CastleCourt Shopping Centre voted most Instagram-worthy hotspot in Belfast
Last updated 5th Aug 2022
Tourist experts have undertaken research to reveal the most common attractions posted on Instagram across each region of the UK.
Analysing the top Instagram posts, images of CastleCourt Shopping Centre are the most common Instagram posts utilising the hashtag ‘Belfast’ at 6.66%.
Waterside locations are extremely popular on Instagram, with Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Brighton Pier, Cardiff Bay and Gloucester Docks also appearing the most often for their regions
According to this recent survey, the most commonly posted pics are from...
Birmingham, West Midlands – Commonwealth Games (33.33%)
Blackpool, North West – Blackpool Pleasure Beach (33.33%)
Brighton, South East – Brighton Pier (30%)
Gloucester, South West – Gloucester Docks (16.66%)
Cardiff, Wales – Cardiff Bay (16.66%)
Edinburgh, Scotland – Victoria Street (13.33%)
London, London – the London Eye (13.33%)
Nottingham, East Midlands – Wollaton Hall (10%)
Peterborough, East of England – Peterborough Cathedral (10%)
Sheffield, Yorkshire – Hillsborough Park (10%)
Newcastle, North East – St. James’ Park (6.66%)
Belfast, Northern Ireland – CastleCourt Shopping Centre (6.66%)
Rebecca Clay, Tourism & Destination Marketing Manager of visitgloucester.co.uk, commented:
“The variance of posts across all the regions in the UK was very interesting to compare, with one-off events like the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham leading feeds, while household name tourist attractions like Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Brighton Pier firmly hold their own too.
“While many are quick to deem Instagram as nothing more than a vehicle for people to warp their public perception by boasting luxury holidays and frivolous spending, it can also be a great tool to share UK attractions, culture and landmarks to a global audience.”
Check out NI's top tourist attractions 👇
Armagh Astronomy Centre and Planetarium - 1K hashtags
Any budding astronauts will fall completely in love with the interactive elements at Armagh's Astronomy Centre and Planetarium. Hosting seasonal events throughout the year, check out their website/socials before you go, to see what's on offer.
Glenoe Waterfall - 1.1K hashtags
NI's most mystical waterfall, Glenoe is the ultimate summer/autumn destination. Nestled in the hidden hills beside the village of Gleno in Co Antrim, you should follow the path through the trees from the car park until you come to this opening.
Enniskillen Castle - 1.4K hashtags
Situated on the River Erne, Enniskillen Castle was originally built in the 16th century and now contains the Fermanagh County Museum. Boat trips are very popular in this area, but if you'd like to take a closer look, why not hire some paddle boards for the afternoon and float rather than sail on the water instead.
Dunseverick Castle - 1.6K hashtags
Next to the small Antrim village of Dunseverick, this impressive coastal fort was believed to have been blessed by Saint Patrick himself. It's one of the most unique points on the Causeway Route.
Old Bushmills Distillery - 2K hashtags
More than 400 years old, there's a reason why Bushmills Whiskey is one of the most popular brands known across the globe. They use the very best local ingredients - the unique water from their own stream and Irish barley. You can enjoy a tour tasting event and sample a variety of flavours.
Slemish Mountain -2K hashtags
Slemish is in fact a long-existing volcano, that dominates the Co Antrim landscape. There's no need to be intimated, it sits at 437 metres high, once believed to be the home of St Patrick from ages 6 – 22.
Castle Coole - 2.3K hashtags
If you're after a bit of glitz and glamour, the stately grandeur of Castle Coole in Fermanagh is stunning. The 18th-century mansion is set in a beautiful wooded landscape, perfect for a day out with the kids and dog.
Cushendun Caves - 2.6K hashtags
Made famous by the award-winning HBO show Game of Thrones, exploring the Cushendun Caves is like stepping into the world of Pirates and sea myths. Used as a popular filming location along the coast, fans of the show will love this spot.
Salmon of Knowledge aka The BIG FISH - 2.7K hashtags
Celebrating the regeneration of the River Lagan, the Big Fish showcases ceramic tiles, each describing different scenes from the city's history.
Kingspan Stadium - 2.8K hashtags
Home to the Ulstermen – if you're a rugby fan, there's nowhere better to visit on a Friday night. Seating over 18,000, the crowds in Belfast are renowned worldwide for their loud chants and thunderous applause. Journey through the history of Ulster Rugby in The Nevin Spence Centre on the grounds, with archive objects, footage and interactive displays.
