8 Most Underrated Towns in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland, as the name suggests, is a small section of the island of Ireland that is part of the United Kingdom, setting it apart from its southern neighbor. Perhaps the most popular spot is the city of Belfast, the capital and second-largest city on the entire island. Although it gained notoriety in the 1800s as one of the most important port cities, its history actually goes back to the Mesolithic times, meaning it is more than 9,000 years old.
Although many people visit Ireland and Northern Ireland for its fantastic history, this is not all the island has to offer. Despite its small size, Northern Ireland houses some stunning natural landscapes, including the Mountains of Mourne, Giant's Causeway, and beautiful lakes, rivers, and coastlines. Perhaps the most impressive waterway is Lough Neagh, which is the largest body of water in the British Isles. For anyone seeking a little break from a fast-paced life, immersed in nature and surrounded by friendly and welcoming people, will love the country of Northern Ireland.
Newcastle
Newcastle is a gorgeous coastal community located in County Down, part of the Newry, Mourne, and Down districts. The town has a long history that goes back to before the time of the Normans, who came to the region between 1177 and 1184 C.E. The name of Newcastle comes from a Norman palace which was built on the location of an ancient Bronze Age Irish burial site known as old Royal Castle.
The best-known features of Newcastle include the lovely Mountains of Mourne and the pristine seaside. People visiting the town will likely be blown away by the magnificent views of the Irish Sea, with Newcastle Beach being the ideal spot to settle down and watch the waves or go beach combing. Guests to the region should also hike along the Newcastle Central Pomerade, a 1.6-mile hike that takes travelers along the coast and showcases Ireland’s beautiful nature. The trail is also paved and typically takes around thirty minutes to complete, making it a great choice for people of all ages and abilities.
Those who hope to get an unforgettable view of the surrounding Mountains of Mourne should take a few pictures of the Cone of Light. When taken from the right angle, this site can present an idyllic picture of Slieve Donard. Spending a few hours at the Soak Seaweed Baths will surely be the perfect ending to any day out and about. They offer soaks in the tub, massages, and restorative facial treatments. There are plenty of hotels available in Newcastle, but Avoca offers one of the most luxurious experiences with a magnificent view of the water. It is also not far from several restaurants and cafes, meaning tourists won’t have to go far for some delicious dishes.
Cushendun
Cushendun is a small coastal community situated in the northeastern point of Northern Ireland in the county of Antrim. The village does not have an exact borderline, but it sits between the towns of Cuchendall, Torr, and Ballypatrick and sits near the rivers of Glendun and Dun. The village gets its name from the Gaelic term Cois Abhann Doinne, which indicates the town’s position at the foot of the River Dun. There are plenty of historical and cultural sites near this little village that highlight the region’s past, including the second oldest church in the area, the Cushendun Old Church.
One of the most breathtaking sights off the coast of Cushendun is Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre, which is a popular folk song by the same name that is celebrated for its natural charm. However, there are also lots of natural scenes worth checking out near the village, like the fabulous Cushendun Beach and the nearby caverns. The caverns rest just ten minutes outside the town, approximately 51 miles north of Belfast. The caves date back to 400 million years ago and showcase stunning sights of the cliffsides and the shore of the ocean.
Fans of the Game of Thrones series will also love this spot since it featured heavily in seasons two and eight. Other key locations include Torr Head and Glenariff Forest Park, which are both beautiful locations to spend a day hiking or driving while exploring the lovely countryside. Glenariff Forest Park is known as the Queen of the Glens and has a lot of conservation sites and recreational spots that are perfect for those hoping to have a small family gathering and picnic. Torr Head is a highly scenic drive that offers one of the best views of Scotland from the coast.
Moy
Moy in County Tyrone is located just around an hour and a half southwest of Cushendun. The village has a population of around 1,500 and gets its name from the Irish word Maigh, which means the plain. This name describes the landscape of the region perfectly, which is hilly but not mountainous. The small community has several welcoming spots that make visiting especially enjoyable, including locations like The Ryandale and Tomney’s Bar.
The Ryandale is a lovely little inn and is the ideal location to host a party or family gathering. They are home to the Moy Fayre Restaurant, one of the more popular dining locations in the region that offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They strive to give everyone a welcoming and wholesome experience, with dishes like chicken fillet burgers, carbonara, and much more served A La Cart. Those seeking a more laid-back experience should grab a few drinks with the locals at Tomney’s Bar, where they provide guests with an extensive menu of drinks like Tomney’s larger and more.
Tourists seeking to explore the wild beauty of the area should spend a few hours trekking along River Blackwater and checking out the jetty and slipway, which was the original location of the Maghery ferry. Just ten minutes north of the village is Dungannon Park, which is certainly worth visiting for anyone hoping to immerse themselves in the Irish landscape. This park is home to the park lake trout fishery and a campground that operates between March and September. Or, folks can just enjoy a day in the sun playing tennis at the local courts or have a family picnic using the park’s barbeques.
Portrush
Approximately 50 minutes west of Cushendun and an hour and a half north of Moy is Portrush in the Causeway Coast and Glens district. This position puts it just around 15 minutes west of the famous site of the Giant’s Causeway. It also has excellent views of the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea and is well-known for its beautiful beaches. There are plenty of small-town bars and restaurants that create the ideal environment for a relaxing stay away from home.
With so much to offer tourists, it is probably best to plan to visit for at least a few days. This will allow guests to see the different natural sights in and around town as well as the many local cultural and commercial locations, including Ramore Head and Skerries, the salmon fisheries, the Royal Portrush Golf Course, and so on. Ramore Head and Skerries is an area of particular scientific interest, with the rugged rocks making up the coastline and creating a unique and stunning headland along the sea.
Those who like a calm day outside enjoying the rolling hills of Ireland should book some time at the Royal Portrush Golf Course. The course isn't just a lovely spot to experience a few rounds with locals; it is also a historical location in the region dating back to its founding in 1888. The Quays and Gastropub is the ideal place to finish off a busy day hiking, golfing, or simply exploring. They serve fine food and drinks in a welcoming environment, with live music offered on specific dates, so guests should check the website before planning their visit.
Portstewart
Portstewart is another stunning coastal community that is only a 15-minute ride west of Portrush. Portstewart gets its name from the Stewarts family of Ballylesse, who used to own the land in the past. In the 1990s, the town began to gain notoriety as a popular location for a quiet vacation along the shore immersed in the tranquil nature of the region. Some of the most popular places for outdoor exploration include Port Na Happle, Rinagree Coastal Park, and the Portstewart Golf Course.
Port Na Happle is a shallow gully along the shoreline that is an excellent place for a stroll or beachcombing. The Anchor Bar is close by, as is Bob and Bert's coffee house, meaning travelers can spend an afternoon exploring dogfish and crabs by the sea and recharge in the evening at one of the small-town eateries or bars. The Anchorage Inn is just a few minutes from the sea and offers guests a wonderful experience in one of their 20 cosmopolitan suites. Port Na Happle is not the only place that provides a good ocean view, with Ringagree Coastal Park, situated just outside the town’s border, being an ideal spot to observe the Atlantic.
Castlewellan
Castlewellan is a beautiful town located on the southeastern coast of Northern Ireland, touching the Irish Sea and situated just a few miles from the Mourne Mountains. The Mourne Mountains are rather famous, with a popular folk song written in their honor and praising the natural charm of the green cliffs. Although this is a must-see spot that any visitors to Castlewellan should make time to visit, it does not mean there are not lots of places worth checking out right in town.
Castlewellan Forest Park is actually within the Mountains of Mourne and sits just outside the town’s borders along Castlewellan Lake. This site of natural beauty and relaxing shorelines also has a bike path that stretches for close to 17 miles and is perfect for skilled cyclists and beginners alike. There are also more leisurely trails along the lake and a uniquely crafted maze known as the Castlewellan Peace Maze. Lastly, this park has several lovely gardens that are both artistically and historically significant, with Annesly Garden dating back to the 1850s.
