ULSTER
Places to Visit in Northern Ireland: Discover the Best Attractions in Ulster
Ulster is a region rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Home to some of the most breathtaking places to visit in Northern Ireland, it offers everything from the rugged beauty of the Antrim Coast to the vibrant city life of Belfast. Explore world-famous landmarks like the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the Titanic Quarter, or immerse yourself in the charm of Derry’s walled city.
Whether you're interested in scenic drives, ancient castles, or lively cities, Ulster has something for every traveler.
Please note: At Chauffeur Service Dublin, we provide pick-up and drop-off services in Northern Ireland only.
Map of Ulster
​Our customised tours of Leinster ensure you can travel at your own pace, uncovering hidden gems and must-see attractions while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a private journey. From historic castles to picturesque coastal drives,
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This page provides a comprehensive guide to Leinster, featuring its top attractions, and tailored insights to help you plan the perfect private tour in Ireland.
Exploring Ulster's Must-See Attractions
Giants Causeway
44 Causeway Road, Bushmills, County Antrim
Located on Northern Ireland’s stunning Causeway Coast, the Giant’s Causeway is one of the most famous places to visit in Northern Ireland. Just a one-hour drive from Belfast and three hours from Dublin, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see destination.
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This geological wonder features 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns, formed nearly 60 million years ago due to intense volcanic activity. However, Irish folklore tells a different story—legend has it that the giant Finn McCool built the causeway to cross the sea and challenge his Scottish rival, Benandonner.
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Whether you come for the geological significance, the rich mythology, or the stunning coastal views, the Giant’s Causeway offers an incredible experience along the Causeway Coast.
What to See at the Giant’s Causeway
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Grand Causeway – The largest of the three rock formations, stretching into the sea like a giant’s stepping stones. This is the most photographed area of the site.
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Giant’s Boot – A large boot-shaped rock, said to have been left behind by Finn McCool as he fled from Benandonner. The estimated size is 93.5.
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Wishing Chair – A naturally formed basalt seat, polished smooth over centuries by visitors sitting in it. Traditionally, it was believed that sitting in the chair would grant a wish.
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The Camel – A rock formation resembling a resting camel, believed to be Finn McCool’s loyal steed, turned to stone. In reality, it is a basaltic dyke formed by cooling lava.
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Clifftop Trails – A network of trails offering panoramic views of the coastline, with routes ranging from short walks to the fully guided five-mile Clifftop Experience.
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Visitor Centre – A modern facility featuring an interactive exhibition on the geology and legends of the Causeway, multilingual audio guides, a café, a gift shop, and guided tours led by expert storytellers.
Explore the Causeway Coast
Beyond the Giant’s Causeway, the Causeway Coast offers even more attractions:
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Dunseverick Castle – The ruins of an ancient fortress with dramatic coastal views.
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Murlough Bay – Home to Northern Ireland’s tallest cliffs, rising 600 metres above sea level.
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Bushfoot Strand – A unique coastal area with Bronze Age earthworks and fascinating geological formations.
Wildlife & Nature at the Giant’s Causeway
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Ancient Rock Pool Life – Stromatolites, three-billion-year-old microorganisms, can be found in the rock pools, making the Causeway home to some of the oldest life forms on Earth.
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Rare Insects – The area is home to the Pigmy Sorrel moth, Northern Colletes bee, and Black-tailed Skimmer dragonfly.
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Birdwatching – Peregrine falcons, buzzards, and other native birds can often be seen soaring above the cliffs.
Visitor Information:
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Opening Times: Coastline open dawn to dusk, Visitor Centre from 10:00 – 16:00
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Tickets: From £14 per adult (Free for National Trust members – pre-booking recommended)​
Average Visit Time: 2 Hours​​
Titanic Belfast
1 Olympic Way, Belfast , Co. Antrim
Located in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, Titanic Belfast is one of the most visited places to visit in Northern Ireland and the world's largest Titanic visitor experience. Situated beside the Titanic Slipways, Harland and Wolff Drawing Offices, and Hamilton Graving Dock, it stands on the very site where RMS Titanic was designed, built, and launched in 1911.
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This award-winning museum, named the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the 2016 World Travel Awards, brings the Titanic’s story to life through nine interactive galleries, original artefacts, and innovative exhibits. Visitors can follow Titanic’s journey from its creation in boomtown Belfast to its tragic maiden voyage, with stories of the shipbuilders, passengers, and crew woven throughout the experience.
What to See at Titanic Belfast
Boomtown Belfast
Explore early 20th-century Belfast, a booming industrial city and the heart of shipbuilding. Learn about Harland & Wolff and the industries that made Titanic possible.
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The Shipyard
Experience a dark ride through the recreated shipyard, showcasing the scale of Titanic’s construction. See a full-scale replica of Titanic’s massive rudder and learn about the workers who built the ship.
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The Launch
Relive the excitement of Titanic’s launch on May 31, 1911, through original footage and witness accounts. Stand on the Titanic Slipways where the ship first touched the water.
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The Fit-Out
Walk through recreations of Titanic’s luxurious interiors, including first-class and third-class cabins, the dining rooms, and the grand staircase. Learn about the ship’s intricate design, furnishings, and facilities.
The Maiden Voyage
Follow Titanic’s journey from Belfast to Southampton, Cherbourg, Queenstown, and onward to New York. Discover personal stories of passengers and crew through artefacts and photographs.
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The Sinking
Understand the events of April 14–15, 1912, through distress call transcripts, survivor testimonies, and interactive exhibits. See how news of the disaster spread and the impact it had worldwide.
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The Aftermath
Learn about the official inquiries, safety reforms, and lasting legacy of Titanic’s sinking. Discover how the disaster shaped modern maritime regulations.
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Myths & Legends
Explore the cultural impact of Titanic, separating fact from fiction. See how Titanic’s story has been portrayed in books, films, and documentaries.
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Titanic Beneath
View real footage of Titanic’s wreck, discovered in 1985. Learn about deep-sea exploration and efforts to preserve the site.
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Discovery Tour (Optional Guided Tour)
Walk through Titanic Quarter with expert guides and learn about the ship’s design and construction. Discover the hidden symbolism in the museum’s architecture, inspired by Titanic’s legacy.
SS Nomadic – Titanic’s Original Tender Ship
Authentic Restoration
Explore the fully restored 1911 interiors, including first-class and third-class areas. Walk the decks where Titanic’s passengers boarded for their journey to the ship.
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The Tender to Titanic
Learn about SS Nomadic’s role in transporting first-class passengers to Titanic from Cherbourg. Discover stories of the wealthy and famous who stepped aboard Titanic via Nomadic.
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Crew Areas & Interactive Exhibits
Step inside the crew’s working quarters and hidden passageways. Engage with hands-on exhibits exploring Nomadic’s history, from wartime service to its time as a floating restaurant in Paris.
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The Ship’s Later Life
Learn how Nomadic survived both World Wars and was eventually brought back to Belfast for restoration. Discover how it remains a vital part of Titanic’s legacy today.
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Visiting both Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic offers an in-depth look at Belfast’s shipbuilding history, the Titanic story, and the people who built and sailed on the world’s most famous ship.
Opening Times:
January – March: 11:00 – 16:00
April – May: 10:00 – 17:30
June: 10:00 – 18:30
July – August: 10:00 – 19:00
September – October: 10:00 – 17:30
November – December: 11:00 – 16:30
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Admission: £24.95 per adult | £11 per child
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Average Visit Length: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
Bushmills Distillery
2 Distillery Road, Bushmills, Co. Antrim
Located near Ireland’s rugged north coast, Bushmills Distillery is the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, with records dating back to 1608. For over 400 years, whiskey has been crafted here, using water from the River Bush and traditional copper pot stills.
The distillery is central to the village of Bushmills, where generations of locals have worked to perfect the craft of single malt whiskey.
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Bushmills is deemed a must-visit destination for whiskey enthusiasts and those exploring places to visit in Northern Ireland, offering a rich history, expert craftsmanship, and some of the finest single malt whiskey in the world.
What to See at Bushmills Distillery
The Distillery Tour
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A guided walking tour through the working core of the distillery.
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Learn about the triple distillation process in copper pot stills, a tradition unique to Irish whiskey.
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See how the whiskey is matured, bottled, and perfected before reaching the glass.
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The 3 Malt Tasting Experience
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Complete your tour with a tutored tasting of three Bushmills single malt whiskies.
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Learn about the distinct characteristics of each malt, from smooth and fruity to rich and smoky.
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Premium Tour & Tasting
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An extended distillery tour with an in-depth look at the whiskey-making process.
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Enjoy a special tasting session featuring Bushmills’ finest aged whiskies.
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The 1608 Bar & Gift Shop
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Browse exclusive distillery editions and Bushmills merchandise.
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The 1608 Bar offers a chance to enjoy whiskey flights and specialty serves.​​
The History of Bushmills
1608 – The Beginning
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The area was granted its first official license to distil whiskey.
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Water from the River Bush, filtered through basalt rock, became a key ingredient.
