Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

Ulster Museum
Belfast, County Antrim

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Museums

Everywhere you look in Northern Ireland there’s history to be seen. In the basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway, the ancient settlement at Navan Fort, the stately country homes, the cities and events that inspire the spirit of modern Northern Ireland. Of course, the more you understand about the places you visit, the closer you feel to its people and traditions. So, check out some of the fantastic museums and visitor experiences that can help you dig beneath the surface.

All aboard for the Ulster Transport Museum

If you’re a railway enthusiast, you’ve a treat in store at the Ulster Transport Museum. There’s an impressive collection of steam locomotives, passenger carriages and goods wagons to explore. And at their Museum of Innovation, you can discover the origins behind the infamous DeLorean DMC-12 car.

Step back in time at the Ulster Folk Museum

It’s time to go back in time – by rail, if you like. Thatched cottages, authentic period buildings – including an old-time picture house, a post office and a corner shop – set the scene for life one hundred years ago. At the Ulster Folk Museum, you can try out local trades such as basket weaving or watch a blacksmith at work and meet some of the horses, donkeys and hens that kept the rural world turning.

The Tower Museum – One museum. Two tales.

Within Derry-Londonderry’s city walls, you’ll find the award-winning Tower Museum. Here, you’ll discover the story of the city from its early settlement through the Plantation of Londonderry and its growth through the 18th and 19th centuries. You can explore recent history too, looking at the development of the Civil Rights Movement and the impact of the Troubles on people living here.

Or if a piece of Spanish history interests you, follow the story of ‘La Trinidad Valencera’. One of the largest ships in the Spanish Armada, it sank off the Donegal coast in 1558 and lay on the seabed until 1971 when the wreck was discovered by divers from the City of Derry Sub-Aqua Club.

Also in Derry~Londonderry you will find the newly-opened Peacemakers Museum, located in the famous Bogside area, where some of the keys events of the conflict took place. Visit the museum and see the artefacts, archive footage and unique displays.

Enniskillen Castle Museum. Plus one.

Enniskillen Castle stands guard at one of the few passes into Ulster. So it’s always had an important strategic position in Northern Ireland’s history. Built 600 years ago, in the 17th century it became an English garrison fort and later a military barracks. Today, you can learn all about the Kingdom of Lough Erne’s rich history and its crannogs, castles and early Christian sculptures. Plus view the craftmanship of the Belleek potters. And when you visit one, you get two - visitors to the Enniskillen Castle Museum can also enjoy the Inishkillings Museum within the Castle grounds.

Headhunters Barber Shop and Railway Museum

A barber’s shop may not be the obvious location for a Railway Museum, but it works. Here, the Johnson family combine both their passions – offering haircuts while you wait. For the train, presumably.

This fascinating museum has a massive collection of railway memorabilia – from a reconstructed booking office (with ticket collector) to signals, signs and timetables. So come along and journey through the wonderful history of three of the area’s top local railway companies. Haircuts are optional. A sense of fun is essential.

The Ulster Museum – the past and the present

Dinosaurs, meteorites and modern masterpieces all have their place at Belfast’s Ulster Museum. So whether you’re an art lover, a history enthusiast, awash with childlike curiosity or an actual child, there’s something here for you.

The museum’s impressive collections take you across all disciplines to all corners of the globe. The Troubles and Beyond Gallery is a space that contains a powerful and unique collection of objects, many donated by the public, reflecting their diverse experiences of life in Northern Ireland.

HMS Caroline – a museum afloat

Based in Belfast’s famous Titanic Quarter, HMS Caroline is a First World War-era ship now restored as a floating museum. And, as the only survivor of history’s greatest naval engagement, the Battle of Jutland, it certainly has some tales to tell.

Venture down to the depths of the vessel and you’ll hear the rumbling of the ship’s original engine. Check out the carefully recreated spaces such as the Captain’s Cabins, the Sick Bay and the Galley kitchen, and hear the stories of the people who lived and worked on board. You can also stop off at the Mess Deck for a snack or two before you get back to cracking war time codes, signalling ships and evading enemy attacks.

Navan Fort – Live like a Celt

Just two miles from Armagh City and 2,000 years away from here, Navan Centre & Fort is the ancient seat of Kings and the earliest capital of Ulster.

Visit the Iron Age dwelling (open April-September) to experience life as a Celt and get up close and personal with real life warriors. You’ll hear tales of the bravest of them all, the legendary Cuchulainn and the Red Branch Knights. And learn the history of this famous archaeological site, Emain Macha, which dates back to 95BC – and is reputedly what brought St. Patrick to Armagh.

