Northern Ireland
Mythical coasts and giant adventures 🌊👣
Northern Ireland is compact, scenic, and packed with mythology, making it a fantastic destination for families who want to see a lot without driving for hours. The region is famous for its geological wonders and maritime history, all accessible within a short drive from the capital, Belfast.
The most iconic site is the Giant's Causeway on the north coast. These 40,000 interlocking basalt columns are a geological marvel, but for children, they are nature's ultimate climbing frame. The visitor centre tells the story of the giant Finn McCool, adding a layer of magic to the visit. Just down the road, daring families can cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which swings 30 metres above the Atlantic Ocean, connecting the mainland to a tiny fisherman’s island.
Belfast has transformed into a vibrant city break destination. The centrepiece is Titanic Belfast, an interactive museum located on the exact slipways where the ship was built. The exhibits are highly sensory, including a ride through the shipyard construction zones, making it engaging for children. Nearby, the W5 science and discovery centre offers floors of interactive experiments and climbing structures designed specifically for kids.
For families with older children or teenagers, the region is a pilgrimage site for Game of Thrones fans. The official Studio Tour in Banbridge displays original sets and costumes, while various locations like the Dark Hedges (Kingsroad) can be visited on the scenic Antrim Coast drive. The walled city of Derry~Londonderry offers a walk around the 17th-century walls, complete with cannons that kids love to pose with.
Nature is never far away. The Mourne Mountains offer
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
With the rugged Causeway Coast and Mourne Mountains, the region offers dramatic landscapes and authentic wilderness experiences for families. Peak conditions align with the longest daylight hours and warmest temperatures in summer.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Belfast is a sophisticated hub featuring the world-class Titanic Belfast and the Ulster Museum, offering deep heritage and a vibrant modern vibe. Summer is ideal for exploring the city's gardens and markets, while shoulder months remain viable due to extensive indoor cultural facilities.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Northern Ireland offers exceptional hiking routes like the Causeway Coast Way and major adventure centers with purpose-built facilities. Summer provides the most stable weather for active outdoor pursuits and mountain trekking.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
The Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark and W5 Science Centre offer internationally recognized learning environments for curious families. Educational programs and natural site accessibility are at their best from spring through early autumn.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
The Causeway Coastal Route is an internationally celebrated drive with spectacular Atlantic views and historic landmarks. Peak summer months offer the best driving visibility and safest conditions for exploring the winding coastal roads.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
The region offers world-class coastal scenery like the Giant's Causeway, though cold Atlantic water temperatures and modest air temps limit it to sightseeing and bracing coastal walks. Summer provides the only viable window for water-based activities or coastal recreation.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Derry Halloween is a world-class cultural event with significant international appeal, transforming the region into a major destination in late October. Outside this festival period, there are few events with comparable global pull.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Authentic experiences like the Soak Seaweed Baths provide a unique local take on wellness, though the region is not a primary global wellness destination. Best enjoyed during warmer months when coastal spa activities are more accessible.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
Entertainment venues like Curry's Fun Park and Lagan Valley LeisurePlex provide regional family fun, though they lack the international status of major global theme parks. Facilities are most active during the summer school holiday period.
Attractions (80 total)
Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Belfast Botanic Gardens
Belfast
Home to the stunning Victorian Palm House and the restored Tropical Ravine, this city garden offers a beautiful escape for all ages.
Visit website →Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Hillsborough
The official royal residence in Northern Ireland boasts 100 acres of ornamental lawns, walled gardens, and peaceful woodland trails.
Visit website →Mount Stewart
Newtownards
Ranked among the world's top gardens, this estate features unique themed areas like the Italian and Spanish gardens alongside a picturesque lake.
Visit website →Antrim Castle Gardens
Antrim
These historic 400-year-old gardens feature unique Anglo-Dutch water features, a Victorian pleasure garden, and a modern jubilee clockwork garden.
Visit website →Rowallane Garden
Saintfield
A carved landscape filled with rare plants and hidden corners, this garden is perfect for families looking to explore a wilder, more informal beauty.
Visit website →Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park
Belfast
Best known for its world-class International Rose Garden, this park provides expansive lawns and themed gardens ideal for family picnics.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Belfast City Hall
Belfast
A magnificent landmark offering free tours of its grand interior and beautiful gardens that host seasonal markets and memorials.
Visit website →Titanic Belfast
Belfast
An award-winning visitor attraction that tells the story of the Titanic through high-tech displays and interactive exhibits in the city where it was built.
Visit website →Walls of Derry
Derry
A historic 17th-century fortification offering a unique vantage point to explore the city's rich history while walking the fully intact perimeter.
Visit website →The Dark Hedges
Stranocum
A photogenic avenue of ancient beech trees that creates a magical, tunnel-like atmosphere, perfect for a short family walk and photography.
Mussenden Temple
Castlerock
Perched on a 120-foot cliff, this iconic circular building offers breathtaking views of the coastline and Downhill Strand beach.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Belfast Zoo
Belfast
Families can explore a hillside zoo featuring over 120 species, including giraffes and penguins, while enjoying panoramic views of Belfast Lough.
Visit website →WWT Castle Espie
Comber
A beautiful wetland center offering families close encounters with exotic waterbirds, nature trails, and scenic views of Strangford Lough.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Ballintoy
An exhilarating rope bridge suspended 100 feet above the Atlantic, offering breathtaking coastal views and a memorable walk to a tiny island.
Visit website →Giant's Causeway
Bushmills
An iconic UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that provide a unique natural playground for families to explore.
Visit website →The Gobbins Cliff Path
Islandmagee
A dramatic Victorian-era coastal walk featuring bridges, tunnels, and stairways carved directly into the basalt cliffs above the Irish Sea.
Visit website →Benone Strand
Limavady
One of Ireland's longest beaches, offering seven miles of golden sand and panoramic views across to the hills of Donegal.
Visit website →Portstewart Strand
Portstewart
A stunning two-mile Blue Flag beach and National Trust site famous for its high sand dunes, surfing, and family-friendly swimming waters.
Visit website →Whiterocks Beach
Portrush
A scenic beach known for its striking white limestone cliffs and natural sea arches, perfect for coastal walks and water sports.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Carrickfergus Castle
Carrickfergus
An impressively well-preserved Norman fortress where children can explore the keep and battlements while learning about 800 years of history.
Visit website →Dunluce Castle
Bushmills
Dramatic medieval ruins perched on a clifftop with a history of fallen kitchens and legends that will captivate visitors of all ages.
Visit website →The Derry Walls
Derry/Londonderry
An intact 17th-century fortification surrounding the city center, perfect for a historical walk with impressive cannons and views.
Visit website →Belfast Castle
Belfast
A Victorian-style landmark located on the slopes of Cave Hill, featuring beautiful gardens and a popular cat-themed trail for kids.
Visit website →Castle Ward
Strangford
An 18th-century mansion known for its unique mixture of architectural styles and its famous role as a filming location for fantasy television.
Visit website →Crumlin Road Gaol
Belfast
A historic prison that offers guided tours through its wings and cells, providing a fascinating look at the region's judicial past.
Visit website →Enniskillen Castle
Enniskillen
A majestic waterside stronghold housing museums that tell the story of the county's history and military heritage.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Castle Ward Farm and Estate
Strangford
A National Trust property featuring a historic farmyard, rare breed animals, and extensive trails known globally as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
Visit website →Streamvale Open Farm
Belfast
A highly popular family-run farm offering live milking demonstrations, tractor rides, and animal cuddling sessions on the edge of the city.
Visit website →Fermanagh Open Farm
Enniskillen
A family-oriented rural experience in the west of Northern Ireland featuring over 50 species of animals and a scenic nature walk.
Visit website →Ark Open Farm
Newtownards
Specializing in rare breeds, this large farm park features indoor and outdoor play areas, a fairy trail, and a wide variety of friendly animals.
Visit website →Mountpanther Adventure Folk Park
Clough
A large-scale farm attraction offering an exotic animal walk-through, reindeer, and massive indoor and outdoor play zones for children.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Causeway Coastal Route
Belfast
195km paved coastal road (3-5 days) connecting Belfast and Derry~Londonderry. Key highlights include the UNESCO-listed Giant's Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, the Glens of Antrim, and the nearby Dark Hedges.
Visit website →Ards Peninsula Coastal Drive
Newtownards
110km paved loop (1 day) following the shores of Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea. The drive passes the Mount Stewart estate, the ruins of Greyabbey, and picturesque fishing villages like Portaferry, where a ferry connects to Strangford.
Visit website →Sperrins Scenic Driving Routes
Omagh
A series of four interconnected paved routes totaling approximately 240km (1-2 days) through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Features include the Gortin Glen Forest Park, the Barnes Gap mountain pass, and the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles.
Visit website →Fermanagh Lakelands Scenic Drive
Enniskillen
100km paved circular route (1 day) around Upper and Lower Lough Erne. Highlights include the island town of Enniskillen, the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, Belleek Pottery, and various jetties offering views of the 154 islands.