Ulster American Folk Park - 3K hashtags
Immerse yourself in the history of Northern Ireland and its travellers at the Ulster American Folk Park. Explore a remote village, with thatched cottages, log cabins, handmade crafts and meet characters going about their 'normal' everyday tasks from hundreds of years ago.
C.S Lewis Square - 3.7K hashtags
Watch the characters of C.S. Lewis' The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe come to life, with seven bronze sculptures including Aslan, The White Witch, Mr Tumnus, The Beavers and The Robin.
The Gobbins - 3.9K hashtags
There's no better way to get up close and personal with the rocky shoreline than at The Gobbins, along the Antrim coast. Carved from the rock and filled with wildlife, there's so much to discover as you meander across the cliff path.
Marble Arch Caves - 4.2K hashtags
Set in the picturesque foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain, this landscape was formed over 340 million years ago. Explore this underworld labyrinth on a guided walking tour through the bubbling river bed and black abyss.
Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail - 4.5K hashtags
Not too far away from the Marble Arch Caves, you'll find NI's 'stairway to heaven' aka the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail. The walking route meanders through one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland, traversing over tracks, boardwalk and staircase - it's hugely popular during the summer!
Torr Head- 4.6K hashtags
Another hidden gem along the coast is Torr Head in Ballycastle. Once used in the 1800s for recording the passage of transatlantic ships, it's now a great spot for nature lovers and adventurers.
Bloody Bridge - 4.9K hashtags
During the summer months, there's nothing sweeter than a dip in the cool pools along Bloody Bridge, at the foot of the Mourne Mountains. This is an alternative route for climbing Slieve Donard, starting from the Bloody Bridge car park (on the coast), along the rocky river and then follows the Mourne Wall to the summit of Slieve Donard (850m).
Murlough Beach - 6.4 hashtags
To fully grasp just how magnificent the Mountains of Mourne are, a trip to Murlough Beach would surely tell you. Looming in the distance, this stretch of golden sand is perhaps one of NI's cleanest beaches. Popular with dog owners and horse enthusiasts, if you're a fan of people watching, this is perfect for you.
SS Nomadic - 6.8 hashtags
Step on board the SS Nomadic in the Titanic Quarter, and experience over 100 years of maritime history. In fact, it's the last remaining White Star Line ship in the world!
Glenariff Forest Park - 7.3K hashtags
Trek through the forest and boast in some of the most natural waterfalls. This enchanting park is a haven for wildlife, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled as your walk through the treetops.
Derry Walls - 7.8K hashtags
Derry/Londonderry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. Approximately 1.5km in circumference, the walls provide a unique view of the city below, which still expertly showcases its Renaissance-style street plan to this day.
Carrickfergus Castle - 8.3K hashtags
Overlooking and protecting Belfast Lough, Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval structures in Ireland. The walls are filled with history here, as well as rumour of two about ghostly happenings. Beware…
Whiterocks Beach - 8.6K hashtags
Just one hour and 30 minutes from Belfast, you won't have to travel too far for some much needed R&R. Popular with surfers, bodyboarders and dog-walkers alike, this stretch of coastline is ideal for sunrise/sunset moments.
Crumlin Road Gaol - 8.6K hashtags
For an experience you won't forget in a hurry, the Crumlin Road Gaol is a must for your NI bucketlist. It's a 19th century Grade A listed jail, now open to the public for tours and events - if you're visiting Belfast at Halloween, you have to check this place out.
SSE Arena - 10.6K hashtags
On another note, if Ice Hockey is more your thing, then you should check out the SSE Arena. Home to the Belfast Giants, the atmosphere inside is remarkable. The space is also used throughout the year for concerts, gigs and events, with a state of the art 4DX cinema and multiple restaurants inside also.
Portstewart Strand - 11.2K hashtags
Owned and cared for by the National Trust, Portstewart's Strand is one of Northern Ireland's finest. Cars can drive onto the sand, making this a perfect choice for families picnicking and swimming in the shallow shores.
Rathlin Island - 12.4K hashtags
Along the north coast of Northern Ireland, you'll find the rugged island of Rathlin, home of the puffin! A quick six-mile ferry across the Sea of Moyle will bring you into Rathlin Harbour, from there you are free to ramble and explore this beautiful island's hidden treasures.
Ballintoy Harbour - 13K hashtags
A popular spot with fisherman, sea swimmers, paddle boarders and walkers, Ballintoy Harbour is a hive of activity during the summer. If it looks familiar, it was another location the Game of Thrones team used to film.
Ulster Museum - 16K hashtags
History comes to life at the Ulster Museum in Belfast, they've got everything from dinosaurs to mummies on display. Open to all ages, there's something new learn around every corner here.
