Things to Do in Northern Ireland
Looking for the best things to do in Northern Ireland? Our visitor hub brings together attractions, scenic routes, local experiences, accommodation and useful travel guides to help you plan your stay.
From Belfast and the Causeway Coast to County Down, Donaghadee, Portrush and beyond, Northern Ireland offers world-famous landmarks, historic castles, coastal drives, distilleries, golf courses and memorable local experiences.
NI Airport Transfers can also help with private airport transfers, sightseeing transport and door-to-door travel between many of the destinations featured in this guide.
Must-See Attractions in Northern Ireland
First time visiting Northern Ireland? These are some of the best-known attractions to consider when planning your itinerary.
Giant's Causeway
Northern Ireland's famous UNESCO World Heritage coastline, known for its distinctive basalt columns and dramatic Atlantic setting.
Titanic Belfast
An interactive visitor attraction in Belfast's Titanic Quarter, telling the story of RMS Titanic and the city's shipbuilding heritage.
Dunluce Castle
A spectacular medieval castle ruin sitting above the Atlantic coastline close to Portrush and Bushmills.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
One of the Causeway Coast's best-known visitor attractions, with dramatic coastal scenery around the historic rope bridge.
Crumlin Road Gaol
A historic former prison in Belfast offering tours and visitor experiences exploring more than a century of local history.
Carrickfergus Castle
One of Northern Ireland's best-preserved medieval castles, overlooking Belfast Lough at Carrickfergus.
Ulster Folk Museum
An open-air museum at Cultra exploring life in Ulster through historic buildings, demonstrations and collections.
Donaghadee Harbour & Lighthouse
Explore one of County Down's best-known seaside towns, with its historic harbour, lighthouse, coastal walks, cafés, restaurants and views across the Irish Sea.
Royal County Down & Newcastle
Newcastle sits beneath the Mourne Mountains and is also home to Royal County Down, making the area popular with visitors, walkers and international golfers.
Scenic Drives & Coastal Routes
Some of Northern Ireland's best sightseeing comes from the journey itself. A private driver can make it easier to combine several viewpoints, towns and attractions in one day without worrying about parking or navigating unfamiliar roads.
Causeway Coastal Route
Explore the North Coast through seaside villages, cliff scenery, castles and some of Northern Ireland's most famous attractions.
Antrim Coast Road
A scenic coastal drive through towns and villages along the Antrim coast, with sea views and opportunities for planned stops.
County Down & Mourne Mountains
Combine Strangford Lough, Newcastle, the Mourne Mountains, coastal villages and historic sites on a private County Down day.
Tours & Experiences
From boat trips and whiskey distilleries to Game of Thrones attractions, Northern Ireland has plenty to add around your main sightseeing itinerary.
Kintra Boat Tours
Boat trips from Ballycastle for visitors looking to experience the North Coast from the water.
Ballintoy Boat Tours
Coastal boat trips from Ballintoy, well placed for visitors exploring the Causeway Coast.
Aquaholics
North Coast sea experiences and activities for visitors looking to see more of Northern Ireland's coastline.
Old Bushmills Distillery
Visit the historic Bushmills distillery while exploring the Giant's Causeway and wider North Coast.
The Copeland Distillery
A local distillery in Donaghadee producing gin, rum and whiskey, with visitor experiences available.
Game of Thrones Studio Tour
An immersive visitor attraction featuring sets, costumes and props from the television series.
Places to Stay in Northern Ireland
Looking for somewhere to stay? These local hotels, guest houses and coastal accommodation options make useful bases for exploring Belfast, County Down and the wider Northern Ireland coastline.
The Secret Garden
Luxury coastal accommodation in Donaghadee with private stays close to the harbour, seafront, restaurants and bars. A great base for visitors exploring the Ards Peninsula and County Down.
One Shore Street
A stylish coastal stay in Donaghadee, ideal for visitors exploring County Down, Belfast and the Ards Peninsula.
Pier 36
Harbour-front accommodation, restaurant and bar in Donaghadee, ideal for visitors looking for a coastal base with food, drink and sea views nearby.
Strangford Arms Hotel
A well-established Newtownards hotel with easy access to Belfast City Airport, Bangor, Donaghadee and the Ards Peninsula.
Clandeboye Lodge
A woodland hotel near Bangor and Belfast, offering a peaceful base with dining and convenient access to the coast.
The Old Inn
A characterful hotel in Crawfordsburn close to Bangor, Belfast and Crawfordsburn Country Park.
The Nines
A Bangor seafront hotel close to the marina, restaurants and Belfast Lough.
Ennislare Guest House
A Bangor guest house close to the seafront, marina, transport links and town-centre restaurants.
