9 Whimsical Towns in Northern Ireland

To the right there is a medieval castle on a vibrant grass hill. To the left is the roaring coastline with deep blue waves crashing against rugged cliffs. Northern Ireland is a true delight of scenic nature, quaint villages, and lively culture. Even though Northern Ireland shares its Western and Southern borders with the Republic of Ireland, it is technically part of the United Kingdom.

Across 26 districts and six historic counties, Northern Ireland offers surreal mountain ranges, fresh bodies of water, and lowlands waiting to be explored. Both history and pop culture radiate throughout this magical region. Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland, is where the historic Titanic was built. For all the Games of Thrones fans, numerous areas around Northern Ireland were filming locations for the iconic TV Series. Stepping foot in Northern Ireland is like living in a fairytale with a promised happily ever after.

Portrush

Portrush is a coastal town that began as a tiny fishing village. Known as "Port Rois" in old Irish, it sits on a mile-long peninsula stretching into the Atlantic Ocean. Travelers can stroll through Portrush Harbour for a picturesque view or make a splash at the many beaches. Northern Ireland has eight beaches with Blue Flag status, meaning they meet high health, safety, and environmental standards. Portrush has three of those beaches: West and East Strands and the Whiterocks. To get that adrenaline flowing, visitors can scream on the rollercoasters at Curry’s Fun Park, formerly known as Barry’s Amusements, a beloved seaside attraction in Portrush. Portrush is also home to some of the best musicians and music venues in Northern Ireland, if not the whole of Ireland. Some popular venues include the Atlantic Bar, Springhill Bar, and the Harbour Bar.

Enniskillen

Over 400 years old and thriving with history, it is the one and only Enniskillen, Northern Ireland's only island town. The town’s name originates from its Irish-language designation: Inis Ceithleann - Cethlenn’s Island. Cethlenn was a warrior in Irish Mythology who was struck by an arrow and was unsuccessful in crossing the River Erne to escape. Naming the town after this tale was a way to honor the local legend.

While strolling along the picturesque River Erne in Enniskillen, visitors will surely not want to miss exploring Enniskillen Castle. Built in the 15th century, this medieval-looking castle makes visitors feel like they have stepped back in time. For a unique experience, visitors can go to the Headhunters Railway Museum and Barber Shop, the world's only railway museum that can give you a fresh haircut. A must-see spot in Enniskillen is the Buttermarket, a restored early-19th-century dairy market with an abundance of cafes, shops, and galleries. From handmade jewelry and ceramics to art and crafts, it has something for everyone.

Donaghadee

In 2023, according to the Sunday Times, the coastal town of Donaghadee was named the best place to live in Northern Ireland. Donaghadee is on the Ards Peninsula in County Down and has a good mixture of coastal views and the energy of a lively city. The town is full of historic buildings, thriving independent businesses, and beaming community spirit. Visitors can venture on a variety of coastal walks, meditate on sandy beaches, and explore the harbor and lighthouse.

The Motte, more commonly known as the Moat, is a notable town feature in Donaghadee dating back to medieval times, with the current structure completed in 1818. Once a defensive position in the Bronze Age, it is now a viewpoint of Donaghadee. On clear days, breathtaking views of the Scottish coast and the Isle of Man are visible. At the end of a day of exploring, visitors can knock back a pint of Guinness at Grace Neill's pub, reputedly the oldest pub in Ireland, dating back to 1611.

Cushendun

Nestled in the Glens of Antrim, the charming village of Cushendun is rich in local spirit and folklore. The area features stone walls and historic buildings with Cornish-style architecture, designed by Clough Williams-Ellis. Visiting Cushendun offers a pleasant experience for leisurely walks, allowing visitors to enjoy the simplicity of village life. The surrounding lush green hills and hedgerows overlook a small harbor and sandy beach. Travelers can explore walking trails along the vibrant coast or venture into the dense Cregagh Wood forest. Notably, the Cushendun Caves, formed over 400 million years ago, serve as filming sites for numerous scenes in the acclaimed Game of Thrones TV series.

Portstewart

Next up is Portstewart, a town known for its waterfront promenade and picturesque harbor. This vibrant town is filled with local shops offering delicious coffee and ice cream, waiting to be devoured. The popular two-mile-long Portstewart Strand is sure to satisfy those long walks along the beach that visitors yearn for. Not only is the Portstewart Strand a picture-perfect spot, but it also holds Blue Flag status, meaning it meets high standards for cleanliness and water quality. There are also scenic walks along the cliffs and 6,000-year-old sand dunes. From the beach, visitors can also catch views of the Inishowen headland peninsula and Mussenden Temple on the cliffs above.

Ballycastle

The town of Ballycastle lies in the Moyle district and is on the northeastern tip of County Antrim. Wandering this town will have visitors dropping their jaws for the view of mountain ranges, forests, lakes, valleys, and coastal cliffs. A popular attraction where you can view the town from a different perspective is Knocklayde Mountain. This mountain is 500 meters high, and on the summit, visitors will come across Carn na Truagh (the cairn of sorrow), a prehistoric burial mound. Another destination to set foot on is Ballycastle Forest, where visitors can go for a tranquil walk and capture nature pictures. Ballycastle is so quaint it only has two main streets. One leads to the Georgian church, and the other to the ocean. Ballycastle might be small, but the unreal views and positive energy will make it impossible to leave.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a seaside town that gained popularity through the song "Where the Mountains of Mourne Sweep Down to the Sea" by Percy French. In County Down, at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, Newcastle is a magical place of natural beauty. The town is near Donard Forest, the perfect spot for a stroll through the forest. Visitors can feel emerald moss with their fingertips, listen to fresh, cascading streams, and admire tall trees reaching skyward. For a more adrenaline-pumping adventure, Donard Forest offers access to Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest mountain. Newcastle also offers plenty of delicious restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs with high spirits for visitors who want to unwind after an outdoors-filled day.

Carrickfergus

Carrickfergus, locally known as Carrick, is one of the oldest towns in Ireland. It is also well known as being the muse for the 1965 Irish song “Carrickfergus” by musician Dominic Behan. Carrickfergus is on the coast of County Antrim and a twenty-minute drive from the capital city of Belfast. Carrickfergus Castle is a hard attraction to miss while visiting, as it is one of the best-preserved castles in the country. Carrickfergus Castle has been a famous fortress of Northern Irish identity for more than 800 years. The ancient stone castle walls standing solid and proud will make visitors feel like they stepped right into a folk tale. Other attractions to have a glimpse of are the Flame Gasworks Museum of Ireland and the 800-year-old St. Nicholas Church with its glimmering stained glass windows.

Downpatrick

The legacy of Saint Patrick endures in the charming town of Downpatrick, where he was buried in the early 5th century. This notable town comes alive in County Down, atop the Lecale peninsula. The historic energy lingers in the streets built atop rolling drumlins. Derived from an Irish word, drumlins are tear-shaped hills formed by glacial activity during the Ice Ages. Walk the magical streets, shop at the monthly Artisan Market, or admire the stained-glass windows of Down Cathedral, where Saint Patrick's gravestone is nearby. For a beautiful countryside excursion, visitors can hop aboard the steam train and ride Ireland's only full-sized heritage railway to Inch Abbey and King Magnus' Grave.

Discover the Whimsical Charm of Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is a one-of-a-kind place exploding with enchanting charm and unbelievable natural landscapes. Every town that is explored will immerse visitors into the rich culture and history that Northern Ireland holds onto and fosters. Rigid coastal views atop a cliff. Echoing footsteps in a medieval castle. Clinking pints of Guinness at a bustling harbor. The stillness and darkness of ancient caves. Northern Ireland is a gem of a country that reminds travelers to appreciate nature and history.