Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

May 16, 2022 Claudia Navarrete

– in Europe  (green & dark grey) – in the United Kingdom  (green)
Restaurants in Northern Ireland

1. Mourne Mountains

Northern Ireland
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 122 reviews

Mourne Mountains

The best known mountains in Ireland consist of 12 shapely summits rising above 2,000 feet on the eastern side, and the rugged peak of Slieve Donard that climbs steeply to 2,796 feet.

Reviewed By Bazalina - Rostrevor, United Kingdom

I'm not a hiker but I love driving through the Mournes. There are amazing stone walls everywhere and fields of sheep. My favourite loops is from Rostrevor, up past Spelga Dam and around to Dundrum then either back that way or along the coast. This area is a gem. So many great places to explore and exceptional scenery. Loads to enjoy even for the less active types although i gather the hiking is incredible too.

2. Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum

5 Darling Street, Enniskillen BT74 7DP Northern Ireland +44 28 6632 7488 [email protected] http://www.headhuntersmuseum.com/
Excellent
87%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 125 reviews

Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum

Open Tuesday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm. Closed bank holidays. Free admission to museum. Fermanagh’s railways may have closed in 1957, however visitors can now take a remarkable journey into the past and enjoy the amazing history associated with the bygone age of steam. Combine your visit with a unique opportunity to have your hair professionally styled.

Reviewed By daviddaniel2018 - Enniskillen, United Kingdom

The museum has a huge amount of photos, signs, a model railway and general railway materials from the early part of the last century. It is definitely worth a visit.

3. Sentry Hill Historic House

40 Ballycraigy Road bt36 4sx, Newtownabbey BT36 4SX Northern Ireland +44 28 9083 2363 [email protected] http://www.sentryhill.net
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 52 reviews

Sentry Hill Historic House

Sentry Hill is a 19th century Victorian farmhouse in the Parish of Carnmoney, County Antrim. The contents of this historic house in Northern Ireland provide a rare insight into life in rural Ulster during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Sentry Hill was the home of the McKinney family, who came to Ireland from Scotland in the early 1700s. Remarkably the contents of the house have survived almost intact. Family furniture, books, paintings, personal diaries, letters, photographs and souvenirs from trips abroad all help to tell the story of the McKinney's, recording life at Sentry Hill and its surrounding areas. Over the years many guests have been warmly received at Sentry Hill by the McKinney family. The last of the family may now be gone but their welcome remains and the door is now open for you. The venue is a popular place to see in Co Antrim, especially during European Heritage Open Days. You can dander down the path through the sheltering trees and step inside the snug old farmhouse. As you cross this threshold you will stand where the past shakes hands with the present. Sentry Hill offers an entertaining day out to visitors of all ages with facilities including guided tours, attractive gardens, a cafe, gift shop and picnic area.

Reviewed By L5303WFjimd

A hidden history gem and a great wet weather plan this venue is a time capsule of artefacts well worth A small detour of the beaten track to visit very impressed

4. Blackhead Path

1 Old Castle Road, Whitehead Northern Ireland +44 28 9335 8000 http://www.walkni.com/Walk.aspx?ID=322
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 119 reviews

Blackhead Path

Reviewed By Steveodo - Carrickfergus, United Kingdom

The Black Head Path has reopened again after a couple of years being shut for repairs. Its free. You drive down Old Castle Road to use the car park on the sea front in Whitehead (another road, McRae’s Brae, turns into a private road and is not suitable at all). I was surprised to see something new from the path. It happened very quickly; some big, silvery fish, very close to shore, leaping straight up out of the water. Happened twice, in different places. People tell me it may have been sea trout. The weather was rainy, and I did not care. This is a great coastal walk whatever the weather or month of the year. The new wooden railings on the upper path look great. I went back on a sunnier day, and saw lizards. With the path being closed I’d not seen any for years. Out to sea three Archer Class Royal Navy ships were powering into Belfast Lough. You never know what you’re going to see. Returning here is such a good experience. Blackhead Path Preservation Society were the group of private citizens who got together to successfully lobby to get the path restored. The money came from Mid & East Antrim Council, while the work was done by contractors F.P. McCann and ProNet the cliff netting specialists. Good job, many thanks.

5. Ulster Aviation Society

94-B Halftown Road via Gate 3 - Maze Long Kesh, Lisburn BT27 5RF Northern Ireland +44 7724 896215 [email protected] http://www.ulsteraviationsociety.org/
Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 317 reviews

Ulster Aviation Society

WHO ARE WE? A charitable society that is a diverse group of enthusiasts, working on a voluntary basis to further public education in the history of aviation. WHAT AIRCRAFT DO WE HAVE? Our heritage collection currently includes 41+ aircraft, ranging from vintage WWII fighters through Cold War era fast jets, Shorts designed & built aircraft, civilian aircraft, plus military helicopters, engines, artefacts and rare aviation reference materials, all with strong links to aviation within the island of Ireland. Our aircraft are housed within an ex-WWII hangar at Maze Long Kesh, outside Lisburn (on the site of the old prison). • Charitable association of Aviation Enthusiasts • Over 680+ members, including Europe & USA Ulster Aviation Society is a charitable association. N. Ireland. Charity No. NIC 100128. NI Charity Commission Registered. Associate member of Northern Ireland Museums’ Council