Private Transport for Your Northern Ireland Visit
NI Airport Transfers provides pre-booked private transport for airport arrivals, sightseeing, cruise visits, golf trips, cycling holidays and journeys throughout Northern Ireland.
Dublin Airport Transfers
Private cross-border transfers between Dublin Airport, Belfast, the North Coast and destinations throughout Northern Ireland.
View Dublin Airport Transfers →Belfast Airport Transfers
Private transfers from Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport to hotels, homes and visitor destinations.
View Belfast Airport Transfers →Private Tours Northern Ireland
Flexible private driver tours to the Giant's Causeway, Belfast, County Down and destinations across Northern Ireland.
View Private Tours →Belfast Cruise Ship Transfers
Private cruise-port pickup and flexible shore-day transport planned around your ship's arrival and return times.
View Cruise Transfers →Golf Transfers Northern Ireland
Private airport, hotel and course transport for visiting golfers, with enclosed trailer capacity available for clubs and luggage.
View Golf Transfers →Bicycle Transfers Northern Ireland
Private transport for cyclists travelling with bike boxes, bicycle cases, suitcases and other cycling equipment.
View Bicycle Transfers →Northern Ireland Travel Guides & Local Advice
Planning the practical side of your visit? These guides cover popular airport routes, cruise days, golf trips and private sightseeing ideas.
Dublin Airport to Portrush
Journey information and practical advice for visitors travelling from Dublin Airport to Portrush and the Causeway Coast.
Read the guide →Belfast Cruise Port to Giant's Causeway
Journey times, route options and cruise timing advice for passengers planning a Causeway Coast shore day.
Read the guide →Flying into Dublin for a Northern Ireland Golf Trip?
Advice for international golf groups arriving through Dublin Airport with golf bags, suitcases and multi-course itineraries.
Read the guide →Belfast International Airport to North Coast
Travel advice for visitors heading from Belfast International Airport to Portrush, Portstewart, Bushmills and the Causeway Coast.
Read the guide →Best Private Day Trips from Belfast
Ideas for private driver days including the North Coast, County Down, castles, distilleries and scenic routes.
Read the guide →Ask Sam for Local Travel Advice
Not sure which airport, route or day trip makes most sense? Send your travel plans and we can help with realistic timings and transport options.
Message Sam on WhatsApp →Visiting Belfast by Cruise Ship?
Join our Belfast Cruise Port – Visitor Tips & Transport Facebook community for local visitor advice, shore-day ideas, transport information and Northern Ireland travel tips.
Travelling in a Larger Group?
NI Airport Transfers specialises in private transport for smaller groups, but visitors travelling in larger parties may require coach or minibus transport.
NI Airport Transfers
Private airport transfers, tours and specialist transport for groups of up to 8 passengers, with an enclosed luggage trailer available where required.
Get a Fixed Price →Compass Coach Travel
Coach transport for larger groups travelling 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 places include the Giant's Causeway, Belfast, Titanic Belfast, the Causeway Coast, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede, County Down, the Mourne Mountains, distilleries and historic coastal towns.
How many days do you need in Northern Ireland?
It depends on what you want to see, but several days allows visitors to combine Belfast with the North Coast, County Down and other parts of Northern Ireland without rushing every stop.
Can I book a private driver for sightseeing in Northern Ireland?
Yes. NI Airport Transfers provides private transport and flexible sightseeing journeys for visitors who prefer door-to-door travel rather than driving themselves.
Can you collect visitors from Dublin Airport?
Yes. Private transfers are available from Dublin Airport to Belfast, Portrush, the North Coast, County Down and destinations throughout Northern Ireland.
Can you collect visitors from Belfast International or Belfast City Airport?
Yes. We provide private transfers from both Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Airport to hotels, accommodation and destinations throughout Northern Ireland.
Do you provide transport for golf clubs and bicycle boxes?
Yes. We provide specialist golf and bicycle transfers, and an enclosed box trailer is available for suitable bookings involving larger quantities of luggage, golf bags or bicycle cases.
Can cruise passengers book a private day trip from Belfast?
Yes. Private shore-day transport can be planned around the ship's arrival and all-aboard time, including trips towards the Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast.
Can you transport larger groups?
NI Airport Transfers can carry groups of up to 8 passengers. For larger groups, coach transport may be more appropriate depending on passenger numbers and luggage requirements.
Need Transport During Your Northern Ireland Visit?
Whether you're arriving through Dublin or Belfast, planning a private day trip, travelling with golf clubs or bicycles, or simply need reliable door-to-door transport, send us your plans for a fixed-price quote.