Yes, it’s true. While our disposition is always beautifully sunny, you may get the occasional wet day here in Northern Ireland. Though don’t let that dampen your spirits. Northern Ireland is well prepared for rainier spells with indoor pursuits and attractions to brighten everyone’s day – whether it’s a trip to one of our world-class attractions or a brain-stretching look at the solar system.
Be an all-action hero at We are Vertigo
Bounce, ski, play and climb whatever the weather. We Are Vertigo is an Inflata-Park, Ski and Adventure Centre all rolled into one. Everyone from tots to teenagers and twenty-plus (plus, plus, plus, plus) adults will find lots to do in this inflatable fun world. From the Wipeout Assault course to the climbing wall and the skiing and snowboarding slopes.
Lagan Valley LeisurePlex
Go with the flow at Lisburn’s Lagan Valley LeisurePlex, Northern Ireland's biggest indoor water sports centre. Flumes, a lazy river, aqualand, water slides and a diving pool – bring it on.
Dundonald Ice Bowl
Water, water everywhere… and this time, it’s frozen at Dundonald International Ice Bowl. There’s bowling and skating, though not simultaneously. Plus plenty of fun with Penguin and Snowman skating aids to help your mini-skaters take to the ice. And if you’ve got a Dora the Explorer or young Indy in your midst, there’s a world of adventure waiting for them at Indiana Land.
AMAZE yourself at W5
W5, Belfast’s award-winning science and discovery centre, brings science to life in a uniquely entertaining way. Immerse yourself in W5’s new technological space ‘AMAZE’, scale the heights on ‘Climbit’ - the multi-storey climbing structure. Or meet W5’s humanoid robot ‘Robothespian'. Plus there’s a changing daily programme of live science demonstrations and shows.
Stargaze at the Armagh Planetarium
This is as close to ‘out of this world’ as you can get. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is a leading centre for astronomical research and a star attraction for kids. Look out for the largest meteorite in Ireland – it weighs 152kg – and check out the digital theatre, a window to the wonders of the universe.
A deep dive at Exploris
See eye to eye with all sorts of marine life at the amazing Exploris Aquarium. You’ll meet everyone from the locals - the fish of Strangford Lough - to the overseas visitors from the colourful coral reefs of tropical oceans and the dark depths of the Amazon Rainforest.
At home with Seamus Heaney
Lose yourself in the life and works of Nobel Prize-winning poet Seamus Heaney, and you won’t even notice the rain. The Seamus Heaney HomePlace brings together personal stories, photographs, artefacts, videos, audio recordings and readings by the poet himself- all in his own home place of Bellaghy. (Winner of Most Innovative Business (Large) at the Giant Spirit Awards 2022).
Past and present at The Ulster Museum
Dinosaurs, Egyptian mummies and modern masterpieces all have their place at Belfast’s Ulster Museum. So whether you’re an art lover, a history enthusiast, a science fanatic, or a child in search of interactive activities, there’s something here for you.
Titanic Belfast – the daddy of them all
On the very site where Titanic was designed, built and launched in 1912, Titanic Belfast is a world-leading must-see attraction. Nine interpretive and interactive galleries explore the sights, sounds, smells and stories of RMS Titanic – and the city and people who made her. A monument to Belfast’s maritime heritage and its most famous ship, get ready to drop anchor because you’ll be here for a while.
All aboard for the Ulster Folk Museum and Ulster Transport Museum
It’s time to go back in time at the Ulster Folk Museum. Thatched cottages, an old-time picture house, a post office and a corner shop set the scene for life one hundred years ago. There’s also an impressive collection of steam locomotives at the Ulster Transport Museum - horse-drawn carriages and goods wagons to explore, along with vintage motorbikes and cars.
Time for a potter round Belleek
Pottering around out of the rain takes on a whole new meaning at Belleek Pottery, home to the world-famous Belleek Fine Parian China. Enjoy a guided tour, visit the on-site museum, audio-visual theatre and showroom. Or browse the gift shop for a unique souvenir or present.
An Creagán
Want to know what the weather was like in ancient times? They could probably tell you at An Creagán. This fascinating place, in the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains, is packed with activities for all ages. Interpretive exhibitions will help you get into the spirit of Celtic culture and traditions through the archaeology and natural history of the area.