Reviewed By BoardingPass162734

Amazing collection, with a very knowledgeable and friendly staff and great opportunities for volunteers (young and old), to high-light this gem of a collection. I thoroughly enjoyed my few hours there and wish I was closer, as I'd be there volunteering too. Keep coming back as there is always something new and interesting to see - and the standard of restoration is top notch and a credit to high calibre of the team there, and giving youngsters many opportunities to help out and build those all important life skills. Please pass the word around and support this wonderful charity.and visit it soon.

6. Mount Stewart

Portaferry Road, Newtownards BT22 2AD Northern Ireland +44 28 4278 8387 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart
Excellent
74%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 992 reviews

Mount Stewart

Mount Stewart is one of the most inspiring and unusual gardens in the National Trust's ownership. The garden reflects a rich tapestry of design and great planting artistry that was the hallmark of Edith, Lady Londonderry. The mild climate of Strangford Lough allows astonishing levels of planting experimentation. The formal areas exude a strong Mediterranean feel and resemble an Italian villa landscape; the wooded areas support a range of plants from all corners of the world, ensuring something to see whatever the season. Mount Stewart House re-opened after our 3 year long restoration project. We've brought back the elegance and charm of the house when it was home of the 7th Marchioness Edith, Lady Londonderry and her family in the early 20th century and we look forward to welcoming you to enjoy in all its splendor. Six kilometers of walking trails wind through a landscape ‘lost in time’ and establishes Mount Stewart’s reputation as one of the best-preserved Irish country demesnes.

Reviewed By 174eleanora

Yet another great family day at mount stewart. Joined last year and we have had the best picnics,walks and good fun here.the freedom for the kids to run and learn about all the habitat.adventure play area and den building is a real hit for kids!!and competitive adults!!such beautiful lake walk and has been a pleasure enjoying all the changing seasons.halloween was great for the kids and staff are friendly and helpful.thanks to all who keep it one of the most beautiful places we are lucky to have.

7. Florence Court

Enter Via Main Eentrance Gates on Mill Road., Enniskillen BT92 1DB Northern Ireland +44 28 6634 8249 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/florence-court/
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 554 reviews

Florence Court

Beautiful 18th-century home set on a sustainable estate and gardens. Surrounded by lush parkland and thick woodland with Benaughlin mountain rising in the background, Florence Court enjoys a majestic countryside setting in West Fermanagh. There is something for everyone to enjoy at this extensive and welcoming place. On a guided tour of the Georgian mansion you can hear stories about the Cole family and their staff, who lived here for over 250 years. Outdoors take a gentle walk or long cycle along 10 miles of trails in the adjoining forest park and see fascinating industrial heritage features, including the water-powered sawmill and blacksmith's forge. The gardens are home to the mother of all Irish yew trees, as well as the kitchen garden which is being restored to its 1930s character.

Reviewed By CMK79 - Magherafelt, United Kingdom

Beautiful grounds with plenty of walks and probably one of the best House tours I've had. Would definitely recommend. We are members but it's well worth the entrance fee.

8. Dunluce Castle

87 Dunluce Road Co. Antrim, Portrush BT57 8UY Northern Ireland +44 28 2073 1938 http://discovernorthernireland.com/Dunluce-Castle-Medieval-Irish-Castle-on-the-Antrim-Coast-Bushmills-P2819/
Excellent
54%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,607 reviews

Dunluce Castle

Reviewed By TheIrishtourguide - Belfast, United Kingdom

Great place to stroll and just to soak up the history of one of Ireland’s great castles ,hear stories from , C.s.lewis , yo the game of thrones , led zeppelin and Sorley boy McDonnell .. take your time 30 mins is enough. But take 40 mins

9. Moneypenny's Lock

Brackagh, Portadown Northern Ireland +44 28 3822 2205
Excellent
52%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 33 reviews

Moneypenny's Lock

10. Castlewellan Forest Park

Castlewellan Castle Castlewellan Forest Park, Castlewellan BT31 9BU Northern Ireland +44 28 4377 8664 http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Castlewellan-Forest-Park-and-Peace-Maze-Castlewellan-P2881
Excellent
62%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 374 reviews

Castlewellan Forest Park

Reviewed By BridS318 - Castlewellan, United Kingdom

Castlewellan Forest Park is in a stunning location, close to the Mourne’s and Newcastle. There are lots of varying levels of walks and mountain bike trails. The lake path is flat so suitable for prams and young children on bikes. Other walks are more hilly but less busy than the popular lake path. Also open spaces close to the car park for picnics, a maze and children’s play area. A great day out.

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