A whole world awaits in Northern Ireland’s fascinating and eclectic museums. There’s something to interest everyone. And who knows, after a visit to one of these - or one of the many others dotted across the counties - you might just be inspired to take up a new interest yourself.

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Number of results: 98

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HMS Caroline

Belfast

Address

Alexandra Dock, Queen's Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9DT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9289 1370

enquiries@nmrn.org.uk
Gradings
- Five Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The World War One warship HMS Caroline is the last surviving ship from the 1916 Battle of Jutland, the largest naval battle of the conflict. Now a floating museum, it invites its visitors to experience the highs and lows of life at sea. By stepping…
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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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- Wifi
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26656 reviews
Titanic Belfast

Belfast

Address

1 Olympic Way, Queen's Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9EP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9076 6386

welcome@titanicbelfast.com

Price
Price £24.95 to £62.00 Per Ticket
Gradings
- Five Star Quality Assurance
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Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Welcome to Titanic Belfast, an award-winning visitor experience offering the opportunity to learn about Titanic’s history, just a few minutes from where the ship herself was famously designed, built and launched in 1911. This self-guided tour tells…

Dates

From:

1 Nov 2024to31 Dec 2024Open 10:00 - 17:00
Price
Price £24.95 to £62.00 Per Ticket

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
11 reviews
OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory

Davagh Forest

Address

155 Davagh Road, Davagh Forest, County Tyrone, BT79 8JQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8676 0681

omdarksky@midulstercouncil.org

Price
Price £5.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Observatory / Planetarium

Take a journey through time and space with a visitor experience that’s out of this world. Book your visit to Northern Ireland’s only International Dark Sky Park.

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From:

1 Jan 2023to31 Dec 2029Various Opening Times

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Price £5.00 Activity

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- Car parking
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- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
9319 reviews
Crumlin Road Gaol

Belfast

Address

53 - 55 Crumlin Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT14 6ST

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9074 1500

info@crumlinroadgaol.com
Gradings
- Five Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

On the 31st March 1996 Crumlin Road Gaol slammed shut its doors for what many thought would be the final time, but, on the 19th November 2012 the chains fell off and HMP Belfast was reborn as one of Belfast's most popular visitor attractions.
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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
132 reviews
Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum

Enniskillen

Address

5 Darling Street, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 7DP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6632 7488

info@headhuntersmuseum.com

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

A trip to Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum is like taking a remarkable journey into the past bringing the golden age of steam travel vividly to life. It's the only barber shop and railway museum in the world and a friendly welcome awaits!

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times
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Free

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- Dogs accepted by arrangement
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- Free (parking charges may apply)
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- Wifi
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32 reviews
Larne Museum & Arts Centre

Larne

Address

2 Victoria Road, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1RN

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2826 2443

marian.kelso@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
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Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Housed in the historic former Carnegie Free Library building, Larne Museum and Arts Centre boasts permanent and temporary exhibitions reflecting the agricultural, industrial, military and maritime history of the area.
Price
Free

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- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- Off site parking - Car parking is not available on site. Pay and display car parking is available opposite the building in Fairhill Car Park on Victoria Road. Other nearby pay and display car parks are situated on Agnew Street, Narrow Gauge Road and Riverdale. Nearby free car parks are situated in Exchange Road, Bridge Street, High Street, Inver Road, Narrow Gauge Road and Riverdale.
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- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
556 reviews
Tower Museum

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Union Hall Place, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6LU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7137 2411

tower@derrystrabane.com
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Tower Museum houses two permanent exhibitions: The Story of Derry and An Armada Shipwreck - La Trinidad Valencera, as well as other temporary exhibitions. The Tower Museum is now also home to the Derry Girls Experience!

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Open 09:00 - 17:30
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192 reviews
Down County Museum

Downpatrick

Address

The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4049

Museums@nmandd.org

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Down County Museum is located in the old county Gaol of Down. It houses fascinating exhibitions on the history of Down as well as restored cells with life-size figures of prisoners and their gaolers.
Price
Free

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Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
586 reviews
Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre

Belleek

Address

3 Main Street, Belleek, County Fermanagh, BT93 3FY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6865 9300

takethetour@belleek.ie

Price
Price £6.00 to £45.00 Per Ticket
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

When you step into the world of Belleek Pottery you enter one of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most fascinating attractions. Unique pieces are made using traditional methods passed down from generation to generation.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024
Price
Price £6.00 to £45.00 Per Ticket

