1. Davagh Forest, Co Tyrone
To feel completely at one with nature, a trip to the rural haven of Davagh Forest should be on your holiday schedule. With a fantastic network of walking and biking trails, it caters for all abilities and age ranges. It’s also one of Ireland’s two Dark Sky Parks – the lack of light pollution in the area means that the night sky is at it’s darkest and therefore, at its best, for stargazing.
See discovernorthernireland.com/ listing/davagh-forest
2. Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Co Down
Located just 20 minutes from Belfast, the restored and re-imagined Hillsborough Castle and Gardens is a remarkable site. With history and beauty, it has something for everyone. If you can, visit on the last Saturday of June or July when the popular Royal Hillsborough Farmers Market is in full swing and you can explore over 50 stalls of artisan food, craft, art and sustainable homewares. Indulge in delicious street food and enjoy the entertainment.
Tickets: Adult £21.50 (€24.80) Child: £11 (€12.70) and children under 5 go free.
See hrp.org.uk
3. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Co Antrim
If you want to get your trip to Northern Ireland off to a heart-racing start, then traverse a rope bridge over the Atlantic Ocean. Connecting the mainland and Carrick-a-Rede island, the historic rope bridge was apparently built by local salmon fishermen in 1755 to gain access to better fishing locations. Once you’re across, you’ll find a 400-year-old fisherman’s cottage and you’ll have ticked off a ‘must-do’ item on the Northern Ireland bucket list.
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is open from June to August. Tickets: Adult - £16 (€18.50), Child - £8 (€9.25).
See nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/ northern-ireland/carrick-a-rede
4 Bundoran, Co Donegal
For tourists who have yet to experience the wonder of Donegal on a glorious summer’s day, there is an abundance of treats in store. But if you’ve ever wanted to try surfing, Bundoran is the place to visit. As well as a buzzing music scene and plenty of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages, the ‘Surf Capital of Ireland’, as it’s known, has great beaches for beginners as well as fantastic spots for those who are already adept at ‘hanging ten’.
See discoverbundoran.com
5. Carrickmacross Lace Gallery, Co Monaghan
Did you know that Carrickmacross Lace was used in Princess Diana’s wedding dress? The Irish craft dates back to 1820 but the tradition of creating the distinctive material is now carried on by the Carrickmacross Lace Co-op. For budding designers or anyone interested in its remarkable history, the Lace Gallery is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Tour groups are welcome and if you’d like to see how the lace is made, book in advance for a demonstration.
See carrickmacrosslace.ie
6. Seamus Heaney Homeplace, Co Derry
Fans of the late, great Seamus Heaney have an incredible opportunity to learn everything about him in this unique museum, dedicated to his life and works. Situated between Heaney’s two childhood homes at Mossbawn and The Wood, and a stone’s throw from his final resting place at St Mary’s Church, Bellaghy, HomePlace is a homage to the area that inspired so much of the poet’s work.
Open Monday to Saturday between 10am-5pm and Sundays from 1pm-5pm.
Tickets: Adult-£12 (€13.80), Child - £8.50 (€9.80) and children under 7 go free.
See seamusheaneyhome.com
7. Devenish Island, Co Fermanagh
For a historical day out, take a ferry or water bus across beautiful Lough Erne and soak up the wonder and serenity of Devenish Island. There you’ll find the remains of buildings from the 12th, 13th and 15th centuries including the early Christian monastery and round tower that made it a holy place of worship.
Founded in the 6th century by St Molaise, it was also known as Devenish of the Assemblies as it was a safe meeting place for religious leaders and powerful chieftains.
Ferry price: Adult - £14 (€16.20). Child- £10 (€11.60).
See cuilcaghlakelands.org/geosite /devenish-island
8. Game of Thrones Studio Tour, Banbridge, Co Down
The final season may not have been what the characters (or fans) deserved but that doesn’t mean the remarkable legacy of the Game of Thrones TV series shouldn’t be celebrated. And given that much of it was filmed in Northern Ireland, it’s a fitting location for a studio tour that takes you on a breathtaking journey behind the scenes of the iconic show. Just 90 minutes from Dublin and the perfect pilgrimage for any GOT enthusiast.
Tickets: Adult - from £21.60 (€25). Child - from £4 (€4.60).
See gameofthronesstudiotour.com
9. Flemings Folly, Co Cavan
On a clear day it is possible to see three provinces from this special spot in Cavan. Flemings Folly is a stone tower built by Captain James Folly in 1803, situated on a hill with sweeping countryside views for miles below. The easy to moderate forest trail takes about 30 minutes to complete and there is free (but limited) parking available.
See thisiscavan.ie/things-to-do/walking-cycling/13-flemings-folly
10. Mount Errigal, Co Donegal
Teeming with stunning viewing spots, magnificent beaches, and impressive mountains to hike, Donegal really is a feast for the soul. It’s also home to one of Ireland’s most spectacular (and most photographed) peaks, Mount Errigal. The 751m hike to the top of the mountain is a steep but deeply rewarding climb of mixed terrains with panoramic views. Once at the top, you can walk One Man’s Pass, a narrow passage to a nearby peak to experience the full magic.
See discoverireland.ie/donegal/ mount-errigal
11. Titanic Belfast, Co Antrim
You may think you’ve learned everything you need to know about the tragic ship but until you’ve visited Titanic Belfast, you haven’t heard the full story. Located beside the very place where the iconic vessel was designed, built and launched, the interactive museum tells the story of Titanic from her conception to her eventual place in history. Adult-£24.95 (€28.80). Child from £11 (€12.70) and children under 5 go free.
See titanicbelfast.com
12. Ulster American Folk Park, Co Tyrone
This visitor attraction in Omagh tells the fascinating story of Ulster people who emigrated to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Upon arrival, you’ll be plunged straight into a journey from rural Ulster to the American frontier in this remarkable experience. There are various events, like Bluegrass barbecues and 4th of July celebrations, that you can book tickets for but general admission costs £14 (€16.20) for adults and £8.70 (€10) for children. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5pm.
See ulsteramericanfolkpark.org
13. Portstewart Strand, Co Derry
Known locally as ‘The Strand’, this glorious two-mile stretch of golden sand is one of Northern Ireland’s finest beaches. It’s a fantastic place to spot seasonal wildlife, learn how to surf or take a walking trail amid the 6,000 year old sand dunes. As well as that, it has the distinction of being an inclusive beach providing access, parking, disabled toilets and a beach equipment loan scheme. Parking fee: £8.50 (€9.85)
See nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/portstewart-strand
14. Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure Centre, Co Monaghan
Have you ever wished you’d learned how to sail or paddle board? The Castleblayney Outdoor Adventure Centre based on the shores of Lough Muckno caters for all age groups and abilities so if you missed out, now is the time. With fully trained instructors and an inclusive environment, it’s guaranteed a fun day out.
Prices generally start around €20 per person for supervised group rentals.
See monaghanadventure.ie
15. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Co Armagh
If you are even remotely interested in astronomy you should pay a visit the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. As well as being the country’s leading centre for astronomical research and education, it is one of the top attractions in the city of Armagh. Tour tickets start from £15 (€17.35) for adults and £13.50 (€15.60) for children over 10.
See armagh.space
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