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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
73 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

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
954 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 Per Ticket
Gradings
- Four Star Quality Assurance
Type

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 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

From:

6 Apr 2025to30 Nov 2025Various Opening Times

From:

7 Apr 2025to28 Nov 2025Various Opening Times
Price
Price £8.00 Per Ticket

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
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
Type

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

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- 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.
Facilities

Establishment Features
- 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.
Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
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

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
86 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
Type

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…
Price
Price £3.50 to £9.50 Activity

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Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
1248 reviews
W5

Belfast

Address

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

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9046 7700
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
More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
186 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 £12.00 to £29.00 Activity

Type

Type:

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,…

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Price £12.00 to £29.00 Activity

More Info
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
90 reviews
Castle Archdale Country Park, Countryside Centre & War Museum

Irvinestown

Address

346 Killadeas Road, Irvinestown, County Fermanagh, BT94 1PP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6634 4803

nieainfo@daera-ni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The country park boasts beautiful woodland and lough shore walks, an insect garden and wildflower meadow. Castle Archdale was the main flying boat base during WWII, highlighted in an exhibition in the visitor centre entitled ‘Castle Archdale at War’.

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
51 reviews
Ballycopeland Windmill

Millisle

Address

Windmill Road, Millisle, County Down, BT22 2DS

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9082 3207

scmenquiries@communities-ni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Windmill

Late 18th-century tower mill in use until 1915 and still in working order. Take a virtual tour and discover this unique building.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
78 reviews
Northern Ireland War Memorial Museum

Belfast

Address

21 Talbot Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 2LD

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 0392

info@niwarmemorial.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Discover the story of Northern Ireland during the Second World War. The Northern Ireland War Memorial (NIWM) is an engaging and welcoming accredited museum that provides a window on Northern Ireland's key role in the Second World War and the impact…

Dates

From:

3 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Conway Mill

Belfast

Address

5-7 Conway Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT13 2DE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9032 9646

info@conwaymill.org

Type

Type:

Industrial Heritage

The Mill was originally built around 1842, and was one of the first linen spinning mills to be established on the Lower Falls Road.

More Info
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
The Livingston Centre

Killinchy

Address

Church Hill Road, Killinchy, County Down, BT23 6PP

Telephone
02897541249

killinchyparishcic@gmail.com

Price
Price £5.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Cultural Centre

The Livingston Centre at Killinchy Parish Church is a local heritage centre. It tells the transatlantic story of the Livingston family. The Livingston family became one of the most influential families in American history and includes Presidents, a…

Price
Price £5.00 Activity

More Info
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Bronte Homeland Interpretative Centre

Rathfriland

Address

Church Hill Road, Drumballyroney, Rathfriland, County Down, BT34 5PH

Telephone
028 4062 3322

info@femcwilliam.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The fertile land of County Down has been farming country for centuries. It was here that Patrick Brontë, father of Charlotte, Emily and Anne - the famous Brontë sisters, was born into a farming family on 17th March 1777.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
166 reviews
RSPB Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre

Rathlin Island

Address

Rathlin Island, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, BT54 6RT

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.

More Info
First Derry Presbyterian Church and The Blue Coat School Heritage Centre

Derry~Londonderry

Address

First Presbyterian Church, 6 Magazine Street Upper, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6HA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7126 1550

firstderrybluecoatschool@outlook.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Churches & Sacred Sites

Explore the Blue Coat School Heritage Centre and discover the compelling, and often surprising story of First Derry Presbyterian Church that has been at the heart of its community since the 17th century.

Dates

From:

21 May 2025to5 Sept 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
478 reviews
Enniskillen Castle

Enniskillen

Address

Enniskillen Castle, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 7HL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6632 5000

castle@fermanaghomagh.com

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Situated beside the River Erne in County Fermanagh, was built almost 600 years ago by Gaelic Maguires. It was strategically important throughout its history. In the 17th century it became a garrison fort and later a military barracks. Enjoy the many…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Harland & Wolff Cranes - Samson and Goliath

Belfast

Address

Queen's Island, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9DU

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Industrial Heritage

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.

Price
Free

More Info
Discover Ulster-Scots Centre

Belfast

Address

The Corn Exchange, 1-9 Victoria Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3GA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 1113

jpurse@ulsterscotsagency.org.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Cultural Centre

Get a whole different story at the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre, located in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- Parking (charge) - There are several parking options located close to the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre. They include: • St Anne’s Square Car Park • Exchange Street Car Park • Hill Street Car Park • Handy Park Corporation Street Car Park • Handy Park Tomb Street Car Park.
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available