11 Of The Friendliest Towns In Northern Ireland
The green hills and blue waves of Northern Ireland are magical at sunrise and even more so at sunset. In between, this part of Ireland offers warmth and hospitality, along with some of the most incredible local events and experiences.
Newry's Footsteps in the Forest event features mythical stories and woodland trails lit only by old-fashioned lanterns. Bushmills offers something completely different with the Salmon and Whiskey Festival, which offers great food and world-renowned Irish whiskey. Portstewart caters to the ocean lovers with its beach sauna on Portstewart Strand and wild outdoor views at Herring Pond.
Around every corner in these small towns, friendly locals await to point visitors in the direction they should go for a true Northern Ireland encounter.
Newry, County Armagh
Newry's residents want visitors to be in on their secret: they are one of the most welcoming communities in Northern Ireland.
One of the town's biggest draws is the Footsteps in the Forest event that celebrates the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain and draws inspiration from woodland creatures and spooky Halloween moments.
In the fall, the Autumn Celebration in the Garden features storytelling and dancing in Slieve Gullion Forest Park. The community also hosts Hikes for Health in October, with visitors welcome to join.
Between events, there is the Booley and Butter Experience, which demonstrates how butter was once made in the country. Visitors can join locals for the wonder of forest bathing or explore the Newry and Mourne Museum at Bagenal's Castle. The castle is a fortified house built in the 16th century that now holds the historic museum.
Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
Enniskillen has made the top five list of friendliest towns in Northern Ireland quite a few times already. People come here to experience the hospitality at restaurants and hotels, and to see places like Enniskillen Castle, one of the historic sites that the town and the country are most proud of. It houses the Inniskillings Museum and the Fermanagh County Museum, both of which display historic artifacts.
Enniskillen's outdoor attractions are equally impressive, with the Stairway to Heaven leading people through a bog and moorland to the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain. Those who want to get to know Enniskillen's residents better can join the local scavenger hunt which starts at the castle and meanders through the downtown area.
Belleek, County Fermanagh
There are warm welcomes galore in Belleek, which sits on the banks of the River Erne. Everyone comes together for the St Patrick's Day Festival every year in March. The festival includes parades in all shades of green as well as street parties.
Trad Under the Trees celebrates local folk singers and musicians in the Walled Garden at Castle Caldwell. The town is also famous for Belleek Pottery, the oldest pottery in Ireland. There are collections of vases to see here, as well as, a visitor center to explore.
After checking out the pottery, visitors can head to Lower Lough Erne to wander the Castle Archdale Forest and Country Park. There is also White Island with its strange sandstone figures to see. The figures date to the ninth century and are lined up along the ruined wall of a 12th-century church.
Moy, County Tyrone
In Moy, locals gather at Moy Square, built in the 18th century. In the summer, games are played in the square as flowers bloom along its walls. It was laid out in the 1760s by Lord Charlemont, who wanted it to look like a traditional Italian town square.
The sense of community continues at Tomneys Bar, one of the oldest in the region. People come here to enjoy the live music and have a pint or two while exploring the Irish pub trail. The Moy Larder draws more groups who want to eat and relax with a cup of coffee.
Nearby, the Argory offers walking trails, while Benburb Valley Park allows visitors to see the Benburb Priory up close.
Donaghadee, County Down
It is said that if you stand on the shore in Donaghadee on a clear day, you can see all the way to Scotland across the Irish Sea. This little nugget is a great icebreaker for visitors and locals to get to know each other. Of course, there is also one of the oldest pubs in Ireland, where many new friendships have been formed.
Grace Neill's was once known as The King's Arms after it opened in 1611, and it is also one of Ireland's most haunted pubs. Other Donaghadee experiences include taking the Heritage Walk, which starts at the harbor, past the Manor House and Admiral Leslie Hall, before heading to the pub.
Anglers will feel right at home in Donaghadee too, with fishing possible from the harbor and fly fishing at the Bridgewater Fishery.
Newcastle, County Down
Newcastle's Eats & Beats Festival brings people together from all over Northern Ireland. It usually takes place the first weekend in September and is hosted on different stages across town. Attendees can expect seafood sourced from Carlingford Lough and eat to the beat of rock and pop numbers performed by a whole lineup of artists and bands.
Those who rock up in Newcastle with the family in tow can spend a day at Kents Amusements, playing the original Pac-Man and other video games. Newcastle Beach is great for a breather and taking in the views of the Mourne Mountains with swan boats available to take out on the Castle Park Boating Pond at the end of a fun day.
Rostrevor, County Down
Some of Northern Ireland's magic is contained in the Rostrevor forest park, which is said to have inspired C.S. Lewis to dream up the land of Narnia. People can take the Narnia Trail, which offers lovely views of Warrenpoint and Carlingford Lough.
The locals tell the story of Finn McCool, who apparently tossed a boulder like a tennis ball across the lough, crushing his enemy. It is said he rested after his fight at the top of Slieve Martin, and his body turned to stone. The Cloughmore Stone now overlooks the town from the mountain's slope.
There are more incredible sites to see around Rostrevor, including the Ross Monument. The monument was put up in honor of Major General Robert Ross, who died in the Battle of Baltimore in 1814. The Kilkeel road leads to Kilfeaghan Dolmen, a portal tomb that is around 4,500 years old and down Hilltown Road, visitors will find the ruins of St. Bronagh's Church, where it was once said that prayers would be answered if the bell was rung three times.
Those who want to experience Rostrevor's hospitality can join the locals at Kilbroney Park for a great day by the river and among the trees.
Bushmills, County Antrim
The road to Bushmills passes the Giant's Causeway. Here, ancient basalt columns tell more stories of Ireland's mythical giant, Finn. Three more miles takes travelers right into Bushmills, where the Bushmills Inn welcomes them with a drink and a chance to warm up by the fireplace. The inn is one of the town's many historic buildings and was constructed in the 1800s.
The Bushmills Distillery has even more beverage options, including local whiskey, to try. When people are not gathering at the Inn or the Distillery, they head to the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge to look out over the sea and take selfies.
Those who want their photos to be a little more dramatic take a stroll to Dunluce Castle, which looms on a high rock along the coast. Or, they take the short drive to the Dark Hedges, made famous by Game of Thrones.
Visitors who plan their Bushmills trip for October can catch the annual Salmon & Whiskey Festival and enjoy excellent seafood and specialized whiskey.
Cushendun, County Antrim
Twenty-four miles from Bushmills, the town of Cushendun boasts another Game of Thrones backdrop. The Cushendun Caves are instantly recognizable to fans of the show as the Stormlands.
However, for those who do not come to Cushendun for the filming sites usually come to see if they can spot a red squirrel. It is common to see both travelers and residents take strolls in Cregagh Wood in the hopes of spotting these rare little creatures.
The town itself looks like a place you would find in Cornwall, England, with its whitewashed cottages. These cottages and the harbor serve as the backdrop for the Glens Storytelling Festival in October and the Big Arts Weekend & Makers Market during the May Bank Holiday weekend. The storytelling festival brings people together to hear myths and legends from the area. The arts weekend features live music and locally produced artworks.
Cushendall, County Antrim
Cushendall lies ten minutes from Cushendun and is where people flock for the Heart of the Glens festival. The festival is held over nine days and features an opening parade and lots of Irish dancing. People take part in the Lurig Challenge Run and do the Waves of Tory dance in the streets.
The Lurigethan Mountain overlooks the town and Cushendall Beach, where people can walk in the shallows and have picnics while enjoying the views.
The nearby Glenariff Forest Park features walking trails through woodlands across 1000 acres. Above the village, visitors can learn more about the Fianna legend at Oisin's Grave, and the Red Bay Castle ruins are a short drive away.
Portstewart, County Derry
Portstewart has earned the title of Northern Ireland's best town to live in, and it is also one of the friendliest.
During the Red Sails Festival at the Promenade, residents and visitors can watch the Blessing of the Boats, join the Carnival Disco, and go bubble biking. During the summer, cliff jumping and fishing trips are some of the most popular activities at the Promenade.
The Blue Flag Portstewart Strand is great for picnicking and surfing, and the beach walk takes people all the way to Barmouth, where the River Bann meets the ocean. It is possible to see the Mussenden Temple and the Donegal headlands from the beach before heading to Portstewart Crescent, where kids can play in the paddling pool, and families can watch the musical fountain, the first in Europe.
The Herring Pond tidal pool is also a great place to swim and enjoy the views.
Northern Ireland's Warmest Towns
In between sightseeing, there is plenty of opportunity for visitors to meet the locals of Northern Ireland's friendliest towns. Travelers show up as strangers, ask a resident where to eat, and end up making new friends over a bowl of Irish stew at a historic pub.
While strolling the green hills and surfing the waves, you might also just end up finding a community that welcomes you like a friend.
