🌊 35 Best Places to Visit in Northern Ireland: 2025 Ultimate Coastal & Cruise Guide
With its dramatic coastlines and rich maritime heritage, Northern Ireland attracts over 5 million visitors annually according to Tourism NI's 2025 report. This comprehensive guide combines local expertise with cruise industry insights to reveal 35 must-visit locations. Recent surveys show 92% of cruise passengers extend their stay to experience:
Cruise Access Points
- Belfast Harbour - 155 cruise ship arrivals in 2024
- Londonderry Port - Gateway to Donegal coast
- Bangor Marina - Tender port for small luxury ships
2025 Cruise Line Partnerships
Northern Ireland's cruise tourism sector has grown 42% since 2019, with Belfast cruise port now ranked among Europe's top 10 turnaround ports. Our Northern Ireland travel guide reveals how cruise passengers can maximize their time ashore, from Game of Thrones filming locations to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Discover why Antrim Coast road trips are being combined with Irish Sea cruise vacations for the ultimate Northern Ireland itinerary.
🏆 Northern Ireland's 35 Must-Visit Coastal & Cruise Destinations
Top 10 Cruise Accessible Sites
- Titanic Belfast - World's #1 tourist attraction (2025 Cruise Critic Awards)
- Giant's Causeway - UNESCO site with 1.2m annual visitors
- Belfast City Centre - 90-minute transfers from port
- Carrickfergus Castle - Viking-era fortress visible from ships
- CS Lewis Square - Narnia-inspired sculptures
Detailed Port Analysis
Port |
Cruise Lines |
Season |
Passenger Capacity |
Belfast | All major lines | Mar-Nov | Oasis-class ships |
Londonderry | Premium/luxury | May-Sep | Up to 2,000 pax |
Bangor | Seabourn, Silversea | Jun-Aug | Tender only |
Coastal Attraction Rankings
Rank |
Destination |
Cruise Excursion |
Local Tip |
1 |
Giant's Causeway |
Available from all Belfast ships |
Visit at sunrise to avoid crowds |
2 |
Dark Hedges |
Royal Caribbean exclusive |
Weekday mornings for photos |
3 |
Mount Stewart Gardens |
Celebrity Cruises |
May for rhododendron blooms |
4 |
The Gobbins Cliff Path |
Small ship excursions |
Book guided walks in advance |
The Ultimate Causeway Coastal Route Itinerary
Northern Ireland's Antrim Coast road was named one of the world's top scenic drives by National Geographic. Cruise passengers can experience highlights on shore excursions or combine with a pre/post-cruise stay:
- Belfast - Titanic Quarter and political murals
- Carrickfergus - Norman castle and coastal views
- The Gobbins - Dramatic cliffside pathway
- Glenarm - Picturesque village and castle
- Carrick-a-Rede - Famous rope bridge
- Ballintoy - Game of Thrones filming location
- Giant's Causeway - UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Bushmills - Oldest licensed whiskey distillery
- Portrush - Seaside resort and golf courses
- Derry~Londonderry - Walled city and Peace Bridge
📅 Northern Ireland Cruise & Coastal Itinerary Planning
1-Day Cruise Stopover
- AM: Titanic Belfast (3hrs)
- PM: Giant's Causeway (5hrs)
- Evening: Belfast dining at Mourne Seafood
Cruise Shore Excursion Matrix
Excursion |
Duration |
Price Range |
Best For |
Giant's Causeway Express | 4hrs | £45-£65 | First-time visitors |
Titanic & Game of Thrones Combo | 6hrs | £75-£95 | Pop culture fans |
Bushmills Distillery VIP | 3hrs | £55-£85 | Luxury passengers |
2025 Cruise Line Shore Programs
Northern Ireland Cruise Packing Essentials
Clothing
- Waterproof jacket (essential for coastal walks)
- Layered clothing for changeable weather
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
Gear
- Binoculars for coastal wildlife spotting
- Power adapter (UK 3-pin sockets)
- Waterproof phone case
Pro Tip: Northern Ireland uses the British Pound (£). While cards are widely accepted, having some cash is useful for smaller vendors and tips.