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World-class museums, stunning nature and mouthwatering food… when it comes to the best things to do in Northern Ireland, you’re spoilt for choice. And, with a super-short flight (less than 90 minutes) from Great Britain, it’s an easy-peasy weekend away.
1. Visit Titanic Belfast
Widely regarded as one of the best things to do in Northern Ireland, this Belfast experience tells the story of the RMS Titanic – from start to finish. The iconic building sits next to the dry dock where the ship was built. Inside, the experience is completely immersive. Take a ride around a replica of a gigantic rudder, walk along a replica of the deck as the ship left harbour and listen to the harrowing stories of survivors.
Please note: the Titanic Belfast is re-opening its doors in March, with a new visitor experience.
2. Visit the Game of Thrones Studio Tour
No time to visit all of Northern Ireland’s Game of Thrones filming locations? Get your fix at the Game of Thrones® Studio Tour. Its behind-the-scenes info makes it one of the best things to do in Northern Ireland for fans of the epic fantasy series. Through concept art, costumes and sets, you’ll see how the show was brought to life. You can even play around with special effects and pose for green-screen selfies in the Seven Kingdoms.
3. Visit Bushmills, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery
Stop by the Old Bushmills Distillery and learn how, after 400 years, its master distillers are are still making whiskey in the region. Learn about the land that imbues Bushmills’ finest with its legendary character and the people who have safeguarded centuries of knowledge. For an even more unique experience, combine the Giant Causeway with your whiskey tasting. Sit on basalt rocks in a quiet spot on the Giant’s Causeway, and contemplate the unique landscape as you sip Bushmills 12-Year-Old Distillery Reserve whiskey.
4. Drive the Giant’s Causeway Coast
To see the length and breadth of one of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular scenic attractions, hire a car and drive along the Causeway Coast. This 195-mile road passes through the Glens of Antrim, alongside the dramatic Atlantic Ocean and past the famous basalt columns of the causeway itself. The roads are winding, but the drive is well worth it. Stretch your legs in quaint seaside villages like Cushendun and Ballycastle, or stop to admire the scenery in lesser-known points like the Fair Head Cliffs.
5. Enjoy award-winning dining
Northern Ireland’s award-winning chefs combine local food, culture and history to create incredible dining experiences. A great example is The Muddler’s Club in Belfast – named after a secret society who met in these historic Cathedral Quarter backstreets. Or try to get an exclusive seat at Slemish Market Supper Club, a six-course feast by award-winning chef Rob Curley, showcasing the best of Northern Ireland’s larder. Stop by St. George’s Victorian Market. Fans of high-end, carnivorous street food will adore Pyke ‘n’ Pommes in Derry~Londonderry. Burgers are crafted from wagyu beef, tacos are topped with porter-braised brisket and fries come loaded with juicy pulled pork. And of course, a wander around Belfast’s Victorian St George’s Market is always a must!
6. Catch a trad music session
The night isn’t over yet. After dinner, spontaneous trad music sessions are just getting going. You can pretty much visit any pub and be guaranteed some live music: in Northern Ireland, you’re never too far from a spontaneous live music experience. In Belfast, head to the Cathedral Quarter, stop by the funky Dirty Onion or for some toe-tappin’ bluegrass in the rootsy Sunflower. In Derry~Londonderry, go to Peadar O’Donnell’s or The Grand Central Bar. Sometimes it’s fun just to wander the streets and let your ears guide you.
7. Walk The Gobbins Cliff Path
Feeling adventurous? The three-mile long Gobbins Cliff Path is for you. This dramatic coastal walk is carved into the cliffs and caves of Antrim’s rugged coastline. Stride across bridges, shimmy along narrow rock faces and step across chasms as the salty waves splash up from below. While this wild walk was first built in the Edwardian era, three new bridges have since been added. The only way to take on this challenge is on a guided tour. Hard hats at the ready.
8. Tuck into seafood
Any foodie will tell you that devouring fresh, local seafood is definitely one of the best things to do in Northern Ireland. If you’re up for some life-changing flavours, head to Mourne Seafood Bar. This local institution has outlets in Belfast and Dundrum, and is famous for its hand-selected shellfish. For something a little more rustic, it’s hard to beat Harry’s Shack. This busy beachfront restaurant is famous for its casual vibe. Grab a plate of ultra-fresh seafood, and enjoy the view from the patio.
9. Be inspired at Seamus Heaney HomePlace
One of the best things to do in Northern Ireland is to visit Bellaghy, where one of Ireland’s most beloved poets, Seamus Heaney, spent his formative years. This exhibition is dedicated to his life and work, with poetry, stories and photographs. While the exhibition about Heaney is fascinating, it’s the interactive side that makes HomePlace a must-visit. Theatre, music and readings all take place in the Helicon performance space, and you can pay homage to Heaney by trying your own arts and crafts.
10. Take a Derry Girls tour
Fans of the TV show ‘Derry Girls’ will be excited to know that a number of companies offer walking tours where you can follow in the gang’s footsteps. Most of the tours include iconic filming locations, while sprinkling in a bit of local history. Expect to visit places like the Guildhall, Bishop’s Gate, the historic city walls and the Bogside – home of Dennis’s Wee Shop. Don’t miss the chance to snap a selfie with the Derry Girls mural on Orchard Street.
11. Go horse riding along the coast
What could be more romantic than horse riding along the beach? And, with its dramatic span of causeway coast, Northern Ireland is one of the best places in the world to do it. Long stretches of golden sand and rolling dunes make the north coast an incredible place to feel the wind in your mane. There are a number of stables to choose from, including Sheans Farm in Antrim, which offers a range of stunning coastal rides.
Intrigued? Discover more things to do in Northern Ireland
With so much to see, do and eat, a short break in Northern Ireland is guaranteed to be jam-packed with fun. Find cheap flights to Belfast and get ready for adventure.
Read more
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