Visit website →Mourne Coastal Route
Newry
132km paved scenic loop (1-2 days) circling the Mourne Mountains. The route follows the Irish Sea coastline through Newcastle and Kilkeel, featuring views of Slieve Donard, Silent Valley Reservoir, and the dramatic Spelga Dam mountain pass.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Colin Glen Forest Park
Belfast
Home to Ireland's longest zipline and a world-class alpine coaster, this park offers high-adrenaline forest adventures for families within the city limits.
Visit website →Todd's Leap Activity Centre
Ballygawley
An award-winning adventure destination featuring 4x4 off-roading, a giant swing, and zip-lining across scenic hills and valleys.
Visit website →Let's Go Hydro
Carryduff
A massive water sports park featuring one of the largest inflatable aqua parks in the UK, alongside wakeboarding and kayaking facilities.
Visit website →Share Discovery Village
Lisnaskea
Ireland’s largest outdoor activity center located on the shores of Upper Lough Erne, specializing in water-based fun and inflatable aqua parks.
Visit website →The Jungle NI
Moneymore
A premier outdoor activity center offering family-friendly zorbing, paintball, and a high-ropes treetop adventure course set in a mature woodland.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail (Stairway to Heaven)
Enniskillen
11km moderate-to-challenging 4-hour return hike with 550m elevation gain. Features a wooden boardwalk over a protected blanket bog leading to a steep staircase ascent of Cuilcagh Mountain.
Visit website →Slieve Donard via Glen River
Newcastle
9km challenging 5-hour round trip hike to Northern Ireland's highest peak with 850m elevation gain. Rugged stone paths and steep final ascent alongside the Mourne Wall.
Visit website →The Causeway Coast Way
Portstewart
53km moderate 2-3 day coastal walk from Portstewart to Ballycastle with approximately 950m elevation gain. Passes Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle. Bike rental: Causeway Coast Cycle Tours (causewaycoastcycletours.com)
Visit website →The Mourne Way
Newcastle
42km challenging 2-day trek across the Mourne Mountains from Newcastle to Rostrevor with 1,350m elevation gain. High-altitude mountain terrain and valley passes. Equipment rental: Life Adventure Centre (lifeadventure.co)
Visit website →The Lagan Towpath
Belfast
18km easy 2-hour cycling or 4-hour walking route from Belfast to Lisburn with minimal elevation gain. Level path following the River Lagan and historic canal. Bike rental: Belfast City Bike Hire (belfastcity.gov.uk)
Visit website →The Lecale Way
Downpatrick
75km moderate 3-4 day walk from Downpatrick to Newcastle. Coastal terrain including beaches, rocky shores, and quiet roads with 400m elevation gain. Bike rental: Mourne Cycles (mournecycles.com)
Visit website →Castlewellan MTB Red Route
Castlewellan
19km moderate-to-challenging mountain bike trail with approx 450m elevation gain. Includes technical trail features like 'The Great Expectations'. Bike rental: Life Adventure Centre (lifeadventure.co)
Visit website →Rostrevor MTB Red Route
Rostrevor
27km expert-level mountain bike trail with significant elevation gain and technical descents. Offers stunning views of Carlingford Lough. Bike rental: East Coast Adventure (eastcoastadventure.com)
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Curry's Fun Park
Portrush
Northern Ireland's premier seaside amusement park, featuring the iconic Big Dipper, vintage carousels, and modern thrill rides overlooking the Atlantic coast.
Visit website →Pickie Funpark
Bangor
A beloved coastal family destination featuring iconic giant swan pedal boats, a miniature railway, and an adventure playground on the Bangor waterfront.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Exploris Aquarium
Portaferry
Northern Ireland's premier aquarium and seal sanctuary, featuring diverse marine life from the Irish Sea and tropical waters.
Visit website →Riverwatch Aquarium and Visitor Centre
Londonderry
A family-friendly visitor centre featuring freshwater and marine life native to the Foyle and Carlingford river systems.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Lagan Valley LeisurePlex
Lisburn
Northern Ireland's premier indoor water park featuring high-speed slides, a lazy river, and a pirate-themed splash area for families.
Visit website →Splash NI
Moneymore
An expansive outdoor inflatable aqua park located on a clear spring-fed lake, offering various obstacles and deep-water attractions.
Visit website →Andersonstown Leisure Centre
Belfast
A state-of-the-art aquatic centre featuring the first indoor surfing simulator in Northern Ireland and three high-speed water slides.
