24 beautiful places to visit in Northern Ireland
Last updated 9th Jan 2024
Whether you're interested in exploring the great outdoors, delving into history, or enjoying vibrant city life, Northern Ireland has something for everyone.
From stunning landscapes and natural beauty to cultural experiences and a warm welcome.
If you fancy exploring somewhere new this year, check out our list of NI’s most beautiful spots…
Ring of Gullion
The Ring of Gullion is an ancient ring dyke, formed several million years ago by a volcanic collapse. The Slieve Gullion scenic drive brings guests close to the mountain's summit, offering views as far as the Wicklow Mountains to the South.
Rostrevor Fairy Glen
The Fairy Glen is nestled inside the quaint village of Rostrevor. It's a short stroll, so perfect if you're entertaining little ones.
The Fairy Glen sits just after the bridge beside the entrance to Kilbroney Park.
Tollymore Forest Park
Nestled at the foot of the Mourne mountains, Tollymore Forest Park has panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea at Newcastle.
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
Visit Hillsborough Castle and over 100 acres of ornamental lawns, peaceful woodlands and picturesque glens throughout the seasons.
Mourne Mountains
Beloved by hikers, hillwalkers and cyclists the Mournes have also long inspired songwriters and storytellers, and influenced C.S. Lewis to write 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.'
Gosford Forest Park
Gosford Forest Park consists of 240 hectares of mixed woodland and open parkland, they've recently improved with better walking, cycling and horse riding trails.
Oxford Island
Oxford Island is a designated National Nature Reserve situated on the southern shores of Lough Neagh. With bird watching hides, boglands, rich wildflower meadows and wildlife ponds, there's endless things to see and do.
Giant’s Causeway
One of Ireland's most treasured landmarks, this is Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll see over 40,000 basalt columns, formed some 60 million years ago. At sunrise and sunset, this spot is simply stunning.
Rathlin Island
The ferry to Rathlin Island travels just six miles across the Sea of Moyle. Home to Northern Ireland's largest seabird colony, the sea cliffs provide the ideal place for Puffins, Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Razorbills etc.
Silent Valley
It's estimated that over 50,000 visitors per year visit Silent Valley, in the heart of the Mourne Mountains. Most to enjoy the peace and solitude of this mountain area with its unique landscapes and varied wildlife.
Dunluce Castle
Dunluce Castle is one of the most picturesque spots along the wild north coast. Just look, the present castle ruins date mainly from the 16th and 17th centuries. It's a handy spot for star-gazers with vast open skies ahead, it's a great location to spy the northern lights.
Dark Hedges
Made famous by appearances in TV shows and films such as Game of Thrones, the beautiful row of trees is one not to be missed if you're heading to the north coast. The trees were planted around 1775 when he built nearby Gracehill House.
Carrick-a-rede rope bridge and Carrick Island
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was first erected by salmon fishermen in 1755. Connected to the cliffs by a rope bridge across the Atlantic Ocean, Carrick-a-Rede is not for the fainthearted. Thousands flock to the blustery spot to attempt a crossing to Carrick Island.
Glenariff Forest Park
Glenariff is one of the nine Antrim Glens in Northern Ireland, covering over 1,000 hectares of planted woodland, lakes, and outdoor spaces. The timber walkway winds through the glen with the river and waterfalls either side, don't forget to bring your phone or pics!
Mussenden Temple
Mussenden Temple is perched dramatically on a 120 ft cliff top, high above the Atlantic Ocean on the north-western coast of Northern Ireland, offering spectacular views westwards over Downhill Strand towards Magilligan Point and Donegal to the east Castlerock.
Binevenagh
Talk about a scenic drive…Binevenagh offers panoramic views along Binevenagh Mountain and Lake. The steep cliffs stretching over six miles, providing a stunning backdrop of panoramic views across the peninsula of Magilligan and dominating the skyline over the villages of Bellarena, Downhill, Castlerock and Benone beach.
Roe Valley
This picturesque and peaceful park on the outskirts of Limavady offers riverside woodland walks along the River Roe.
Marble Arch Caves
Set in the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain and just a short journey from Enniskillen. Check out a guided tour and explore the landscape draping over the Caves, its rivers, gorge, waterfalls, mountains and ancient woodlands provide the perfect backdrop.
Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail
Nicknamed the Stairway to Heaven, the route meanders through one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Co Fermanagh, traversing over tracks, boardwalk and staircase.
Castle Coole
Castle Coole is a majestic 18th century home of the Earls of Belmore, you can explore both the surrounding grounds and the neo-classical interiors. It's Fermanagh's very own Downtown Abbey!
Lough Erne
Also known as the 'jewel of the Fermanagh Lakelands,' Lough Erne is actually two connected lakes - the Lower Lough and Upper Lough. If watersports are your thing, there's no better place to try paddle-boarding, sailing or waterskiing.
Gortin Glen Forest Park
Gortin Glen Forest Park is located just six miles from Omagh, this family friendly outdoor park has a host of trails to suit everyone in the family. The Forest also takes in part of the Ulster Way Walking Route, with a playpark, trim trail, and perfect summer BBQ/picnic area.
Beaghmore prehistoric stone circles
Just outside of Cookstown, Beaghmore, showcases 7 mystical circles, 10 rows of stones and 12 cairns, carefully arranged. The circles and alignments were discovered in the late 1930s during peat cutting when 1,269 stones were uncovered. The site is believed to date back as far as Neolithic times through the Bronze Age.
Parkanaur Forest Park
Four miles west of Dungannon, Parkanaur Forest Park is home to an enclosed herd of white fallow deer. The house and gardens are welcome attractions for visitors too.
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