8 Offbeat Towns to Visit in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is awash with verdant landscapes and intriguing towns, making it ideal for enchanting getaways. Each of the following eight towns brings a unique mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. From renowned whiskey-producing locales to coastal scenes and calming retreats, these towns call to travelers with their distinct character and myriad attractions. Whether you are drawn to historic landmarks, outdoor exploration, or vibrant market towns, you will find a diverse array of destinations that promise unforgettable experiences for every visitor. Read on to spark your imagination for your next travel adventure.
Bushmills
The town of Bushmills in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, is an attractive destination known for its world-renowned whiskey and picturesque streets dotted with shops, cafés, and pubs. Guests can peruse the Old Bushmills Distillery Gift Shop, offering whiskey-related souvenirs, or peruse local craft shops like The Designerie for handmade goods. Cafés like the Bothy Cafe provide cozy surroundings and delectable treats for a caffeine fix or a satisfying meal.
Alternatively, you are bound to satisfy your appetite at Market Square, a café and restaurant serving everything from amazing burgers to mouthwatering seafood. Also, guests will find an assortment of beer, wine, and spirits here. The golfers among you should check out the Bushfoot Golf Club for some rounds of golf on the lush 9-hole course with gorgeous sea views at Runkerry Bay.
Perhaps an exploratory visit to a castle is your cup of tea. If that is the case, Dunluce Castle, perched on a hill facing the North Atlantic Ocean, could be just the adventure for you and your party. For a memorable place to stay, consider The Bushmills Inn. Originally a 17th-century coaching inn with stables providing a rest stop for travelers and their horses, it now features 41 well-appointed luxury rooms for restful nights. The bar at Bushmills Inn serves a wide selection of alcoholic drinks, including Bushmills whiskey, in a warm environment, quaintly lit up with gas lanterns, as it was in its early days.
Castlewellan
Travelers to Castlewellan will want to spend time at the Castlewellan Forest Park. The park spans over a thousand acres and features a network of trails winding through woodlands, around the serene Castlewellan Lake, and up into the surrounding mountains. It is also home to the National Arboretum, displaying a diverse grove of trees from around the world. Meanwhile, Castlewellan Lake is a tranquil setting for various water-based activities such as fishing, kayaking, and boating, with the majestic Mourne Mountains providing a stunning backdrop.
Visitors to Castlewellan can enjoy activities such as horseback riding, mountain biking, and participating in festivals held year-round. A main attraction is the Peace Maze, which serves as a meaningful symbol of the region's journey toward peace and reconciliation. Spanning about 2.7 acres, the maze features a network of pathways weaving through carefully maintained hedges, creating an intricate pattern. Its design, rich in symbolism, represents the complexities of Northern Ireland's history and the effort to achieve peace. Visitors can navigate its winding paths to reach the center and then exit, with interpretive panels providing insights into the design, symbolism, and the peace process. At the core of the maze stands a bell tower, embodying hope, unity, and harmony among diverse communities. When it's time to rest, guests can stay in one of 20 elegantly decorated rooms at Hillyard House, which also offers an on-site restaurant and bar serving locally sourced dishes, craft beers, and cocktails.
Portrush
Portrush is a vibrant coastal town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, renowned for its stunning beaches. The town features three main beaches that attract visitors worldwide. White Rocks Beach, with its golden sand and limestone cliffs, is perfect for sunbathing and relaxing walks. East Strand is favored by surfers due to its reliable waves and is safeguarded by lifeguards. West Strand, next to East Strand, is suitable for families thanks to its shallow waters and local amenities, including cafes and ice cream shops. For instance, Kiwi's Brew Bar offers a relaxed beachfront atmosphere where visitors can enjoy craft beers, burgers, and wings. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and enjoy the seaside vibe, while Morelli’s is famous for its delicious, award-winning artisanal ice cream.
For a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, you do not want to miss the town's iconic landmark, The White House department store. The shopping hub has been serving locals and visitors for over a century, offering a wide range of clothing and home decor items from premium brands. Additionally, The White House has an impressive furniture floor, where shoppers can find everything from elegant decor to practical pieces to enhance their living spaces. One of the highlights of the store is the newly renovated Trocadero Restaurant, providing patrons with a delightful experience of a leisurely meal, cup of coffee, or a glass of wine.
Ballycastle
Ballycastle’s origins can be traced back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Neolithic period, so there is bound to be a wealth of interesting sites for curious travelers to explore.
One notable historical landmark in Ballycastle is Kinbane Castle. Built in the 16th century, a medieval ruin is now perched on a rugged cliff overlooking the sea. The intriguing ruins are set against panoramic views of the coastline.
For those searching for the quintessential Northern Ireland pub experience, the town is home to several traditional pubs that serve locally brewed ale. Some popular choices are O'Connor's Bar and The Boyd Arms.
For seafood lovers, Ballycastle offers an array of dining establishments specializing in locally sourced seafood dishes. Restaurants like Morton's, The Cellar Restaurant, and Macaroni’s Bar and Bistro are known for their delicious seafood menus, featuring everything from fresh fish and crabcakes to hearty seafood chowder.
The Ould Lammas Fair is a cherished annual event that brings joy to Ballycastle, with roots dating back to the 17th century. Originally started as a lively market for livestock and farm produce, it has grown into a vibrant celebration full of carnival rides, live music, street performers, and delicious Irish food stalls. Held on the last Monday and Tuesday of August, this special event draws thousands of visitors from near and far, making it a highlight of the town's social calendar.
When it comes to places to stay in Ballycastle, you'll find a welcoming range of options to match every budget and taste. From cozy bed and breakfasts and guesthouses to charming boutique hotels and self-catering cottages, there’s plenty to choose from in and around the town. Some favorites include The Marine Hotel and Ballycastle Rooms.
