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: 100

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291 reviews
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

Armagh

Address

College Hill, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 9DB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 3689

reception@armagh.ac.uk

Type

Type:

Observatory / Planetarium

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is “the place for space”. Watch an amazing Full Dome Theatre show and explore the Universe. Immerse yourself in the latest scientific research in the exhibition area and take a relaxing walk through the Astropark…

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Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
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Establishment Features
- Wifi
Aonach Mhacha

Armagh

Address

74-76 Upper English Street, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7LG

Telephone
+44(0) 28 3799 8111

failte@aonachmhacha.com

Type

Type:

Cultural Centre

Is ionad cultúrtha í Aonach Mhacha atá suite i gcroílár Ard Mhacha. Cuirimid imeachtaí Gaeilge, ealaíne agus cultúrtha ar fáil a fhreastalaíonn ar ghach duine sa phobal. Is féidir bualadh isteach chuig Siopa Macha le bronntanais a fháil nó Caifé…

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- Dogs Welcome Inside
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Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Off site parking
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- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
57 reviews
Ulster Transport Museum

Holywood

Address

150 Bangor Road, Holywood, County Down, BT18 0EY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9042 8428

info@nationalmuseumsni.org

Price
Price £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Celebrate the history of invention and innovation through engineering, design, and technology at the Ulster Transport Museum. Check out the famous DeLorean, a Ferguson tractor and the motorbikes of some of Northern Ireland's biggest road racing…

Dates

From:

1 Oct 2025to28 Feb 2026Various Opening Times

Price
Price £12.00 to £35.00 Per Ticket

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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Establishment Features
- Wifi
George Best House

Belfast

Address

16 Burren Way, Belfast, County Antrim, BT6 0DW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9045 1900

bookings@georgebesthouse.com

Price
Price £16.50 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Local Heroes

Guided tours of George Best House are available to book and are led by expert local EastSide Tour Guides. Tours last 45-minutes. Adult tickets are priced £12, Children tickets (ages 5-18) are priced £7 and Children under 5 go free with no booking…

Price
Price £16.50 Per Ticket

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
480 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…

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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- 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

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
125 reviews
Brownlow House

Lurgan

Address

Windsor Avenue, Lurgan, County Armagh, BT67 9BJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3832 6049

info@brownlowhouse.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Brownlow House is Located in the centre of Lurgan adjacent to Lurgan Public Park, a grade A listed building now open for viewing.

Price
Free

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
221 reviews
Kingspan Stadium and The Nevin Spence Centre

Belfast

Address

Kingspan Stadium, 85 Ravenhill Park, Belfast, County Antrim, BT6 0DG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9049 3222

Nevinspencecentre@ulsterrugby.com

Type

Type:

Sports Ground

Journey through the history of rugby in Ulster with a self-guided tour of The Nevin Spence Centre. Using archive objects, footage and interactives, visitors can discover the roots of Ulster Rugby.

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Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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- On site parking
Somme Museum

Newtownards

Address

233 Bangor Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7PH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9182 3202

claire@sommeassociation.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Museum examines Ireland's role in the 1st World War with special reference to the cross-community involvement in the 3 local volunteer Divisions: the 10th and 16th (Irish) Divisions and the 36th (Ulster) Division.

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
64 reviews
Clifton House - The Belfast Poor House

Belfast

Address

2 North Queen Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT15 1ES

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9099 7022

info@cliftonbelfast.org.uk

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

The history of Belfast begins at Clifton House. From the moment you step through the door you will be transported back in time to the Belfast Poor House – opened in 1774 – which provided sanctuary to thousands of people, from the young and old, to…

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Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
The Guard Room Carrickfergus

Carrickfergus

Address

Carrickfergus Town Hall Complex, 11 Antrim Street, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 7DN

Telephone
+ 44 (0) 28 9335 8241

carrickfergusmuseums@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Step back in time at The Guard Room in Carrickfergus Town Hall, immersing visitors in the early 20th-century quarters of the Antrim Artillery militia with interactive exhibits and historical narratives spanning 800 years.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
47 reviews
Inniskillings Museum

Enniskillen

Address

Unit E Castle Keep, Castle Barracks, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 7HL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6632 3142

info@inniskillingmuseum.com

Price
Price £5.80 to £15.80 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

A visit to The Inniskillings Museum at Enniskillen Castle is a journey through more than 300 years of world history as encountered by the town’s two famous regiments, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards.

Price
Price £5.80 to £15.80 Per Ticket

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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

More Info
Facilities

Accessibility
- Ramp to main entrance
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
An Creagán

Omagh

Address

186 Barony Road, Creggan, Omagh, County Tyrone, BT79 9AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8076 1112

info@ancreagan.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Set in breath-taking surroundings you can recharge your batteries and enjoy one of the many walks and cycle trails on the grounds and take in the sights and sounds as you pedal or walk through the open landscape and forest trails. Or perhaps just…

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
63 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.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
40 reviews
EastSide Visitor Centre

Belfast

Address

402 Newtownards Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT4 1HH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 90451900

visitorcentre@eastsidepartnership.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

EastSide Visitor Centre provides a base from which visitors can explore the east of the city. Visitors can access information on attractions from digital screens with interpretation panels and a wall map.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Open 08:00 - 18:00

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi