In This Guide

• Beaches & Coastal Escapes
• Things To Do With Kids
• Water Sports & Adventure
• Summer Festivals & Events
• Walking, Hiking & Cycling
• Food And Drink Experiences
• Find Your Perfect Summer Stay
• Plan Your Summer Trip

Explore Northern Ireland This Summer

From the dramatic clifftops of the Causeway Coastal Route and the historic walled city of Derry~Londonderry, to the rolling Mourne Mountains in County Down and the tranquil lakelands of County Fermanagh - Northern Ireland packs an extraordinary amount into a very small space. Explore the Glens of Antrim, wander the orchard countryside of County Armagh, lose yourself in the wide-open Sperrin Mountains of County Tyrone, or base yourself in Belfast and use the city as your launchpad for it all. Whatever draws you here this summer, you won't have to travel far to find something that takes your breath away. Explore our destinations below.

Hit the Beach

Northern Ireland's beaches might surprise you. From the wide golden sands of Benone Strand to the rugged charm of Whitepark Bay, the coast offers everything from family-friendly swimming spots to quieter coves perfect for a long walk with the dog. Portstewart Strand is one of the most popular - and most beautiful - beach destinations in the country, while Tyrella Beach in County Down offers stunning views of the Mourne Mountains as a backdrop to your swim. Find your perfect beach here.

Things to Do with Kids in Northern Ireland This Summer

Planning a family holiday? Northern Ireland is made for it. Kids will be wide-eyed at the Giant's Causeway, thrilled by the The Sperrin Sculpture Trail, and endlessly entertained by the beaches, forest parks, and wildlife encounters on offer across the country. From hands-on farm visits to interactive museums and open-air adventures, there's no shortage of ways to keep younger visitors happy - whatever the weather.

Some family favourites to add to your list:

• Giant's Causeway — nature's own adventure playground
• Belfast's interactive museums and the Titanic Quarter
• Forest parks with trails, play areas, and picnic spots
• Farm visits and animal encounters in the countryside
• Beach days at one of our beautiful beaches

Explore more family ideas Discover family activities in Northern Ireland and 10 things to Do for Under 10s.

What If It Rains?

Let's be honest, a summer shower is never completely off the cards. But here's the thing: Northern Ireland is just as rewarding when it's overcast as it is in the sunshine. Some of the best experiences in the country happen indoors, and a rainy afternoon can turn into the highlight of your trip.

Head to Titanic Belfast, the world's largest Titanic visitor experience, for an immersive journey through the ship's story and the city that built it. Lose yourself in one of Belfast's brilliant museums or galleries, catch a cookery class, take a guided Game of Thrones® filming locations tour, or simply find a cosy pub with a fire and let the afternoon take care of itself.

Water Sports & Adventure

With so much coastline, lough, and river to play with, it would be a shame not to get on the water. Summer is the season for surfing the Atlantic swells at Portrush, kayaking along the Fermanagh lakelands, or coasteering around the wild Antrim coast. Whether you're an experienced water sports enthusiast or simply fancy a first-time paddleboard session, Northern Ireland has a growing adventure scene that'll get your heart racing.

Summer Festivals & Events

Northern Ireland's events calendar absolutely comes into its own in summer. From food and music festivals to cultural celebrations and outdoor theatre, there's something happening almost every weekend from June through to September. The Foyle Maritime Festival transforms Derry~Londonderry's waterfront into a spectacular showcase of tall ships and live entertainment, while food lovers won't want to miss the range of outdoor dining events and supper clubs taking place across the country.

Get Outdoors: Walking, Hiking & Cycling

Summer is the season to get outside and explore Northern Ireland's incredible natural landscapes. Lace up your boots and tackle the Mourne Mountains, where sweeping trails reward walkers with panoramic views across the Irish Sea. Head into the Sperrins for something a little quieter, or explore the forest parks and lough shores that make this such a special place to be active. Prefer two wheels? The cycling routes here are second to none, from gentle greenways to more challenging mountain trails.

Food Experiences & Local Flavour

Summer is the ideal time to dig into Northern Ireland's thriving food scene. Farmers' markets, farm-to-fork supper clubs, and food festivals celebrate the very best of local and seasonal produce - and with the long evenings, outdoor dining feels like it was made for this time of year. Take a tour of the Northern Ireland Spirits Trail, visit an artisan producer, or book a place at one of the many pop-up dining events that make the summer social calendar so exciting.

Where to Stay This Summer

From cosy B&Bs and boutique hotels to self-catering cottages and glamping pods with views, Northern Ireland has accommodation to suit every kind of summer trip. Families will love the flexibility of self-catering; couples looking for a treat will find plenty of luxury options; and those who want to get close to nature can fall asleep under canvas or in a beautifully appointed glamping retreat.