City: Northern Ireland
Top Things to do in Northern Ireland
Countries
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
– in Europe (green & dark grey)
– in the United Kingdom (green)
Restaurants in Northern Ireland
1. Mourne Mountains
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 122 reviews
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. Causeway Coastal Route
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,114 reviews
The Causeway Coastal Route is a designated tourist drive around the coast of Northern Ireland between Belfast and Londonderry. The route follows the coast and takes you to several major tourist attractions including The Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, The Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery and the Glens of Antrim. There are a further nine shorter scenic routes that loop off the main Coastal Route. These are : Islandmagee, Slemish Mountain, Glenariff, Glendun, Torr Road, Glenshesk, Bann Valley, Binevenagh Mountain and the Roe Valley.
Reviewed By nyackgirl47 - New York City, United States
We rented a car at the airport in Belfast, and drove to Derry. Very inexpensive way to see everything if (a) you can drive a stick shift car, and (b) you can acclimate to driving on the opposite side of the road (we're American, so we had to acclimate!). We spent a couple of days in Derry, and then took the Causeway Coastal Route straight down until we picked up the highway just outside Ballygally (spent the night there enroute). We sought out several of the Game of Thrones sites enroute, so we kind of did our own tour (saw the dark hedges, the caves, and a couple of the doors - one at Mary McBride's pub and the other at the Ballygally Castle). You will see so much along this route - the seaside resort town of Portrush (where the British Open golf tournament is currently being played), the remains of the Dunluce castle, the Carrick rope bridge, adorable little towns. It's wonderful!
3. Blackhead Path
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 119 reviews
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.
4. Joey Dunlop Memorial Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By karenhH1463SI
A beautiful garden just around the corner from Joey's bar. Along side a main road but still feels peaceful. Lovely tributes in the way of trees planted by the family, Honda UK, the council etc. A path wanders all around so you can see everything. A moving statue of Joey on his bike and one of Robert celebrating victory.
5. East Strand
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By Expedition600826
Perfect beach for young children: good clean sand and long stretches with clear views. The water is cold when you first go in but soon warm up running in and out! Perfect to build up an appetite. Fussy eaters were looking for extras.
6. Giant's Causeway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,147 reviews
Northern Ireland's most popular tourist destination: this large stretch of staircase-shaped rocks is the result of cooled lava from volcanic eruptions that took place over 65 million years ago.
Reviewed By Orrix55
A one kilometer walk or bus ride (£1 each way for the bus - free for walking) gets you to this fascinating attraction created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. There is a very entertaining audio guide that provides information on the various features on the landscape, such as the camel and organ pipes etc. The walk down could be a bit challenging, the road and path down is quite steep so I would suggest the bus for those with any problems. We walked down and took the bus back. Make time to visit the visitors centre at the end, it has something for everyone, especially children, coffee, drinks and food available.
7. Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,894 reviews
Reviewed By stephaniemY1160IO
I visited three times during my stay in Belfast each visit brought something new to see, great place to chill in the warm weather the palm house and tropical ravine house were full of interesting flowers and plants if a little humid
8. Crawfordsburn Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 385 reviews
Reviewed By Y4712ZCnicholasd - Larne, United Kingdom
Lovely day trip to Crawfordsburn Forest Park and Helen's Bay on the North County Down Coast near Bangor. The latest Saturday excursion by me and my brothers during the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions took us around muddy pathways, Autumnal leaf covered walkways and strolls along the sandy beaches on an unusual warm sunny day in November. We walked around the different terrains of the park for nearly two hours, exploring the whole of the park lands and also taking our time to admire the views from coastline looking towards the County Antrim coastal towns of Carrickfergus and Whitehead. Highly recommend people to visit the area with their families, friends and dogs and it is such an easy place to get to with great road links from Belfast and also a train station nearby on the Bangor - Belfast train line. I'll think i'll plan a summer visit next year.
9. Castlewellan Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 374 reviews
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.
10. Murlough National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 313 reviews
Reviewed By machinmad - Norwich, United Kingdom
From the car park we took the right hand boardwalk to the beach then followed the shoreline right round the peninsular and back inland to the road bridge. It was high tide and very wet, but was just manageable . The sea walk was spectacular, as the big waves crashed in. Seals basked on the opposite shore, oblivious to the sound of gunfire from the military firing range. A stunning 2hr circular walk despite the heavy rain on the way back!
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