City: Northern Ireland
Top Things to do in Northern Ireland
Countries
5 Islands in Northern Ireland That You Shouldn't Miss
– in Europe (green & dark grey)
– in the United Kingdom (green)
Restaurants in Northern Ireland
1. Copeland Bird Observatory
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The Observatory is situated on Old Lighthouse Island, or the ‘Bird Isle’, as it is known locally. The Island is 40 metres high and 16 hectares (40 acres) in area, with a cliff on the east side and fairly gentle slopes elsewhere leading to a rocky shoreline. For most of the visiting season, the Island is covered by lush vegetation including elder scrub, bracken, Himalayan balsam, nettles, bluebells, narcissi and campion. The Island is an excellent place for newcomers to birdwatching. It is the only place in Northern Ireland where rare passerines turn up with any regularity. Visitors can participate in the trapping and ringing of birds and get a chance to see them at close quarters. Apart from the birds, the Island is available as an ecological study centre and, we hope, is a valuable educational resource for all levels of student. There is accommodation for up to 23 overnight visitors in the converted ruins of the old lighthouse.
2. Devenish Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By f0nc3c4 - Portadown, United Kingdom
Finally got the time to visit this island and it was worth the trip. Got the ferry from trory jetty (5mins outside Enniskillen on the A32 towards Irvinestown) ferry cost only £5 per person with regular crossings. The island has a long history as a monastery site with one of the few complete round towers left in ireland with lovely views of lower lough Erne.
3. Rathlin Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 427 reviews
Between Ballycastle and the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland, Raithlin Island is eight miles long and barely one mile wide.
Reviewed By ciaragn - Belfast, United Kingdom
We stayed a night on the beautiful Rathlin Island in mid-May 2019. We chose to stay with Rathlin Glamping Pods. We would highly recommend Rathlin Glamping Pods for anyone thinking of staying the night on the island. The Pods are a short five minute walk from the Harbour and can hold up to four people. The Pods are extremely well equipped for a short stay. There is a double bed and a large pull-out sofa bed - both beds were comfortable. There is a small ensuite with an excellent shower. The kitchenette is well stocked with cutlery, plates, cups, pans, etc. There is also a small fridge, kettle, microwave and single ring electric hob. The information booklet provided was useful and informative. Overall, the clean and tidy Pods contain everything you need for a comfortable stay. The hostess, a lady named Nicola, was extremely courteous and friendly. Nicola kindly met us, in her pick- up truck, upon our arrival at the Harbour and brought our heavy bags to the Pods for us. She also brought our bags back to the Harbour for our return Ferry journey. The cherry on top of the Rathlin Glamping Pods experience has to be Nicola’s adorable golden retriever, Murphy, who is often found hanging around the Pods. Rathlin is a must-see for any Northern Irish person, or for any guest to Northern Ireland. Extraordinary wildlife, centuries of history, stunning scenery and the friendliness of islanders’ all combines to make this rugged island off the north coast of Ireland a true gem of the archipelago of the British Isles. We recommend a trip to The RSPB Centre, to catch a glimpse of Rathlin’s most famous inhabitants - the colony of Puffins. Other seabirds, such as Kittiwakes, Fulmars and Razorbills are also there to see. Binoculars are provided. Visit the RSPB Centre between early-May and late-July for the best chance of seeing the seabirds. The RSPB Centre is accessible by taking the Puffin Bus, driven by a hilarious driver who doubles as a tour guide named Dennis. Thanks for having us, Rathlin. Ciara & Kathryn.
4. Ram's Island
5. Island Hill & North Strangford Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By james_m186470 - Belfast, United Kingdom
Just about 1km outside Comber, County Down on the road to Newtownards turn right -it's signposted-just keep going but take care-road narrows! at end good parking + toilets. Take in the peace of this view-relax, look and listen-your pulse will slow and your bp will fall-great place for a relaxing picnic-gulls help to clear up!-Walk along the causeway-check tide times for Comber on line just in case!-the island is called Rough Island and the walk round it's easy-about 15 mins-it's actually a Neolithic settlement from 5000 years ago-vikings raided this coast hence the name of the lough-Strangford-the strang fiord-very strong currents at mouth of lough-you can find flint arrowheads on the beach here-great place for dogs-or flying kites!-birdwatchers paradise-if picnics aren't you eat in Comber-The Georgian House in the Square is good for lunch-anyway enjoy your visit and come back again-James Myers
