Amazing Cities and Towns to Visit in Northern Ireland

Visiting Northern Ireland this vacation season? We have compiled a list of some of the amazing cities and towns to visit while you’re in the country. Keep going!

A definite entry on the list is the bustling capital city of Northern Ireland. With great tourist influx every year, Belfast has excellent shopping and dining opportunities.

While Belfast has many attractions to visit, don’t miss Titanic Belfast, the city’s most iconic landmark. The world's largest Titanic visitor center, its building was built to honor the city’s maritime history.

Belfast Castle is another attraction that shouldn’t be missed. Its magnificent architecture and manicured grounds are extremely impressive.

Situated on River Foyle, the picturesque Derry, better known as Londonderry, is Northern Ireland’s most-northern city.

Londonderry was Ireland’s first ever planned city. The Walls of Derry have stood intact since 1610 and have the reputation of never being breached till date.

The Neo Gothic and Tudor Revival style Guildhall building of Londonderry is worth visiting. On the inside are beautifully decorated stained-glass windows and an exhibition about the history of Derry.

Located in County Down, very close to Belfast, is the pretty town of Bangor. This charming seaside resort town boasts classic Victorian architecture, mesmerizing coastline, and lively promenades.

Head to the Bangor Main Street, also known as Bangor City Centre, for the real feel of the town. It has several state-of-the-art eateries and shopping venues.

If you’re a history enthusiast, make sure you visit the Bangor Abbey. Founded in 558 A.D., it has an impressive architectural style and a famous mural of Christ ascending to heaven with Saints Comgall, Gall, and Columbanus, inside its church.

#4: Carrickfergus

On the northern shore of Belfast Lough in County Antrim lies Carrickfergus, one of the oldest towns in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Visit the famous Carrickfergus Castle, the most popular tourist spot in the town. This Norman castle is one of the best-preserved medieval structures in Northern Ireland.

Lying only about four miles north of Carrickfergus, the Woodburn Forest is a coniferous woodland offering trekking & hiking trails and other activities like horse riding and cycling.

Recently named as the “Best Kept Large Town in Northern Ireland”, Coleraine is a seaside town offering spectacular waterside views.

Make way to the famous Downhill Beach while in town. The beach offers ample opportunities for nature walks and bird sighting, and various activities like water sports and scenic walking trails.

The distillery town of Bushmills is also located very close to Coleraine. It boasts magnificent seaside cliffs and numerous impressive churches.

Located in County Derry, Portstewart is the beach lovers’ paradise. This seaside resort town offers a lively harbor, two miles of pristine beaches, and beautiful coastal paths.

The stretch of sandy beaches in Portstewart, known as “the Strand”, are popular attractions in town. You can engage in sea-based activities like surfing and swimming at the Strand.

If you’re an adventure junkie, take one of the hiking trails or cliff walks. The spectacular scenery around is simply magical.

Another obvious entry on your Northern Ireland holiday checklist is the quaint town of Ballymena, which is filled with historical and cultural attractions for tourists.

While there are ample castles and churches to admire in Ballymena, a visit to Glenarm Gardens is a must-do. If you happen to be in town during April-May, attend the annual Tulip Festival here, which is very engaging.

Also, pay a visit to Glenariff Forest Park for a stunning forest walking trail and a three-mile-long waterfall walkway.

Located in County Antrim, Portrush is home to numerous hotels, restaurants, and bars. Besides, it is also famous for having the only golf club outside of mainland Britain, the Royal Portrush Golf Club.

The main visitor attractions in Portrush include its beautiful sandy beaches – the West Strand, the East Strand, Curran Strand, and White Rocks.

The town is a pretty ancient settlement that dates back to the Mesolithic period. It is located very close to the Giant’s Causeway, which is also a major attraction for people visiting Portrush.

Literally meaning ‘town of the castle’, Ballycastle is situated on the northeasternmost tip of Northern Ireland. The town is known for many beautiful churches and a rugged coastline.

Ballycastle Beach is a very famous tourist destination in town where people flock with their family and friends to unwind. It is also a popular fishing spot.

Another famous spot in town is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge that connects the mainland to the island of Carrickarede. It is 66 ft long and sits 98 ft above the sea rocks underneath.

Divided between counties Armagh and Down near the border with Republic of Ireland, the city of Newry boasts breathtaking scenery and fascinating history.

If you’re a trekking enthusiast, head to the nearby Mourne Mountains. With outstanding natural beauty and great hiking trails, these mountains will make your visit to Newry worthwhile.

For a little slice of history, head to the Moyry Castle and marvel at its beautiful hilly terrain. Don’t forget to take a lot of pictures while on the spot.