Visit website →The Lake Kilrea
Kilrea
A massive outdoor inflatable water park set on a freshwater lake, offering one of the most challenging aqua-obstacle courses in the region.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Mourne Mountains
Newcastle
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty featuring the highest peaks in Northern Ireland and the famous Mourne Wall.
Visit website →Oxford Island Nature Reserve
Craigavon
A designated National Nature Reserve on the southern shores of Lough Neagh featuring meadows, reed beds, and wildlife hides.
Visit website →Glenariff Forest Park
Ballymena
Known as the 'Queen of the Glens', this park offers spectacular waterfall walks through lush woodland and deep river gorges.
Visit website →Murlough National Nature Reserve
Newcastle
A fragile 6,000-year-old sand dune system at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, ideal for birdwatching and coastal walks.
Visit website →Rathlin Island RSPB Seabird Centre
Rathlin Island
A major nature reserve hosting one of the UK's largest seabird colonies, including puffins and razorbills, on dramatic sea cliffs.
Visit website →Tollymore Forest Park
Newcastle
The first state forest park in Northern Ireland, featuring Gothic bridges, grottos, and scenic walks along the Shimna River.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Slieve Donard
Newcastle
Hike to the summit of the highest peak in Northern Ireland for breathtaking views over the Irish Sea and the Mourne Mountains.
Marble Arch Caves
Enniskillen
Take a guided tour through a subterranean world of rivers, waterfalls, and spectacular limestone formations in this UNESCO Global Geopark.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
The Walled City of Derry
Londonderry
The only remaining completely walled city in Ireland, featuring historic gates and ramparts overlooking the modern city and River Foyle.
Visit website →Ulster American Folk Park
Omagh
An immersive outdoor museum telling the story of Irish emigration through reconstructed historic buildings from both Ireland and America.
Visit website →Ulster Folk Museum
Holywood
A recreated early 20th-century Irish village where families can explore historic cottages, shops, and farms with costumed demonstrators.
Visit website →Gracehill Moravian Village
Ballymena
A remarkably preserved 18th-century UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a central square, historic church, and unique Moravian architectural style.
Visit website →Hillsborough Royal Village
Hillsborough
A picturesque Georgian village home to the official royal residence in Northern Ireland, featuring historic architecture and grand gardens.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Ulster Museum
Belfast
Northern Ireland's premier museum featuring extensive fine art galleries, spanning from the Renaissance to modern masterpieces, in a beautiful park setting.
Visit website →Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA) Derry~Londonderry
Derry
A leading regional gallery that showcases experimental contemporary art from both emerging Northern Irish and international artists.
Visit website →F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio
Banbridge
A dedicated art space featuring a stunning sculpture garden and gallery celebrating the work of the renowned surrealist sculptor Frederick Edward McWilliam.
Visit website →The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre)
Belfast
A multi-award-winning contemporary art venue in the Cathedral Quarter featuring three major galleries with rotating international exhibitions.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
W5
Belfast
An award-winning science and discovery centre with over 250 interactive exhibits designed to inspire young minds.
Visit website →Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
Armagh
A leading astronomical research and education centre offering immersive digital dome shows and celestial science exhibits.
Visit website →Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre
Enniskillen
A UNESCO Global Geopark site offering a deep dive into subterranean geology through guided cave tours and geological displays.
Visit website →Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Soak Seaweed Baths
Newcastle
A standalone facility dedicated to the traditional Irish practice of seaweed bathing. It uses fresh, mineral-rich seawater heated to approximately 38°C-40°C, combined with locally harvested 'Fucus Serratus' seaweed. The magnesium, iodine, and oils released from the seaweed provide a natural mineral bath experience. The facility is a primary destination in the coastal town of Newcastle, focused specifically on this heritage bathing method.
Visit website →Templemore Baths
Belfast
Originally opened in 1893, this is the last surviving Victorian-era public bathhouse in Northern Ireland. Following a major £17 million restoration, visitors can bathe in the historic 'Minor Pool,' which retains its original 19th-century architectural features, including ornate red-brick masonry and wood-paneled changing cubicles. The facility serves as a significant cultural landmark, featuring an interpretive center dedicated to the history of public health and swimming in the city.
Visit website →Major International Festival / Cultural Event
Derry Halloween
Derry~Londonderry
Late October, 4-day duration. Widely recognized as Europe's largest Halloween festival and a premier global destination for the holiday, attracting over 100,000 visitors. The event celebrates the ancient roots of Samhain with a massive carnival parade, extensive fireworks, and 'Awakening the Walled City' light installations. Highly family-friendly with interactive street theatre and workshops.
Visit website →