Featuring vibrant urban escapes, family-oriented outings, and exciting outdoor adventures, Northern Ireland presents a smorgasbord of experiences for tourists. Here, we highlight some of 2024’s top pickings.
Belfast is officially a desirable touring spot–a sentiment long-held by experts. Achieving a place in National Geographic’s 2024 travel hot-list alongside trending locales including Miami and the Albanian Alps, Belfast’s appeal has skyrocketed upon the inauguration of Belfast 2024–an annual homage to city culture that accentuates the themes of Our People, Our Place, and Our Planet. It bolsters an eclectic blend of events, including the Food Festival, the Cathedral Arts Festival, and the Spring Continental Market.
Titanic Belfast, the top-notch museum emphasizing the historic ship, experienced an extensive refurbishment the previous year, enhancing the visitor experience. As one of Belfast’s premier attractions, it resides exactly where the ship was constructed. Nearby, along the Maritime Mile, the newly-established Titanic Brewery is an excellent location to sample Belfast’s finest craft beers.
For those arriving with their little ones, the Gruffalo Trail, located within Colin Glen Forest Park and endorsed by well-regarded children’s author Julia Donaldson, offers a unique outdoor activity for children interested in nature and fantasy.
Regarded as a charming urban escape within all of Ireland, Derry attracts its visitors courtesy of its abundant history – strollingits 17th-century city walls is a must – combined with novel visitor experiences and a plethora of contemporary lodging choices.
As Game of Thrones did previously, Derry Girls has been a major driver in the spectacular surge in screen tourism witnessed by Northern Ireland in recent years, attracting a large fan base to the home city of Erin, Clare, Michelle, Orla and others.
Visitors can appreciate the Derry Girls mural along with other filming sites throughout the city, and for added fun, The Derry Girls Experience – a unique exhibition housed in the Tower Museum featuring memorabilia from the popular series.
For those who love a good festival, the Foyle Maritime Festival makes its biannual return to Derry’s riverfront in June. Look forward to tall ships, marketplace festivals and bars, along with an assortment of entertainment and interactive activities.
The Ulysses European Odyssey, a resplendent event honouring James Joyce’s literature, culminates grandly in Derry after a journey through 18 nations over a biennial span. It shines a spotlight on artistic interpretations of societal and cultural subjects from each of the 18 chapters of Ulysses.
Often ignored by vacationers drawn to places like Donegal or Antrim’s Causeway Coast, Tyrone is a hidden gem not to be missed. It’s in Tyrone where the Sperrin Mountains, one of Ireland’s most splendid natural resources, beckon those seeking solace in nature’s embrace.
The hills have been the proud residence of the Giants of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail since the previous year, an engaging artwork conceived by the renowned recycling artist, Thomas Dambo. The trail narrates the Sperrins’ history, geography, and legacy through three gigantic figures scattered across the range.
The OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, nestled in the secluded and unlit Davagh Forest in the Sperrins, offers an ideal spot for awe-inspiring sky-gazing. Meanwhile, the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh promises an entertaining outing for all ages, letting visitors step back in time to an older Ulster from which many sought greener pastures in the New World. The experience is made even more real with a mock emigrant ship to sail you back through time.
If you’ve yet to experience North Antrim, pencil it into your 2024 vacation plans. With vistas that can hold their own against any worldwide, the Causeway Coastal Route is one for the bucket list. It’s replete with must-see attractions, such as Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, and a marvel of nature, the Giant’s Causeway.
Don’t forget to explore the offshore landscapes too, with thrilling options like a marine kayak expedition or a high-speed rib trip along north Antrim coast’s magnificent basalt escarpments. Be aware, you might even spot a dolphin or two.
Should you wish for a true escape, a half-hour ferry ride from the coastal town of Ballycastle will transport you to the serene Rathlin Island, the northernmost inhabited place in Ireland. Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by the presence of puffins during this season before they retreat to the depths of the sea. Easter marks the opening of Rathlin for tourists, and among the forthcoming events are the annual Rathlin Maritime Festival held in May and June. However, plan your stay ahead of time as accommodations tend to fill up quickly.
Moreover, Antrim’s eastern coast presents numerous remarkable sights. The enchanting village of Glenarm houses the Glenarm Castle Walled Garden, which was deemed the Historic Houses 2023 Garden of the Year. This recognition makes it the first in Northern Ireland to have been bestowed this esteemed UK distinction for its significant horticultural and public charm. You also have the luxury of staying overnight in their stunning glamping pods.
Alternatively, the Fermanagh Lakelands could be your preferred sanctuary if you wish to relax and maybe enjoy a gastronomic adventure. As Northern Ireland’s least populated county, Fermanagh offers relaxation and tranquillity. Enniskillen, the primary town, offers a range of attractions, from exemplary food tours to scenic boat trips. A visit to the historic Devenish Island, which boasts an ancient monastery site, should also be included in any guest’s itinerary.
For the more adventurous, the Cuilcagh Mountain boardwalk, also referred to as the Stairway to Heaven, presents a challenging yet captivating trek. In contrast, you could opt for leisurely strolls in some of the county’s most picturesque stately homes, such as Florence Court and Castle Coole, both managed by the National Trust. Also worth a visit are the impressive Marble Arch Caves when you’re nearby Cuilcagh.
If you’re travelling with a canine companion, the town of Enniskillen extends a warm welcome with its pet-friendly accommodation and gastropubs.
County Down has had a robust year, vastly due to its exceptional natural landscapes that extend to neighbouring Armagh, leading Mourne Gullion Strangford to garner Unesco Geopark recognition.
Strangford Lough, nestled in this heart of nature, is a destination offering family-friendly activities. Its abundant wildlife has led it to be dubbed the ‘Serengeti of Ireland’, especially owing to its birdlife. Notably, the lough is a winter haven for 85 per cent of the world’s Brent Geese population, transforming it into a birdwatcher’s delight. Scrabo Tower, a landmark, allegedly assists the geese in navigation.
The Castle Espie Wetland Centre, on Strangford Lough’s shores near Newtownards, offers engaging activities to educate children about this rich biosphere.
Strangford Lough also features the only aquarium on Ireland’s east coast, Exploris in Portaferry, which doubles as a seal rehab centre.
Away from the coastline, the Game of Thrones Studio in Banbridge, now in its second year, provides regular transportation to tourists from Dublin and Belfast.
Finally, Armagh, the scenic Orchard County, boasts an array of visitor attractions. The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is a magnet for astronomy enthusiasts and newly interested as well. Established in 1789, the observatory offers immersive cosmic exploration through its full-dome theatre show or the outdoor Astropark’s trail series.
Just a stone’s throw from the main A1 route near Newry, Slieve Gullion Forest Park is a perfect pit stop for travellers commuting between Dublin and Belfast. Boasting its own appeal, it is nestled within an area renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. This forest park has walking trails, a splendid scenic loop drive, and Fionn’s Giant Adventure Playpark that provides an entertaining story path delving into local folklore.
Armagh plans an array of vibrant events all year round, ranging from their yearly St Patrick’s Day celebration to their renowned Food and Cider Weekend, and the Georgian Festival towards the end of each year.
For further details on tourist spots, events and an abundance of travel inspiration, visit discovernorthernireland.com.