If you’re looking for something to do this bank holiday weekend, then you’ll be happy to know that you can just zip up the road to the North of the country and explore some hidden gems.
We’ve picked out five spots for you to explore over the long weekend, especially if you have little ones who are bored at home.
Here’s how to spend a bank holiday weekend in Northern Ireland…
County Down
@ireland_before_you_die Should we make this a series…? 👀☘️ #ireland🇮🇪 #fyp #countydown #irishtravelguide #exploreireland #IB4UD #irishtravel #northernireland #visitireland #irishroadtrip #irishcastles #placestovisitinireland #hikes ♬ CountDown – T.M.T
Begin your journey with a scenic 20-minute ride on the Carlingford Lough Ferry, arriving near the Mourne Mountains via a beautiful coastal route. Just 10 minutes from the dock, visit Killowen Distillery, Northern Ireland’s smallest, for a hands-on tour and tasting experience.
Next, head to Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch to reconnect with nature. On your return, explore Castlewellan Forest Park and try to conquer the Peace Maze, one of the largest hedge mazes in the world.
Wrap up your adventure with a relaxing stay at the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa or Avoca Hotel in Newcastle, and enjoy panoramic views from the Mourne Eye Ferris Wheel.
County Fermanagh
@sashaferg Things to do in Fermanagh ⛴️ Rent a boat and sail around lower lough Erne 💸 £150 for the all day 8 person boat 🐕 Dog Friendly 📍 The Manor House #fermanagh #discoverNI #boat #thingstodofermanagh #fermanaghwildswim #wildswimming ♬ original sound – Sasha | Travel & Illustrator
Discover County Fermanagh’s stunning scenery, from tranquil lakelands to the charming island town of Enniskillen. Begin your adventure at the Marble Arch Caves, part of the UNESCO Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark, with guided tours through awe-inspiring underground passages.
Next, hike the iconic Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, nicknamed the Stairway to Heaven, an 11km route leading to a dramatic viewing platform atop Cuilcagh Mountain. End your trip with a relaxing stay on Lusty Beg Island, a 75-acre private retreat offering breathtaking views, spa indulgence, and a mix of land and water activities.
Belfast City
@explorewithcriostoir 5 unmissable spots for when you come to visit Belfast! 1.Palm House, Botanic 2.City Hall and Linen Quarter 3. Cathedral Quarter 4. Queens Quarter 5. Union Street Art #simplyireland #ireland #discoverireland #irish #visitireland #loveireland #wildatlanticway #irelandtravel #tourismireland #dublin #exploreireland #nature #photography #discoverdublin #lovindublin #travelphotography #irelandphotography #landscape #bestirelandpics #wanderireland #visitdublin #irishpassion #irlanda #travelireland #exploreireland #belfast #northernireland ♬ sonido original – clau
Belfast is buzzing this summer with a perfect mix of culture, food, and history. In one day, enjoy a self-guided tour of Titanic Belfast, browse local delights at St. George’s Market, join a Taste & Tour to meet local food innovators, and enjoy a sensory journey at Titanic Distillers.
Extend your stay at top city hotels like Ten Square, The Grand Central, or Bullitt Hotel. With more time, dive into Belfast’s rich culture as a UNESCO City of Music, enjoy the nightlife in the Cathedral Quarter, and explore over 150 years of history at the iconic Crumlin Road Gaol.
Derry City
@visitderry There’s so much to do and see in Derry. Here’s 10 free things to kickstart your trip in the Walled City 🌆 Find out more at visitderry.com 🌐 #VisitDerry #Derry #Londonderry #WalledCity #CityBreak #WeekendGetaway #BeautifulPlaces #Ireland #LoveIreland #FillYourHeartWithIreland #EmbraceAGiantSpirit #DiscoverNI ♬ original sound – Visit Derry
Immerse yourself in culture in County Derry, starting at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace to explore the poet’s early life. In Derry City, walk the historic 400-year-old walls, visit the ornate Guildhall, and snap a photo at the famous Derry Girls Mural. Fans of the show can dive deeper at The Derry Girls Experience in the Tower Museum.
Get the most out of your visit with the Visit Derry Sightseeing Pass, granting access to ten top attractions from just £30.
Food lovers will be spoiled for choice with standout dining at Browns in Town, Irish-Spanish fusion at El Tapas Gra, and local brews with artisan fare at Stitch and Weave in Ebrington Square.
County Antrim
@eadaoinfitzmaurice 3 fun activities to try out in #ireland ☘️🇮🇪 Which would you choose? #antrim #galway ♬ original sound – Éadaoin
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge in County Antrim. Suspended nearly 100 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, this thrilling rope bridge connects the mainland to the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede.
Originally built by salmon fishermen over 250 years ago, it now offers breathtaking coastal views, dramatic cliffs, and a true adrenaline rush as you cross. It’s part of the Causeway Coastal Route, so you can easily combine it with a visit to the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, or Ballintoy Harbour (a filming location for Game of Thrones). Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike!
Whether you’re chasing adventure, soaking up culture, or simply looking to relax, Antrim really is the perfect spot to spend the Bank Holiday Weekend.
Words by Edel Hickey