Crumlin Road Gaol
It’s fun being ‘inside’ on a rainy day and a guided tour of Crumlin Road Gaol is a fascinating way to spend your time. Learn about the daily routines of prisoners and prison officers, stand in the condemned man’s cell and see the tunnel linking Crumlin Road Gaol to the old courthouse.
Enniskillen Castle
Enniskillen Castle stands guard at one of the few passes into Ulster. So it’s always had an important strategic position in Northern Ireland’s history. Built 600 years ago, by the Gaelic Maguires, its chequered past is brought to life in two fascinating museums and an exciting programme of tours, living history and crafts activities.
Derry-Londonderry’s Guildhall
Sitting within reach of the 400-year old walls, The Guildhall’s most stunning feature is its collection of stained glass windows - representing everything from fishmongers to musicians. It also houses an exhibition on the Plantation of Ulster and is the backdrop to the city’s world famous Hallowe’en celebrations.
With so much going on indoors in Northern Ireland, you’ll hardly have time to notice the weather on a rainy day in Northern Ireland. In fact, the chances are you’ll be left with just one thought. Rain? What rain? Now, where to next?
With inflatable floors, inflatable doors, inflatable walls, inflatable falls you are invited to bounce, ski, play and climb. at We are Vertigo. Explore The Mechanical sweeper, The Travelator, The Inflatable Ninja Area, The High Slides, The Wipeout Assault Course. Or for little daredevils that love to climb over everything? Bring them along to the adventure centre and watch them play and explore. For 2 hours, let them scale the 30ft climbing wall, conquer their fears on the high and low ropes course, or play in the 3-tier soft play village.
Based in the heart of Lisburn City, the LeisurePlex boasts the largest leisure pool in Northern Ireland.
W5 is an award-winning science and discovery centre, firing the spirit of discovery with limitless fun for everyone including eight new zones packed full of interactive exhibits that will excite and inspire.
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is “the place for space”. Watch an amazing Full Dome Theatre show and explore the Universe. Immerse yourself in the latest scientific research in the exhibition area and take a relaxing walk through the Astropark taking in our trails.
Enjoy a diver's view of marine life from around the world without getting wet. An underwater Tunnel Experience, friendly sharks and a Dwarfcrocodile, a Waddle of Penguins, all star in Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal rehabilitation centre.
Seamus Heaney HomePlace takes you on an inspiring journey through the life and work of one of Ireland’s greatest writers. Situated between his two childhood homes at Mossbawn and The Wood, and only a few hundred yards from St Mary’s Church, Bellaghy, which he chose as his final resting place, HomePlace is at the heart of the area that inspired so much of the poet’s work.
Ulster Museum is home to treasures past and present. There’s something for art lovers, history buffs, inquisitive kids and the culturally curious! For a fun family day out dive into the Discovery Centres: Discover Art, Discover History and Discover Nature, where you can try on costumes from the past, get hands-on with specimens and create your own art to take home.
Welcome to Titanic Belfast, an award-winning visitor experience offering the opportunity to learn about Titanic’s history, just a few minutes from where the ship herself was famously designed, built and launched in 1911. This self-guided tour tells the Titanic’s story from conception through to its first and final journey across the Atlantic, as well as the historical and cultural impact on Belfast and beyond.
Refresh the connection at Ulster Folk Museum, a place where traditions and heritage skills are preserved and celebrated to help shape future generations.
Celebrate the history of invention and innovation through engineering, design, and technology at the Ulster Transport Museum. Check out the famous DeLorean, a Ferguson tractor and the motorbikes of some of Northern Ireland's biggest road racing legends!
When you step into the world of Belleek Pottery you enter one of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most fascinating attractions. Unique pieces are made using traditional methods passed down from generation to generation.
Set in breath-taking surroundings you can recharge your batteries and enjoy one of the many walks and cycle trails on the grounds and take in the sights and sounds as you pedal or walk through the open landscape and forest trails. Or perhaps just enjoy the beauty, peace and quiet and relax in the picnic area by the community garden and pond.
On the 31st March 1996 Crumlin Road Gaol slammed shut its doors for what many thought would be the final time, but, on the 19th November 2012 the chains fell off and HMP Belfast was reborn as one of Belfast's most popular visitor attractions.
Fashioned in neo-gothic style, the Guildhall is one of the most striking buildings in the North West and was originally built in 1887. The building now boasts a multifaceted tourism experience providing a central hub for visitors exploring the city
