Northern Ireland is made up of six counties – each with its own landscapes, stories and sense of identity. From wild coastal cliffs to inland lakes and mountain trails, this small region offers a surprisingly wide variety of experiences.
County Antrim
Home to some of Northern Ireland’s most photographed sights, Antrim is where you’ll find the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, and the spectacular Antrim Coast Road. There’s history too, in the ruins of Dunluce Castle and the pretty Georgian streets of towns like Glenarm and Ballycastle. For a taste of tradition, stop by the Old Bushmills Distillery – officially the world’s oldest licensed whiskey producer.
County Armagh
Known as the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, Armagh punches well above its weight. Its twin cathedrals sit at the heart of a city full of heritage, while nearby countryside is thick with apple orchards – the source of some of the island’s finest cider. Expect leafy lanes, ancient sites, and a slower pace of life.
County Down
Where mountains sweep down to the sea, Down is home to the Mourne Mountains – a granite range beloved by walkers and writers alike. Strangford Lough’s wildlife-rich waters and the charming town of Downpatrick, said to be the burial place of St Patrick, add to its layered appeal. Castle Ward, a Game of Thrones filming location, is also worth a visit.
County Fermanagh
A watery world of lakes and islands, Fermanagh is made for outdoor escapes. Lough Erne stretches across the county, dotted with mysterious ruins and crumbling abbeys, best explored by kayak or boat. Underground, the Marble Arch Caves reveal a fascinating subterranean landscape, while above ground, stately homes like Florence Court offer a glimpse into grander times.
County Derry
Best known for its walled city of Derry/Londonderry — a cultural and historical heavyweight — the county also has plenty of rural beauty to explore. The sweeping beaches of Benone, the rolling farmland inland, and spots like Mussenden Temple perched dramatically above the sea all show a quieter side to this story-rich county.
County Tyrone
Tyrone is where the land begins to rise. Home to the Sperrin Mountains, it’s one of Northern Ireland’s most untouched regions — all moorland, ancient stones, and glens where you can walk for hours without seeing another soul. The Ulster American Folk Park, just outside Omagh, offers a compelling look at the stories of those who left Ireland for the New World.