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Northern Ireland

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Sunset over the red basalt column. Sea views

Why we love Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has everything from World Heritage Sites to real-world Game of Thrones locations, plus scenery that will leave you in awe. From the mountains of Mourne to the Fermanagh Lakelands, the Causeway Coast to the Glens of Antrim, you’ll find an inspiring country made for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and adrenaline addicts.

With a wild Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Irish Sea on the other, take your pick of spectacularly unique beaches set against backdrops featuring mountains, cliffs, caves and even temples. Stand on the very spot where the Titanic launched, or marvel at the remains of a causeway, believed to be built by a giant so he could cross the North Channel.

Follow in the footsteps of local heroes Rory Mcllroy and Darren Clarke and tee off at over 90 courses, including the legendary Royal County Down. See the experts in action this July at Royal Portrush, host of The 153rd Open. Or stay in the three-bedroom terrace house where football legend George Best grew up. 

There’s no better time than the present to embrace your giant spirit and discover what adventure awaits you in Northern Ireland.

Capital city

Belfast

Currency

GBP

Timezone

GMT (Winter), GMT + 1 (Summer)

Northern Ireland

Discover World Heritage sites and Game of Thrones filming locations, dramatic coastlines, historic castles, and thrilling outdoor adventure in Northern Ireland.

Follow the Titanic Trail in the capital Belfast to discover the ship's famous story, or head to the city’s Queen’s Quarter to explore the Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum.

Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Giant’s Causeway, spot dolphins on a sea safari, or cross the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge on the Causeway Coast.

Uncover myths and legends at the magnificent Antrim Castle, Dunseverick Castle ruins and medieval Dunluce Castle.

Tour the Marble Arch Caves in Fermanagh, hike the 7-mile (11km) Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, kayak on Lough Erne or cycle the rolling Glens of Antrim.

Discover the majestic Hillsborough Castle, home to the Royal Family in Northern Ireland, while exploring the glorious gardens and Lady Alice’s Temple.

Fun fact

Fun fact

Northern Ireland is home to more Game of Thrones filming locations than anywhere else in the world, including The Dark Hedges in Country Antrim and the magical Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, County Down.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

People walking on path between tall intertwined trees

Did you know?

Did you know?

  • Northern Ireland is the smallest member of the United Kingdom, covering an area of 5,456 square miles (14,130 square km), with a population of approximately 1.8 million people.

  • The Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, is a spectacular ancient volcanic rock formation dating back an estimated 60 million years.

  • Established in 1608, Old Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim is the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world – guided tours delve into its 400-year history.

  • Dating back to 1890, St George’s Market is one of Belfast’s oldest attractions – more than two hundred stalls offer a wide range of local produce and handmade crafts every weekend.

  • The OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory in Davagh Forest, County Tyrone, is Northern Ireland’s only official Dark Sky Park, offering the chance to stargaze and explore the solar system at special events.

Photo by: David Lyons / Alamy Stock Photo

Old Bushmills Distillery, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Wooden barrels casks at the world’s oldest whiskey distillery.

Destinations in Northern Ireland

Belfast

A dynamic port city with a colourful past, Belfast is a vibrant cultural hub on Northern Ireland’s eastern coast.

Find out more

Photo by: Tourism Northern Ireland

The Titanic, Belfast
Causeway Coast

A land of mighty scenery and epic stories, this wild corner of Northern Ireland will steal your heart.

Find out more

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Man and boy sitting on the red basalt columns

These rolling countryside valleys are heaven for hikers and cyclists, and reach from the Antrim plateau to the coast.

Discover the Glens of Antrim

Photo by: nickscott_scapes

Man walking up hillside as the sun goes down
Glens of Antrim

Relax your mind, engage your core, and enjoy the slow pace of life on the water.

Go paddleboarding in Portrush

Photo by: Portrush Surf School

Location: Northern Ireland

 Paddleboard staff at Portrush Surf School
Paddleboarding in Portrush

Star-gaze and explore the solar system from Davagh Forest in County Tyrone.

Visit OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory

Photo by: Tourism Northern Ireland

Location: Omagh, Northern Ireland

Two people at Dark Sky Park and Observatory viewing the Mead Telescope
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory
Belfast

A dynamic port city with a colourful past, Belfast is a vibrant cultural hub on Northern Ireland’s eastern coast.

Find out more

Photo by: Tourism Northern Ireland

The Titanic, Belfast
Causeway Coast

A land of mighty scenery and epic stories, this wild corner of Northern Ireland will steal your heart.

Find out more

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Man and boy sitting on the red basalt columns

These rolling countryside valleys are heaven for hikers and cyclists, and reach from the Antrim plateau to the coast.

Discover the Glens of Antrim

Photo by: nickscott_scapes

Man walking up hillside as the sun goes down
Glens of Antrim

Relax your mind, engage your core, and enjoy the slow pace of life on the water.

Go paddleboarding in Portrush

Photo by: Portrush Surf School

Location: Northern Ireland

 Paddleboard staff at Portrush Surf School
Paddleboarding in Portrush

Star-gaze and explore the solar system from Davagh Forest in County Tyrone.

Visit OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory

Photo by: Tourism Northern Ireland

Location: Omagh, Northern Ireland

Two people at Dark Sky Park and Observatory viewing the Mead Telescope
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory

Our favourite experiences in Northern Ireland

Ballymena, Northern Ireland

These rolling countryside valleys are heaven for hikers and cyclists, and reach from the Antrim plateau to the coast.

Outdoors and nature

Photo by: nickscott_scapes

Man walking up hillside as the sun goes down
Belfast, Northern Ireland 5th June - 30th August 2025

Dance and sing the night away at one of Belfast’s biggest music festivals, on the banks of the River Lagan.

Music and festivals

Photo by: Visit Belfast

Location: Northern Ireland

A live concert at Belsonic
Banbridge, Northern Ireland

Calling all Game of Thrones fans! Enter the world of The Seven Kingdoms, complete with original costumes, props and weapons.

Starring Great Britain

Photo by: Linen Mill Studios / WarnerMedia / Game of Thrones Studio Tour

Costume Gallery at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour
Portstewart, Northern Ireland

Great food, fresh coffee and fantastic cakes – all with front-row views of the sea.

Food and drink

Photo by: Tourism Northern Ireland

Location: Northern Ireland

Harry's Shack
County Antrim, Northern Ireland

Were these 40,000 interlocking basalt columns created by an ancient volcanic eruption, or built by the fabled giant Finn MacCool?

Outdoors and nature

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Sunset over the red basalt column. Sea views
Belfast Hills, Northern Ireland

Explore Belfast’s wild side on this guided foraging adventure, on the lower slopes of the Belfast Hills.

Outdoors and nature

Photo by: Visit Belfast

Location: Northern Ireland

Visitors enjoy a HartyCulture Foraging and Nature Tours
Ballycastle, Northern Ireland 23rd - 26th August 2025

Look out for street markets, horse shows, farm animals and a thrilling funfair on the seafront.

Music and festivals

Photo by: Causeway Coast & Glens

Location: Northern Ireland

Ould Lammas Fair
Belfast, Northern Ireland

Founded in 1951, this is one of Belfast's top spots for picnics, walking and outdoor events.

Outdoors and nature

Photo by: Visit Belfast

Location: Northern Ireland

Person walking through Barnett Demesne Park
Portrush, Northern Ireland

Relax your mind, engage your core, and enjoy the slow pace of life on the water.

Adventure and sport

Photo by: Portrush Surf School

Location: Northern Ireland

 Paddleboard staff at Portrush Surf School

Suspend yourself above a giant

The Causeway Coast is a must-visit, from its giant boulders to its remote walking trails, but did you know there’s a way to soar above it? Embark on a 30 metre high adventure on a rope bridge walk towards the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede. If heights aren’t your thing, make sure you don’t look down!

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Distant view of people crossing a rope bridge over the sea

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