20 Must-Visit Attractions in Northern Ireland

First opened in 1929, the Ulster Museum is an exercise in juxtaposition. The original building received a Brutalist extension in 1972, and the contrasts continue inside. The museum’s various levels house exhibitions on The Troubles, natural sciences, and ancient history, all leading up to the art gallery on the top floor. Exhibits rotate regularly, so this attraction rewards repeat visitors.

Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough, Exploris is Northern Ireland’s only aquarium. Recently refurbished, the centre retains its original aquarium and seal preservation effort, but it also gained a reptile room that not only houses a handful of new and scaly residents but also allows visitors to view the centre’s fish and otter population via a platform.

With over 30 working exhibit houses, the Ulster American Folk Park, an open-air museum, tells the story of Irish emigration through a walking tour with costumed guides. The experience features two sections, Old World and New World, with a full-sized replica of an immigrant ship to bridge the gap, and also includes displays of traditional crafts, such as blacksmithing, embroidery, and bread-making.

Constructed to literally bridge the gap between the unionist Waterside and nationalist Cityside areas, the Peace Bridge is the newest of Derry’s three bridges. At over 200 feet (61 metres) long, it’s not only an impressive feat of engineering and design but also acts as a stage for some of the city’s events, including New Year’s celebrations and even Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

This attraction is made up of two museums. The Folk Museum focuses on traditional rural ways of life, while the Transport Museum is concerned with vehicular transport of all kinds. Like the Ulster American Folk Park, the Folk Museum contains several replica buildings designed to showcase an older way of living. The Transport Museum houses planes, trains, and automobiles of all sorts, including a permanent Titanic exhibition.

This short bridge, 100 feet (30.4 metres) above the ocean and rocks below, spans the gap between the mainland and the tiny island of Carrickarede. Don’t worry; it’s perfectly safe! Hundreds of thousands of people head there each year to visit the island. Crossing costs a small fee, but it’s more than worth it for the thrill and the views from the other side.

The oldest working distillery in Ireland, The Old Bushmills Distillery is both a functioning distillery and a visitor’s centre detailing the area’s history of whiskey. A walking tour through the distillery will showcase the copper pot stills used in the production of Ireland’s only triple-distilled single malt whiskey. Tasting events are also available for anyone looking for a more ‘hands on’ approach.

St George’s is a large indoor market just outside Belfast City Centre. Open from Friday to Sunday, a different choice of stalls is set up depending on the day. Fridays are the Variety Market, with fresh fruit and vegetables standing alongside antiques dealers, booksellers, and clothes stalls. On Saturdays, food and crafts take centre stage, with live music to entertain visitors and stallholders alike. Sunday is a mixture of the two days, with the musicians returning, and a special emphasis placed on local artisanal products.

The 5 W’s of this title stand for Who, What, Where, When, and Why, the important questions science asks. W5 is an Interactive Discovery Centre focused on engagingly exploring science. They pride themselves on getting visitors of all ages involved, with permanent exhibits and an ever-changing variety of temporary exhibitions and events.

HomePlace is dedicated to the memory of Seamus Heaney, Northern Ireland’s most famous literary export. Located in his hometown of Bellaghy, it is an interactive exhibition made up of hundreds of artefacts and photographs, chronicling the poet’s childhood and career through to his death in 2013. The centre hosts regular literary events, so check the calendar to see if there is anything to catch in the 191-seat Helicon.