Northern Ireland’s coast has become a populartourist destination over the last few years, and it’snot hard to see why. The combination of ancient heritage, spectacular scenery and vibrant towns and cities is an attractive one, whether you’re planning a day trip, a long weekend or a summer seaside break. There were more than three million visitors to Northern Ireland in 2023 and many of them were discovering the unique experiences to be found in this beautiful part of the world.
Carrickfergus History
The coast of Northern Ireland has more than its share of historic sites, but Carrickfergus is one of the most significant. Located in the north-east, the town’s name comes from the legend of Fergus Mor, who journeyed to this point on the coast from the ancient kingdom of Dal Riata and translates as Fergus’s Rock. Carrickfergus is one of the highlights of a trip to the coast, and as well as the dramatic scenery it features Northern Ireland’s most famous Norman castle, built in the 12thcentury, which offers tourists the chance to explore the region’s history in an interactive, family-friendly museum.
Beaches and Ice Cream
If you’re looking for the full Northern Ireland seaside experience, you can’t go wrong in Portstewart. This is the destination of choice for everyone from film directors to surfers, thanks to its stunning array of beautiful beaches and spectacular coastal walks. The seafront in Portstewart features multiple five-star hotels, restaurants and wine bars, while no trip to the town is complete without a visit to Morelli’s ice cream parlour, which is famous throughout Northern Ireland.
FunFair, Arcades and Whiskey in Portrush and Coleraine
Portrush can be found in the northernmost part of Northern Ireland on a peninsula that stretches into the Atlantic Ocean. It is a lively and entertaining tourist destination, combining sightseeing, boat tours and above all, old-fashioned funfair and amusement arcades. Curry’s Fun Park is a highlight, where you can try out everything from theme park rides to bumper cars.
Just 15 minutes inland from Portrush, Coleraine offers a thoroughly modern take on the amusement arcade. While online slots are increasingly popular with casino fans, there is still a place for real world slot gaming, and Coleraine Station Arcade offers a friendly and technologically sophisticated location for slots players and gamers to enjoy their favourite games.
For those who appreciate fine whiskey, a little further along the coast, you can enjoy a tour of the Old Bushmills Distillery, Ireland’s oldest distillery, and a popular tourist attraction, both for its whiskey heritage and its proximity to the famous Giant’s Causeway.
Stunning Views
Ballycastle, situated at the furthest point northeast, has the distinction of having once been named as the Best Place to Live in Northern Ireland by the Sunday Times. This is a small town, with a big reputation, and is ideally located for exploring some of the most beautiful sites in the region. It is close to Giant’s Causeway, the Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, as well as the famous Rathlin Island and the 400-year old market, Auld Lammas Fair, which sells a fantastic variety of traditional produce and livestock.
Bustling Bangor
Bangor, of course, has its share of attractions, of which Bangor Marina is often the first that people think of. The base for more than 500 crafts, it is ideally situated in the heart of the town, and is home to no fewer than four yacht clubs, attracting sailors from all over the world. And, in keeping with the nautical theme, tourists to Bangor invariably head for Tower House. The historic building dates from the 17th century and has had various roles throughout the history of the town, including watchtower, home for the harbour master, photographic studio, antique shop and even hot sea water baths! Now a tourist information centre, it is a hub for anyone looking for the best leisure and entertainment destinations in Bangor and the wider region.
A Bright Future
Northern Ireland as a whole is becoming an increasingly popular tourist attraction for peoplefrom all over the world, and the coastal towns and villages of this region are a major part of that appeal for international visitors. Along the coast of Northern Ireland, you can find everything from immaculate beaches and stunning cliff-side walks, to castles, picturesque villages, and thriving market towns. As awareness of its unique attractions grows around the world, the area is set for a bright future.