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Northern Ireland Tourist Attractions

We’ve picked out a few of the hundreds of Northern Ireland tourist attractions below but be warned there are many, many more and you may find the best sightseeing anywhere at all. One point we would say, if you intend your visit to be representative of Northern Ireland, do go to Belfast but also include other areas of this lovely place.

1. Derry

Or Londonderry, as it is also known – this is a Great Walled City. It is on steep hills overlooking the River Foyle. With a history dating back to 500 AD, Derry City has everything you want for a wonderful vacation. The town has excellent shopping centres, there are many restaurants and the Derry nightlife is waiting to be enjoyed. There are several museums in Derry and many historical buildings such as St Columb’s Cathedral (a huge Gothic Church dating from the early 1600’s with a small museum), The Guildhall (just out side the Walls of the City, it was opened in 1890 and is of striking red sandstone with amazing stained glass windows) and Prehen House (a historic house open to the public during the afternoons from March to October).

2. Portrush

The favourite seaside resort of Northern Ireland complete with beautiful beaches, Ireland’s largest Amusement Park and great walking great walking opportunities along the cliffs and hinterland. There are two main beaches and the Portrush East Beach has excellent surfing, especially for beginners – with larger swells around September, October. Portrush is also famous for its golf course – Royal Portrush., This is where the locals go for entertainment so ensuring visitors will enjoy the nightlife, bars, restaurants, etc.

3. Carrick-a- Rede Rope Bridge

A must for tourists – it is near the Giant’s Causeway and can be included in the same trip or tour – Northern Ireland’s famous Rope Bridge is stunning. Ok it’s just a Rope Bridge, 20 meters wide, connecting two headlands, but with a 30 meter deep drop – so which of us is brave enough to walk across it. Not me, I have to say, but it is breath-taking even to watch! You’ll find it open from about 10 am to 6 pm. But the area of Carrick-a-Rede offers much more than the Rope Bridge – wonderful cliff views, special Children’s Discovery trail, bird-watching, restaurant and guided tours of the area.

4. Belfast - The City Hall

Belfast City Hall dominates the centre of Belfast, a huge blocky Portland stone building that towers over the older buildings in the area. In front of the Hall is an equally blocky statue of Queen Victoria glowering down at her subjects. The City Hall puts on free guided tours of the Hall and one of the best parts is the exquisite and impressive entrance hall full of Italian marble. You also get to see the Council Chambers and you can sit in the Lord Mayor’s Chair! Also check out the very varied portraits of the Lord Mayors of Belfast. There are only two or three tours a day so check the times out before you go.

5. The Giants Causeway

This great sight is truly the stuff of legends. Some 40,000 basalt columns, mostly six sided, in folk lore the stepping stones of giants from Ireland to Scotland.

It is truly a spectacular sight. Ok the technical description is that these are basalt columns formed some 60 million years ago! Stand on these stones and consider that it is believed that there were formed from lava from a volcano situated near the equator, the lava rolled into the sea, the rock froze quickly and these strange shapes were formed. Do you think I’m kidding – well think back to your geography lessons at school and all that stuff about tectonic plates floating around, well one of them moved up from the equator bringing the wonderful Giant’s Causeway with it. Aw that’s just the scientific explanation – most go for the legendary one – that it was built by a giant in times gone by who wanted to build a causeway over to Scotland to sort out an enemy. It is said that he grabbed a few clumps of ground and this resulted in the Lough Neagh.

It takes about one and a half hours to drive to the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast city.

6. Carrickfergus Castle

This stout castle has been in the midst of any military activity in the area since 1100 when the castle was built by John de Courcy. It guards the town of Carrickfergus and it is easy to see how it was a stronghold to be reckoned with and it suffered and survived many sieges from the French, English and Irish over the years. In the castle there is a special exhibit of the history of the Castle and you can wander around the castle as you wish for a small fee.

7. Belfast Castle

If you want to get a view of the City and Belfast Lough, visit Belfast Castle. It was built in the late 1800’s on the site of the first Castle – built in 1600. As well as the Castle you can enjoy the wonderful gardens and there is also a Heritage Centre and Adventure Playground. The Centre has an exhibition relating to the Castle and its role in the history of Belfast. If you go out the Antrim Road, you’ll see the signposts to the Castle.

8. Armagh City

With a population of almost 15,000 Armagh is the seat of both the Roman Catholic and Protestant Churches in Ireland. It has many historic associations and attractions. The Anglican St Patrick’s Cathedral is on a hill facing the Catholic St Patrick’s Cathedral, both striking landmarks. Brian Boru of legendary fame is buried in the Anglican Cathedral.

Armagh Observatory was established in 1790 and there is also an excellent Planetarium. The Armagh Planetarium website gives information on visiting, hours of shows etc www.armaghplanet.com – it is closed on Sundays and Mondays. It is situated on College Hill.

www.armaghguidedtours.com is the place to look for walking and coach tours both to all Belfast and also in Armagh Northern Ireland.

9. Newry Northern Ireland

Newry is a “border town” being close to the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. Newry is about 35 miles from Belfast. It also straddles the border between Co Antrim and Co Down. It is an excellent centre for mountain, sea and shopping excursions. There is an interesting canal from Newry to Lough Neagh and also to Carlingford Lough. It has its usual share of historical churches and the Church of Ireland, built in 1579, is said to be the fist Protestant Church in Ireland.

10. Lisburn Town

This Northern Ireland town is situated on the River Lagan. The area is where the very important linen industry was started in the 1690’s. For a long time this was one of the premier Northern Ireland industries and Lisburn had a strong trade. Now in the centre of the town are the Irish Linen Centre and the Lisburn Museum. Admission is free and here you’ll see and learn much about the impact of the linen trade on the town.