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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- Restaurant on Premises
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- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
939 reviews
Museum of Free Derry

Derry~Londonderry

Address

55 Glenfada Park, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 9DR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7136 0880

info@museumoffreederry.org

Price
Price £8.00 Activity
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
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Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The museum is a public space where the concept of Free Derry can be explored in both historic and contemporary contexts.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Various Opening Times
Price
Price £8.00 Activity

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72 reviews
Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Museum

Carrickfergus

Address

2 Boneybefore, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7EQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8222

visitorinfo@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Located less than a mile from Carrickfergus town centre, the Andrew Jackson Cottage is a traditional thatched Ulster –Scots farmhouse built in 1750s.
Price
Free

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- Dogs accepted by arrangement
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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1038 reviews
The Guildhall

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Guildhall Square, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 7BB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7137 6510

guildhall@derrystrabane.com

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Fashioned in neo-gothic style, the Guildhall is one of the most striking buildings in the North West and was originally built in 1887. The building now boasts a multifaceted tourism experience providing a central hub for visitors exploring the city
Price
Free

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Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
269 reviews
The Saint Patrick Centre

Downpatrick

Address

53A Market Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6LZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4461 9000

info@saintpatrickcentre.com

Price
Price £5.75 to £14.00 Activity
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Saint Patrick Centre is the only permanent exhibition in the World about Ireland’s Patron Saint. The History of Ireland starts here in Patrick’s words, which guide you through our amazing multimedia exhibition. Located 2 Hours north of Dublin…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2024to31 Dec 2024Open 09:00 - 17:00
Price
Price £5.75 to £14.00 Activity

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
25 reviews
No 5 Vicars' Hill

Armagh

Address

5 Vicars' Hill, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 3142

admin@armaghrobinsonlibrary.co.uk

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Built in 1772 as the Diocesan Registry to hold records for the Church of Ireland Diocese, this Grade A listed building has been restored and was formally opened to the public in March 2011. Fully accessible. Interactive displays for all ages.
Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking - Parking available on Cathedral grounds
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
49 reviews
Armagh Robinson Library

Armagh

Address

43 Abbey Street, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7DY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 3142

admin@armaghrobinsonlibrary.co.uk

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Established in 1771, Armagh Public Library is one of the oldest libraries in Ireland, holding rare and valuable books, ancient Irish artefacts, and print, gem and coin collections. Visitors and researchers, individuals and groups, are all welcome.
Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking - Parking available at Cathedral Grounds
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
13 reviews
Museum of Orange Heritage - Sloan's House

Loughgall

Address

Sloan’s House, 84/86 Main Street, Loughgall, County Armagh, BT61 8HZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3889 2048

info@sloanshousemuseum.co.uk
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Sloan’s House Museum holds a unique role in Irish history and has over the years accumulated many original artefacts from 1795, both from the Battle of the Diamond and from the very first meeting held in the Parlour.
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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
87 reviews
The Siege Museum

Derry~Londonderry

Address

13 Society Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6PJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7126 1219

info@thesiegemuseum.org

Price
Price £5.00 Activity
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The new Siege Museum and Exhibition is a permanent display of the history of the Siege of Londonderry and of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, including artefacts, video and interactive media.
Price
Price £5.00 Activity

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Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
284 reviews
Linen Hall Library

Belfast

Address

17 Donegall Square North, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 5GB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 1707

info@linenhall.com

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Founded in 1788, Linen Hall Library is a truly unique institution. As the oldest library in Belfast and the last subscribing library in Ireland, it has an impressive Irish and Local Studies Collection and houses a significant genealogy section.
Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
40 reviews
Newry and Mourne Museum, Bagenal's Castle

Newry

Address

Castle Street, Newry, County Down, BT34 2BY

Telephone
+44 (0) 330 137 4034

noreen.cunningham@nmandd.org

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Bagenal’s Castle located in historic Newry is a 16th century fortified house and adjoining 19th Century warehouse, and has been sympathetically restored to house Newry & Mourne Museum and Newry Visitor Information Centre.
Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Leisure Facilities
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
98 reviews
Carrickfergus Museum

Carrickfergus

Address

Museum & Civic Centre, 11 Antrim Street, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7DG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9335 8241

carrickfergusmuseums@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Local museum interpreting the long and distinguished history of the town and surrounding area, with artefacts of treasure excavated in Carrickfergus. There are multi-media and audio-visual presentations.
Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement