Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

Ulster Museum
Belfast, County Antrim

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Museums

Everywhere you look in Northern Ireland there’s history to be seen. In the basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway, the ancient settlement at Navan Fort, the stately country homes, the cities and events that inspire the spirit of modern Northern Ireland. Of course, the more you understand about the places you visit, the closer you feel to its people and traditions. So, check out some of the fantastic museums and visitor experiences that can help you dig beneath the surface.

All aboard for the Ulster Transport Museum

If you’re a railway enthusiast, you’ve a treat in store at the Ulster Transport Museum. There’s an impressive collection of steam locomotives, passenger carriages and goods wagons to explore. And at their Museum of Innovation, you can discover the origins behind the infamous DeLorean DMC-12 car.

Step back in time at the Ulster Folk Museum

It’s time to go back in time – by rail, if you like. Thatched cottages, authentic period buildings – including an old-time picture house, a post office and a corner shop – set the scene for life one hundred years ago. At the Ulster Folk Museum, you can try out local trades such as basket weaving or watch a blacksmith at work and meet some of the horses, donkeys and hens that kept the rural world turning.

The Tower Museum – One museum. Two tales.

Within Derry-Londonderry’s city walls, you’ll find the award-winning Tower Museum. Here, you’ll discover the story of the city from its early settlement through the Plantation of Londonderry and its growth through the 18th and 19th centuries. You can explore recent history too, looking at the development of the Civil Rights Movement and the impact of the Troubles on people living here.

Or if a piece of Spanish history interests you, follow the story of ‘La Trinidad Valencera’. One of the largest ships in the Spanish Armada, it sank off the Donegal coast in 1558 and lay on the seabed until 1971 when the wreck was discovered by divers from the City of Derry Sub-Aqua Club.

Also in Derry~Londonderry you will find the newly-opened Peacemakers Museum, located in the famous Bogside area, where some of the keys events of the conflict took place. Visit the museum and see the artefacts, archive footage and unique displays.

Enniskillen Castle Museum. Plus one.

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, in the 17th century it became an English garrison fort and later a military barracks. Today, you can learn all about the Kingdom of Lough Erne’s rich history and its crannogs, castles and early Christian sculptures. Plus view the craftmanship of the Belleek potters. And when you visit one, you get two - visitors to the Enniskillen Castle Museum can also enjoy the Inishkillings Museum within the Castle grounds.

Headhunters Barber Shop and Railway Museum

A barber’s shop may not be the obvious location for a Railway Museum, but it works. Here, the Johnson family combine both their passions – offering haircuts while you wait. For the train, presumably.

This fascinating museum has a massive collection of railway memorabilia – from a reconstructed booking office (with ticket collector) to signals, signs and timetables. So come along and journey through the wonderful history of three of the area’s top local railway companies. Haircuts are optional. A sense of fun is essential.

The Ulster Museum – the past and the present

Dinosaurs, meteorites and modern masterpieces all have their place at Belfast’s Ulster Museum. So whether you’re an art lover, a history enthusiast, awash with childlike curiosity or an actual child, there’s something here for you.

The museum’s impressive collections take you across all disciplines to all corners of the globe. The Troubles and Beyond Gallery is a space that contains a powerful and unique collection of objects, many donated by the public, reflecting their diverse experiences of life in Northern Ireland.

HMS Caroline – a museum afloat

Based in Belfast’s famous Titanic Quarter, HMS Caroline is a First World War-era ship now restored as a floating museum. And, as the only survivor of history’s greatest naval engagement, the Battle of Jutland, it certainly has some tales to tell.

Venture down to the depths of the vessel and you’ll hear the rumbling of the ship’s original engine. Check out the carefully recreated spaces such as the Captain’s Cabins, the Sick Bay and the Galley kitchen, and hear the stories of the people who lived and worked on board. You can also stop off at the Mess Deck for a snack or two before you get back to cracking war time codes, signalling ships and evading enemy attacks.

Navan Fort – Live like a Celt

Just two miles from Armagh City and 2,000 years away from here, Navan Centre & Fort is the ancient seat of Kings and the earliest capital of Ulster.

Visit the Iron Age dwelling (open April-September) to experience life as a Celt and get up close and personal with real life warriors. You’ll hear tales of the bravest of them all, the legendary Cuchulainn and the Red Branch Knights. And learn the history of this famous archaeological site, Emain Macha, which dates back to 95BC – and is reputedly what brought St. Patrick to Armagh.

A whole world awaits in Northern Ireland’s fascinating and eclectic museums. There’s something to interest everyone. And who knows, after a visit to one of these - or one of the many others dotted across the counties - you might just be inspired to take up a new interest yourself.

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Lough Neagh Discovery and Conference Centre

Craigavon

Address

Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Annaloist Road, Craigavon, County Armagh, BT66 6NJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3832 2205

oxford.island@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Enjoy four miles of footpaths, five birdwatching hides, woodland, ponds, wildflower meadows, picnic and play areas and seasonal innovative exhibitions at The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre. Enjoy stunning, panoramic views of the Lough from the…

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
The Belfast Barge

Belfast

Address

1 Lanyon Place, Belfast, County Antrim, BT1 3LG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 2555

info@belfastbarge.co.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Belfast’s first floating visitor attraction, moored on the River Lagan, just minutes from the city centre, houses a vibrant interactive museum on Belfast's proud maritime history.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Ballymoney Town Hall Arts, Museum and Visitor Information

Ballymoney

Address

1 Townhead Street, Ballymoney, County Antrim, BT53 6BE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2766 0230

visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Ballymoney’s Arts, Museum and Visitor Information Centre is well worth a visit. This visually stunning building combines old with new. The Town Hall provides numerous rooms for hire, which can facilitate anything from 4 to 350 delegates.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Drumawhey Junction Railway

Donaghadee

Address

60 Upper Gransha Road, Donaghadee, County Down, BT21 0LZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9446 1272

trains@drumawhey.com

Type

Type:

Miniature Railway

This 7 1/4" gauge miniature railway has about 2km of track with a variety of routes including bridges, cuttings, embankments, gradients and a twin-track tunnel. There is a station, picnic tables and the ticket office includes a small shop.

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Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
102 reviews
Whitehead Railway Museum

Whitehead

Address

Excursion Station, Castleview Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9NA

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9358 6200

info@steamtrainsireland.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The new Whitehead Railway Museum will take visitors on a journey through time - see the large stock fully restored heritage Irish railway steam and diesel locomotives, vintage carriages coupled with state of the art interactive touch displays.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

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Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
62 reviews
Patterson's Spade Mill

Templepatrick

Address

751 Antrim Road, Templepatrick, County Antrim, BT39 0AP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9443 3619

pattersons@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

The National Trust

Listen to the hammers, smell the grit, feel the heat and witness the thrill of the only surviving water-driven spade mill in Ireland.

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Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Cardinal Tomas Ó Fiaich Memorial Library And Archive

Armagh

Address

15 Moy Road, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7LY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3752 2981

eolas@ofiaich.ie

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Cultural Centre

Cardinal Ó Fiaich's papers and books form the nucleus of the collection along with the Catholic church records for the archdiocese of Armagh. The archive holds special collections on the Irish overseas, Gaelic sports and 20th century Irish history.

Price
Free

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Craigmore Viaduct

Bessbrook

Address

Belfast to Dublin railway line, Bessbrook, County Armagh, BT35 6JR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3031 3170

visitorservices@nmandd.org

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Railway

This 18 arch viaduct, close to Newry, is a prominent feature of the south Armagh landscape.

Price
Free

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Aonach Mhacha

Armagh

Address

74-76 Upper English Street, Armagh, County Armagh, BT61 7LG

Telephone
+44(0) 28 3799 8111

failte@aonachmhacha.com

Type

Type:

Cultural Centre

Is ionad cultúrtha í Aonach Mhacha atá suite i gcroílár Ard Mhacha. Cuirimid imeachtaí Gaeilge, ealaíne agus cultúrtha ar fáil a fhreastalaíonn ar ghach duine sa phobal. Is féidir bualadh isteach chuig Siopa Macha le bronntanais a fháil nó Caifé…

Dates

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Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
- Off site parking
- Parking (free)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
The Heritage Hub at Carnlough Town Hall

Carnlough

Address

Harbour Road, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 288 86188

watson-mary@sky.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Learn all about the development of Carnlough through the centuries, including its unique industrial heritage, by visiting the Heritage Hub in Carnlough Town Hall before going on an energetic walk to Cranny Falls via Carnlough Harbour.

