Top 10 things to do in Northern Ireland

An oft-overlooked region of the UK, Northern Ireland contains a wealth of historic and natural heritage to surprise and delight the discerning visitor. Natural gems include the UK’s largest lake, over 330 miles of coastline, and a host of mountains, glens, forests and pasture. Cultural attractions span the millennia, all the way from megalithic stone circles and medieval castles to whiskey distilleries and modern interpretive experiences.

What’s more, Boundless members have unlimited access to WWT Castle Espie, one of the province’s top attractions, while Boundless Plus members also have unlimited access to Hillsborough Castle thanks to a partnership with Historic Royal Palaces. 

There are countless other ways that Boundless membership can save you money when you’re exploring Northern Ireland, too. For example, you can get 20% off a City Sightseeing open-top bus tour of Belfast with your Kids Pass membership, save on coffees and meals out with tastecard, take advantage of discounts through Virgin Experience Days and The Cinema Society, and more. 

Find out more about the benefits of becoming a Boundless member and how to start saving on days out in Northern Ireland and across the UK.

Top attractions in Northern Ireland

Must-see Northern Ireland castles

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Government House, Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6HR

Photo credit: The South Terrace, Hillsborough Castle, Historic Royal Palaces

Despite its name, Hillsborough is more a grand manor house than a castle. Dating from the late 18th century, it is both the official home of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and a royal residence. Members of the royal family still stay here during their visits to the province.

In 2019 the Castle reopened following a five year transformation project, and it’s a fascinating experience to tour the lavish throne room and other state rooms, imagining the numerous royal and political occasions that have been hosted here.

Outside, the gardens cover 100 acres and are just as charming. The ornamental lawns, peaceful woodlands, waterways and glens reflect the changing seasons. Children will love the interactive, animal-inspired play trails, while adults may prefer the walled garden, Yew Tree Walk or Lady Alice’s Temple.

You can find current entry times and prices here.

Did you know that Boundless Plus membership includes unlimited access to all the UK’s Historic Royal Palaces, including Hillsborough Castle? Bring an extra adult and two children with you for free, and enjoy 10% off in the café and gift shop too. 

Castle Espie

78 Ballydrain Road, County Down, BT23 6EA

Photo credit: Boundless

Another misnomer, Castle Espie is a wetland centre set on the shore of Stranford Lough. Run by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), this site is home to the largest number of ducks, geese and swans in Northern Ireland, and is a great place to learn about local wildlife. It’s the wintering ground for many thousands of pale-bellied Brent geese; almost the entire global population of this waterfowl species.

Bird hides equipped with telescopes offer a closer look at the wildlife. There are also forest and waterside walks, a reconstructed crannog, and several play areas for children. The visitor centre includes an environmental-themed art gallery, a gift shop and refreshments in the Kingfisher Café.

You can find current entry times and prices here, but don’t forget that with Boundless membership you can enjoy unlimited access to WWT centres for yourself, another adult, and up to six children.

Other historic places to visit in Northern Ireland

Unveiling history at Ulster Museum

Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB

Photo credit: Courtesy of Ulster Museum

Set in Belfast’s beautiful Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum hosts the largest collection of artefacts in Northern Ireland. Different galleries display pieces of artistic and historic importance, including Bronze-Age jewellery, treasures salvaged from the Spanish Armada, and skeletons of extinct creatures such as the Irish elk. Children will love exploring the interactive discovery centres, where fascinating aspects of art, history and nature are brought to life.

Find current entry times and prices here.

Titanic Belfast

1 Olympic Way, Queen's Road, Belfast, BT3 9EP

This world-class attraction tells the dramatic story of RMS Titanic, the infamous ship that sank during her maiden voyage in 1912. Located beside the very shipyard where the ground-breaking liner was built and launched, the centre brings the construction process to life and recreates the terrible events that unfolded during its final hours.

Find current entry times and prices here.

Scenic beauty of the Causeway Coast

County Antrim

Stretching along the northern seaboard of County Antrim, the Causeway Coast encompasses a wide variety of natural and historic sites. It’s worth taking a day to explore the different locations, many of which are managed by the National Trust. Prime attractions include the thrilling Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the dramatic medieval ruins of Dunluce Castle. The icing on the cake is the Unesco World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway, where 40,000 basalt columns have formed into unique configurations at the base of imposing sea cliffs.

Old Bushmills Distillery Tour

2 Distillery Road, Bushmills, County Antrim, BT57 8XH

The fate of Bushmills village was set in 1608, when King James I granted it a licence to distil whiskey. Today, Bushmills is home to the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. Though the process has changed somewhat over the intervening 400 years, the main ingredients remain the same: Irish barley and water from the nearby River Bush. Take a tour to witness the craft of triple distillation, then finish by tasting the wares.

Find out about the tours and charges here.  

Explore Marble Arch Caves

43 Marlbank Road, Legnabrocky, County Fermanagh, BT92 1EW

Set at the heart of Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark in southwest Fermanagh, Marble Arch Caves form an otherworldly labyrinth deep underground. The limestone bedrock of this region is pockmarked by tunnels and chambers, and this cave allows visitors to explore a subterranean world normally experienced only by experts. Join a guided tour along the banks of an underground stream, and wonder at beautifully illuminated rock formations like stalagmites, stalactites and calcite curtains. 

Find current entry times and tour prices here.

Do more with Boundless

If you're working in or retired from the public sector or civil service, Boundless has two great membership options to choose from: Boundless and Boundless Plus.

With Boundless, you get unlimited access or discounted entry to many of the UK’s top attractions including Kew Gardens and Wakehurst and WWT centres across the UK, as well as year-round deals on restaurants, holidays, shopping and much more. With Boundless Plus, you can enjoy additional benefits including unlimited access to Historic Royal Palaces sites, National Trust for Scotland places, access to the Ramblers' extensive group walks and routes, and peace of mind with roadside assistance and local recovery by LV= Britannia Rescue.