Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

11 Things to do on a sunny day

Northern Ireland is blessed with, well, let’s call it a temperate climate. So, when the sun comes out, so do we. In fact, we’re exceptionally good at making the most of our sunshine. And, happily, wherever you go you’ll find experiences and places to help you make the most of it too. Here's some ideas to help get you started.

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is Northern Ireland's leading astronomical research and education facility. It offers visitors a unique experience which makes it "the place for space". In the Planetarium’s Digital Full Dome Theatre you can sit back, relax and experience the wonders of our Universe. Take a tour of the night sky, and…

Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park

Wander along rolling hills on banks of the River Lagan. This park is the home of the City of Belfast International Rose Garden, which attracts thousands of visitors in July each year. There are over 40,000 roses to see scent and colour during the summer. The park also has a café, children's playground, and picnic areas. Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon…

Gruffalo & Stickman Guided Walk

It’s Ireland’s only official Gruffalo Trail; a Julia Donaldson-endorsed walk.  Step into the glorious world of the Gruffalo. Enter the deep, dark wood, meet the clever little mouse, the fox, the owl, the snake, before stumbling upon those knobbly knees and turned out toes and that poisonous wart on the end of his nose: The Gruffalo! You can…

The Gobbins Cliff Path

On the thrilling Gobbins Experience, nature isn’t content to just sit back and be admired. It completely engulfs you: from the all-enveloping Irish Sea winds and the dolphins dancing off the coastline, to the squawking native sea birds and the salty air as it hits your lips. When this cliff path was first constructed in Islandmagee, on the County…

Castlewellan Forest Park

Castlewellan Forest Park, located within the Mourne Mountains in Castlewellan, is an adventure-lover’s paradise, set against the backdrop of one of Northern Ireland’s most breathtaking landscapes. With its dramatic lakeside castle, ancient woodlands, and the world-famous Peace Maze, this park is a haven for explorers of all ages…

Cranfield Alpacas Experience

Ever met an alpaca? If a poll was taken for the cutest, cuddliest, most child-friendly fun animal, these boys would be topping it. Domesticated two thousand years ago in South America, they were introduced to this island for their fleece and to help look after and protect sheep when lambing. They’re gentle, inquisitive creatures and each has their own…

Belfast Botanic Gardens and Palm House

First established in 1828, the gardens have been enjoyed as a public park by the people of Belfast since 1895. There is an extensive rose garden and long herbaceous borders and the tree enthusiast can seek out the rare oaks planted in the 1880s, including the hornbeam-leafed oak. Situated near Queens University Belfast, the Botanic Gardens is an important…

Benone Strand

Benone Strand, multiple recipient of the Blue Flag Award, most recently in 2025, is a must-see when visiting the area. With seven miles of golden sand and a magnificent back drop of mountain and cliff scenery and stunning views across to Donegal, this is an attractive sightseeing environment along with the usual seaside activities including watersports…

Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail

Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail meanders through one of the largest expanses of blanket bog in Northern Ireland, traversing over tracks, boardwalk and staircase. A steep climb is required to reach the viewing platform which provides breath taking views of the surrounding low lands. The first part of the walk passes through a fascinating limestone landscape…

Martin McCrossan City Tours

Bringing the history of the walls to life. Tourism NI 5 Star Graded Tour since 2014, providing tours of the city for over 20 years. City Walking Tour - Fully guided tour, which lasts approximately 1 hour. Join your guide as they take you around key locations in and around the only intact walled city in Ireland.  Passionate in their…

Blessingbourne Mountain Bike Trails and Pump Track

The Blessingbourne Mountain Bike Trails, near Fivemiletown, lie in the heart of the Clogher Valley close to the border between counties Tyrone and Fermanagh. We have recently won the award for Best Mountain bike friendly accommodation for 2016 from MountbikeNI. Packed full of technical trail features such as berms, table tops and rock drops, the trails at…

Whether its a glorious sunny summer's day getting active in the great outdoors or a crisp autumn sunny day, kicking leaves in one of our many forest parks and gardens there are lots of options for things to do on a sunny day.  

Here's some more ideas for things to do in Northern Ireland.