6 of the Quirkiest Towns in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland, one of four distinct countries that comprise the United Kingdom, is undoubtedly one of the quirkiest of the bunch. Created in 1921 following the Irish War of Independence, Northern Ireland is also known for its fascinating culture and geography and harbors a collection of small towns that exude a quirky charm.

These towns also offer visitors numerous offbeat attractions to explore, which, along with their heady mix of local legends and eccentric festivals, ensure they stand out as unique destinations. Whether you're drawn to a town for its peculiar museums, its eccentric festivals, or its fascinating local lore, these six of the quirkiest towns in Northern Ireland are perfect for those who enjoy discovering the unexpected.

Bushmills

Bushmills, a small town in County Antrim, is definitely one of the quirkier destinations in Northern Ireland. Known globally for its whiskey, the Old Bushmills Distillery is a must-visit. Founded way back in 1608 and the oldest licensed distillery in the world, fascinating tours and tastings are available and are highly recommended.

The big draw here, though, is the spectacular Giant's Causeway. This fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of thousands of interlocking basalt columns which almost resemble man-made steps. This natural wonder is steeped in local legend with stories of the giant Finn McCool using the causeway to cross to Scotland, adding a layer of mythical intrigue to the already stunning landscape. If you do visit, try to time it to coincide with the Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival, held each October to celebrate the town's dual heritage with traditional Irish music, whiskey tastings, and salmon barbecues. Be sure to pop into Gallery 1608, a quirky art space housed in a former Victorian courthouse that showcases local artists with a penchant for the unconventional.

Ballycastle

Situated on the rugged north coast of County Antrim, Ballycastle is definitely a town that blends natural beauty with a flair for the unconventional. Known for its proximity to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, an incredible ropeway made by salmon fishers in 1755 connecting the island after which it’s named to the mainland, Ballycastle is the perfect base from which to explore this beautiful corner of Northern Ireland. From here you’ll also be close to mystical Fair Head, a spectacular three-mile-long, 660-foot-tall cliff overlooking the sea.

Ballycastle is also a magnet for those with a love for the peculiar. From here adventurers can access Rathlin Island, the country’s only inhabited offshore island with a quirky charm of its own that’s known for its puffin colonies and upside-down lighthouse where the light is located at the bottom of the structure, not the top. Adding to the quirk factor, Ballycastle is home to the Ould Lammas Fair, one of the oldest traditional fairs in Ireland that dates back over 400 years. The fair is famous for its "dulse," an edible seaweed, and “yellowman,” a type of honeycomb candy sold at the market, as well as its horse-trading and traditional Irish music and dancing.

Enniskillen

Enniskillen is certainly one of the quirkier towns in Northern Ireland in terms of location. Built on a natural inland island separating Upper and Lower Lough Erne, this geographical quirkiness was the result of the town building up around medieval Enniskillen Castle. It’s a delightful place to explore and today houses two museums dedicated to the region's military and natural history.

However, what truly sets Enniskillen apart is its unique blend of history and contemporary art. The town is home to Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum, a bizarre yet fascinating fusion where visitors can get a haircut and afterward explore an extensive collection of railway memorabilia. Another quirky side to Enniskillen is its vibrant arts scene. Highlights include the Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival at the end of July which celebrates the work of Samuel Beckett, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, who attended school in Enniskillen. The festival includes a mix of theater, literature, music, and visual arts, often staged in unconventional locations such as caves, churches, and even on.

Cushendall

Nestled in the Glens of Antrim, the welcoming town of Cushendall boasts a pleasant village-like appeal and a distinctly quirky character. Known as the "Heart of the Glens “for its picture-perfect setting, it’s here you’ll find the Curfew Tower, a small, fortified tower set in the center of town that was built in 1817 to confine rioters. Today, this unique structure has been transformed into a unique artist residency where artists from around the world are invited to live and work, producing art that reflects the town's quirky nature.

Cushendall is also known for its strong ties to Irish culture, particularly through its traditional music scene, and hosts the Heart of the Glens Festival every August. This fun week-long event features music, dance, and local traditions including a peculiar event known as the "Witches’ Seat" where locals gather to retell ghost stories and folklore associated with the area.

Strangford

Travel an hour south of Belfast and the curious traveler will find themselves in Strangford, a small village located at the mouth of Strangford Lough in County Down that’s known for its stunning coastline. The town is popular as a base from which to explore the Lecale Peninsula, an area steeped in history and folklore. Highlights include several ancient standing stones and burial sites, along with the ruins of 15th-century Strangford Castle.

The town is also home to the Exploris Aquarium, a unique affair which features a variety of marine life native to Strangford Lough. What sets this popular family attraction apart are its playful exhibits and interactive experiences, including the opportunity to even handle some sea creatures. A great time to visit is in August when the town puts on the Strangford Festival featuring traditional music and food.

Cushendun

The small village of Cushendun certainly ranks among the UK’s most picturesque seaside communities. Tucked away in the Glens of Antrim and as quirky as it is picturesque, Cushendun looks like it was plucked off the coast of Cornwall in England and transported to the coastline here. Designed by Clough Williams-Ellis in the early 20th century, the village’s distinctive Cornish-style architecture is so unique that it served as a backdrop for numerous TV shows and films.

Cushendun is also famous for its mysterious caves which have gained fame as a filming location for the hit TV series, Game of Thrones. Formed over millions of years by natural erosion, these must-visit caverns add an element of fantasy and intrigue to the town’s charm. Other highlights include Cushendun Old Church, built in the 1840s and now an arts center hosting exhibitions, music, and theatre performances. For the ultimate in quirkiness, visit the town’s sculpture of Johann the Goat, a local animal that became a town mascot (it makes for an excellent selfie spot).

The Final Word

As anyone who’s ever been there will attest, Northern Ireland’s small towns offer a wonderful way to get to know the country’s delightful blend of history, culture… and quirkiness. Ideal destinations for travelers looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, each town on this list has its own unique character, from the legendary Giant’s Causeway in Bushmills to the medieval connections in Ballycastle and Enniskillen. For those who appreciate the offbeat and the unusual, these six quirky towns in Northern Ireland are waiting to be explored.