Meanwhile, the Castlewellan Arboretum and Annsley Gardens date all the way back to 1741, when the Annsley family purchased the land. The family planted thousands of trees of various kinds, with the arboretum expanding beyond the walled portions of the garden. However, once tourists finish their excursions outside, there are also some relaxing spots to chill out and get a drink and some food, like Urban Food and Coffee and Nana’s Kitchen. Those hoping to stay a few days can book a stay at the Hillyard House Hotel, which has excellent rooms and delicious dining.
Ballintoy
Ballintoy is a village located near the Atlantic coast of Northern Irelands, approximately two hours north of Castlewellan. The town’s name comes from the Irish word for the northern townland, Baile an Tuaigh, and originated as a singular roadway connecting Ballycastle and the Giant’s Causeway. The village remains small to this day, with approximately 150-200 residents, but this does not mean it is a dull spot to stay and visit while touring Northern Ireland.
Ballintoy offers guests a relaxing step away from city life, with Ballintoy Harbour being a popular location for visitors to frequent. Ballintoy Harbour sits around 5 miles west of Ballycastle and is a popular place for people who enjoy scenic walks along the coast. There are also a couple of charming spots nearby that are worth visiting while trekking along the coast, like Knocksaughey Hill, a small cafe, and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The rope bridge is a favorite place for tourists who like taking photos since it overlooks the green hills and the sea.
Also not far from Ballintoy Harbour is Elephant Rock, an adorable and stunning natural formation along the coast. As the name suggests, this fantastic rock formation looks just like an elephant, and legend says the poor elephant became trapped there after a volcanic eruption. The Ropebridge House B&B is the perfect place to stay while visiting the village and exploring the surrounding areas. Not only is the place known for its warm and welcoming environment, but it rests in the green hills surrounded by the beauty of the countryside.
Greyabbey
Greyabbey, which is also spelled Grey Abbey, is a little village situated along the coast of the Irish Sea and Strangford Lough. The community is a charming town with a lot of historical beauty, including a Medieval monastery. This monastery was built in 1193 C.E. and is now under the care and protection of the Historic Environment Division of the Department of Communities and the Friends of the Abbey. Volunteers with the organization offer guided tours of the monastery, which are both informative and entertaining, giving guests the perfect opportunity to learn more about the town’s past.
The village is also well known for its classic pubs and the lovely music hall. The Greyabbey Village Hall is a beautiful spot that hosts poetry readings and recitals every two weeks. Those planning a wedding should check out the Orange Tree House. This site prides itself in providing guests a rustic yet refined experience immersed in Ireland’s countryside and history. Certain parts of the venue are over 200 years old, yet the place does not appear dated and worn out, thanks to the loving care and restoration of the owners.
Other great commercial sites include the Wildflower Inn and Alchemy, a local cafe that offers coffee, baked goods, and various dishes. Meanwhile, Wildflower Inn provides a slightly more elevated experience surrounded by welcoming staff and locals. Lastly, just about five minutes outside of the town is the lovely and historic site of Mount Stewart. Mount Stewart is a gorgeous, massive home built in the Neo-classical style built between the late 1700s and early 1800s. It showcases impressive art displays, including Easter pieces like the embroidered Easter panel of Sunnycroft and an Easter banner at Clumber Park.
Discover Northern Ireland's Hidden Highlights
Northern Ireland is one of the loveliest parts of the United Kingdom, with much of the area consisting of rural regions and farmland. The area hosts some of the island's most popular sites, including the famous Giant's Causeway and other unique volcanic formations along the Atlantic coast and the Irish Sea. However, it is not just the natural scenery that makes Northern Ireland unique and a desirable place to visit. The region houses some 40 castles, some of which date back over 2,000 years and showcase the genius design of the craftsmen.
With a welcoming atmosphere, mild weather, and jovial locals, Northern Ireland is the ideal spot to plan a vacation away from the hustle and bustle of life.
