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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Sir Hans Sloane Centre

Killyleagh

Address

23 High Street, Killyleagh, County Down, BT30 9QF

Telephone
+44 (0) 7896 254 153

info@sirhanssloanecentre.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Centre consists of a small museum, numerous displays, a science education area, a children's reading corner, a small gift shop, rest area, and botanical garden. Numerous activities are offered including science activities, foreign language and…

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Off 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

More Info
Roddy McCorley Republican Heritage Centre

Belfast

Address

Moyard House, 203 Glen Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT11 8BU

Telephone
02890 300480

info@roddymccorley.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Discover the story of 200 years of Irish Republicanism told through the prism of a unique collection of locally gathered and curated historical artefacts from The Society of United Irishmen of 1798 through to the present day.

More Info
Facilities

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

Catering
- Restaurant on Premises
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
296 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
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
Ballymoney Museum

Ballymoney

Address

Town Hall, 1 Townhead Street, Ballymoney, County Antrim, BT53 6BE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2766 0230

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

From the Mesolithic to Motorcycles, through rebellion and war, politics, industry, sport and a whole lot more discover the fascinating history of the town and the surrounding areas.

Dates

From:

1 Feb 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- Parking (charge) - Townhead Street Car Park is adjacent to building
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport

Address

The Harbour, Main Street, Groomsport, County Down, BT19 6JR

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9109 3038

bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Take a step back in time with a visit to the lovingly restored Cockle Row Cottages located beside the harbour, Groomsport.

Dates

From:

5 June 2026to14 Sept 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
148 reviews
Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum

Lisburn

Address

Market Square, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT28 1AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9266 3377

Ilc.reception@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum is an award-winning museum located in Market Square, Lisburn. The permanent exhibition Flax to Fabric traces the story of linen from Ancient Egyptian times to present day.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
32 reviews
James Connolly Visitor Centre | Áras Uí Chonghaile

Belfast

Address

374 - 376 Falls Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT12 6DG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9099 1005

info@arasuichonghaile.com

Price
Price £10.00 to £22.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Áras Uí Chonghaile | The James Connolly Visitor is an award-winning modern, inspirational, visitor centre located only yards from where James Connolly, a leading Trade Unionist, Socialist and Republican and an iconic figure in Irish history, lived…

Price
Price £10.00 to £22.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Lough Neagh Discovery and Conference Centre

Craigavon

Address

Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Annaloist Road, Craigavon, County Armagh, BT66 6NJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3832 2205

oxford.island@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Enjoy four miles of footpaths, five birdwatching hides, woodland, ponds, wildflower meadows, picnic and play areas and seasonal innovative exhibitions at The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre. Enjoy stunning, panoramic views of the Lough from the…

Price
Free

More Info
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
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.

More Info
Facilities

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

Whitehead

Address

19 Kings Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9PT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9337 8077

wca@whitehead-ni.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Whitehead Centre provides a tourism hub for information about what is going on locally and how to make the most of your time in our vibrant and beautiful town. Guided tours also available to book.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
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.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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
GORTA - Swatragh's Famine Story

Swatragh

Address

2-4 Kilrea Road, Swatragh, County Londonderry, BT46 5QF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7940 1206

bookings@friels.ie

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Great storytelling, beautiful design and 21st century technology, our new visitor experience features the incredible legacy of Dr. Mooney. His surgery and soup kitchen provided aid to the local community during An Gorta Mór.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
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.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
3356 reviews
SS Nomadic

Belfast

Address

Hamilton Dock, Queen's Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9DT

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9076 6386

enquiries@nomadicbelfast.com

Price
Price £5.00 to £10.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

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.

Price
Price £5.00 to £10.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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
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