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: 97

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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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- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking - Parking available on Cathedral grounds
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
54 reviews
Armagh County Museum

Armagh

Address

The Mall East, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 9BE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 3070

acm.info@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Price
Free
Gradings
- Three Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The oldest county museum in Ireland is set in Armagh’s beautiful Georgian tree lined Mall. Its collections capture centuries of stories relating to the people who lived, worked and had connections with this famous city and historic county.
Price
Free

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- Free (parking charges may apply)
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441 reviews
Navan Centre & Fort

Armagh

Address

81 Killylea Road, Armagh, County Armagh, BT60 4LD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 9644

navan@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
Gradings
- Three Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Navan Centre, located just two miles from the Cathedral City of Armagh, interprets one of Ireland’s most important ancient monuments, Navan Fort; the ancient capital and seat of the Kings of Ulster.
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Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
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- Restaurant on Premises
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- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
6 reviews
US Grant Ancestral Homestead

Ballygawley

Address

45 Dergenagh Road, Ballygawley, County Tyrone, BT70 1TW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8555 7133

ranfurly@midulstercouncil.org

Price
Free
Gradings
- Three Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Explore the cottage of the Simpson family with close ties to Ulysses Simpson Grant, the Commander of the victorious Union troops in the American Civil War. U.S. Grant served two terms as U.S. President and visited the homeland.
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Free

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- Free (parking charges may apply)
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- On site parking
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84 reviews
Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House

Dungannon

Address

26 Market Square, Dungannon, County Tyrone, BT70 1AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8772 8600

ranfurly@midulstercouncil.org

Price
Price £3.50 to £9.50 Activity
Gradings
- Three Star Quality Assurance
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Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Ranfurly House is an impressive Victorian building located in Dungannon and gateway to the ancient site of Hill of The O’Neill. Hill of The O’Neill is one of the most important heritage sites in Ireland with breath taking panoramic views over seven…
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Price £3.50 to £9.50 Activity

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- Free (parking charges may apply)
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- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
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185 reviews
Seamus Heaney HomePlace

Bellaghy

Address

45 Main Street, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, BT45 8HT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7938 7444

seamusheaneyhome@midulstercouncil.org

Price
Price £10.00 to £24.00 Activity

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Visitor Centres & Museums

Seamus Heaney HomePlace takes you on an inspiring journey through the life and work of one of Ireland’s greatest writers. Situated between his two childhood homes at Mossbawn and The Wood, and only a few hundred yards from St Mary’s Church,…

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1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

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Price £10.00 to £24.00 Activity

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Parking & Transport
- Car parking
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- Parking (free)
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Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
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- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
3825 reviews
Ulster Museum

Belfast

Address

Botanic Gardens, Belfast, County Antrim, BT9 5AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9044 0000

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Free
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Ulster Museum is home to treasures past and present. There’s something for art lovers, history buffs, inquisitive kids and the culturally curious! For a fun family day out dive into the Discovery Centres: Discover Art, Discover History and Discover…

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From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various 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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1071 reviews
Ulster American Folk Park

Omagh

Address

2 Mellon Road, Castletown, Omagh, County Tyrone, BT78 5QU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8224 3292

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Price £13.00 to £37.45 Per Ticket
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Journey back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park, from the Old World of Ulster to the New World of America. Learn what life was like in rural Ulster, step on board the full-scale emigrant ship and enjoy craft demonstrations performed by guides…

Dates

From:

1 Mar 2025to31 Oct 2025Various Opening Times

From:

1 Oct 2025to28 Feb 2026Various Opening Times
Price
Price £13.00 to £37.45 Per Ticket

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- Dogs accepted by arrangement
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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1242 reviews
W5

Belfast

Address

The Odyssey, 2 Queens Quay, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9QQ

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9046 7700

Price
Price £9.50 to £33.50 Per Ticket
Gradings
- Three Star Quality Assurance
Type

Type:

Science Centre

W5 is an award-winning science and discovery centre, firing the spirit of discovery with limitless fun for everyone including eight new zones packed full of interactive exhibits that will excite and inspire.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025
Price
Price £9.50 to £33.50 Per Ticket

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Banana Block

Belfast

Address

Portview Trade Centre, 310 Newtownards Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT4 1HE

info@bananablock.org

Type

Type:

Event Venue

A space for celebrating eccentric histories and creating incredible futures. We have no Bananas but. we have a Record Store, A mushroom Farm, Cheese Makers, A pop up cafe space, a Banana Ring, Banana beer and an incredible line up of local artists…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

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- Dogs Welcome Inside
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- Licensed
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- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
31 reviews
The Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum

Armagh

Address

Sovereign's House, The Mall, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 9DL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 2911

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Museum collection covers the history of five regiments, all of which were raised in 1793. The Royal Irish Fusiliers served for almost 200 years and is known as the “Faughs” from their Battle Cry “Faugh-a-Ballagh”.

Price
Free

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
118 reviews
North Down Museum

Bangor

Address

Bangor City Hall, Castle Park Avenue, Bangor, County Down, BT20 4BT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9127 1200

museum@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Visit North Down Museum to explore the fascinating saga of the North Down area from the Bronze Age to the present day. The Museum takes you on a journey through Early Christian heritage and the Vikings to Scottish Settlers and the Victorians.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
The Heritage Hub at Carnlough Town Hall

Carnlough

Address

Harbour Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 288 86188

watson-mary@sky.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Learn all about the development of Carnlough through the centuries, including its unique industrial heritage, by visiting the Heritage Hub in Carnlough Town Hall before going on an energetic walk to Cranny Falls via Carnlough Harbour.

Price
Free

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Lough Neagh Fisheries Visitors Centre

Toomebridge

Address

4 Bannside, Toomebridge, County Antrim, BT41 3SB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7965 0618

info@loughneagheels.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Providing tourists with in-depth and informative insight into the fishing industry on the Lough and the various fish species found there, including the epic 6,000 km migration of eels to and from the Sargasso Sea in the North Atlantic Ocean.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
The Belfast Barge

Belfast

Address

1 Lanyon Place, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3LG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 2555

info@belfastbarge.co.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Belfast’s first floating visitor attraction, moored on the River Lagan, just minutes from the city centre, houses a vibrant interactive museum on Belfast's proud maritime history.

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Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
62 reviews
Patterson's Spade Mill

Templepatrick

Address

751 Antrim Road, Templepatrick, County Antrim, BT39 0AP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9443 3619

pattersons@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Listen to the hammers, smell the grit, feel the heat and witness the thrill of the only surviving water-driven spade mill in Ireland.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre

Limavady

Address

Main Street, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 0FJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7776 0650

Tourism.Limavady@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Arts Centre

A flagship arts and conference centre in Limavady, providing a dynamic programme of national and international theatre, music, visual arts and heritage exhibitions, film and creative learning opportunities. Gift shop and visitor information centre.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

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Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp to main entrance
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Ballance House

Glenavy

Address

118A Lisburn Road, Glenavy, County Antrim, BT29 4NY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9264 8492

info@theballancehouse.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Ballance House farm museum, run by The Ulster New Zealand Trust, is the restored birthplace of John Ballance, Prime Minister of New Zealand 1891-1893.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
163 reviews
RSPB Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre

Rathlin Island

Address

Rathlin Island, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, BT54 6SB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2076 0062

rspb.nireland@rspb.org.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Just six miles off County Antrim's north coast with must see views of Northern Ireland's largest seabird colony and a chance to explore Rathlin's unique 'upside down' lighthouse part of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland Trail.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
285 reviews
The Abingdon Collection

Omagh

Address

Abingdon, 16 Gortnagarn Road, Omagh, County Tyrone, BT78 5NW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8224 3373

philipfaithfull@hotmail.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Abingdon Collection represents over 45 years of passionate collecting and is divided into two very distinct areas of interest and includes classic cars, motorcycles, memorabilia and one of the largest collections of militaria in Ireland.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking