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

, currently showing 41 to 60.

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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
124 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

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
36 reviews
Wellbrook Beetling Mill

Cookstown

Address

20 Wellbrook Road, Cookstown, County Tyrone, BT80 9RY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8674 8210

wellbrook@nationaltrust.org.uk

Price
Price £3.75 to £18.75 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Wellbrook is nestled in an idyllic wooded valley. As you come over the hill and see the river, the mill, its water wheel and traditional cottage, it looks as if nothing could disturb the tranquillity.

Price
Price £3.75 to £18.75 Per Ticket

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
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.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- On site parking
- Parking (free)
The Verbal Arts Centre

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Stable Lane and Mall Wall, Bishop Street Within, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6PU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7126 6946

info@theverbal.co

Type

Type:

Arts Centre

The Verbal Arts Centre is an educational charity founded in 1992 and now located in the beautifully refurbished First Derry School, a listed building which occupies a prime location on the city’s walls. The Verbal Arts Centre is Ireland’s only…

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Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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
Craigmore Viaduct

Bessbrook

Address

Belfast to Dublin railway line, Bessbrook, County Armagh, BT35 6JR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3031 3170

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Railway

This 18 arch viaduct, close to Newry, is a prominent feature of the south Armagh landscape.

Price
Free

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
604 reviews
Ulster Aviation Society

Lisburn

Address

Via Gate 3 – Maze Long Kesh, 94 Halftown Road, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT27 5RF

Telephone
074 8670 9651

bookvisit@ulsteraviationsociety.org

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Charitable society of Volunteers preserving and exhibiting Northern Ireland's aviation heritage. Unique array of 54+ aircraft & vehicles within its Heritage collection, housed within two, authentic, Second World War hangars at Maze Long Kesh, just 5…

Dates

From:

1 Mar 2026to31 Oct 2026Open 10:30 - 17:30

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wi-fi available - FREE Wi-fi available via state-of-the-art 1.8Gb Fibre Broadband
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
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
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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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
St Comgall’s - 'The Falls, Where The Troubles Began'

Belfast

Address

St Comgall's - Ionad Eileen Howell, Divis Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT124AQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9020 2030

eoin@fallscouncil.com

Price
Price £8.00 to £36.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Cultural Centre

Welcome To St. Comgall’s and the visitor exhibition 'The Falls, Where The Troubles Began'

Dates

From:

6 Nov 2025to31 Jan 2027Various Opening Times

Price
Price £8.00 to £36.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
4 reviews
The Great Light & Titanic Walkway

Belfast

Address

Queens Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9FH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9073 0490

info@greatlighttq.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Maritime Heritage

The Great Light is one of the largest optics of its kind ever built in the world, and is around 130 years old. It is located on the Titanic Walkway, a new 500 metre maritime walkway on Victoria Wharf, connecting the Titanic Slipways to HMS Caroline.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

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

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Drumawhey Junction Railway

Donaghadee

Address

60 Upper Gransha Road, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0LZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9446 1272

trains@drumawhey.com

Type

Type:

Miniature Railway

This 7 1/4" gauge miniature railway has about 2km of track with a variety of routes including bridges, cuttings, embankments, gradients and a twin-track tunnel. There is a station, picnic tables and the ticket office includes a small shop.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
292 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…

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

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

Establishment Features
- Wifi
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
Coleraine Town Hall

Coleraine

Address

The Diamond, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1DE

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Coleraine Town Hall presides over the central shopping piazza in Coleraine. Designed by Thomas Turner, the Town Hall, which is of major historical significance, was built in 1859 by McLaughlin & Harvey for £4,147(over £7m today).

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)