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1850s – Sticking to Tradition
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A tax on barley forced many Irish distilleries to substitute corn and other grains.
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Bushmills refused to compromise, continuing to distil pure malt whiskey.
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1885 – The Fire & Rebuild
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A fire destroyed the distillery, but it was quickly rebuilt.
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Demand soared, especially in the United States, where Bushmills became a sought-after brand.
1920s – Surviving Prohibition
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While Prohibition halted US exports, Bushmills continued production, preparing for its return.
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After Prohibition ended, Bushmills reportedly sent the largest whiskey shipment ever to leave an Irish port to Chicago.
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1950s – The Golden Years
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Bushmills gained global recognition and appeared in advertising campaigns and classic films.
Today
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Over 400 years later, Bushmills continues to distil, mature, and bottle whiskey on-site, staying true to its heritage.
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Visitors can explore its living history and experience authentic Irish whiskey craftsmanship.
Opening Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00
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Tour Prices:
Distillery Tour: From £15 (1 hour)
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3 Malt Tasting Experience: From £35 (1.5 hours)
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Premium Tour & Tasting: From £50 (2.5 hours)
Crumlin Road Gaol
Crumlin Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim
Located in north Belfast, Crumlin Road Gaol is Northern Ireland’s only remaining Victorian-era prison, operating from 1846 until 1996. Known locally as “The Crum,” it housed over 25,000 prisoners throughout its 150-year history. The prison played a significant role during
The Troubles, detaining both Republican and Loyalist prisoners. Today, after extensive renovations, it stands as a visitor attraction, offering self-guided and guided tours, as well as historical and political walking tours that explore Belfast’s complex past. If you have a deep interest in history then the Crumlin Road Gaol really is one of the stand alone places to visit in Northern Ireland.​
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What to See at Crumlin Road Gaol
Self-Guided Gaol Experience
The interactive self-guided tour brings the prison’s history to life through video, audio, and holograms, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. Highlights of the tour include:
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The Underground Tunnel – Once used to transport prisoners between the Gaol and the Crumlin Road Courthouse.
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Historic Holding Cells – Discover the cramped conditions where prisoners were first held before sentencing.
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The Gaol Circle & C-Wing – Explore the heart of the prison, where inmates were housed.
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The Condemned Cell & Hangman’s Cell – Learn about the executions carried out on-site and stand in the room where prisoners spent their final hours.
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The Graveyard – A hidden burial site within the prison walls.
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The Sanger & Matrons House – Areas once used by prison staff and security forces.
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The Wessex Helicopter – A military aircraft used during The Troubles.
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Guided Gaol Experience
For a deeper insight, expert-led guided tours take visitors beyond the self-guided experience. Covering all areas of the prison, guided tours provide additional access and first-hand accounts of the executions, protests, and daily life inside the Gaol.
The Troubles Walking Tour
Crumlin Road Gaol played a pivotal role during The Troubles, detaining both Republican and Loyalist prisoners. The Troubles Walking Tour offers a first-hand perspective of Belfast’s political history, guided by former political prisoners from both sides of the conflict. The experience includes:
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A visit to the infamous underground tunnel where prisoners were transported between the Gaol and the Courthouse.
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A tour of the Falls Road, guided by a Republican ex-prisoner, exploring the nationalist perspective and the famous murals.
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A walk through the Shankill area, led by a Loyalist ex-prisoner, providing insight into the Unionist experience.
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A visit to the International Peace Wall, where visitors can see political murals and messages from around the world.
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The tour offers a unique opportunity to hear about internment, segregation, and protests from individuals who lived through this period, giving a deeper understanding of Belfast’s history.
The Troubles Black Taxi Tour
​For those wanting to explore Belfast’s political history from a different perspective, the Black Taxi Tour provides a transport-based guided experience through key locations, including:
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The Loyalist Shankill Road and its murals.
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The Republican Falls Road and the famous Bobby Sands mural.
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The Peace Walls, which have separated Catholic and Protestant communities for decades.
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A stop at Crumlin Road Gaol, where visitors can combine the tour with the Self-Guided Gaol Experience.
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Unlike other taxi tours, this experience is jointly run by both a Protestant and a Catholic, ensuring a balanced and informative perspective on Belfast’s turbulent past.
Opening Hours:
First admission at 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Tour:
Self-Guided Gaol Experience – Explore at your own pace.
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Booking: Advance booking is advised, especially for guided tours.
Game of Thrones Studio
The Boulevard, Banbridge, Co Down
Located in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour offers fans an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at the very place where much of the series was filmed. Set within Linen Mill Studios, this world-class attraction showcases original sets, costumes, props, and special effects from HBO’s award-winning show.
