Places to visit in Northern Ireland

Mount Stewart is a Neo-classical masterpiece with gardens once voted in the top ten in the world. The estate is an exceptional example of the Irish demesne, intended to be both beautiful and productive, with woodland, orchards and farmland providing for the needs of the household. Positioned on a rise overlooking Strangford Lough, the octagonal Temple of the Winds is an 18th century Grade 1 listed building which offers stunning views of the Ards Peninsula.

Famed for its unique mix of architectural styles, see the gothic and classical collide at Castle Ward. This eccentric 18th-century mansion rests on a rolling hillside and looks out over the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough in County Down. Walk or cycle along the Lough trail or through the sheltered woodlands and spot butterflies, rabbits, ducks and swans. Step into a fantasy world of castles and dragons as you explore the Georgian farmyard and the lough shore, film locations for the hit television series Game of Thrones.

A treasure trove of magical gardens and woodlands. Let your imagination run riot among the unusual plants, colours, sculptures and magical features in one of the most beautiful gardens in Northern Ireland. Carved from the County Down landscape, the garden has grown from 19th century beginnings with a vision to create a place where you can leave the outside world behind and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. The gardens are a mix of formal and informal spaces with many unusual vistas and unique plants from across the world.

Castle Coole is one of the greatest neo-classical country houses in Ireland. Built to impress in the 1790s by the first Earl of Belmore, no expense was spared on a design to outdo the home of his brother in law, the Earl of Enniskillen, at nearby Florence Court. Various craftsmen were employed from across Ireland and Britain to decorate the interior of the house, from the fine plasterwork to the marble fireplaces and the scagliola columns. 

Florence Court epitomises the Irish country house: a grand and elegant house in a romantic setting with self-sufficient demesne complete with gardens, parkland, woodland, and supporting buildings. The beauty and peacefulness of Florence Court bely the sometimes turbulent lives of those who lived and worked here during the course of its 300-year history.

Escape to the shores of Upper Lough Erne at the breathtakingly beautiful Crom. The tranquil 2,000 acre estate is made up of tranquil islands and ancient woodlands. One of Ireland's most important conservation areas, the landscape of Crom is home to a wealth of wildlife including beautiful butterflies, wild deer and the elusive pine marten.

Steeped in myth and magic, the Giant's Causeway is a must-see in Northern Ireland. This world-famous wonder is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the stories behind this legendary landscape with a guided walk or audio tour. Booking for Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience is essential.

Wander into the wild cliff-top garden amongst the ruins of Downhill House. Set on a rugged headland, Downhill Demesne is home to one of the most photographed buildings in Ireland. Perched on the cliff-face, 120ft high above the Atlantic Ocean is Mussenden Temple.

This spectacular sandy beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim Coast. White Park Bay remains one of the most natural coastline sites on the North Coast. The beach is backed by ancient dunes and species rich chalk grasslands, which are carpeted in rare plants including many orchids.

One of the most famous pubs in Belfast, The Crown Bar was originally a Victorian gin palace. Known as the Crown Liquor Saloon, it has been sympathetically restored by the National Trust to remain an icon of Belfast city. A must-see, this visual gem is a masterpiece of bar architecture. A myriad of mosaic tiles and stained glass, its period gas lighting still illuminate the cosy snugs which feature original gun metal plates for striking matches and an antique bell system.

Divis and the Black Mountain provides a beautiful backdrop to the Belfast city skyline. Reaching its spectacular viewpoint, it rewards visitors with panoramic views of city. A mosaic of grassland and heathland bog, this stunning landscape is home to a host of wildlife. On a clear day, the trails even boast views of Strangford Lough, the Mournes and the Sperrins as well as Donegal and Scotland.

A haven in the heart of the city, the meadows of Minnowburn line the Lagan on the southern edge of Belfast city. Perfect for a short or long walk, discover the burn that gives the area its name as you stroll where generations of children fished for minnows. Enjoy a picnic at Terrace Hill as you discover the garden built by linen merchants. On the other side is a short walk to the Giant’s Ring, a huge neolithic earth henge and tomb. Keep an eye out for sculptures and natural art along the way or the blue flash of a Kingfisher on the water.

Built in the 1820s for the MacGeough Bond family, The Argory was designed by Arthur and John Williamson of Dublin around 1819. This atmospheric Irish gentry house came into existence due to a quirky stipulation in a will. Created with Caledon stone with Navan limestone foundations and window sills, the interior of this understated and intimate house remains unchanged since 1900. Stepping inside this Neo-classical masterpiece reveals the eclectric tastes and interests of the family. Outside this Neo-classical masterpiece, there is even more to explore. The grounds offer sweeping vistas and scenic walks including a rose garden with striking sundial.

17th-century house with elegant 18th-century decoration and a traditional farmyard. This charming 17th-century farmhouse, elegantly remodelled in Georgian times, offers fun and relaxation for all the family. Set in 100 acres of countryside there are apple orchards, charming woodland and riverside walks. The atmosphere of a working farmyard has been rekindled with the return of animals.

The elegant thatched house at Derrymore in Bessbrook sits at the heart of a late 18th century landscape park and dense woodland less than 2 miles from Newry. Providing a sanctuary for wildlife and a valued place to walk, play and relax, it has local significance to Newry and Bessbrook and is associated with important moments in Irish and British history.