This summer may not have been a classic weather-wise but that certainly hasn’t reduced the need to answer the dreaded “I’m bored” chorus from restless kids.
As they prepare to head back-to-school it’s worth remembering that Northern Ireland is full of giant adventures that will allow you to spend quality time together, no matter the season, the weather or the budget!
With so many value for money activities, so close to home, Discover Northern Ireland has put together a list of awesome activities, museums, outdoor excursions and more for the whole family to enjoy this summer and beyond. Just pack your bags, hop in the car, train, bus or even cycle, to these amazing adventures.
Beautiful Beaches
Who doesn’t love a family day out by the sea. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Irish Sea on the other, Northern Ireland, with its golden sand and impressive dunes, is home to some of the best and most spectacular beaches.
· Ballycastle Beach, County Antrim
Northern Ireland’s Beach of the Year 2024, according to the Sunday Times, Ballycastle beach backs onto Ballycastle Golf Club. This predominately sandy beach has some shingle and is approximately 1.2km in length with a promenade at its western end – it is perfect for sunbathing and close to the town for ice-creams.
· Groomsport Beach, County Down
Once a major fishing harbour, Groomsport is now home to one of Northern Ireland’s only fully accessible beaches. On weekends throughout August an all-terrain wheelchair and mobility aids loan scheme will be operated by the Mae Murray foundation. Pre-booking essential.
· Whiterocks Beach, County Antrim
With limestone cliffs that stretch from the Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle, Whiterocks Beach is a year-round magnet for water sports enthusiasts, walkers and families. With coffee and ice-cream vans nearby, make some giant memories close to home.
· Portstewart Strand, County Londonderry
Enjoy two miles of golden sand, 6,000-year-old dunes and seasonal wildlife at Portstewart Strand. Just minutes from the town centre, dip your toes in the water, brave the waves with your bodyboard and grab a bite to eat at Harry’s Shack. Working with the Mae Murray Foundation, the beach provides access, parking, disabled toilets and a beach equipment loan scheme.
· Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down
Nestled under the beautiful Mourne Mountains, Murlough is a vast, five-mile-long beach, popular with wind and kite surfers and the seals and porpoises who are a common sight along its coastline. Just three miles from Newcastle, you’re never far away from some great shops, bars and restaurants.
A small, enclosed complex within Dundrum Bay, this flat, sandy beach is backed by 25 hectares of mature dunes. It has been awarded the prestigious Seaside Award annually since 1997 and has maintained Blue Flag status since 2011. The clean waters invite water sport enthusiasts, and the beach provides a haven perfect for family picnics.
· Benone Strand, County Londonderry
With seven miles of golden sand, without rocks, shingle or seaweed and a backdrop of mountain and cliff scenery, this beach is the perfect spot for water sports, walking, picnics and fishing.
· Warrenpoint Beach, County Down
Located alongside the Mourne Mountains on the shores of Carlingford Lough, this gently sloping shell beach, just minutes from the play park at Warrenpoint Park, offers a promenade popular with all types of walkers and lots of activities including, kayaking, banana boating and canoeing.
Terrific Tours and delightful days out
From awe-inspiring scenery to world-class attractions and experiences, Northern Ireland is a treasure trove of amazing environments to explore and magical stories ripe for uncovering.
This summer, make sure you have one giant adventure after another and take a tour of some of the most interesting towns, cities and landscapes that are right on your doorstep.
· The Peter Rabbit ™ Adventure at Hillsborough Castle, County Down
Hop, skip and jump over to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens for a special Peter Rabbit adventure where kids go free all summer. Let your imagination roam as you follow a trail through the castle gardens and see Beatrix Potter’s beloved characters come to life. While here, why not take a tour of the charming royal residence or explore the digital sculpture trail in the nearby Hillsborough Forest.
· An Creagán, Omagh, County Tyrone
Delighting families, individuals and groups for 30 years, An Creagán is a superb site at the foothills of the majestic Sperrin Mountains between the market towns of Omagh and Cookstown. Enjoy the ‘Wild Woods’, play garden and the many walks and cycle trails or savour the fantastic local produce served up in the restaurant.
· Oakfire Adventures, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry
With four epic ziplines across Faughan Valley’s woodland, water and cliffs, Oakfire Adventures is family-fuelled fun in the great outdoors. With its intricate crossings, wobbly bridges and brilliant zip line finales, don’t skip the Tree Trek Adventure.
· Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh, County Armagh
Experience life over 2,000 years ago as you walk in the footsteps of warriors to the ancient Navan Fort – the site of a great temple built in 95BC. Immerse yourself in Iron Age life as your guide explains how and why this impressive ceremonial structure was built, meet the resident Celtic clan and visit their settlement.
· Streamvale Open Farm, Belfast
The ideal spot for families to learn and play together, this is one visit your little ones won’t want to miss. You’ll have an abundance of opportunities to meet all the animals as you explore Piggy Palace, the duck pond and the paddock where you can feed the cows, donkeys, ponies and sheep. Kids will love Pet’s Corner, the sheep dog show and the free tractor and barrel rides around the farm.
· Tanaghmore Gardens and Animal Farm, Lurgan, County Armagh
One of Craigavon City Park’s major attractions, Tannaghmore Gardens and Animal Farm offers close encounters with many animals traditionally found on farms in Ulster including breeds like Irish Moiled Cattle, Galway Sheep and Saddleback Pigs. Entrance to the farm is free of charge.
· Pickie Fun Park, Bangor, County Down
Pickie Fun Park offers fun for all the family overlooking Bangor Bay. Children can play in the adventure playground, enjoy the watery fun of the splash pads, take in a round of pickie golf, climb aboard the Pickie Puffer or pedal a giant Pickie Swan around the shallow waters of the lagoon, all before lunch in the Pickie Café.
· The Jungle NI, Moneymore, County Londonderry
The Jungle NI is the perfect place to test your sense of daring and adventure with its exciting activities and events suitable for all ages. Think zorbing, paintball, high wire tree top adventure courses, clay pigeon shooting, archery, llama trekking and much more. Why not make a weekend of it in their glamping pods while enjoying a roaring campfire and BBQ?
· Mourne Alpacas Experience, Dromara, County Down
Home to the largest breeding herd of alpacas on the island of Ireland, at Mourne Alpacas Experience you can trek with an alpaca, eat your picnic in the greeting paddock surrounded by alpacas or even stroll around the nursery paddocks and literally observe the stunning creation of new life and new alpaca families as you ‘Cria Watch’.
· Todd’s Leap Activity Centre, Ballygawley, County Tyrone
Days out at Todd’s Leap are all about getting outdoors, spending time with family and friends and experiencing the unforgettable thrill of any of the 20 action packed activities on offer including off-road road driving, a free-fall drop zone and the 150m long ‘BigYella’ Slide.
· Devenish Island Tour, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
Embark on a journey of history and tranquillity as you board the MK Kestrel and make your way to Devenish Island on Lower Lough Erne. Once moored, you can disembark and learn about the history of the island which features a fantastic Round Tower, an Augustinian Abbey and panoramic views of Fermanagh Lakelands. Also check out Erne Water Taxi who provide a wide range of tours in the area, including Devenish Island.
· Airtastic Entertainment Centres, Various
There’s entertainment for both the young and young at heart to be found in Airtastic Entertainment Centres in Bangor, Craigavon, Lisburn and Newtownabbey. Enjoy a mix of soft play centres, amusement arcades, trampoline and ninja parks, laser tag and a delicious American style NY Kitchen diner.
· Blue Green Yonder, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
With sites across Fermanagh, Blue Green Yonder offers a range of activities from its base (and delightful coffee shop) on Castle Island in Enniskillen town. Think guided paddle tours around Enniskillen or land-based activities including archery, climbing walls and a skate BMX Park.
· Laganvale Farm, Lisburn, County Antrim
Open Wednesday to Saturday each week, those who visit Laganvale Farm can chose to visit just the farm and learn about and pet a variety of animals or include a 90-minute indoor soft play session, enjoy the large, covered sandpit, go-karting tack, pedal tractors and maize maze as part of their visit.
Marvelous museums and exhibits
Everywhere you look in Northern Ireland there is history to be seen, so feed your inner culture vulture and expand your knowledge in some of our fantastic museum and visitor experiences.
· Ulster Aviation Society, Lisburn, County Antrim
Celebrate Northern Ireland’s aviation heritage at this unique display of 30+ historic aircraft including commercial, Cold War and WW2 aircraft and observe restorations in progress in a historic hangar. Tours must be arranged in advance.
· Enniskillen Castle, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
Built almost 600 years ago by Gaelic Maguires, this historic site houses two museums - Fermanagh County Museum and the Inniskillings Museum. Major new galleries interpret the county’s rich history as the Kingdom of Lough Erne while interactive displays celebrate local craftsmanship from Belleek Pottery and the rural traditions of the Fermanagh hearth.
· OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Davagh Forest, County Tyrone
Northern Ireland’s only international Dark Sky Park, OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory is found in Davagh Forest. Star hop across the universe on a daily guided tour. With holographic installations, virtual reality headsets and an augmented reality app, interactive exhibitions and walks link the landscape with the astronomical and archaeological heritage of the Sperrins.
· Guided Cave Tour, Marble Arch Caves, County Fermanagh
Enjoy the underground delights of the Marble Arch Caves as you explore its awesome rumbling rivers and meandering passages as your guide explains how the Porridge Pot, Organ Pipes and Guardian Angel formations earned their names.
· Armagh Observatory & Planetarium, County Armagh
Experience the wonders of the Universe and touch Ireland’s largest meteroite at Northern Ireland’s leading astronomical research and education facility. Take a tour of the night sky in the planetarium’s digital full dome theatre and discover how our scientific research has impacted the field of astronomy. While here make sure to check out Amagh’s Summer in the City featuring lots of free activites for children.
· Tower Museum, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry
Located within the city’s historic walls, the Tower Museum is home to two permanent exhibitions, ‘The Story of Derry’ and ‘An Armada Shipwreck – La Trinidad Valencera’. Located on the ground floor is the Derry Girls Experience. The top of the Tower Museum (level 5) provides the only open air viewing facility in the heart of the city centre with panoramic views of the inner city and river Foyle.
· Ulster American Folk Park, County Tyrone
Journey back in time and explore the well-trodden pathways and 30 traditional farmhouses at the Ulster American Folk Park. Learn what life was like in rural Ulster in the 18th and 19th centuries, step on-board a full-scale emigrant ship and experience the cramped quarters in which people made the journey to America. Meet characters in authentic costume who will show you traditional crafts, share their stories and even share some of their food.
Experience this world-leading and award-winning visitor experience that provides an incredible opportunity to learn all about Titanic’s history. Interpretative, interactive and split over nine-awe inspiring galleries, no stone is left unturned in retelling the ship’s incredible story.
· The Guildhall, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry
One of Derry~Londonderry’s most iconic landmarks, the Guildhall has been at the heart of the city’s life since 1887. Everyone is free to enter the neo-gothic, sandstone building and gaze upon its stunning stained-glass windows that feature everything from fishmongers to musicians. New interpretative panels dotted throughout the building, bring to life its many special features.
Housed in an iconic building in the beautiful surroundings of Belfast’s botanic gardens, The Ulster Museum is a place of awe and wonder. Free to visit, it’s a home to treasures past and present and invites you to come face to face with dinosaurs and see modern masterpieces from across the globe, through time and to the far reaches of outer space. And, if your family is hungry for more, check out the Ulster Folk Museum and Ulster Transport Museum in Holywood.
· WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, County Down
Escape the everyday and connect with nature as you experience the wonder of the wetlands on the picturesque shores of Strangford Lough. Get up close to their exceptional collection of active and exotic birds, ducks and geese. Join the keepers for daily diving duck talks and handfeeding sessions or explore the nature reserve with walking paths through both the wetlands and woodlands.
An award-winning science and discovery centre in the Titanic Quarter, that has been completely reimagined following a major £5million investment over recent years. An epic adventure awaits across eight zones, packed with 250 exhibits that excite and inspire. Enter a world of dragons with large scale animatronics, puppetry, projections and fully themed environments. Daily science shows at a purpose-built Science Bar will be a place for interactive learning and engagement.
Heroic hikes and trails
Whether you’re a take-it-easy ambler or a hardcore trekker, you’ll find your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland.
With stunning views, rugged cliffs and wide-open spaces, there is always something to discover, for families of all ages, around every corner, across the river or up the next hill.
· Giant’s Causeway and Visitors Centre, County Antrim
The National Trust’s Giant’s Causeway is made up of 40,000 basalt stone columns that capture the imagination of all who see them. From the impressive visitor’s centre, you can choose to take a guided tour of the Causeway or pick up an audio guide that takes you on a personal journey of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
· Davagh Forest Park, County Tyrone
A hidden gem in the heart of Mid-Ulster, Davagh Forest lies six miles north-west of Cookstown and is an untouched rural landscape of rolling hills and sweeping forests. Visitors may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of sika deer as they traverse the forest’s network of walking and impressive mountain biking trails.
· Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, County Fermanagh
Meandering through one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland, traverse tracks and boardwalks and climb the ‘stairway to heaven’ as you ascend Cuilcagh Mountain for breathtaking views of the surrounding lowlands and UNESCO Global Geopark.
· 17th Century City Walls, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry
Uncover the history, heritage and vibrant cultural scene of the maiden city as you tour its walls. Built between 1613 and 1618 Derry~Londonderry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland. Make sure you get a selfie at the Derry Girls Mural!
· Florence Court, County Fermanagh
Just eight miles outside Enniskillen and nestled against the wild mountain backdrop of Benaughllin and the Cuilcagh Mountains, enjoy glorious walks around the grounds of Florence Court and take in the walled garden, holiday cottage, sawmill and icehouse. The forest park also provides access to 15km of trails that suit a variety of abilities with bikes available to hire from the visitor centre.
· Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle, County Down
Covering almost 630 hectares, Tollymore, with its views of the sea and surrounding mountains is a rare treat for the whole family. Enjoy a walk along the Shimna river or take the arboretum path and spot a barn dressed up as a church and stone cones atop gate piers.
· The Giants of the Sperrins Sculpture Trail, County Tyrone
Created by renowned artist Thomas Dambo and inspired by the nature of the landscape and the giant spirit of the area’s people, the Giants of the Sperrins can be found on stunning walking trails in Glenelly Valley, the Mullaghcarn Mountain in Gortin Glens and Davagh Forest.
· Slieve Gullion Forest Park, County Armagh
Embrace an ancient landscape at Slieve Gullion Forest Park. The park features walking trails, an adventure playpark, a children’s story trail inspired by the rich tapestry of local legend that is open to boys, girls, elves and fairies alike, a scenic drive and a courtyard with coffee shop.
· Blessingbourne Country Estate, Fivemiletown, County Tyrone
Nestled in the heart of woodlands and lakes on the edge of Clogher Valley, Blessingbourne Estate is a tranquil destination offering a range of accommodation and mountain biking experiences for all ages and abilities. If mountain biking isn’t your thing, why not enjoy the working farm, coarse fishing and carriage and costume museum.
·The Argory, Moy, County Armagh
Built in the 1820s, this Georgian home perched on a hillside has wonderful views over the gardens and the 320-acre wooded estate bordering the River Blackwater. Enjoy fascinating courtyard displays, an adventure playground and an environmental sculpture trail. After working up an appetite, enjoy some tea and scones in The Courtyard Café.
· Castle Ward, Strangford, County Down
Once a working estate that included a water-powered sawmill, cornmill and farmyard, visitors today can explore cultivated gardens, sheltered woodland and six enjoyable trails along the shoreline of Strangford Lough. From beauty spots like Temple Water, to a tranquil beach in a hidden corner of the boundary trail, there is lots to explore at Castle Ward.
· Gosford Forest Park, Markethill, County Armagh
Open all year round, Gosford Forest Park comprises some 240 hectares of diverse woodland and open parkland. The park is an adventure paradise for all the family and has facilities including playparks, a castle, family mountain bike, horse and walking trails and a pump track.
· Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down
Having undergone a three-year £8million restoration programme, the 19th century house at Mount Stewart and its gardens are must-see attractions. Considered one of the most outstanding gardens in the world, visitors can enjoy the formal themed gardens and a picturesque lake walk as well as a play park and new walking trails which will take you through magical woodland and farmland.
· Glenariff Forest Park, County Antrim
With other 1,000 hectares of planted woodland, lakes, outdoor recreation spaces and conservation areas, Glenariff Forest Park is not to be missed. The waterfall walk takes you along the river gorge and past some truly spectacular waterfalls.
· Lough Navar Forest, Derrygonnelly, County Fermanagh
Roughly three miles outside the village of Derrygonnelly, Lough Navar Forest is a paradise for walkers, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts within the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark. Home to 2,600 hectares of bog; heath; open water; coniferous forest and native woodland, this forest boats a network of walking trails of varying length and offers some truly stunning views.
· Carnfunnock Country Park, Larne, County Antrim
Carnfunnock Country Park offers over 191 hectares of mixed woodland, colourful gardens and spectacular coastline. The walled garden is home to unique sundials and wooden sculptures. Enjoy a maritime themed outdoor adventure playground, a maze in the shape of Northern Ireland, a family fun zone with miniature railway, driving range, way-marked walks and more.
There are many more activities, outdoor areas, museums, exhibits and events to explore. For more information and inspiration for giant family days out in Northern Ireland visit discovernorthernireland.com