Hidden gems you can explore for FREE across Northern Ireland
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Northern Ireland is filled with amazing places to see, delicious foods to eat and quirky spots to find.
Key attractions like the Game of Thrones filming locations, The Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills Distillery, Cathedral Quarter etc are popular all year round.
Although all the obvious places are a definite must to visit, some of NI’s more exciting ‘treasures’ are not as well-known as you’d expect.
As well as our scenic coastlines and charming pubs, Northern Ireland has an incredible list of hidden gems just waiting for you to explore.
Even the locals might not know what’s right on their front door.
Check out some of our favourite special spots:
Garvagh Pyramid, Coleraine
An unusual feature in Garvagh Forest is the Garvagh Pyramid, created as a burial chamber for Lord Garvagh in the 19th Century. The pyramid was never used as a burial site, so was shut a number of years ago. It now sits shadowed by the towering trees above.
Portavogie Seashells
This is a rare find...these unique scallop shells appear during along Portavogie beach at low tide. There's even a marooned fishing boat for Instagram snaps too!
Alec the Goose, St George's Market, Belfast
This quirky guy is often missed at the front door to Belfast's St George's Market. This sculpture dedicated is to a popular goose who used to waddle around this area of East Belfast in the 1920s. He regularly visited the market with the hope of staff feeding him leftover bread and meats.
Coney Island, Lurgan
The island has a rich history spanning many centuries, with evidence of human occupation dating back 8000 years BC.
Blackhead Lighthouse, Whitehead
Perched along the rugged Antrim coast, sits Blackhead Lighthouse. Recently, the lighthouse keeper's houses at Blackhead were refurbished, and are now available to let as holiday accommodation - you gotta check it out!
Madman’s Window, Larne
Locals tell the tale of a man who lost his sweetheart in the waters of Glenarm Bay. It's said the heartbroken man visited this rocky hole along the Glenarm coastal path daily, to stare blankly through the gap and out to sea, longing for his sweetheart to return.
Glenoe Waterfall, Larne
This impressive 30-foot waterfall sits nestled in a deep gorge in the glens of Antrim between Larne and Carrickfergus.
Inch Abbey, Downpatrick
The abbey features beautiful grounds and ancient ruins alongside the picturesque Quoile River. This was once a local Game of Thrones location also.
Peace Maze of Northern Ireland, Castlewellan
This is actually the world's second largest permanent hedge maze! It was designed and created to commemorate the peace and reconciliation efforts of Northern Ireland in the past century. It covers 2.7 acres (11,000 square meters) with a hedge length of over 2 miles - could you make it through?
Churchill Tank, Carrickfergus
A restored Churchill MK VII Tank from World War II, sits along the Carrickfergus promenade. The tank was originally designed and produced by Belfast's Harland and Wolff factory during the war.
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