7 Most Charming Small Towns in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland houses a plethora of world-class tourist attractions, including Giant's Causeway and Titanic Belfast, as well as exciting and busy cities such as Belfast and Newcastle. That said, its small towns are not to be forgotten, overflowing with storied histories, epic sights, and unforgettable adventures. Spectacular scenery, cozy pubs, and welcoming communities make the charming small towns of Northern Ireland the perfect spot to call home when visiting the country.
Royal Hillsborough, County Down
Royal Hillsborough, also known as Hillsborough, is a small village just 19 kilometers from Belfast. As its name implies, the area is plentiful in terms of designer shops and upscale eateries featuring awe-inducing Georgian architecture. Notably, the town also houses Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Northern Ireland's royal residence, which includes 100 acres of gardens and state rooms awaiting exploration. Other architectural marvels include the 18th Century Courthouse and St. Malachy's Parish Church. Outdoor adventurers may enjoy a trip to Hillsborough Forest, covering 200 acres of wildlife sanctuary, a park for children to play, and walking trails featuring beautiful scenery. For a pint and full belly, visit The Hillside, The Plough Inn, and The Parson's Nose.
Cushendun, County Antrim
Cushendun is a seaside village on Northern Ireland's north shore, situated on the mouth of the River Dun. The town's main attraction is the Cornish-style architecture in Cushendun village, which features a neo-Georgian Glenmona House and ruins of a 14th-century castle. That said, it does not lack in terms of outdoor beauty. The village is home to the scenic Red Caves, formed over 400 million years of erosion, which were also a filming location from Game of Thrones. Great Glens Grassland Trail is another must-see, a scenic route made up of eleven public meadow sites. Cushendun is also just 20 minutes from Glenariff Forest Park, which is 1,000 hectares of woodland, and Torr Head, a narrow road through dramatic cliffs with coastline views.
Portrush, County Antrim
Just 50 minutes from Cushendun and also located on Northern Ireland's coast, Portrush is both a quaint fishing village and a tourist destination with plenty of beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. The town sits on the Causeway Coastal Route, ideal for travelers enjoying a road trip through Northern Ireland. Some of its most popular beaches include East Strand, West Strand, and White Rocks, offering spectacular ocean views no matter the time of year.
Some popular things to do in the area include a stroll along the Portrush to Portstewart Walk, which is a portion of the Causeway Coast Way Walk, surfing waves with Portrush Surf School, and a visit to the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Castle, which is just 10 minutes outside of town. The Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also nearby, which visitors may view from the boat tour from Portrush. The site merges natural history and beauty with myth, featuring 40,000 large polygonal columns of basalt, which many say were born from giants striding over the sea to Scotland.
Enniskillen, County Fermanagh
Enniskillen may be a small town, but it boasts a history that is larger than life. Built on an island, the town sits between Upper and Lower Lough Erne, and is over 400 years old. It houses Enniskillen Castle, first built in the 15th century, which includes the Fermanagh County Museum and the Inniskillings Museum. Visitors may also tour the 18th century neoclassical mansion of Castle Coole, or enjoy a stroll along the Castle to Castle path. Those in search of adventure are sure to find it at the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, which houses underground rivers, passages, and waterfalls. Once travelers emerge from the caves, they may find their way to the Cuilcagh Legnabrocky Trail, known as the Stairway to Heaven as it reaches the picturesque summit of the Cuilcagh Mountain.
Portstewart, County Londonderry
Portstewart is the end or beginning of the Causeway Coast Way and is a beautiful seaside town. The destination offers a charming and peaceful atmosphere, home to the 1834 O’Hara Castle, backdropped by the Atlantic Ocean. For anglers, swimmers, and kayakers, the Portstewart Strand includes two miles of golden sands along the ocean shoreline. The Port Path is a lovely destination for an afternoon stroll, stretching along the coastline as part of the Causeway Coast Way and The Ulster Way. Aside from its natural scenery, travelers may enjoy a trip to the Portstewart Golf Club for a game of 18 holes. The city of Belfast is an hour outside of town, offering visitors a chance to explore the famous city.
Carrickfergus, County Antrim
The town of Carrickfergus, known as Carrick, sits on the north shore of Belfast Lough, just 11 miles from Belfast. The historic town is famous for the Carrickfergus Castle, built over 800 years ago, today housing historical displays including cannons from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The Carrickfergus Museum is another great spot for history lovers, featuring finds ranging from medieval times to now. Travelers may enjoy touring the Giant's Causeway, partaking in the city sightseeing tour of Belfast, wandering the Carrickfergus Marina, or hopping on a sailboat and indulging in the expansive views of the ocean and landscapes. Plus, the Titanic Belfast museum is nearby, featuring nine interactive galleries that re-tell the story of the Titanic itself.
Ballycastle, County Antrim
Ballycastle is a must-visit when in County Antrim, home to portions of the Causeway Coast and Glens, as well as access to Rathlin Island. Ballycastle Heritage Trail is the ideal destination to delve into the town's beauty and history all at once, as is the Ballycastle Museum, which was once an 18th-century courthouse on Castle St.
Tow River Path or Ballycastle Forest are picturesque locations ideal for a quiet stroll in the most beautiful and charming locations of Northern Ireland, while a 25-minute ferry ride to Rathlin Island offers spectacular views of the coast, opportunities for birdwatching, and access to heritage points such as Rathlin East Lighthouse, Rue Point Lighthouse, or Rathlin West Lighthouse. Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge is another essential stop while in town, allowing visitors to cross above a deep chasm to reach a tiny island, a truly unforgettable experience, ideal for those with an adventurous spirit!
Enjoy a Trip to Northern Ireland!
The small towns of Northern Ireland offer endless adventure, featuring expansive views, friendly communities, and plenty to see and do, with big cities and tourist attractions just a short drive away. The warmth and spirit of each town make them the ideal destination to call home during a visit to the unforgettable country, easily exploring the surrounding beauty and reveling in local delights and events. From the towering coniferous trees in Hillsborough Forest to the waves crashing up against the seawall at the harbor in Portstewart, there is something for everyone to explore in the small, charming towns of Northern Ireland.