Opened in February 2022, it is the only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour in the world, offering a unique insight into the artistry and craftsmanship behind the iconic series. For Game of Thrones fans, the Studio Tour is one of the best places to visit in Northern Ireland,
What to See at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour
Beyond the Wall
Journey into the chilling North, where visitors will come face to face with Wun Wun the giant, Wildlings, White Walkers, and the Night King himself.
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Castle Black
Explore the home of the Night’s Watch, where Jon Snow and his sworn brothers prepared to defend the realm. View the original props, weapons, and costumes worn by the cast.
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Winterfell
Step into the Great Hall of Winterfell, where the authentic film set remains in place as it was used during filming. Walk the halls of House Stark’s ancestral home, where some of the show’s most dramatic scenes unfolded.
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Dragonstone
Stand before the Dragonstone Throne, where Daenerys Targaryen reclaimed her ancestral seat. See the intricately designed costumes and set pieces that brought this location to life.
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King’s Landing
Although much of King’s Landing was filmed on location in Spain and Croatia, many of its iconic interiors were constructed within Linen Mill Studios. Explore the detailed sets and props that shaped the seat of power in Westeros.
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The Destroyed Throne Room
Experience the dramatic aftermath of the fall of King’s Landing, where the original Iron Throne still stands amid the ruins of the Red Keep.
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Props, Costumes & Special Effects
View the intricate armor, weapons, and costumes used in battle scenes. Learn how special effects, prosthetics, and CGI transformed the actors into their legendary characters.
The Story Behind the Studio
From Linen Mill to Westeros
Originally built as a linen mill in the early 1900s, Linen Mill Studios became a key filming location for Game of Thrones in 2011, hosting scenes from multiple seasons.
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A Partnership with HBO & Warner Bros. Discovery
After Season 8 wrapped in 2019, HBO collaborated with Warner Bros. Discovery to develop the site into an immersive studio tour, bringing the world of Westeros to life for fans.
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A Celebration of Film & Creativity
Beyond celebrating the legacy of Game of Thrones, the studio tour aims to inspire future filmmakers and creatives, highlighting the artistry behind set design, costume-making, and visual effects.
Ticket Prices:
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Adult (16–65 years) – £29.50
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Student (16+ years, with valid ID) – £24.00
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Senior (66+) – £24.00
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Teen (13–15 years) – £12.00
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Child (5–12 years) – £5.00
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Infant (0–4 years) – Free
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Family Package (2 Adults & 2 Teens) – £67.25
Ulster American Folk Park
Melon Road, Omagh
Located in County Tyrone, the Ulster American Folk Park is one of the best places to visit in Northern Ireland for those interested in history, culture, and the story of Irish emigration.
The park tells the remarkable story of Ulster emigrants who left their homeland for North America in the 18th and 19th centuries, showcasing their struggles, hopes, and resilience. Visitors can experience authentic period buildings, interact with costumed guides, and explore the journey from rural Ulster to the American frontier.
For history enthusiasts, the Ulster American Folk Park is one of the best places to visit in Northern Ireland, offering a fascinating insight into the journey of Ulster emigrants to North America.
What to See at the Ulster American Folk Park
Rural Ulster
Step into 18th and 19th-century Ulster, where emigrants lived before making the journey across the Atlantic. Explore:
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Traditional thatched cottages and farmhouses, including the Campbell family home from 1786.
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A working forge, where blacksmiths crafted essential tools for farming and daily life.
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A weaver’s cottage, demonstrating the role of linen production in Ulster’s economy.
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Mountjoy Presbyterian Church, a replica of the meeting houses that played a central role in the lives of Ulster Presbyterians.
The Emigrant Journey
Experience the hardships endured by those who braved the Atlantic crossing in search of a better life. Highlights include:
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The Brig Union ship, a full-scale replica where visitors can step aboard and see the cramped conditions faced during the twelve-week voyage.
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Stories of real emigrants, such as Robert Campbell, who left Ulster and went on to become a fur trapper, businessman, and friend of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant.
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Interactive storytelling, bringing to life the personal experiences of those who emigrated.
The American Frontier
After emerging from the ship, visitors are transported into the New World, where Ulster emigrants built new communities. Key attractions include:
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Log cabins and frontier settlements, reflecting life in early America.
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Historic homesteads, showing how emigrants adapted to their new surroundings.
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Indigenous interactions, highlighting the relationships between settlers and Native American tribes.
