Things to do

There’s nowhere quite like the North of Ireland if you love a good bucket list. Or a great one, for that matter. You’ve got everything from World Heritage sites to paradise for walkers and climbers; real-world Game of Thrones® locations to scenery that inspired Narnia; you can stand in the spot where Titanic set out or visit the house where George Best grew up. So, bring your bucket list, and a few spare pens.  

Buckets to do in Belfast  

Walk along the Maritime Mile to explore Belfast's seafaring history on this waterfront trail connecting key attractions along both sides of the River Lagan. You’ll start on the city side of the river and follow the historic trail from Sailortown and St Joseph's Church to Clarendon Buildings, passing key sites including the dry and wet docks, the Salmon of Knowledge (known locally as "the big fish"), the SS Nomadic, Titanic Belfast, the Great Light, and Thompson Dock which is the 415ft long dry dock where RMS Titanic was fitted out.

Buckets more for Thronies, bingers and buffs 

Unless you have been living under a rock, you will know that Northern Ireland is heaven for Game of Thrones® fans with real-life Westeros locations dotted everywhere. But, serious fan or not, the locations are worth visiting in their own right. In County Down, you have Castle Ward Estate (Winterfell) and Tollymore Forest Park (the Haunted Forest). County Antrim has Cushendun Caves which appear as a Stormlands cove and, of course, the world famous Dark Hedges double as the Kingsroad.

In County Derry, Downhill Beach and Mussenden Temple feature as Dragonstone locations, while in County Fermanagh, Pollnagollum Cave became the fictional Hollow Hill secret hideout. There are also lots of immersive experiences and tours to choose from, so fans can get even more of their filmic fix.

However,  locations in the north of Ireland have enjoyed a starring role in many other TV dramas and comedies such as Line of Duty, Derry Girls, and The Fall as well as big-budget movies like Miss Julie, Good Vibrations, Philomena and The Lost City of Z. You can also tick off the birthplace of famous movie stars born here like Ballymena, County Antrim (Liam Neeson), Holywood, County Down (Jamie Dornan) or Belfast (Sir Kenneth Branagh and Ciarán Hinds). 

Speaking of stars… 

If you prefer more celestial stargazing, we have experiences by the bucket-load. Like the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory at Davagh Forest, near Cookstown in County Tyrone. Davagh has one of the ‘darkest skies’ in Ireland, which means there is so little light pollution that there are crystal clear views of star constellations. Or catch the Northern Lights aurora borealis phenomenon in County Derry. 

Standing on the boulders of giants 

You cannot miss a visit to Giant's Causeway…so good we named an entire coastal route after it! Legend has it that it’s the remains of a causeway built by an Irish giant Finn McCool in order to meet a challenge to a fight set by a Scottish giant Benandonner. Or maybe the intriguing stones are volcanic. Either way this World Heritage site is an epic experience. As is the legendary challenge to cross the 30-metre deep and 20-metre wide chasm via Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge to its tiny island neighbour. Of course, there’s only one way back so you can always say you did the challenge twice.

Marvel at Nature’s wonders 

Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark in County Fermanagh combine to create Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark where underground rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers, and above-ground flora and fauna let you wonder at the marvels of Mother Nature. Or you could walk the breathtaking cliff-face pathway called The Gobbins Cliff Path at Islandmagee in County Antrim and feel your senses heighten along exhilarating suspension bridges, caves, steps and tunnels. Any one of the mythical Nine Glens of Antrim could be ticked off a bucket list but if you had to pick one, Glenariff it is. Not to mention the Six Peak Challenge in the Mourne Mountains of County Down. 

Ulster American Folk Park

Journey back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park, from Ulster to America on our doorstep in Omagh.  Wander the well-trodden pathways and traditional farmhouses, learning what life was like in rural Ulster. Step on-board the full-scale emigrant ship, experience what the cramped quarters were like on the dangerous journey to America, and find out how Ulster people's emigration had a lasting impact through North America.  

Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House 

The O’Neill was the head of one of Ireland’s most powerful dynasties. This was a family which could number two high kings among its members – and claimed descent from the legendary Niall of the nine hostages. The hill you can stand on today was the centre of their power base in Dungannon.

At its top there are breath-taking panoramic views from our glass observation tower. Seven of the nine counties of Ulster are clearly visible. See the drumlins of Tyrone, Lough Neagh, the Sperrin mountains, the Mournes. Imagine that, like the O’Neill, you were lord of all you survey. Then, holding that thought, join us next door in Ranfurly House where the whole story of this remarkable place is waiting to be told in our multi-media exhibition.

GOLF

In Ireland, golf is more than a sport; it’s a cherished part of its heritage. There are over 350 courses on the island, from historic links along rugged coastlines to modern parkland layouts nestled in the countryside, complete with full-service hotels. Most are known for their challenging designs, often shaped by the natural terrain and the whims of the Atlantic weather. More than a handful of them are justifiably in the list of the world’s best courses, attracting players from all over the globe. Here is a very small selection of what is nearby:

Local Clubs:

Dungannon Golf Club:

• Located less than 30mins away 

• 34 Springfield Lane, Dungannon BT70 1QX 

• Tel: +44 (0)28 8772 2098

www.dungannongolfclub.com

The Number One Course in Tyrone and Mid Ulster, designed by Darren Clarke and Patrick Merrigan, kept in immaculate condition with greens as fast as Royal Portrush.

A club with modern facilities such as indoor golf to learn and develop skills all year round.  To complement the golf course there is a professional shop and practice facilities where instruction is provided by PGA Professional, Stefan Ackermann. The Claret Jug restaurant is part of the Club with beautiful panoramic views over the golf course. Please contact the restaurant directly for opening hours 02887729995.

Killymoon Golf Club:

• Located less than 15mins away

• 200 Killymoon Road, Cookstown BT80 8TW

• www.killymoongolfclub.com

Set in the historic grounds of Killymoon castle, our 18 hole championship course offers an experience for both seasoned & novice golfers.

To complement the golf course there is a professional shop to provide for all your golfing needs and practice facilities where instruction is provided by PGA Professional, Gary Chambers.

Royal Portrush Golf Club:

• Located less than 90mins away

• Dunluce Road, Portrush BT56 8JQ

• Tel: +44 (0)28 7082 2311

• www.royalportrushcolfclub.com

One of the most famous courses in Ireland, situated in the Causeway Coast & Glens area of outstanding natural beauty, Royal Portrush Golf Club is nestled in a triangle of giant sandhills. The courses are overlooked by the ruins of the 13th century, Dunluce Castle and this gives its name to Royal Portrush’s famous Dunluce Links, one of the most challenging golf courses in the world.

Royal Portrush hosted the 148th Open in July 2019.  Following it’s success, the R&A announced the return of the 153rd Open Championship to Royal Portrush in 2025! An opportunity to play this course must be taken!

Royal County Down Golf Club:

• Located less than 90mins away

• 36 Golf Links Road, Newcastle BT33 0AN

• Tel: +44 (0)28 4372 2419 

• www.royalcountydown.org

Royal County Down is located in one of the world's most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve. Against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne, the links stretches along the shores of Dundrum Bay, zigzagging back and forth to provide a different vista from virtually every hole.

Many of County Donegal and Sligo Golf courses are within driving distance of Carsdale House also, here are a selection as chosen by Discover Ireland:

County Donegal

Ballyliffin Golf Club - If it hadn’t hosted the 2018 Irish Open, played in glorious sunshine in front of huge crowds, Ballyliffin Golf Club would have remained a closely guarded golfing secret, known only to locals and golf nerds. After 2018, this gem on the Inishowen Peninsula became part of a general conversation about the best links in Ireland.   The tournament was played on the Glashedy Links, a modern marvel of golfing design by Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock. Its 18 holes are seamlessly integrated into the rugged Irish landscape: while every hole is a winner, the par-three 7th is a standout, playing from a tee box down to a green 100 feet below; as is the par-five 13th, one of the best long holes in Ireland.  Its dual architects were Nick Faldo and Mother Nature, who combined to create a course that wends its way through natural sand dunes, offering tricky fairways, perfect greens and some stunning views.

Rosapenna Golf Resort - Rosapenna's three golf courses – the Old Tom Morris Links, Sandy Hills Links and St Patrick's Links – are a triumvirate of golfing excellence carved into the wild landscapes of Ireland’s north western corner.   The Old Tom Morris Links, a par-71, is steeped in history and presents a traditional links challenge. Sandy Hills Links, designed by Pat Ruddy, is a par-72 that contrasts with its towering dunes and narrow fairways, demanding absolute precision and thoughtful club selection. The par-70 St Patrick's Links is the newest addition: noted golfing architect Tom Doak (creator of Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania) converted two existing golf courses into arguably the best new golf course in the country (it opened for play in 2021.  

County Sligo

County Sligo Golf Club - Skirting the Atlantic at Rosses Point, just outside Sligo town, County Sligo Golf Club is one of Ireland’s most scenic links. The ocean views are a big part of the draw, but what makes playing here extra special is the backdrop of the distinctive peak of Benbulben, which adds an air of timeless grandeur to the experience. The course was laid out by Harry Colt in 1927 and offers a challenging blend of bumpy fairways. As befitting its status as one of the best links in the country, it is the yearly host of the West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship. 

Enniscrone Golf Club- The championship links straddles the rugged shoreline of Killala Bay and is marked by a routing that wends its way through the natural contours of the wild Irish landscape. The most distinctive features are the towering dunes that look down on the fairways and protect many of the rolling greens from the weather. Elevated tee boxes unveil many of the holes, while the occasional blind second shot makes approaches tricky, but once you’re on the green the ball rolls fair and true. If you miss a putt, there’s always the panoramic scenery to console you.