Destination Ireland - Summer 2021 - Destination Focus
Whether you ’ ve booked a short break , a value for money getaway , or a longer stay , there is an abundance of high-quality attractions and places to visit in Northern Ireland to keep you and your family entertained . Many of Northern Ireland ’ s top attractions are reopening from May 24th and are ready to offer their giant welcome to visitors again . World class attractions such as Titanic Belfast , or the new OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory are available to book now . Discover Northern Ireland has compiled a list of top attractions and places to visit ; from the unique , to the adventurous , the cultural and historical and more .
World Class & Unique
Titanic Belfast , Belfast Reopening on May 27th , the iconic , six-floor building is located at the historic site where Titanic was designed , built and launched in 1912 . The self-guided Titanic Experience is a one-way themed route . Guests can complete their Titanic Experience with a visit to the world ’ s last remaining White Star vessel and RMS Titanic ’ s original tender ship – SS Nomadic . Walk the decks , explore the ship , and take a journey through over 100 years of authentic maritime and social history .
OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory , County Tyrone Opening for the first time on June 3rd , the centre will give visitors a unique opportunity to experience the night sky as it is rarely viewed with an experienced tour guide . Visitors will be able to explore our solar system and star-gaze using telescopes to view the night sky without light pollution as Davagh is the only official ‘ dark sky ’ park in Northern Ireland . Combining the latest tech , visitors can expect to see holographic installations and bespoke evening audio-visual shows using virtual reality headsets .
Marble Arch Caves UNESCO Global Geopark , County Fermanagh The award-winning Marble Arch Caves – one of Europe ’ s finest show caves will reopen for guided tours from May 24th with extra measures including directional signage , pre-booking and numbers limited for tours . Visitors can enter a world of subterranean rivers , winding passages , lofty chambers and an array of spectacular cave formations to enjoy the stunning million-year-old cave network . There are over 50 stunning sites in the Geopark itself including breath-taking viewpoints , magical waterfalls , wonderful wetlands and fantastic forests .
Giant ’ s Causeway , County Antrim The full Visitor Experience will reopen on May 24th at the Giants Causeway where 40,000 basalt stone columns were left behind by volcanic eruptions 60 million years ago . Explore a state-of-the-art interpretation within the Visitor Centre or see the distinctive stone formations with your own eyes . Visitor Experience tickets include guided walks by award-winning storytellers , reserved on-site car parking adjacent to the Visitor Centre , access to the exhibition , shop and café and use of all facilities .
The Gobbins , County Antrim What better way to blow off the cobwebs than with a walk along this exhilarating coastal cliff path ? Your trip begins via a hole through a rock called Wise ’ s Eye . Make your way along the paths , walkways , tubular bridges and tunnels on this dramatic walk and take in the stunning views while breathing in the sea air . Pull on your walking boots for a two and a half hour walking tour . ( Tours are capped at ten people to enable social distancing ).
Adventure & Activities
Todd ’ s Leap , County Tyrone There are over 20 action-packed activities available at Todds Leap Activity Centre including Off Road Driving , Clay Pigeon Shooting , a 500m ZipLine , a Giant Swing , a Free Fall Drop Zone , Paintballing , Splat Master , Woodland Trails , Air Rifles , Archery , Climbing Wall and the Big Yella Slide , all spread across a purpose built , off road track .
Let ’ s Go Hydro , Belfast This impressive outdoor attraction , including an inflatable floating obstacle course , provides fun for all . The course features an XXL Tower , slides , climbing wall , hurdles , wiggle disks , ramp , podiums and a floating trampoline . The resort has 40 glamping pods to choose from , including a Boat House and Floating Lake as well as restaurant on site and a drivein movie experience ! Pre-booking for all activities is essential .
Strangford Lough Activity Centre , County Down Offering a variety of land and water based outdoor activities including archery , bushcraft , canoeing , coasteering , kayaking , laser tag , orienteering , raft building , stand-up paddle boarding ( SUP ), and team building games . Enjoy kayaking to a nearby island , stopping for a BBQ lunch before heading to shore again against the backdrop of the sunset . Or start the day as you mean to go on , paddle boarding over to the island for some yoga and granola while watching the beautiful sunrise ! Family Fun
Ulster American Folk Park , County Tyrone Immerse yourself in the story of the brave emigrants who made the journey across the Atlantic to America hundreds of years ago with 30 buildings and exhibits to explore ( from May 25th ). Wander through the thatched cottages and log cabins and meet costumed characters who will show you traditional crafts and tell you a few stories . Board a fullscale emigrant ship to experience the conditions faced by many as they set sail for a new life in America .
Exploris Aquarium , County Down Get ‘ hands on ’ from May 24th with native species as you tickle the belly of a small shark and feel the spikes on a sea urchin . The colourful coral reefs in the Tropical Ocean zone play host to over 100 species . Outside in the enclosures a family of Asian Short Clawed Otters remain a big hit with visitors as does the Seal Sanctuary . Timed slots allow you to set off on your journey through the zones where you will meet clownfish , sharks , rays and much more .
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