Belfast Castle - 16.9K hashtags
Perched high on Cave Hill, overlooking the capital below, this beautiful red-brick castle is a great location for families to visit, that's removed from the hustle and bustle. With lost of space to roam, a fantastic park and gardens to explore, there's plenty to see and do at Belfast Castle.
Tollymore Forest Park - 17K hashtags
Coming in at #31, it's no surprise that there are a host of gorgeous snaps on Instagram of Tollymore, uncovering some of the forest's forgotten spots.
Belfast Zoo - 20.7K hashtags
Who doesn't want to take a selfie with a giraffe or elephant? So many of the locals have been visiting Belfast Zoo from their school days, it's almost like a family tradition to check it out. With exciting new additions and rehabilitation programs, there's always something new to see there.
Mussenden Temple - 25.9K hashtags
One of the most romantic spots in Northern Ireland, Mussenden Temple has become a landmark location for proposals and weddings. Perched on the cliff edge above Downhill Beach, you can watch the waves sweeping in from the sea below all afternoon.
St George’s Market - 26.9K hashtags
Home of the filled Breakfast bap and a host of other traditional local foods, this is your one-stop-shop if you're ever feeling peckish. The first market took place on St George's site back in 1604, and the market we see today was built between in 1890 and 1896. It's such a landmark building in the heart of Belfast.
Belfast Cathedral Quarter - 28.2K hashtags
Taking its name from St Anne's Cathedral, Belfast's Cathedral Quarter is one of the coolest spots in town, home to some of the very best pubs and restaurants. From bustling beer gardens to chilled dining and quirky bars, during the weekend this area really springs to life.
Lough Erne - 28.2K hashtags
Lough Erne has 156 islands and is one of the most spectacular and uncrowded lakes in Ireland's waterways. It's connected to the River Shannon through the Shannon-Erne Waterway, so the best way to explore this area is by boat (you can rent one quite easily in the area).
Strangford Lough - 28.4K hashtags
Strangford Lough is often described as a 'secluded paradise.' You can spot everything from young seal pups, to basking sharks in the waters of Strangford Lough, and that's just below the surface. Countless birds and wildlife also call this unique area of outstanding beauty their home.
Belfast City Hall - 28.7K hashtags
Used throughout the year - be that as a green pasture to sunbath in the summer, and for a Christmas Market in Nov/Dec, there's no doubt as to why Belfast City Hall ranks so highly on social media. It helps that the spot looks so majestic in the heart of the city centre.
The Dark Hedges - 32.9K hashtags
Another world-famous landmark that was used in the Game of Thrones series was 'The Dark Hedges. Also known as 'The King's Road' in the show. An avenue of twisting and spiralling trees that's somewhat hidden in the country along the north coast is now a top tourist attraction - what a backdrop for a photo though!
Dunluce Castle - 36.1K hashtags
Perhaps one of the most pictured castles in all of Ireland, there's no denying this breathtaking ruin. It was inhabited by both the feuding McQuillan and MacDonnell clans, dating back to the 16th and 17th century. With a car park close-by, you can take some time to walk the ruins and admire the view out to see, it's a spectacular site.
Titanic Belfast - 48.9K hashtags
Located in the popular Titanic Quarter, on the very ground that the iconic Titanic ship was built, the award-winning Titanic Belfast is a must-visit spot. Inside you'll uncover the real-life stories of the hands that built it, everything from her construction to her maiden voyage.
Carrick-a-Rede - 51.7K hashtags
Would you be brave enough to step across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge? Originally built for salmon fisherman more than 250 years ago, the views from above are just as breathtaking as they are on the rocky shore below.
Cave Hill - 53.6K hashtags
With views as spectacular as this, overlooking the capital city below, no matter the weather, a trip up Cave Hill is a must-try if you're in Belfast.
Mourne Mountains - 132K hashtags
The inspiration behind C.S. Lewis' Narnia chronicles has left many a rambler and hiker in awe. A popular spot all year round not just for walking, there's rock climbing, cycle routes and campsites spread across the area. Home to NI's highest peak, Slieve Donard, the views from the top are something to behold.
Giant’s Causeway - 312K hashtags
Of course the #1 spot has to be the Giant's Causeway! It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, that's filled with folklore, magic and wonder. On a clear sunny day, you can even spot Scotland across the sea. What's not to love!
Read more:
Breathtaking Beyond the Trees experience opens for the summer
13 beauty spots in Northern Ireland you MUST visit this summer
11 family-friendly walks and parks across Northern Ireland