Game of Thrones has brought an influx of visitors to Northern Ireland, thanks to the show’s huge popularity, but even during the tough times, this part of Ireland has long been a popular tourist destination. Both long-standing landmarks like the mysterious Giant’s Causeway and more recent additions like the Belfast Titanic are among the city’s top places to visit.
Significant investments in this part of Ireland have led to a huge tourism boost in recent years. Excellent retail opportunities, delectable dining establishments, fascinating museums, challenging golf courses, and a dynamic live music scene all await you. Northern Ireland has a lot to offer, whether you’re travelling with your family, your significant other, or by yourself.
If you enjoy playing at land-based casinos, Ireland also has a few you can try out to pass the time. However, if you’ve only come for a fun trip of the beautiful sceneries and won’t have much time to visit a casino, you can always play online. Top sites like Cashushi Casino are available in Ireland where you can play a slot game as you plan your visit to different places. The exciting games can also keep you entertained in the comfort of your hotel or Airbnb.
For now, let’s dive right into the best places to visit in Northern Ireland.
Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is the sole UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland, and it has gained worldwide fame for its stacked basalt columns. About forty thousand of these polygonal-shaped geological formations were formed 60 million years ago as a result of a volcanic eruption. They are now the focal point of an official National Scenic Area.
The Lower, Middle, and Upper Basalts were formed during three distinct volcanic eras. The well-known amphitheatres’ hexagonal columns originate from the Middle Basalt rock, for those science aficionados wanting to know more. But legend has it that the great giant Finn McCool carved it out on his way to fight Benandonner in Scotland, leaving behind his ancient home in the process.
Titanic Belfast
This magnificent landmark, in the shape of the White Star Line insignia, honours Belfast’s nautical history and the legend of the RMS Titanic. It is impossible to visit this area of Belfast and not be reminded of its history as the centre of shipbuilding for the British Empire.
There are nine hands-on exhibits at the site where the doomed ocean liner Titanic was constructed. Take a tour of the dry dock and slipway and, for an extra fee, step aboard the SS Nomadic. Designed to transport vacationers from the docks to their ships at sea, this tender was constructed in 1911.
On-site dining is available, as is coffee and shopping for souvenirs. As far as tourist destinations go, this one checks all the boxes.
Carrickfergus Castle
Located about 20 minutes outside of Belfast, Carrickfergus is a sizable town and harbour that is also home to the impressive Carrickfergus Castle. This Norman castle is one of the best-preserved examples of Ireland’s medieval architecture.
The stronghold, which sits on a bluff overlooking the water and the town below, has been maintained in its entirety, and the town’s restored banqueting hall is a fun stop for visitors of all ages. Pick up an audio guide at the information desk and wander the halls and ramparts at your own pace.
The Andrew Jackson Centre, a recreation of the seventh U.S. president’s birthplace, is not far away.
Ards Peninsula
Donaghadee, south of Bangor, marks the beginning of the beautiful Ards Peninsula. Following the coastline of the Irish Sea from Donaghadee, one reaches the picturesque coastal towns of Ballywalter and Ballyhalbert before turning inland at Cloughy and arriving in Portaferry.
The peaceful Mount Stewart House and Gardens, which date back to the 18th century, are well worth the short trip from Ballywalter. Hilltop Castle overlooks the resort village of Killyleagh, which is located on the western bank of Strangford Lough. On clear days, the distant Mourne Mountains sparkle like jewels.
Portaferry, located on the southernmost tip of the peninsula, provides access to Strangford via ferry. Either that or take a drive around the shoreline of Strangford Lough on the western side of the peninsula.
Dark Hedges
The dramatic envelopment of the road by the centuries-old beech trees of Dark Hedges is so magical that even the best photographs don’t do it justice, looking more like detailed paintings from the pages of a fictional narrative than a passageway of living trees that you can explore.
The Stuarts planted the path in the 18th century with the express purpose of impressing visitors to the family’s estate. As a result, it has become one of Northern Ireland’s most photographed landmarks over the years. Because of its stunning appearance, it has often been used as a filming location, most recently in the HBO series Game of Thrones, when it was referred to as “King’s Road.”
It is now a pedestrian-only thoroughfare that is accessible 24/7 at no cost to visitors. We think there must be something magical about it at night, though.