The History of Ulster Emigration
18th & 19th Century Migration
Many Ulster people left their homeland due to economic hardship, religious persecution, and land struggles. Their impact in North America was significant, with Ulster-Scots playing key roles in the American Revolution, business, and frontier expansion.
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The Campbell Family & American History
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Robert Campbell, originally from Tyrone, became a well-known fur trader and merchant in St. Louis, Missouri.
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His life intersected with key moments in American history, including relations with Indigenous tribes and the Civil War.
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The story of Eliza Countee, an enslaved woman who gained her freedom and maintained ties with the Campbell family, highlights the complex realities of migration and settlement.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on Mondays
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Ticket Prices:
Adult (18–59 years) – £12.50
Child (5–17 years) – £7.65
Child under 5 years – Free
Senior (60+ years) – £9.75
Student (18+ years, with valid ID) – £9.75
Family Ticket (1 Adult + 3 Children) – £26.50
Marble Arch Caves
Located in the foothills of Cuilcagh Mountain, near Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, the Marble Arch Caves are one of the best places to visit in Northern Ireland for those fascinated by geology, history, and natural beauty. Formed over 340 million years ago, this vast underground system features caves, rivers, waterfalls, and limestone formations, making it one of the most impressive river cave systems in Ireland and the UK.
As part of the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, the caves offer a unique opportunity to explore a hidden world beneath the surface A popular choice for those seeking historic places to visit in Northern Ireland.
Marble Arch Caves – A Subterranean Wonder in County Fermanagh
Guided Cave Tour
Visitors can embark on a guided walking tour through the cave system, following the Owenbrean River as it winds through tunnels, still pools, and dramatic rock formations. With carefully constructed paths and atmospheric lighting, the experience showcases the cave’s stalactites, stalagmites, and cathedral-like chambers.
Guides provide expert insights into the history, geology, and folklore of the caves.
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Duration: 60–75 minutes
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Distance: 1.5 km
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Steps: 154 steps at entry/exit
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Fitness Level: Moderate fitness required
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The Martel Tour (Water Levels Permitting)
When water levels allow, visitors are upgraded for free to the Martel Tour, which includes a short subterranean boat trip, offering a different perspective of the cave system.
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Cave Explorer Virtual Reality Experience
For those who want to explore the caves without venturing underground, the Cave Explorer VR Experience provides an immersive 360-degree panoramic journey through the Marble Arch Caves. Using cutting-edge 8K footage and surround sound, this experience offers a three-minute virtual trip into the depths of the cave system.
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Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre & Outdoor Trails
Above ground, the Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre provides information, guided walks, and family activities. Visitors can also explore the surrounding landscape, which includes:
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Ancient woodlands, rivers, and waterfalls
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The Cladagh Glen Walk, offering scenic views over the cave entrance
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The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, also known as the "Stairway to Heaven," for those looking to extend their visit with a breathtaking hike
History & Geology of Marble Arch Caves
Formation of the Caves
The caves were formed by limestone erosion over millions of years, as underground rivers carved out passages and chambers. Stalactites and stalagmites grew slowly in complete darkness, creating some of the most intricate cave formations in the UK and Ireland.
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Discovery in 1895
For thousands of years, the caves remained undisturbed, their existence known only through local folklore. In 1895, two explorers—Édouard Martel and Lyster Jameson—ventured inside, breaking the eternal darkness with the first beam of light. Their discovery led to further exploration and eventually the opening of the show cave for visitors.
Opening Hours​
Centre: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Guided Cave Tours: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Virtual Reality Experience: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
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Ticket Prices:
Adult (18+) – £15.50
Child (5–17 years) – £7.80
Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) – £39.00
Family (2 Adults + 3 Children) – £47.00
Student & Senior Concessions – £14.00
Check out the Best Places to Visit in Northern Ireland with
Chauffeur Service Dublin
Ulster is home to some of the best places to visit in Northern Ireland, offering a blend of dramatic landscapes, historic sites, and cultural treasures. From the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway and the historic Derry Walls to the subterranean wonders of the Marble Arch Caves, Ulster is rich in natural beauty and heritage. Step into the world of Westeros at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, uncover the secrets of the past at Crumlin Road Gaol, or follow the journey of emigrants at the Ulster American Folk Park.
Whether you’re exploring rugged coastlines, ancient castles, or immersive museums, Ulster offers a wonderful experience for history lovers and adventure seekers alike.
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At Chauffeur Service Dublin, we specialise in private tours tailored to your interests, ensuring you experience the best places to visit in Northern Ireland in comfort and style. Our expert chauffeurs will handle all the details, allowing you to relax and explore Ulster’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes.
