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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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
Dún Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre

Omagh

Address

Drumnakilly Road, Omagh, County Tyrone, BT79 0JP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8224 2777

info@dunuladh.ie

Type

Type:

Cultural Centre

Dún Uladh is a centre which showcases Irish culture: dance, song, language, crafts and much more. From a traditional Seisiún to quilting or Irish language classes, there are a host of events and interesting opportunities on offer.

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Facilities

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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Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
138 reviews
Museum of Orange Heritage - Schomberg House

Belfast

Address

Schomberg House, 368 Cregagh Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT6 9EY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9070 1122

info@orangeheritage.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Museum of Orange Heritage, Schomberg House, focuses on the history and traditions of the Orange Institution, beginning with the Glorious Revolution, and travels right through until the present day.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

Price
Free

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Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
32 reviews
Gracehill Moravian Settlement

Gracehill

Address

The Old School House, 19A Church Road, Gracehill, County Antrim, BT42 2NL

Telephone
+44 (0) 7903 739933

gracehilltours@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Gracehill, an 18th-century Moravian settlement near Ballymena, is Northern Ireland's first UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site. Visitors can explore its preserved Georgian architecture, historic sites, and book guided tours.

Dates

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
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
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

Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
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
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.

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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)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
44 reviews
Bedlam Museum

Derry

Address

32 Shipquay Street, Derry, Derry~Londonderry, BT48 6DN

Telephone
02871268219

bedlammuseum@gmail.com

Price
Price £6.00 to £10.00 Activity

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Bedlam Museum offers an immersive experience with its vast collection and interactive exhibits. Whether you're a history enthusiast or looking for an educational outing, it promises a memorable visit. Don’t miss the chance to take photos with…

Price
Price £6.00 to £10.00 Activity

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Museum at The Mill

Newtownabbey

Address

Mossley Mill Civic Centre, Carnmoney Road North, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 5QA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9034 0129

Type

Type:

Industrial Heritage

Museum at The Mill invites visitors of all ages to explore the history and heritage of Mossley Mill, a flax spinning mill in County Antrim which dates back to the early 1800s.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
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
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)
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 2026to31 Dec 2026Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Catering
- Licensed
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 2026to31 Dec 2026Various 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
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
54 reviews
Sentry Hill Historic House & Visitor Centre

Newtownabbey

Address

40 Ballycraigy Road, Newtownabbey, County Antrim, BT36 4SX

Telephone
0300 123 7788

culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Sentry Hill is a 19th century farmhouse in the Parish of Carnmoney, County Antrim. The house and its contents provide a rare insight into life in rural Ulster during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

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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

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
58 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

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi