Things to do in Northern Ireland
Things to do in Northern Ireland
Spending a few days in Belfast? Here are just a few of the other excellent things visitors can do in Northern Ireland, just in case you need some inspiration…
Our (carefully selected) suggestions for other things apart from our tours to do in Belfast and beyond to make your trip even more special!
OUR BEST OF BELFAST MAP
Hit the ground running with our free downloadable map packed with our personal recommendations of the best things to see and do in Belfast city centre. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you make the most of your time in Belfast by giving you insider tips and recommendations from locals who know the city inside out.
ULSTER MUSEUM
In the University area and right beside Botanic Gardens. A highly recommended (and free!) museum with everything from archaeology and natural history to art galleries. There’s also a (recently much improved) Troubles section. Don’t get caught out, – it’s not open on Mondays (except Bank Holidays). Nice touch of Brutalist architecture in its facades too!
TITANIC BUILDING
Because you can’t come to Belfast and not learn about the big ship we built 100 years ago which sank first time out. They made a film about it too. There’s lots of other things to do in the Titanic Quarter too. As you can guess by the name, quite a few (but not all) are related to the ship.
CRUMLIN ROAD GAOL
On the outskirts of the city centre in North Belfast. A Victorian gaol which is now a tourist attraction with guided tours. Significant Troubles related history, but not the main focus of their tours. Still worth it probably.
McCONNELL’S DISTILLERY
While you’re at the Crumlin Road Gaol, don’t miss McConnell’s distillery which is housed in the gaol! It offers guided tours where you’ll learn about the distilling process and of course, taste some of McConnell’s award-winning Irish whiskies along the way. They also have a gift shop, an all-day café and a fully licensed bar to enjoy after the tour.
BELFAST CITY HALL
City Hall looks pretty good from the outside, but the inside is even more impressive. Lots of marble and stained glass, and over a dozen exhibition rooms. These chart the history of the city from the first settlements up until about 50 years ago. Then the exhibition mysteriously stops….
DALRIADA KINGDOM TOURS
Simply awesome guided walking tours of the Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and so much more along our stunning North Antrim coast.
SILVIA BALLOCCHI
Se l’inglese non e’ il tuo forte, puoi visitare Belfast anche con una Guida Blue Badge che parla Italiano! Mi chiamo Silvia Ballocchi e dal 2017 accompagno i visitatori italiani alla scoperta dell’Irlanda del Nord. Offro tour a piedi personalizzati di Belfast ed in poche ore vi portero’ alla scoperta della storia, delle industrie e dei personaggi che hanno reso famosa questa citta’.
AWAY A WEE WALK
The Giant’s Causeway is a MUST DO day tour from Belfast. What most people don’t know is that the best of the stunning coastline is really only available to those who will hike 5 miles along the high cliffs beyond the main site. Eimear Flanagan from ‘Away A Wee Walk’ specialises in taking guests the long way and the ‘wrong’ way to the stones (and other stunning places).
BELFAST CITY SIGHTSEEING
The Belfast City Sightseeing Hop-on / Hop-off Open-top bus tour provides you with a comprehensive look at Belfast city and allows you to explore every area and district of this unique place. The Belfast City Sightseeing tour is the ONLY open top tour in Belfast which is 4* rated by Tourism NI and is WorldHost accredited for excellence in customer service.
FRIEL’S BAR & RESTAURANT
Nestled in the heart of the South Derry countryside in the picturesque village of Swatragh is the award-winning Friels Bar, Restaurant and Motorhome Park. This historic property is run by the fifth generation of the Friel family. Where the Guinness flows and tales are told, you’ll truly get sense of belonging from every inch of this family-run business.
BELFAST BIKE TOURS
Get outside and join a guide on a bike ride around Belfast. Bike rental is included, so you don’t have to worry about bringing one with you, and a guide takes care of the navigation so you don’t get lost. Highlights include Belfast’s famous murals, one of Ireland’s oldest pubs, Belfast City Hall, St. George’s Market, and the Titanic Quarter. There are plenty of stops and the guide provides commentary along the way.
NI SILVER
Ruth at NI Silver has been goldsmithing for 10 years in her Holywood studio. Her immersive jewellery-making workshops offers you the chance to visit a working goldsmith’s studio and to have a go at making your own beautiful piece of silver jewellery. With panoramic views of the Belfast hills and beyond, there is no calmer way to spend your morning.
ROOTS REVEALED
If you’re interested in discovering more about your ancestry, Roots Revealed is run by Natalie Bodle, a qualified genealogist who undertakes family history research throughout Ireland, specialising in Ulster and Northern Ireland. Natalie is also a qualified tour guide who can design a bespoke genealogy tour that will enable you to walk in the footsteps of your ancestors.
WALK IT OFF NI
NIkki and Walk It Off NI design and run unique guided walking and artisan food experiences, focussed on our landscapes, nature and heritage and enhancing human connection. Connection always involves food too, right? So they link you with local, artisan producers and dine together, al fresco, on a menu specially curated to deepen your knowledge of our local food culture.
CRONIN’S TOURS
If you’re travelling round Ireland on your trip, Cronin’s Tours offers all-inclusive fishing adventures on Killarney’s lakes. Explore with expert guides in small groups, perfect for beginners or seasoned anglers. Choose your time – morning, afternoon, or evening – and cast your line for a trophy catch in stunning scenery.