You’re only a small step from world-class attractions and experiences perfect for making giant memories. With so much to do, so close to home, Discover Northern Ireland has put together this bumper list of things to do that won’t break the bank. A mountain biker’s paradise.
Enjoy panoramic views of Carlingford Lough, a play park and café, and see if you can spot Finn McCool’s ‘Big Stone’. Take a scenic water tour to Devenish Island and discover the ruins of the island’s monastery, which attracted pilgrims and parishioners until the 1600s. Drum Manor is home to a butterfly and Japanese garden, arboretum, ponds and mixed woodlands and has a self-guided trail with wheelchair access.
Spanning 25.5 acres, this forest offers sculpture trails, a play park, bird aviary, a secret garden with a fishpond and nearby tennis courts and hockey pitches. A paradise for walkers, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts within the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, this forest offers some truly stunning views.
Northern Ireland’s Beach of the Year 2024, according to the , is perfect for enjoying golden sands close to the town and ice-creams. Built in the 1820s, there is lots to enjoy at this Georgian estate including strolls along the River Blackwater. Drive on to Downhill Beach and enjoy the sand dunes, the cascading waterfalls and, of course, the sight of Mussenden Temple perched on the clifftop.
A fully accessible beach. On weekends throughout August a mobility aids loan scheme will be in operation. Pre-booking essential.
Take a walk through history, meet rare breeds on the open farm and let the kids enjoy the play area and soft play centre before relaxing at the onsite restaurant. With limestone cliffs and coffee and ice-cream vans nearby, Whiterocks Beach is a year-round magnet for watersports enthusiasts, walkers and families. Just minutes from the town centre.
Brave the waves with your bodyboard and grab a bite to eat at Harry’s Shack. Popular with wind and kite surfers, Murlough beach is the perfect place to spend a family day out, just three miles from Newcastle. Get up close and personal with rare farm breeds including Irish Moiled cattle, Galway sheep and Saddleback pigs.
Considered one of the most outstanding gardens in the world, visitors can enjoy a picturesque lake walk and play park at this magical estate. Enjoy a maritime-themed outdoor adventure playground, a family fun zone with miniature railway, driving range, waymarked walks and more. This flat, sandy beach is backed by 25 hectares of mature dunes.
Its clean waters are perfect to splash in and its beach provides a haven perfect for family picnics. With a backdrop of mountain and cliff scenery, the strand is the perfect spot for water sports, walking, picnics and fishing. This gateway to the Sperrins is made up of five waymarked trails and features a large playpark, trim trail and BBQ and picnic areas.
Close to Warrenpoint Park’s play park, this beach is popular with all types of walkers, kayakers, banana boaters and canoers. Traverse tracks and boardwalks and climb the beautiful Stairway to Heaven as you ascend Cuilcagh Mountain for breathtaking views of the surrounding UNESCO Global Geopark. Walk into the past and stroll around this magnificent setting as you unwind and embrace this historical gem’s beautiful features, including the Large Parterre, Her Ladyship’s Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond.
S Embrace an ancient landscape and discover an adventure playpark, a children’s fairy trail and a delightful courtyard cafe. Created by renowned artist Thomas Dambo, the Giants of the Sperrins can be found on stunning walking trails in Glenelly Valley, the Mullaghcarn Mountain in Gortin Glen and Davagh Forest. Within walking distance of Armagh city centre, this 300-acre demesne features a sensory garden, accessible play park and outdoor gym.
World of Owls features both indoor and outdoor display areas where you can meet owls, eagles, falcons, hawks, vultures and smaller animals. With an eight-screen cinema, indoor soft play centre, bowling alley and more, the Jet Centre is full of fabulous fun for the whole family. This exciting, inclusive and accessible indoor adventure centre features an autism-tailored Clip ‘n’ Climb indoor climbing arena.
Everyone is free to enter this neo-gothic, sandstone building and gaze upon its stunning stained-glass windows that tell the tale of the city. A place of awe and wonder. It is free to visit and invites you to come face to face with dinosaurs, modern masterpieces from across the globe and Northern Ireland’s first Olympic medal, won by Dame Mary Peters in 1972.
Experience the wonders of the universe, take a tour of the night sky in the planetarium’s digital full-dome theatre and check out their website for a list of what’s on. Built almost 600 years ago, this historic site is now home to two museums: Fermanagh County Museum and the Inniskillings Museum. Experience the thrill of high-speed racing at a karting circuit designed by F1 ace Eddie Irvine.
Indoor football pitches and padel tennis courts are also available. Enjoy a mix of soft play centres, amusement arcades, trampoline and ninja parks, laser tag and a delicious American-style NY Kitchen diner at Airtastic Entertainment Centres in Bangor, Craigavon, Lisburn and Newtownabbey. Enjoy Northern Ireland’s only public Olympic-size ice rink, a spectacular 30-lane bowling centre or the jungle-inspired indoor play world of Indiana Land.
Visit the city of saints and scholars every Saturday this summer for free crafts, cooking lessons, magic and plenty of musical entertainment for the little ones. Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal sanctuary invites you to take a diver’s view of marine life. The onsite Kraken Bar and Grill is open from 11am–5pm.
Watch the chocolatiers handcraft unique creations before you’re guided through your first experience of tempering chocolate and creating your own delicious bar in this fantastically messy experience. An epic adventure awaits across eight zones packed with exciting exhibits at this award-winning science and discovery centre on Belfast’s Maritime Mile From jewellery-making classes to open studios where you can watch highly skilled artisans at work, explore Northern Ireland’s vibrant local craft scene. Celebrate Northern Ireland’s aviation heritage at this unique display of 30+ historic aircraft including commercial, Cold War and WWII planes.
Tours must be arranged in advance. See a replica of the Titanic and a DeLorean on display among other fascinating items at the Ulster Transport Museum, or get to grips with our history of making, growing and living at the Ulster Folk Museum. Journey back in time to learn what life was like in rural Ulster and experience the cramped quarters of a full-scale emigrant ship.
Serenaded by the gentle songs of meadow pipits and skylarks, see if you can spot the family of otters that call Ecos home as you stroll around this parkland. The Tower Museum features three exhibitions: The Story of Derry, An Armada Shipwreck — La Trinidad Valencera and the Derry Girls Experience. Embrace Northern Ireland’s only indoor skydiving experience, bounce, ski, play and climb at these inflata-park adventure centres that offer perfect entertainment for all ages.
Ideal for railfans of all ages, this quirky barber shop and museum features one of the largest collections of Irish railway memorabilia on display anywhere..
