Affordable Days Out in Northern Ireland
Enjoying a great day out in Northern Ireland doesn't have to cost a fortune. Whether you're looking for completely free experiences or attractions that offer excellent value for money, there are loads of memorable places to explore. From spectacular beaches and scenic walking trails to museums, parks and family attractions, you'll find plenty of ways to make the most of your time while keeping costs down - read on below for our guide to just some of the best cheap and free things to do in Northern Ireland.
Free Things to Do in Belfast
Belfast city and the surrounding area is packed with attractions and experiences that won't cost a thing. If parks and green spaces are your thing, why not spend a morning exploring the splendour of Belfast Botanic Gardens, home to the iconic Palm House, or take a trip up to Cave Hill Country Park for spectacular panoramic views across the city and Belfast Lough. You can also enjoy a stroll through the parkland avenues of Stormont Estate in East Belfast, or relax among the spectacular rose gardens of Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park in the south of the city.
The city centre's streets offer just as much to discover: take a deep dive into Belfast's industrial heritage as you follow the Maritime Mile through Titanic Quarter, or wander through the cobbled lanes of the Cathedral Quarter, while families might enjoy a visit to C.S. Lewis Square where bronze sculptures bring characters from The Chronicles of Narnia to life.
Free Family Days Out in Northern Ireland
If you're looking for a cost-effective family day out, there are loads of free attractions and things for kids to do in Northern Ireland. For younger children, story-themed trails are always a hit: families can follow the free Gruffalo & Stickman Guided Walk at Colin Glen Forest Park in Belfast, where sculptures of the much-loved characters from Julia Donaldson's book are hidden among the trees along a woodland path.
Likewise, Slieve Gullion Forest Park in County Armagh is home to Fionn's Giant Adventure, a family-friendly trail inspired by ancient Irish mythology. Along the route, children can discover fairy houses, giants, dragons and storytelling features woven into the forest landscape, while The Narnia Trail at Kilbroney Park in County Downbrings the world of C.S. Lewis to life with carved characters hidden among the trees.
Families looking for fresh air and wide-open spaces are spoiled for choice. Some of Northern Ireland's most spectacular beaches, including Benone Strand and White Park Bay on the north coast, as well as Murlough National Nature Reserve and Tyrella Beach in County Down, offer miles of sand, dramatic scenery and plenty of opportunities for play, picnics and wildlife spotting. Outdoor play parks can also be found right across Northern Ireland, providing free fun for children in towns, villages and visitor destinations throughout the region.
Older children might enjoy exploring the famous Peace Maze at Castlewellan Forest Park, while for a mixture of culture and hands-on discovery the Ulster Museum in Belfast offers exhibitions on everything from dinosaurs to the world of Ancient Egypt, art, natural history and much more.
Cheap Things to Do in Northern Ireland
Whether you're travelling with family, planning a rainy day activity or looking for a great-value day out, there are plenty of experiences that offer hours of entertainment at a relatively low cost.
History lovers can explore Carrickfergus Castle, one of the best-preserved Norman castles on the island of Ireland, or step back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park, where costumed interpreters, traditional cottages and immersive exhibits tell the story of emigration to North America. With an entire village to explore and live demonstrations throughout the site, it's the kind of attraction where visitors can easily spend most of the day.
Families looking for action-packed fun can head to W5 in Belfast, one of the UK's largest interactive science and discovery centres that's packed with hands-on exhibits, fun challenges and live demonstrations, it's designed to keep curious minds entertained for hours. Dundonald International Ice Bowl offers everything from ice skating and ten-pin bowling to adventure play, making it an affordable option whatever the weather, while The Lost City Adventure Golf in Belfast is a top spot for indoor mini-golf.
For something a little different, visit Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, where interactive exhibitions and immersive dome shows bring astronomy to life. Animal lovers, meanwhile, can enjoy a day at The Ark Open Farm, where visitors can meet everything from rabbits and alpacas to goats and rare breeds. With outdoor play areas, animal encounters and plenty of open space to explore, it's a popular family day out that delivers excellent value for money.
Free Places to Visit in Northern Ireland
From dramatic coastal viewpoints and mountain trails to ancient monastic sites and world-class landscapes, there are countless places in Northern Ireland that offer some of the most memorable experiences without costing a penny.
In County Fermanagh, the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail is one of Northern Ireland's most iconic walks, taking visitors across blanket bog and upland scenery to panoramic views from the summit. Along the Causeway Coastal Route, Magheracross Viewpoint provides a spectacular vantage point overlooking the ruins of Dunluce Castle and the Atlantic coastline beyond, while nearby Cushendun caves offer an atmospheric glimpse into one of the region's most distinctive natural landmarks.
Step back through the centuries at Nendrum Monastic Site on the shores of Strangford Lough, one of the best-preserved early Christian sites on the island of Ireland, or visit the historic Robinson Library in Armagh where you can explore centuries of knowledge and scholarship within one of the most important collections of printed works and treasures in Europe.
Families and walkers alike can enjoy the Sperrin Giant Sculpture Trail, where giant sculptures inspired by local mythology are dotted across the landscape, encouraging visitors to explore one of Northern Ireland's most beautiful regions. Or, for a peaceful outdoor escape, Oxford Island Nature Reserve offers woodland walks, bird hides and tranquil shores along Lough Neagh, while Spelga Dam in the Mourne Mountains combines spectacular scenery with one of Northern Ireland's most impressive mountain backdrops.
Things to Do This Weekend in Northern Ireland
Looking for inspiration for this weekend? Whether you're planning a family day out, a date night, a trip with friends or a solo adventure, Northern Ireland's events calendar is packed with things to see and do throughout the year.
Visit the What’s On page to discover events taking place today, this weekend and throughout the coming months. You can browse by location, making it easy to find events near you, or filter by category to explore everything from concerts and gigs, comedy shows and theatre performances to exhibitions, workshops, food markets and cultural events.
There are also dedicated listings for family-friendly events, food and drink experiences, sports events and much more, helping you find something that suits your interests and schedule. Whether you're looking for things to do today, this weekend or later this month, the What's On guide is the best place to find upcoming events across Northern Ireland.
