The most Instagrammable spot in Northern Ireland is probably here, there and everywhere. For a relatively small place it’s got massive Insta-potential given the stunning natural landscape, impressive industrial heritage and a contemporary street culture and vibe that’s arguably second to none. We’ve picked some of our most Insta-friendly places that are well worth a visit, a snap and a selfie.
Between you, me and the walls…
We love our wall art and murals in Northern Ireland. Some are pure Banksy-like while others have deeper political or historical significance. Either way, there’s many worth standing in front of in awe. Street artist ADW’s iconic Deep Love painting of a diver carrying a mermaid in his arms is a must-snap in Belfast’s Dunbar St as is Leo Boyd’s pop-art homage Belfast Romances mural on the Bullitt Hotel. Danni Simpson’s eye-catching Wings at CS Lewis Square - an ode to Narnia’s creator - are worth donning for the camera. The Peace Walls murals have to appear on your Insta and must-see lists. When you’re in Derry-Londonderry, art and history collide on the murals in the Bogside’s People’s Gallery depicting significant moments in the city’s history. Meanwhile the nearby iconic Free Derry Corner sign is a must-grab and you can snap it from all sorts of angles.
Cranes, Titanic, Brollies, Bars and The Big Fish
The perfect spot to shoot the famous massive yellow Harland & Wolff cranes as your backdrop is from Titanic Quarter, with the slipways offering a good spot. While you’re there, where the great ship itself was built, make for the Titanic Belfast experience. This world-class attraction has multiple spots for iconic pics, including the Insta-famous corten steel Titanic sign outside, the prow-like angles of the building and the vast slipways leading to the water. The colourful Street Art Umbrellas outside the Duke of York pub in the Cathedral Quarter are another cracking photo op not to be spurned. Just wait ‘til you see The Crown Bar’s exterior, the most lens-popping pub front you’ll ever eyeball. You’ll need a drink after it, which is fortunate because the inside is also very special. From Victorian splendour to contemporary sculpture, head for the awesome Big Fish sculpture by John Kindness on Donegall Quay with its striking blue ceramic tile scales telling the story of Belfast.
GOT to see these, Thronie or not
Game of Thrones® locations and fan attractions are dotted everywhere across Northern Ireland. But you don’t need to have seen a second of the hit show to appreciate their beauty or art. While called the ‘King’s Road’ in the show, the tunnel of beech trees known as The Dark Hedges in Stranocum have been picture perfect for hundreds of years. Be prepped to wait while others strike poses… worth it, though.
To celebrate 10 years of filming Game of Thrones®, six huge stained-glass windows, each featuring iconic scenes, characters and themes from each of the houses of Game of Thrones® were specially commissioned, and now form the Glass of Thrones Walking Trail. It starts at the AC Hotel and ends at HMS Caroline via Lagan Weir, the Odyssey, SS Nomadic and Titanic Slipway. Or for dyed-in-the-white-fur-coat fans, the Journey of Doors features ten intricately carved doors that have been sent around the country for safe keeping. Get your Journey of Doors passport stamped at each location – and a selfie, of course.
Mussenden Temple near Castlerock is perched dramatically on a massive cliff top. This is a really atmospheric spot, with clouds racing above and Downhill beach stretching endlessly far below. It’s from the beach itself that the best shot of Mussenden Temple is to be found, with bonus points – and likes – if you capture the train travelling past at the same time.
Three edgy places for edgy shots
Northern Ireland’s coastline is justifiably famous and here are three spots that are bound to help make you Insta-famous. The first is The Gobbins cliff walk at Islandmagee, County Antrim, a sheer but safe cliff walk right up against the cliff face, across bridges and through a tunnel with the sea surging and splashing at your feet. If you can’t get a world-class pic here, you’ve either run out of courage or phone battery! Moving further along the coast brings you to the dizzying Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge just north of Ballycastle, County Antrim. Crossing this 80-feet deep chasm is a big adrenaline rush with amazing opportunities for the shot of a lifetime.
Last, but certainly not least, is the world-famous, epic and extraordinary Giant's Causeway, top of many Instagrammer’s bucket-list. Walk the legendary hexagonal basalt columns where warrior-giant Finn McCool battled his giant Scottish nemesis Bennandonner and fill your photo gallery to the hilt.
Mother Nature is the best location manager
The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail north of Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, is often called the ‘The Stairway to Heaven’ for a very good reason. You’ll see exactly why when you stand at its foot and look up at the wooden walkway zig-zagging its way up the side of the mountain from where it seems to disappear into the clouds above. There are amazing vistas and photo opportunities all the way up, with sweeping 360-degree National Geographic-standard views from the summit.
Blessingbourne Country Estate in County Tyrone has something for every keen photographer. The estate boasts unspoilt views, woodland walks and cattle grazing in the fields. With over 200 acres of mature woodland to explore, there are many creatures to pose as your subject – from dogs and chickens, to goats and horses.
Pick any of the nine Glens of Antrim and one of your pics could easily have Sir David Attenborough calling you for a gig. The same goes for the Mournes range, just over an hour from Belfast and a day-tripper’s delight. Head up Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest mountain, for we-are-not-worthy views. Overlooking Belfast, the stunning vista from Cave Hill might tempt you to put your phone down and just picture it in your head, and it’s best captured at sunrise when you can watch the sun hitting the cranes, spires and rooftops of the city set out before you.
Literary works and local quirks
Northern Ireland really is a place to fire the imaginations of people past and present. Take CS Lewis for example. Who else would look at the beauty of Rostrevor and start thinking witches, wardrobes and giant talking lions? In honour of ‘Jack’s’ brillant mind, CS Lewis Square features seven statues by Maurice Harron inspired by Narnia – with Aslan overseeing them all. That’s seven Insta-pics right there. You won’t be the first to shoot the quartet of Colourful Houses at Whitehead on the Antrim coastline but you will have the last word on the best shot ever! For the most unique experience anywhere, The Headhunters Barber Shop and Railway Museum in Enniskillen claims to be the only exhibition that offers a haircut to go with your tour – shots from here on your Insta will surely make it a cut above the rest.
These are just the highlights. There's so many great shots to capture everywhere you go here, and with beauty being in the eye of the beholder we guarantee all the photos from your short break in Northern Ireland will arguably be insta-worthy!
At Bullitt, our no-nonsense philosophy means we’ve ditched the expensive mini-bars, bellboys and butlers so that we can deliver a top-quality service with no hidden costs.
An exciting public space at the heart of the Connswater Community Greenway. It features over 300 native trees and 7 statues by Irish artist Maurice Harron who was inspired by characters from C.S. Lewis’ 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'.
The Bogside Artists® are the sole creators of the world famous People's Gallery® in the Bogside area of Derry in the North of Ireland. The twelve large scale murals are a main visitor attraction in the city.
Although not officially classed as wonders of the world, the two massive cranes in Harland and Wolff Belfast, which serve one of the world’s largest Building Docks, are certainly masterpieces of engineering.
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 the Titanic’s story from conception through to its first and final journey across the Atlantic, as well as the historical and cultural impact on Belfast and beyond.
Nestled along a narrow-cobbled alleyway in the historic Half Bap area, the Duke of York offers a traditional Belfast welcome of craic, music and humour.
You will find The Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast within a short stroll of Europa Hotel, Grosvenor Road and Glengall Street - however, you won't find another like it.
This beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century and have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland. Thronies will recognise these as the Dark Hedges from HBO's Game of Thrones.
With panoramic views over the iconic Belfast cityscape, design-led interior, large comfy beds and the only riverside dining in the city, the AC Hotel Belfast is an urban retreat for today's modern traveller.
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 onto its marvellous original deck, you are stepping back in time. Enjoy exploring real parts of the ship on your visit, like the Captain's cabins, the ward room and deck areas. Or try your hand at code breaking!
Built in 1911, Nomadic provides the story of Titanic's little sister, the only tangible surviving link with the world's most famous ship and the last White Star Line vessel in the world.
Mussenden Temple is located in the beautiful surroundings of Downhill Demesne near Castlerock in County Londonderry. Awe inspiring views, colourful gardens and woodland walks.
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. Pull on your walking boots and enjoy this 2.5-hour walking tour through tunnels and bridges with the waves crashing at your feet.
Carrick-a-Rede one of Northern Ireland’s most loved attractions in Northern Ireland, cared for by the National Trust, a registered conservation charity founded to protect beautiful and special places for ever, for everyone.
Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, the Giant's Causeway is a geological wonder and home to a wealth of history and legend. The 40,000 basalt stone columns left by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago, has captured the imagination of all who see it.
The 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.
This circular walking trail begins in the farm yard and meanders through a mix of woodland and open farmland before crossing the main drive and reaching Blessingbourne’s beautiful Lough Fadda.
Cave Hill Country Park gets its name from five caves, which could be early iron mines, located on the side of the main Belfast cliffs. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views across Belfast from vantage points on the hillside.
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!
