarled beech trees, which were planted in the 18th century by the Stuart family, whose branchy unions create a passage of natural stone that looks like it has stepped straight out of a fairytale. The Dark Hedges became internationally renowned as the breathtaking Kingsroad in Game of Thrones and were the top choice among enthusiasts and photographers. When the sun passes through the canopy, the ambience is ethereal and hauntingly beautiful.
Major Highlights: Breathtaking photo opportunities, GoT filming location, eerie beauty
Location: Bregagh Road, Ballymoney, Stranocum, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, BT53 8PX
4. Explore Maritime History At Titanic Belfast
Photo: Suicasmo / Wikimedia Commons
One of the gems of Northern Ireland is a visit to Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. The centrepiece of this dockland regeneration is the award-winning Titanic Belfast museum, which has nine interactive galleries enveloping visitors in the proud shipbuilding history of Belfast, the ill-fated maiden voyage of the legendary RMS Titanic, and its legacy. Life-sized reconstructions, original artefacts, and multimedia presentations that bring alive 1912 await you. Then take the Maritime Mile to the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line ship, or eat in the historic Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices. The museum’s impressive building, replicated from Titanic’s prow, is an impressive photo opportunity itself.
Major Highlights: Immersive galleries, maritime history, iconic architecture
Location: 1 Olympic Way, Queen’s Road, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT3 9EP, UK
5. Walk The Historic Walls Of Derry-Londonderry
Photo: Kenneth Allen / Wikimedia Commons
One of the most historic things to do in Northern Ireland is walking the city walls of Derry~Londonderry. The 400-year-old walls perfectly preserved surround the historic city centre, and the air of a living museum abounds with resilience, culture, and multi-layered history. The whole 1.5-kilometre course takes you through original cannons, ancient gates, and spectacular views of Protestant and Catholic quarters, testifying to Derry’s complexity and turbulent history. You can visit along the way the Tower Museum, which reveals local history, or watch out for the breathtaking Bogside murals, vibrant paintings commemorating turning points in the struggle to achieve peace in Northern Ireland.
Major Highlights: Political murals, cityscape, living history
Location: Palace Street, Derry BT48 6PU, Northern Ireland
6. Hike The Peaks Of The Mourne Mountains
Photo: Dieglop / Wikimedia Commons
One of Northern Ireland’s finest activities on offer is trekking the breathtaking Mourne Mountains. It is a granite hill range in County Down, famous for having calm routes and high peaks. The Mournes offer paths of all types, from the more relaxed Hare’s Gap to sterner ascents like Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest point at 850 meters. The legendary Mourne Wall, which runs for more than 22 miles along the range, lends ancient authenticity to your hike. This stunning vista has been said to have an impact on the imagination of C.S. Lewis’s make-believe world of Narnia.
Major Highlights: Summit views, literary heritage, peaceful hikes
Location: County Down in the south-east of Northern Ireland
7. Stroll Through The Magical Tollymore Forest Park
Photo: Rossographer / Wikimedia Commons
Among the serene Northern Ireland activities, a visit to Tollymore Forest Park is high up on the list. The 630-hectare forest haven is located at the base of the Mourne Mountains. The park is green with old yew, ash, and oak trees, serene rivers, spooky grottos, and gothic bridges which add a touch of fantasy to the area. Children enjoy picnic spots and the arboretum, while hiking trails along the serene riverside are walked by hikers. Game of Thrones fans will recognise Tollymore as the filming location where the Stark kids met their direwolves for the first time.
Major Highlights: Walks in the forest, film setting, peaceful landscapes
Location: Bryansford Road, Tollymore Park, Newcastle, County Down, BT33 0PR, Northern Ireland
8. Discover The Dramatic Ruins Of Dunluce Castle
Photo: PaulT / Wikimedia Commons
Visiting Dunluce Castle, a surprisingly cliff-top-pitched perch above Bushmills, ranks as one of Northern Ireland’s most compelling activities. Its medieval ruins, steeped in tales of feasting, blazing feuds, and even the kitchen spectacularly collapsing into the ocean, are waiting to be uncovered. Its breathtaking shape against the pounding Atlantic waves is great for photos and contemplation. History is made alive by informative interpretive boards recounting the 13th-century origins of the castle and its role in local power struggles. In addition to its distinctive character, Dunluce Castle also served as the site for Castle Greyjoy in Game of Thrones, fascinating Game of Thrones enthusiasts and history buffs.
Major Highlights: Cliffside ruins, folklore, Game of Thrones atmosphere
Location: 87 Dunluce Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8UY, Northern Ireland
9. Unwind On The Tranquil Trails Of Rathlin Island
Photo: JoachimKohler-HB / Wikimedia Commons
Visiting Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland’s sole populated offshore island, may be one of Northern Ireland’s most serene activities. Your trip starts by taking a ferry ride over stunning seas beneath skies filled with seabirds from Ballycastle. Upon arrival, a serene, unspoilt landscape lies before you, bumpy footpaths, rainbow-coloured fields full of wildflowers, and the famous “upside-down” lighthouse. Naturalists and bird enthusiasts particularly love the island between April and July, when puffins and other seabirds arrive to breed. The RSPB Seabird Centre offers excellent views and educational displays on the island’s wildlife.
Major Highlights: Puffins, lighthouse, secluded island charm
Location: Off the coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland
10. Drive The Scenic Causeway Coastal Route
Photo: Kaique Rocha / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
A Northern Ireland must-do activity is taking the Causeway Coastal Route, a breathtaking 120-mile scenic drive from Derry to Belfast. The road winds along eroded coastlines, over sweeping bays, medieval castles, and quaint seaside villages. Among the highlights are mysterious Cushendun Caves, breathtaking Torr Head view, quaint Ballintoy Harbour, and the renowned Giant’s Causeway. Whether snapping stunning Instagram photos or thawing out over a scorching hot meal in a coastal tavern, travel is one of discovery around every corner. Every mile of the Causeway Coastal Route unfolds the unspoiled beauty and fascinating heritage that turn Northern Ireland into an extraordinary destination.
Major Highlights: Iconic road trip, diverse detours, coastal culture
A peaceful mix of nature and history, things to do in Northern Ireland satisfy every kind of traveler. Stroll historic castles and cobbled streets, hike along dramatic shores and green-clad paths, taste local craft beers and farm-to-table foods, and absorb the warmth of vibrant villages and towns. From ancient times to modern arts and outdoor pursuits, Northern Ireland unfolds its narrative at every turn. Let tripXL help you plan your perfect Northern Ireland holiday.
Cover Photo: Steven1991 / Wikimedia Commons
