Summer Tourist Destinations In Northern Ireland

It's safe to say as a tourism destination, Northern Ireland has come on leaps and bounds over the past number of years.
In fact, there's a very good reason why HBO chose to film Game of Thrones here; simply because we have some of the most stunning environments in the world.
Besides the green countryside and unique landscapes such as the Giant's Causeway (pictured above), there's lots of things for tourists to see and do. Below is a short list of some places to check out across our wee country this summer.

Game of Thrones Experiences

For the last six years, HBO's multi-million dollar TV show has put Northern Ireland on the map for millions of audiences around the world.
However, if you've have no idea what we're on about, Game of Thrones is an award-winning American fantasy drama TV series set on the fictional land of Westeros and Essos. In other words, imagine if Lord of the Rings met The Sopranos.
With many show scenes filmed in Northern Ireland, fans can now immerse themselves within iconic landscapes associated with the show.
Examples include the Dark Hedges in Co Antrim, featured as the Kings Road in the HBO series, Pollnagollum Cave in Co Fermanagh which acted as Beric Dondarrion's hideout, and Castle Ward in Downpatrick set as the location of Winterfell, the backdrop for the series pilot and much of season one.
However it's not all just epic filming locations. Various organisations are hosting tours, events and activities associated with the show for fans to enjoy. Enthusiasts can follow in the footsteps of Jon Snow Robb and Bran Stark with the Archery Movie Set Experience at Winterfell Castle & Demesne (aka Castle Ward), or immerse themselves in the raucous and energetic atmosphere of the Banquet that welcomed King Robert to Winterfell Castle (set in The Cuan in Strangford Village).
For a full list of everything Game of Thrones related in Northern Ireland, visit here.

Causeway Coastal Route

If you're the kind of person who enjoys unique landscapes, green hills and stunning views, then the Causeway Coastal Route is an experience not to be missed.
Rated as one of the top scenic drives in Europe, this 120-mile-long route is a way marked drive around Northern Ireland's coast between Belfast and Londonderry.
The landscape is varied from seashore to mountain tops, from busy cities to sleepy hamlets and coastal harbours.
There's far too many stops to include, however some must see attractions include Carrickfergus Castle, The Gobbins, Carnfunnock Country Park, Rathlin Island and as previously mentioned, the Dark Hedges.
To gain the full experience, we recommend you allow yourself three to five days to fully take in the journey.
For more information, locations and head on over to www.causewaycoastalroute.com

Erne Water Taxi

As the second biggest lake system in Northern Ireland, Fermanagh's Lough Erne is an impressive lake with many small islands and peninsulas to explore. So, what better way to experience it than a relaxing, chauffeur driven water taxi?
With seating for up to eight people, Erne Water Taxi allows visitors to experience unrestricted views of the Lough and take in one of the most beautiful locations in the world.
A range of tour options are available, ranging from the 1.5 hour Lough Erne Hop tour or the full-day Lough Erne Expedition.
Guests can also visit one of the many lakeside venues to experience local food, hospitality and entertainment.
www.ernewatertaxi.com

Titanic Experience Belfast

We all know the legend of the Titanic. But if you're stopping by Northern Ireland this summer, the Titanic Belfast experience is one way to explore the story in a fresh and insightful way.
Set in the aptly named Titanic Quarter, where Titanic herself was built, this visitor attraction is a monument to Belfast's maritime heritage on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard.
Visitors can enjoy nine interactive galleries of the Titanic Experience, walk the decks of the last remaining White Star vessel SS Nomadic or trek the historic slipways where the iconic Titanic and Olympic vessels were built.
Throughout the attraction, there are loads of things to see and experience that will keep you entertained. Examine original construction plans for Titanic, or an 360-degree computer-generated tour around the ship through all levels of the vessel, and of course images of the sinking combined with audio of survivors telling their stories.
In addition, if all that exploring makes you peckish, stop by either the Bistro 401 Restaurant to sample some locally sourced Northern Irish produce, or the Gallery Cafe to enjoy a range of speciality teas, luxury coffees and local delicacies inspired by RMS Titanic.
www.titanicbelfast.com

Crumlin Road Gaol

As the only Victorian era prison remaining in Northern Ireland, Crumlin Road Gaol (or 'The Crum') has been restored into a visitor attraction that features tours, conference rooms and a restaurant.
With 17 men executed over its 150 year history, visitors will get to see what the prison was like through the ages, as well as the dark secrets that lies within. Accompanied by a qualified guide, tours will explore all aspects of the Goal from the Tunnel linking the courthouse on the other side of the Crumlin Road to the Hanging Cell, the Historic Holding Cells, Governors Office, Centre Circle, C-Wing, Hospital and Graveyard.
Paranormal Tours will also take you to the various hot spots of the Gaol where Paranormal Activity has been reported where you can hear harrowing stories associated with these areas.
If all that spookiness gets your hunger going, check out the recently opened Cuffs Bar & Grill restaurant, featuring a range of locally sourced food and drink.
www.crumlinroadgaol.com

Image credit: www.discovernorthernireland.com, www.ernewatertaxi.com, www.titanicbelfast.com, www.crumlinroadgaol.com