Rostrevor
Rostrevor is situated at the base of the Mourne Mountains. This seaside town is replete with stunning natural landscapes, intriguing historical sites, and entertaining cultural events, making it an irresistible destination for travelers.
At the heart of Rostrevor is Kilbroney Park, a vast recreational area with serene lakes, lush woodlands, and trails, perfect for hiking and biking. There is a two-mile drive through the forest, providing magnificent vistas of Carlingford Lough. Sure to keep the whole family entertained, the park features amenities such as a children's play area and tennis courts. You will find an information center and a café conveniently located onsite.
Just outside of Rostrevor, the old medieval tombstones at the Kilbroney Church ruins and ancient Celtic crosses, some pre-dating the 15th century, are sure to be a highlight of any day of adventure.
Rostrevor is not only famous for its stunning natural and historic sites, but it also buzzes with energy thanks to its lively cafes and galleries. For instance, Synge and Bryne offers a delicious variety of foods, from hearty teas and coffees to tempting treats. Conveniently located right in the heart of Kilbroney Park, it’s easy to visit, especially since it’s near the bike trails, play park, and tennis courts. If you love exploring art, be sure to look out for the bright yellow door on the dark blue building housing Jacqueline Rooney Art Ltd on Mary Street. Step inside for a colorful journey into artistic brilliance—it's truly a visual delight. When it comes to cozy and family-friendly accommodations, The Rostrevor Inn offers charming rooms and a warm welcome. Food enthusiasts will enjoy their traditional Irish dishes, especially the fresh seafood sourced from local fishermen, served at The Rostrevor Inn Dining. For drinks, their traditional bar is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of local craft gin or a pint of regional craft beer.
Ballymoney
In Northern Ireland's heart, Ballymoney offers a central base for travelers embarking on various adventures. It's within a half-hour drive to the coast, where visitors can choose from beaches like Castlerock Beach or Portstewart Strand for swimming, fishing, surfing, or relaxing on the sand. For a surreal experience, explore the Dark Hedges, a famous avenue of beech trees planted in the 18th century. Its magical appearance attracts photographers, filmmakers, and nature lovers worldwide and has featured in the TV series "Game of Thrones."
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at the 18-hole Gracehill Golf Club. If the weather isn't cooperative for outdoor play, the indoor Causeway Golf Center offers advanced simulator bays suitable for all skill levels.
The Joey Dunlop Memorial Gardens provides a tranquil setting for a peaceful walk. Dedicated to the legendary motorcyclist Joey Dunlop, the well-maintained gardens offer a perfect spot for quiet reflection, whether you're familiar with his achievements or not.
For accommodations, consider The Hedges Hotel, which offers comfortable rooms and two dining options to suit any mood: Lannister’s Lounge for casual dining and The Hedges Restaurant upstairs for more formal occasions.
Newtownards
Newtownards is a historic market town located in County Down, just east of Belfast. It offers a mix of natural beauty, historic sights, and modern facilities. While visiting, you might want to see Mount Stewart House and Gardens, famous for its scenic landscapes and historic building. Strangford Lough's mild climate supports a variety of garden styles, from Mediterranean-inspired formal gardens to wooded areas with plants from around the world, providing year-round visual interest.
Beyond these landmarks, Newtownards boasts a vibrant town center with shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. The Ards Shopping Centre is ideal for shopping, followed by coffee or a meal at cozy cafes like Coronal Paddy’s Café or Caffe Nero. Traditional pubs such as The Auld House offer local ambiance, while seafood lovers might enjoy Daft Eddy's on Sketrick Island, perfect after a boat tour with Strangford Lough Boat Tours.
Outdoor activities abound, including scenic walks along Strangford Lough and hiking in nearby hills. Water sports enthusiasts can engage in sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing due to the town's proximity to the lough.
For lodging, the Strangford Arms Hotel offers various room options, from budget to family-sized accommodations.
Dungannon
Vacationers will surely enjoy spending quality time outdoors and connecting with nature in Dungannon. Parkanaur Forest Park, just a few miles west of town, offers a delightful array of family-friendly walking trails amid stunning natural beauty. The River Walk provides chances to see wildlife such as dippers, kingfishers, and wagtails along the Torrent River. The Deer Park Walk takes visitors through a charming deer park, where they can get a close look at a herd of white fallow deer, passing by lovely landmarks like the two parasol beech trees and picturesque gardens. Meanwhile, the Waterfall Walk follows the Torrent River upstream, passing ancient oak trees, a beautiful waterfall, a stone arch, and a peaceful pond, where lucky visitors might spot a kingfisher.
Don’t forget to enjoy leisurely strolls around Dungannon Park for even more outdoor fun and relaxation. Just 2 miles from the town center, the park offers a peaceful retreat within its 70-acre landscape, featuring a serene lake with winding pathways, tennis courts, a kids’ play area, and a special barbeque spot—perfect for creating wonderful memories with family and friends.
For overnight stays, a cozy caravan and campsite are open from March 17th to September 30th. Fish enthusiasts can try trout fishing at the Park Lake Trout Fishery, while sports lovers can enjoy the tennis courts, football, and cricket pitches. The park's modern visitor center provides handy facilities like toilets, laundry services, kitchen amenities, and a TV lounge, making sure everyone feels comfortable and well taken care of. For additional accommodation options, consider staying at KC Accommodations or The Cohannon Inn.
As the sun sets over Northern Ireland's magical landscapes, the collective charm of its towns is a testament to the region's rich heritage and enduring allure. Whether meandering through ancient ruins, savoring locally brewed ale, or indulging in outdoor adventures amidst breathtaking scenery, these towns offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of this captivating land. With their warmth, hospitality, and boundless treasures, Northern Ireland's towns invite travelers to embark on a journey of discovery and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
