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Cultural and cool – why Northern Ireland should be on your bucket list

Embrace a kaleidoscope of colour and the giant spirit of autumn

Magheracross Viewpoint. Photograph: Richard Watson courtesy of Tourism Ireland
Magheracross Viewpoint. Photograph: Richard Watson courtesy of Tourism Ireland

Embrace the giant spirit of autumn as Northern Ireland becomes a canvas of colour inviting you to immerse in its rich landscapes while using the compass of cultural events, amazing food and drink and the warmth of the welcome to guide your way.

With many unique experiences, scenic attractions and great places to stay less than 90 minutes from Dublin, Northern Ireland is the ideal location to enjoy a last hurrah after our soggy summer.

Fully deserving of its place on National Geographic’s Cool List for 2024, Belfast explodes into life in autumn with theatre, cultural festivals and music gigs to enjoy during this, the city’s year of culture.

Belfast 2024 has enjoyed an ambitious and exciting programme of events, from immersive light and sound spectacles in the birthplace of the Titanic, world premieres, a celebration of black music and culture and augmented reality with so much more still to come in the final months of the year.

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Take the time to drive out of the city and enjoy the beauty of the Causeway Coastal Route as the road hugs the flaggy shore and around each corner is a vista which underlines just why this drive regularly makes top ten lists for the world’s most respected travel publications.

Stop for coffee in the charming harbour town of Carnlough, meander through the Glens of Antrim as the coastline guides you through the timeless favourite resorts of Bushmills, Ballycastle, Portrush and Portstewart and on towards the Walled City of Derry where you will experience world class cuisine and a warm welcome.

This time of the year sunsets don’t get much better than the spectacular fiery displays in the skies over Lough Erne in County Fermanagh while the cooler weather is perfect for hiking – are you up to the challenge of tackling one of the Mourne Mountains’ eight highest peaks?

Discover Northern Ireland has compiled this list of amazing places to stay and experiences to try, perfect for an autumn getaway.

Sip a cocktail in the elegant Harland Bar, at the Titanic Hotel, Belfast. Photograph: Christopher Heaney
Sip a cocktail in the elegant Harland Bar, at the Titanic Hotel, Belfast. Photograph: Christopher Heaney

Titanic Hotel, Belfast

What was once the Harland & Wolff Headquarters and Drawing Offices is now the world’s most authentic four-star Titanic Hotel with 119 exquisitely designed rooms, two restaurants and the restored dual Victorian Drawing Offices, with their three-storey-high barrel-shaped ceilings the most fascinating place to sip a cocktail. Of course, the bustling Titanic Quarter and world-famous Titanic Belfast visitor experience are right on its doorstep. In fact, they are its doorstep.

Artists from around the world have flocked to add their artistry to Belfast's famed collection of murals
Artists from around the world have flocked to add their artistry to Belfast's famed collection of murals

Like Berlin and Bethlehem, famous for their walls, Belfast’s walls have witnessed street art flourishing in the city as artists from around the world come to paint. Seedhead Arts offer a unique two-hour walking tour with insight into the meanings, techniques and behind the scenes stories about the works and their creators.

Bushmills Inn has made a name for itself with holidaymakers enjoying the sights of the coastline; with the cosy bar a perfect spot to warm up after a day out
Bushmills Inn has made a name for itself with holidaymakers enjoying the sights of the coastline; with the cosy bar a perfect spot to warm up after a day out

Bushmills Inn, County Antrim

Along the famous Causeway Coastal Route lies the four-star Bushmills Inn Hotel, a converted coaching inn from the 1600s offering the best in fine dining and cosy elegant rooms. Think roaring peat fires and a gaslit bar providing the perfect setting for a drink or two. A secret library, flag room and an AA Rosette restaurant all make for a unique setting to take in the world-famous coastline.

Royal Portrush Golf Club in Co Antrim is one of the stunning golf courses to be enjoyed
Royal Portrush Golf Club in Co Antrim is one of the stunning golf courses to be enjoyed

Northern Ireland is made for golf and after the successful hosting of the Amgen Irish Open in September, the countdown is well and truly on for the return of The Open Championship to Royal Portrush in 2025. Before the best professional golfers and fans from all over the world descend, why not book a round at one of Northern Ireland’s outstanding links and parkland course such as Portstewart, Castlerock and Ballycastle.

Shipquay Hotel is a boutique establishment overlooking the famous walls of Derry
Shipquay Hotel is a boutique establishment overlooking the famous walls of Derry

Shipquay Hotel, Derry

The four-star Shipquay Hotel complements its Italianate-style heritage with contemporary touches and overlooks the 400-year-old city walls and the historic Guildhall. Situated at the hub of Derry’s shopping, arts and social scene it is an intimate and luxurious place to spend your down time in Derry before taking in the ‘Legenderry’ food offering in restaurants around the city.

