Things to Do in Northern Ireland

The world’s oldest legal distillery, Bushmills was first granted its whiskey-producing license back in 1608, though historical records suggest production began even earlier. Distillers used malted Irish barley, grains, and water from St. Columb’s Rill to produce their oak-aged Bushmills Original and their Black Bush blend.

The neo-Baroque Belfast City Hall is home to a memorial garden and visitor exhibition that provide insight into the city’s history. Built to commemorate Belfast’s new city status in the late 1800s, the building survived the Belfast Blitz, and was at the center of the 2013 dispute regarding its continued use of the Union flag.

Perhaps the most celebrated stretch of Antrim Coast Road is known as the Antrim Coastal Drive, which winds along a 25-mile (40-kilometer) route and provides scenic views from Belfast to Derry. Discover landmarks including the Mourne Mountains, Glens of Antrim, and Giant’s Causeway on one of the UK’s most picturesque routes, and explore the towns, harbors, and beaches along the way for insight into local life.

Situated at the east end of the Causeway Coast and to the north of the Glens of Antrim, Ballycastle offers easy access to outdoor delights. The seaside town is filled with old-fashioned pubs and shops, while a family-friendly beach and promenade runs along the shore. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Scotland from here.

Located along the scenic Antrim coast, the harbor of the traditional fishing village of Ballintoy offers striking Atlantic views and insight into a rural way of a life. The village has remained virtually unchanged over the last few centuries, and as such was chosen as a filming location for Pyke’s harbor inGame of Thrones.

The 800-year-old Carrickfergus Castle is one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland. Built in the 12th century by Norman lord John de Courcy, it was used to ward off attacks from the Scots, Irish, English, and French, and also served as a garrison during World War I and an air raid shelter during World War II.

Now permanently berthed at Belfast’s Hamilton dry dock, the SSNomadic is the last surviving vessel from the White Star Line, the once-prominent shipping line behind the ill-fated RMSTitanic. Built in the Harland and Wolff shipyards, the SSNomadic was the tender to theTitanic, ferrying passengers to the luxury cruise liner.

The turreted Scottish Baronial-style Belfast Castle stands high atop a promontory overlooking the city. It was built using the fast-diminishing funds of the third Marquess of Donegall, and the castle now serves as a restaurant, wedding reception site, and events venue. A visitor center in the basement chronicles the history of the castle and the surrounding Cave Hill Country Park with which it shares the hillside, while the ornamental gardens promise stellar views over Belfast City Centre and Belfast Lough.

Founded in 1849 as a non-denominational alternative to Dublin’s Trinity College, Queen’s University Belfast is known for for its magnificent medieval-style campus. Visitors are drawn to the university’s eclectic mix of architectural styles and peaceful green space. Harry Potter fans will want to visit the red brick Lanyon Building that looks like a real-life version of Hogwarts.

Situated at the foot of Glendun, one of the nine Glens of Antrim, this small seaside hamlet is known for its pretty harbor and beachfront, as well as for its historic buildings and Cornish-style houses. In recent years, the Cushendun Caves have come to public attention after featuring in a prominent scene in Game of Thrones.

Known for its artistic atmosphere, the ever-expanding Belfast Cathedral Quarter is the city’s up-and-coming cultural hub. The former trading district, now home to a number of galleries, music spaces, and trendy restaurants, hosts a number of indoor and outdoor events suited to everyone, including young travelers, foodies, and families.

Since opening over a century ago, the Belfast Grand Opera House has withstood many challenges, including the Troubles and planned demolition, to become an iconic landmark. As Northern Ireland’s first listed building, the Art Nouveau theater has hosted many notable performers over the years, and the refurbished site continues to draw audiences today.

Though work on St. Anne’s Cathedral (also known as Belfast Cathedral) began in 1899, many changes and extensions were made during the following decades, culminating in the addition of the Spire of Hope in 2007. The neo-Romanesque structure contains a wealth of decorative features and artworks, including a 150,000-piece glass mosaic.

Albert Memorial Clock is a well-recognized feature of the Belfast landscape. The Victorian structure stands at 43 meters (113 feet), overlooking Queen’s Square and River Lagan beyond. Built on reclaimed marshland, the tower is known for its slant, and is affectionately referred to as Belfast’s answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.