Price
Free

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
44 reviews
Inniskillings Museum

Enniskillen

Address

Unit E Castle Keep, Castle Barracks, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT74 7HL

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6632 3142

info@inniskillingmuseum.com

Price
Price £5.80 to £15.80 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

A visit to The Inniskillings Museum at Enniskillen Castle is a journey through more than 300 years of world history as encountered by the town’s two famous regiments, the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers and 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards.

Price
Price £5.80 to £15.80 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
40 reviews
EastSide Visitor Centre

Belfast

Address

402 Newtownards Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT4 1HH

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 90451900

visitorcentre@eastsidepartnership.com

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

EastSide Visitor Centre provides a base from which visitors can explore the east of the city. Visitors can access information on attractions from digital screens with interpretation panels and a wall map.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
31 reviews
James Connolly Visitor Centre | Áras Uí Chonghaile

Belfast

Address

374 - 376 Falls Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT12 6DG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9099 1005

info@arasuichonghaile.com

Price
Price £10.00 to £22.00 Per Ticket

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Áras Uí Chonghaile | The James Connolly Visitor is an award-winning modern, inspirational, visitor centre located only yards from where James Connolly, a leading Trade Unionist, Socialist and Republican and an iconic figure in Irish history, lived…

Dates

Price
Price £10.00 to £22.00 Per Ticket

More Info
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
- Wi-fi available
Royal Ulster Rifles Museum

Belfast

Address

2nd Floor, 28 Bedford Street, Belfast, County Antrim, BT7 2FE

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9023 2086

rurmuseum@yahoo.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The museum tells the story of the Royal Ulster Rifles from 1793 to 1968. From the raising of the 83rd & 86th Regiment of Foot in preparation for War with France through the Indian Mutiny, Boer War, WW1, WW2, Korea, Borneo, Cyprus.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

Price
Free

More Info
Whitehead Centre

Whitehead

Address

19 Kings Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9PT

Telephone
+44 (0)28 9337 8077

wca@whitehead-ni.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

Whitehead Centre provides a tourism hub for information about what is going on locally and how to make the most of your time in our vibrant and beautiful town. E-bike hire and guided tours available to book.

Dates

From:

1 Jan 2025to31 Dec 2025Various Opening Times

More Info
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
20 reviews
Mid-Antrim Museum and Arts Centre at The Braid

Ballymena

Address

The Braid, 1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT43 5EJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 2563 5077

BraidMuseum@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Mid-Antrim Museum, offers a fascinating experience for all the family. The museum boasts two large state of the art exhibition galleries.

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Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Free (parking charges may apply)
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
128 reviews
Downpatrick & County Down Railway

Downpatrick

Address

The Railway Station, Market Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6LZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4461 5779

info@downrail.co.uk

Type

Type:

Steam Railway

Travel back to the past with real vintage steam trains through St. Patrick's Country, over the River Quoile and under the graceful Down Cathedral to peaceful ruins of Inch Abbey.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
281 reviews
The Abingdon Collection

Omagh

Address

Abingdon, 16 Gortnagarn Road, Omagh, County Tyrone, BT78 5NW

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8224 3373

philipfaithfull@hotmail.co.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Abingdon Collection represents over 45 years of passionate collecting and is divided into two very distinct areas of interest and includes classic cars, motorcycles, memorabilia and one of the largest collections of militaria in Ireland.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
19 reviews
St Columba Heritage Centre (Áras Cholmcille) and St Columba’s Church Long Tower

Derry~Londonderry

Address

59 - 61 Long Tower Street, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT48 6QQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7136 8491

hello@stcolumbaheritage.com

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

In the grounds of the Long Tower Church, the Áras Cholmcille or St. Columba Heritage Centre aims to provide visitors with a unique insight into the life of St. Columba and the city’s ancient monastic roots.

Dates

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Facilities

Establishment Features
- Wifi
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
146 reviews
Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum

Lisburn

Address

Market Square, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT28 1AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9266 3377

Ilc.reception@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

Price
Free

Type

Type:

Visitor Centres & Museums

The Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum is an award-winning museum located in Market Square, Lisburn. The permanent exhibition Flax to Fabric traces the story of linen from Ancient Egyptian times to present day.

Price
Free

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement