20 Famous Landmarks in Northern Ireland You Need to Visit
Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and shares a border with Ireland. Northern Ireland is often pictured as being made up of lush green landscapes dotted with sheep, like its sister country.
This is indeed one aspect of this nation but Northern Ireland has much more to offer, including incredible sights that tourists from around the world have seen in the hit series Game of Thrones.
Wondering what are the most famous landmarks in Northern Ireland?
Let’s discover 20 of the best Northern Ireland landmarks in this post! 🐑
Full List of the 20 Famous Northern Ireland Landmarks
We can divide the famous landmarks of Northern Ireland into 2 categories: the natural sites and the man made landmarks including monuments and buildings.
🌳 Northern Ireland natural landmarks:
- Giant’s Causeway
- Carrick-a-Rede
- The Dark Hedges
- Tollymore Forest Park
- Mourne Mountains
- Torr Head Scenic Road
- Giant’s Ring
- Rathlin Island
🏛 Northern Ireland monuments & buildings:
- Dunluce Castle
- The Titanic Belfast
- Belfast Castle
- St Columb’s Cathedral
- The Peace Bridge
- Castle Ward (Winterfell)
- Carrickfergus Castle
- Mussenden Temple
- Ulster Museum
- Crumlin Road Gaol
- Enniskillen Castle
- Mount Stewart
So, here’s the full list of the top landmarks in Northern Ireland. Keep reading below to learn more about each of these places!👇
Natural Landmarks Northern Ireland Has to Offer
Northern Ireland is completely filled with landscapes and natural wonders that will leave any tourist speachless. Northern Ireland is actually one of the best European destinations to make a road trip, you’ll quickly understand why by seeing the following sights.
Let’s jump right to it! 🚀
1. Giant’s Causeway
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, the Giant’s Causeway is located on the Causeway Coast in the north of Northern Ireland. From Belfast, this natural wonder full of legends is about 1h10 drive and is an absolute must-see when visiting the region.
Made of a lava explosion more than 50 million years ago, Giant’s Causeway gathers approximately 40,000 hexagonal basaltic columns forming a causeway that falls into the sea. The waves crash on the coast and the rocks, and it’s honestly wonderful to see!
Visitors can walk and hike there to get the best panoramas of the site. The path leads through a rock formation in the shape of giant organs, then goes up a little to offer the greatest view on the coast.
Read more: Travel Guide to Giant’s Causeway
2. Carrick-a-Rede
Located close to Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede is one of Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist spots. Some 250,000 visitors come to challenge their fear of heights at the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge!
This 350 year old bridge was built by fishermen who realized that behind a small island, lots of salmons were passing by during their breeding season. The fishermen then decided to build a bridge that connected Northern Ireland on one side and Carrick Island on the other. It was from this story that the rope bridge was named Carrick-a-Rede, meaning “The Rock at the End of the Road”.
Suspended more than 30 meters high over a raging sea and sharp rocks, the bridge is completely safe for visitors thanks to strong and thick ropes. Once on the island, you can see a stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Irish coast. Further out, you can also see Scotland and Rathlin island.
Read more: Travel Guide to Carrick-a-Rede rope
3. The Dark Hedges
Also located in County Antrim, the Dark Hedges is one of the most photographed places in Northern Ireland, and for good reason! It’s one of the many filming locations of Game of Thrones in Northern Ireland.
These magnificent beech trees that line Bregagh Road and form a tunnel were planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century to impress visitors approaching their home, Gracehill House. And they’re still making an impression centuries later! Photographers from all over the world are particularly fond of the place in the fog, especially as the legend of the Grey Lady, a ghost wandering along the road, is associated with it.
The Dark Hedges is a great stop if you visit the area, especially the Giant’s Causeway, 20 minutes away by car. Avoid peak hours if possible, as the place isn’t very large and fills up quickly with tourists.
Read more: Travel Guide to the Dark Hedges
4. Tollymore Forest Park
Located in County Down in the south of Northern Ireland, Tollymore Forest Park is a beautiful forest that nature lovers can’t miss.
This forest is filled with wonders: waterfalls, bridges, rivers… Among the main points of interest, we can mention the trails of the Shimma River and its famous bridge; the barn of Thomas Wright of Durham which looks like a church; and many other constructions such as gateways scattered all over the woods.
When walking there, you’ll learn that it’s in Tollymore Forest Park that the oak trees used for the interiors of the White Star Line liners, including those of the famous Titanic, were once collected.
5. Mourne Mountains
The Mourne Mountains are considered the best destination in Northern Ireland for hikers and climbers.
Located in County Down about 1h from Belfast, the Mourne Mountains are home to the highest peaks in Northern Ireland. The Slieve Donard is the highest peak at 850 meters, as well as 10 other peaks between 500 and 750 meters. There are many trails crisscrossing the peaks for experienced hikers, but you can also find hiking trails in the foothills that are suitable for all levels of hikers.
With many different heights and landscapes, the wonders of the Mourne Mountains are incredibly varied. The Mourne Wall, a stone wall that stretches for 35 kilometers, is the most popular attraction in the mountain range.
6. Torr Head Scenic Road
A few kilometers north of Ballycastle, a scenic road branches off to the north and is a great alternative to the direct route to Cushendun if you don’t mind driving on a steep narrow road: the Torr Head Scenic Road.
The views and sceneries from the Torr Head peninsula are simply breathtaking. The road successively goes through the famous cliffs of Fair Head, Murlough Bay and the rocky headland of Torr Head where there’s an abandoned coast guard station, the closest place in Ireland to Scotland which is only 19 kilometers away.
The cliffside road offers incredible views of the green wilderness coastline and the sea, so feel free to stop to take some photos and travel the route at your own pace.
7. Giant’s Ring
Located 20 minutes drive from Belfast city center, the Giant’s Ring is a mysterious megalithic site dating back to 3000 BC.
Surrounded by a circular fence 200 meters in diameter, the Giant’s Ring is 4-meter high grassy slope where a dolmen and a gigantic tree dating back to the Neolithic period are standing. The Irish call it “the Guardian”.
The Giant’s Ring is a magical place lost in the Irish countryside that all history and legend lovers will love to visit. The tradition is to walk around the ring 3 times counter-clockwise to bring luck.
8. Rathlin Island
The Rathlin Island is located off the coast of Ballycastle in the far north of Northern Ireland and only a few kilometers from the Scottish coast.
Stretching over 6km long and 4km wide, this small wild boomerang-shaped island is home to only a few hundred people, a bar and a few B&Bs open only during the high season. Outside the tourist season, the island is deserted but ferries go back and forth every day for the locals.
It’s a very nice trip to make, especially to observe the local wildlife. You can watch the seals on the harbor or observe the thousands of bird colonies nesting on the beautiful cliffs of the island. The Rathlin West light will also offer you jaw-dropping views, so make sure to bring your camera!
Northern Ireland Monuments & Buildings
Northern Ireland is also full of wonderful monuments and castles straight out of a peplum. That’s why Northern Ireland hosted many filming locations. But there’s also more modern constructions that make this nation shine throughout the world.
Here are 11 famous buildings in Northern Ireland, historical monuments and museums included. 🏰
9. Dunluce Castle
Located a few kilometers from the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle is one of the most visited and famous landmark in Northern Ireland every year.
Dunluce Castle was the residence of a noble family, the MacDonell clan from Scotland, who settled there during the 17th century. More than just a fortress, Dunluce Castle was once a palace richly decorated with oriental rugs and treasures from all over Europe.
Its strategic position on the edge of the cliffs helped it survive 7 sieges before it was finally destroyed by the winds and storms in 1639. A part of the castle broke away from the rock and sank into the sea. Soon after this sad event, Dunluce Castle was abandoned to the forces of nature. Today, the castle’s ruins threaten to collapse into the waters every day.
Read more: Travel Guide to Dunluce Castle
10. The Titanic Belfast
Since its launch in 2012, the Titanic Belfast has become Northern Ireland’s most popular attraction with over 450,000 visitors every year.
Titanic Belfast is the world’s largest museum dedicated to the Titanic liner and its history. Located in the Titanic Quarter, you don’t want to miss this 6-floor high building with its distinctive architecture similar to a ship’s bow.
Inside, you can enjoy a unique and comprehensive tour of the world’s largest ocean liner at the time, from its conception in Belfast in the 1900s, to its tragic end off the coast of Newfoundland through 9 distinctive galleries. Visiting this museum is a unique experience and definitely one of the best things to do in Belfast.
11. Belfast Castle
Located about 6 km from Belfast city center, along the Antrim Road stands Belfast Castle.
Belfast Castle was built on the site of an ancient Norman castle dating from the 12th century. The current structure dates back to 1870, although additions and improvements have been made since then.
Very well preserved, this castle now hosts many events including weddings. While visiting the castle, you can enjoy a meal in the restaurant or a picnic on the grassy gardens. You can also climb Cave Hill to see the surroundings and take pictures of the beautiful panoramas of the castle and the valley.
12. St Columb’s Cathedral
Located in the city of Derry/Londonderry north of Northern Ireland, St Columb’s Cathedral is an Anglican church of a beautiful architecture.
Built between 1628 and 1633 in a Gothic style, the cathedral was named after Saint Columba, an Irish monk who created a small village there, back in the 6th century. He also was one of the 12 apostles who introduced Christianity in Ireland.
From the outside, the cathedral is stunning and you can see it from Derry’s Walls. Inside, the cathedral has wonderful stained glass windows, the original keys to the city and lots of historical items stored in the cathedral.
13. The Peace Bridge
Also located in Derry/Londonderry, the Peace Bridge is one of the most remarkable monuments of the city. Crossing this bridge is actually one of the best things to do in Derry.
Built recently in 2011, the Peace Bridge is a 312-meter long s-shaped bridge spanning the River Foyle. It was built as an attempt to bridge the gap between the Catholics on the west bank, and the Protestants on the east. The bridge has become since then a symbol of renewal, but also the symbol of the city.
From the east entrance, you’ll be able to see the most photographed view of Derry, the view of the Peace Bridge and the Guildhall in between the 2 white pillars.
14. Castle Ward (Winterfell)
Located in the east of Northern Ireland in County Down, Castle Ward has become world famous as the home of the Stark family, Winterfell, in the famous Game of Thrones series.
Built in Victorian style by the river Strangford Lough in the 18th century, Castle Ward is a fortified tower house in the heart of an estate of over 332 hectares.
With its magnificent gardens, Castle Ward is a beautiful place for visitors to wander through. But today, it is mainly the fans of the tv show who come from all over the world to visit it.
15. Carrickfergus Castle
Carrickfergus Castle is located just a few kilometers north of Belfast on the Irish Sea. It’s one of the most famous and impressive castles in Ireland, especially because it has been mentioned in many Irish songs.
The castle was built in 1177 by John de Courcy in the oldest town of County Antrim, Carrickfergus, a town that was once an important center of the textile industry. The castle was attacked many times in the course of its history: by the Scots, the Irish, the English and the French, but it’s now one of the best preserved fortresses in Ireland.
Every year, a medieval festival is organized there. It’s mainly dedicated to children and fans of medieval times. On the agenda: archery, knight fights, horse fights, paintings, falconry demonstration, but there’s also a big booth where beer flows freely.
16. Mussenden Temple
Located right next to Castlerock, Mussenden Temple is a very popular site in Northern Ireland. Visitors come here for the temple history but above all, for the exceptional beauty of the place.
The Mussenden Temple was built facing the Atlantic Ocean on the edge of a cliff in 1785 by Frederick-Augustus Hervey, Earl of Bristol. He’s said to have been inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Italy for the construction of the dome, perched 60 meters above Downhill beach. The dome was originally built as a summer library, but Frederick-Augustus Hervey died before its construction was completed, so the temple became his memorial.
Threatened for a long time by cliff erosion, the temple is now safe thanks to major cliff stabilization work in 1997. Now, visitors and photographers can discover this magical place safely and admire the view of Magilligan Point and the beaches of Castlerock from the temple.
17. Ulster Museum
After major renovations in recent years, the Ulster Museum is now one of Belfast’s must-see attractions.
This impressive national museum open since 1833, is a general museum and can interest both art and history lovers. Entry to the museum is free, like all museums in Ireland, so don’t miss it!
Exhibitions in Ulster Museum include a 2,500 year old Egyptian mummy, the remains of the Invincible Armada (an exhibition of objects and jewelry recovered from a 1588 Spanish shipwreck), modern masterpieces, ancient relics, and a rich and diverse collection of art, history and natural science exhibits, spread out over 8,000m meter squares.
18. Crumlin Road Gaol
Located in the center of Belfast, Crumlin Road Gaol is infamous for having been one of the most sinister institutions of its time due to the extremely precarious conditions of detention.
Inspired by Pentonville Prison in London, Crumlin Road Gaol was built in 1843 by Syr Charles Lanyon to replace Carrickfergus Prison. It was inaugurated in 1846 with the admission of 106 prisoners, men, women and children, straight from Carrickfergus Prison. Crumlin Road Gaol was in operation until 1996.
The tour takes you through the prisoners’ cells, the kitchen, the toilets, the infirmary and the punishment room. You can also discover the governor’s office, the hanging room and the tunnel that used to connect the prison to the Court of Justice, located just across the road.
19. Enniskillen Castle
Located in the south east of Northern Ireland in the village of the same name, Enniskillen Castle looks like a fairy tale castle!
Built in the 15th century in an Anglo-Norman style, the castle stands out with its 2 symmetrical towers which used to help watch over the surroundings. At the top of the Watergate, one of these 2 towers, you can have a breathtaking view of the city and the banks of Enniskillen.
Now, you can visit the castle which has been transformed into 2 museums: one dedicated to the archaeology of the Fermanagh region; and the other to the military past of the town of Enniskillen. A visit not to miss if you’re around!
20. Mount Stewart
Mount Stewart is a huge building on the shore of Strangford Lough, nestled in the heart of the Ards Peninsula. Only 30 minutes from Belfast, there’s definitely something to escape to for a long walk in the huge gardens of the house!
Built in the 18th century, Mount Stewart was the home of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family, the Marquis of Londonderry. It was in 1921 that the gardens were rebuilt and landscaped, on the orders of Lady Edith Londonderry. The house has welcomed many personalities, including King George VI and Queen Elizabeth just after their wedding.
Visitors are often struck by the cement statues of animals and mythical creatures throughout the garden. These statues represent the politicians, including Churchill, who were part of the famous Ark Club founded by Lady Londonderry in 1915.
Map of the Famous Landmarks of Northern Ireland
To get the free map of the famous landmarks Northern Ireland has to offer, simply click on the image below to open it in Google Maps. Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps.
I hope you could’ve completed your Northern Ireland bucket list thanks to this guide. If perhaps you’d like to discover other places in Ireland and/or Northern Ireland, you should check these guides:
- Most Famous Landmarks in Belfast
- 28 Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Northern Ireland
- 40 Famous Landmarks in Ireland
You can also check the full guide of all the famous UK landmarks 👉 The Very Best Landmarks in the UK.
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