Things to do in  Northern Ireland

The Giant's Causeway is a cluster of approximately 40,000 basalt columns rising out of the North Atlantic Ocean on the Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland. A UNESCO World Heritage site and National Trust property, the area attracts thousands of tourists each year who come for the dramatic coastal views, landscape photography opportunities, and the chance to learn about the geological forces that created this impressive natural landmark.

Nestled high along the Antrim coastline, Dunluce Castle offers dramatic views and insight into the life and legends of old Irish clans. Explore ancient ruins, discover township remains, or descend into a hidden cave to experience the site that inspired CS Lewis’ Cair Paravel and served as a filming location for HBO’sGame of Thrones.

Titanic Belfast sits where the ill-fated luxury liner was built. Opened in 2012 on the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s maiden voyage, Titanic Belfast is a top Northern Ireland attraction. Exhibits follow the rise of Belfast as an industrial superpower, recreate the early 1900s shipyard experience, and chart construction details.

The picturesque Dark Hedges tree tunnel, formed by the overhanging and intertwined branches of beech trees that line either side, was planted in the 18th century in an effort to spruce up the nearby Gracehill House. Amateur and professional photographers have long been drawn to its eerie beauty, and Dark Hedges is now a popular pilgrimage site for fans of HBO’s Game of Thrones.

Crossing the nerve-racking Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a feat for the sure-footed—the narrow 66-foot-long (20-meter-long) swinging span is suspended high above the choppy Atlantic waters, connecting the Northern Irish mainland to Carrick-a-Rede Island. Originally built more than 300 years ago by salmon fishermen—and since rebuilt with sturdier materials—the National Trust–managed footbridge is now traversed by wobbly-kneed travelers who want to soak up the rugged coastal scenery.

The neo-Baroque Belfast City Hall is home to a memorial garden and visitor exhibition that provide insight into the city’s history. Built to commemorate Belfast’s new city status in the late 1800s, the building survived the Belfast Blitz, and was at the center of the 2013 dispute regarding its continued use of the Union flag.

The first Belfast Peace Walls were built in 1969 in response to Northern Ireland’s sectarian conflict. Initially intended as temporary barriers, the continuation of the Troubles led to the extension and reinforcement of the walls. Today, they’re political and philosophical murals and attract visitors looking for insight into this part of Irish history.

The world’s oldest legal distillery, Bushmills was first granted its whiskey-producing license back in 1608, though historical records suggest production began even earlier. Distillers used malted Irish barley, grains, and water from St. Columb’s Rill to produce their oak-aged Bushmills Original and their Black Bush blend.

This working-class neighborhood of West Belfast came to prominence during the Northern Irish conflict, when it served as a stronghold for loyalist paramilitary organizations. The peace walls that separated Shankill from the neighboring Falls Road to curb sectarian violence are now covered with political murals.

West Belfast’s Falls Road was a violent flashpoint during the Northern Irish conflict. Falls Road is in a predominantly Catholic nationalist neighborhood that borders Shankill Road, a mostly Protestant unionist area. The two areas are now separated by a peace wall that is adorned with hundreds of colorful politically themed murals.

Perhaps the most celebrated stretch of Antrim Coast Road is known as the Antrim Coastal Drive, which winds along a 25-mile (40-kilometer) route and provides scenic views from Belfast to Derry. Discover landmarks including the Mourne Mountains, Glens of Antrim, and Giant’s Causeway on one of the UK’s most picturesque routes, and explore the towns, harbors, and beaches along the way for insight into local life.

Situated at the foot of Glendun, one of the nine Glens of Antrim, this small seaside hamlet is known for its pretty harbor and beachfront, as well as for its historic buildings and Cornish-style houses. In recent years, the Cushendun Caves have come to public attention after featuring in a prominent scene in Game of Thrones.

Situated at the east end of the Causeway Coast and to the north of the Glens of Antrim, Ballycastle offers easy access to outdoor delights. The seaside town is filled with old-fashioned pubs and shops, while a family-friendly beach and promenade runs along the shore. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Scotland from here.

Built in 1850 to accommodate prisoners tried at the courthouse across the street, Crumlin Road Gaol (Crumlin Road Jail) housed some of Northern Ireland’s most notorious criminals as well as leading political figures during its 150 years in operation. The jail was also the setting for executions, riots, and hunger strikes.

Located along the scenic Antrim coast, the harbor of the traditional fishing village of Ballintoy offers striking Atlantic views and insight into a rural way of a life. The village has remained virtually unchanged over the last few centuries, and as such was chosen as a filming location for Pyke’s harbor inGame of Thrones.