Northern Ireland remains a treasure trove of natural beauty and landmarks that are appreciated by travellers from all over the world.
There is always more to explore across the region where you can take in the breathtaking views of lush green countrysides or rugged coastlines.
Whether you are planning a spontaneous weekend, a catch up with friends or enjoy a few days away with your family, you can enjoy less rushing, more relaxing and plenty of unforgettable experiences.
County Down
As the majestic Mournes come into view in County Down, you have this sudden feeling that the holiday is here. With golden sands, and sweeping views of the Mourne Mountains, Murlough Beach is a magical place that has brought smiles to so many faces, even happy dogs who can enjoy their day in the sunshine, too. Early risers will be rewarded with stunning sunrises from Kodak Corner viewpoint on a clear morning – a brief hike that starts from the nearby Kilbroney Park.
A drive down the Ards Peninsula along Strangford Lough and you’ll find the gardens of National Trust’s Mount Stewart where visitors can enjoy the beautifully landscaped and informal grounds surrounding the picturesque lake walk. Daft Eddy’s, in Whiterock and located next to the ruins of Sketrick Castle, is a local favourite with serene views of the lough.
County Armagh
At Slieve Gullion, the purples of the heather contrast with the yellow of gorse and the many greens of farmland to make colourful mosaics. As the centrepiece of 365 acres of mixed farm and woodland in County Armagh’s beautiful Slieve Gullion, Killeavy Castle Estate provides everything you need, to switch off, rest and recharge.
Further north in County Armagh, ancient orchards bow heavy with ripening apples, while beyond them the countryside unfurls in a vast sea of green. The Navan Centre & Fort is a place where myth and reality meet. Experience life over 2,000 years ago, as you walk in the footsteps of warriors along grassy slopes to the ancient Navan Fort.
County Fermanagh
Fermanagh, nestled within Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, is a place of quiet enchantment, where beauty drifts through every winding waterway. Vast lakes, softly rolling drumlins and meandering rivers lie beneath the striking backdrop of dramatic cliffs and rugged outcrops. Take a boat trip across the Erne to Devenish Island, a 6th-century monastic site that’s only accessible by water and home to some of the island of Ireland’s best-preserved ancient ruins.
Underground, the 330 million-year-old Marble Arch Caves reveal a hidden world of delicate limestone formations, shadowy chambers and subterranean wonders. As night falls, drift off beneath a canopy of stars in one of the domes at Finn Lough, where the stillness of the landscape becomes part of the experience.
County Antrim
Take a walk through Wise’s Eye as you begin your adventure on the thrilling Gobbins Experience, where a network of walkways and bridges hug the dramatic basalt cliff face. Rising out of the coastline, the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Giant’s Causeway is an unforgettable sight. Walk among the famous columns, their dark, honeycomb-like stones stepping into the sea, and hear the legend of Finn McCool.
Marvel at the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Castle, perched high on a steep-sided basalt outcropping and stop by the nearby Magheracross View Point – which offers stunning panoramic views. Cascading through a lush, emerald-green gorge, Glenariff Waterfalls tumble in a series of sparkling white ribbons over moss-draped rocks and fern-lined cliffs, while the peaty scent of the Glens of Antrim fills the misty air.
County Londonderry
Perching on top of the cliffs overlooking Downhill Beach and the Atlantic Ocean, Mussenden Temple’s elegant 18th-century rotunda stands proudly with the grey-green sea below. It almost offers a contrast to the tranquil surroundings of Benone Strand, where pristine, windswept sand stretches beneath towering sand dunes. With breathtaking views, Harry’s Shack on the shore of Portstewart Strand is highly regarded as the go-to spot for local seafood in the area.
Travel along the Causeway Coastal route on one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys into Derry~Londonderry, where the historic hewn grey stone walls overlooks the city and the iconic Peace Bridge offers views of the River Foyle and the cityscape.
County Tyrone
Over in Tyrone, nestled amongst the green grass and heather clad moorland, sit seven mystical circles, 10 rows of stones and 12 cairns, carefully arranged. The Beaghmore Stone Circles sit cradled at the foot of the Sperrin Mountains, where the nearby OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory in Davagh Forest holds one of the darkest and most unspoiled skies in Northern Ireland, allowing for breathtaking views of the night sky, including the Milky Way, countless stars, and even planets.
The Sperrin Mountains offer nature lovers and adventure seekers an unforgettable experience. And deep within this beautiful landscape, lie three gentle and majestic giants that make up the Sperrin Sculpture Trail.
