If you want to maximise your trip to Ireland by visiting the North, we’ve put together some of the best spots to experience. From cosmopolitan cities, vibrant towns, breath-taking scenery, and links to a troubled past, Northern Ireland’s 6 counties are sure to offer an unforgettable experience. Northern Ireland is a part of The United Kingdom, so remember to exchange your Euro for Sterling before crossing the border.
Black Taxi Tour, Falls Road, Belfast. Authentic tour through Nationalist heartland, learn about conflict in Northern Ireland and see numerous colourful murals depicting solidarity with international countries involved in conflict.
Titanic Visitor Centre, Belfast Undoubtedly the most famous and tragic of all voyages, discover the history of Belfast, the building and launch of the Titanic in 1912. At the time, The Titanic was billed as one of the most impressive ships in the world and up to 15,000 workers were involved in its construction from the Harland and Wolff shipyard.
Two connected lakes form Lough Erne in county Fermanagh. Enjoy a summers day sitting by the water’s edge, fish or kayak while admiring the natural beauty of this area. Perfect for a day cruise on a balmy summer’s day.
Derry became popular in recent times due to the hugely popular TV comedy series Derry Girls. Revisit the troubles and all its history in the city by visiting the museum of Free Derry. Derry is also world famous for its ”you are now entering Free Derry” mural. The name is a contentious issue as unionists commonly call it Londonderry whereas the nationalist community just say Derry.
The Bogside is a very nationalist area and was at the heart of the conflict. In 1972, the British Army opened fire here on 26 unarmed civilians, killing 14 and triggering an important milestone in The Troubles known as Bloody Sunday. It was through these streets the body of political leader Martin McGuinness was carried for his funeral in recent times.
At more than 400 years old, The Bushmills Whiskey Distillery is the world’s oldest licensed working distillery in the world. With tasting events and virtual tours on offer to a growing stream of tourists, this is the perfect stop on a tour for whiskey lovers. Learn about the unique distillation process and learn everything there is to know whiskey related from whiskey educators.
The Giants Causeway, Antrim A world heritage site and one of Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions, this unusual site of basalt columns is the result of ancient volcanic fissure eruption.
Tollymore Forest, Down Switch off from the hustle and noise of city streets and visit this serene forest park in Co. Down. It sits at the foot of the Mourne Mountains and at over 609 hectares is a popular choice for campers, walkers and those looking to reconnect with nature. There are numerous walking trails in the park to choose from.
The Ulster American Folk Park, Co. Tyrone is a rite of passage on your visit to Ireland. There is a full-scale emigrant ship on display at the park. This exhibition hopes to show Irish Americans the cruelling and punishing conditions their ancestors travelled to the U.S. in all those years ago. The park offers events, tours and exhibitions and allows the visitor the unique opportunity to experience what life was like in Northern Ireland 100 years ago complete with thatched cottages. Learn about the stories of emigrants who left their homes in Northern Ireland to travel the Atlantic in the hope of a better life in America.
The Glens of Antrim or the Glens as they are known locally are a series of Glens offering breath-taking scenery and natural beauty. Located near to the sea, the glens are a mix of rolling fields, lush greenery, and trickling streams. The Glens are steeped in history and relics of the past including abandoned stones cottages and derelict railways in the towns/villages dotted throughout.