One of Northern Ireland's newest cultural attractions is the Peacemakers Museum in Derry
One of Northern Ireland's newest cultural attractions is the Peacemakers Museum in Derry

The Peacemakers Museum, opened in 2024, is located in the Bogside area of Derry which witnessed some of the key events of the conflict including the Battle of the Bogside and Bloody Sunday and uses artefacts, oral history, archive footage, interactive features to explain how the Agreement was reached, its implementation and its potential implications for the future of the island. Make sure to also take in the Tower and Siege Museums and the Museum of Free Derry.

The Manor House Country Hotel outside Enniskillen combines old world charm and modern luxury. Photograph: David Cordner
The Manor House Country Hotel outside Enniskillen combines old world charm and modern luxury. Photograph: David Cordner

Manor House Country Hotel, County Fermanagh

The four-star Manor House Country Hotel on the banks of Lough Erne is the perfect country retreat combining old world charm with modern hotel luxury. An 18th Century Grade Two listed building, the hotel boasts an AA Rosette Belleek Restaurant, Sanctuary Spa, leisure facilities and plenty to keep you entertained including golf, tennis and boat hire.

Enjoy stunning views from the Cuilcagh Boardwalk, Co Fermanagh. Photograph: Gareth McCormack
Enjoy stunning views from the Cuilcagh Boardwalk, Co Fermanagh. Photograph: Gareth McCormack

Nicknamed the Stairway to Heaven, the timbered Legnabrocky trail to the summit of Cuilcagh Mountain is a wonder of foresight and compassion for nature, as well as a challenge for walkers and strollers, young and old. Just a few steps away in a UNESCO Global Geopark are the Marble Arch Caves, with some of the most impressive show caves in Europe.

Hillyard House, County Down

Slow down and savour the luxury of award-winning boutique hotel, Hillyard House. Relax in one of 20 modern guest rooms and enjoy contemporary décor and thoughtful amenities. The nearby Castlewellan Forest Park is home to one of Northern Ireland’s most famous lakes, a stunning Victorian Castlewellan Castle, incredible panoramic views, scenic walking and mountain bike trails along with an onsite multi-activity centre and the famous Castlewellan Peace Maze.

Lose yourself in the Peace Maze at Castlewellan Forest Park
Lose yourself in the Peace Maze at Castlewellan Forest Park

Come and try 15 new outdoor activity and adventure experiences promising unforgettable moments for nature enthusiasts, soft adventurers and thrill-seekers alike in the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. Outdoor lovers can now embark on experiences such as wild river dipping, foraging and farming through the ages in the Ring of Gullion or searching for gold in the Mourne Mountains.

The Garden House on the Blessingbourne Estate, is the newest addition to the self-catering accommodation offering
The Garden House on the Blessingbourne Estate, is the newest addition to the self-catering accommodation offering

Blessingbourne Estate, County Tyrone

For a tranquil Autumn escape, look no further than the Garden House, the newest addition to Blessingbourne Estate’s selection of self-catering accommodation. The Garden House, a beautiful four-bedroom bungalow with garden and patio areas, a lounge, sunroom and dining room, is an ideal retreat for families or groups set among the natural beauty of the Clogher Valley in County Tyrone.

Explore the ancient Hill of The O'Neill and immerse yourself in history at the Ranfurly House Arts and Visitor Centre
Explore the ancient Hill of The O'Neill and immerse yourself in history at the Ranfurly House Arts and Visitor Centre

Explore the ancient Hill of The O’Neill at the Ranfurly House Arts and Visitor Centre or the spectacular Harry Avery’s Castle. It’s here that you’ll discover why Co Tyrone’s nickname of ‘O’Neill Country’ has stuck. You can mix it up with a bit of learning at The Argory in Dungannon, a beautiful neo-classical mansion, and find out more about the house inside before getting out into the lovely woodland and riverside walk.

Blackwell House, County Armagh

A haven of relaxation, Blackwell House is the perfect place to recharge, indulge in outstanding food and reconnect with nature. Nestled within the hills of County Armagh, this luxurious guesthouse is perfect for those wanting to switch off. With forest walks, parks and a canal towpath nearby, immerse in nature in the knowledge a wonderful meal using the finest local produce awaits your return.

Visitors can learn about the heritage of apple growing in Armagh during the orchard tour at the Long Meadow Orchard Cider Experience. Photograph: Rob Durston
Visitors can learn about the heritage of apple growing in Armagh during the orchard tour at the Long Meadow Orchard Cider Experience. Photograph: Rob Durston

With over three generations of apple growing at their Portadown farm, the McKeever family know a thing or two about Armagh’s most famous produce. At the Long Meadow Cider Farm Tour and Tasting experience you will walk through the orchards and witness how the apples are processed and pressed. You will also learn how to make traditional soda bread as well as taste craft ciders and fresh apple juice.

To book your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland visit www.discovernorthernireland.com