Things to Do in Northern Ireland
A handy visitor hub for tours, attractions, places to eat, and great stays — ideal if you’re visiting and want local recommendations.
Northern Ireland offers a diverse range of attractions, from world-famous landmarks and scenic coastal routes to historic castles, museums, food spots and unique local experiences. This guide highlights things to do in Northern Ireland — from iconic attractions and coastal routes to castles, museums, food spots, and unique experiences across Belfast, the North Coast, County Down and beyond, with transport options available to make getting around easy.
🚤 Boat Tours & Water Activities
Boat trips, island tours, wildlife cruises, coastal and Game of Thrones sightseeing experiences across Northern Ireland.
- Kintra Boat Tours Boat Trips from Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
- Ballintoy Boat Tours Boat Trips from Ballintoy, Northern Ireland
- Aquaholics Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring natural wonders of the North Coast of Ireland. Discover the beauty of this region by taking a sea voyage guided by experienced local skippers.
🏰 Must-See Attractions
Iconic highlights and visitor favourites — ideal for first-time trips.
- Giant's Causeway A dramatic volcanic coastline steeped in myth and natural wonder, free to explore with an optional paid visitor centre.
- Titanic Belfast An award-winning interactive museum on the Titanic’s birthplace — paid entry (around £25 for adults).
- Dunluce Castle A clifftop medieval castle with sweeping Atlantic views and centuries of history — ticketed entry.
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge A famous rope bridge spanning a dramatic coastal chasm on the Antrim Coast — paid entry (advance booking required).
- Crumlin Road Gaol A former Victorian prison brought to life through immersive guided tours — ticketed entry.
- Carrickfergus Castle A well-preserved Norman castle overlooking Belfast Lough, offering panoramic coastal views and centuries of history. Paid entry, with easy access just outside Belfast.
🗺️ Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Best viewpoints, coastal roads, and photo stops — great for a private tour day.
- Causeway Coastal Route One of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, winding past dramatic cliffs, historic castles, and iconic landmarks. Free to drive, with countless viewpoints and stop-offs along Northern Ireland’s stunning north coast.
- Antrim Coast Road A spectacular coastal road winding through some of Northern Ireland’s most iconic scenery, passing cliffs, beaches, and famous landmarks. Free to drive, with highlights including coastal villages and breathtaking Atlantic views.
🎟️ Tours & Experiences
Guided tours, distilleries, history walks, and unique local experiences.
- Old Bushmills Distillery Step inside the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery with guided tours and tastings — ticketed entry.
- The Copeland Distillery A contemporary craft distillery known for award-winning gin, rum, and whiskey — ticketed tours available.
- Titanic Distillers A modern whiskey distillery set in Belfast’s historic Titanic Quarter, offering guided tours and tastings — paid entry.
- Game of Thrones Studio Tour An immersive studio experience showcasing original sets, costumes, and props from Game of Thrones. Paid entry, with advance booking recommended.
- City Sightseeing Belfast Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour A hop-on, hop-off bus tour offering a convenient way to explore Belfast’s top sights at your own pace. Paid entry, with tickets valid for the day.
🍽️ Food & Drink
Local favourites for dinner, pubs, coffee, and breakfast — grouped so visitors can scan quickly.
Restaurants
Pubs & Breweries
👨👩👧 Family Friendly
Great picks for kids and groups — parks, interactive attractions, and easy wins.
- UlsterFolk Museum An open-air museum bringing Northern Ireland’s rural past to life — paid entry.
🚌 Travelling in a large group?
Visiting Northern Ireland with a larger group? Private transport can make getting around far easier, keeping everyone together and on schedule.
- Compass Coach Travel Comfortable group transport for airport transfers, tours, events, and day trips across Northern Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Northern Ireland?
Popular attractions include the Giant’s Causeway, Titanic Belfast, the Causeway Coastal Route, historic castles, museums, distilleries, and food experiences across Belfast and the North Coast.
How many days do you need in Northern Ireland?
Most visitors spend between 3 and 7 days exploring Belfast, the North Coast, County Down, and scenic coastal routes.
Is it easy to get around Northern Ireland without a car?
Yes. Private transport, tours, and airport transfers make it easy to visit attractions without hiring a car.
Visiting from the USA — what’s the easiest way to get around Northern Ireland?
Many US visitors choose private transport or a local driver for day trips and multi-stop touring, especially if you’d rather avoid driving on the left or navigating unfamiliar roads. Our Dublin Airport to Northern Ireland transfer service makes it easy to explore Belfast, the North Coast, and key attractions comfortably in a short time.