Northern Ireland is a land of dramatic contrasts — volcanic basalt coastlines, rolling green drumlins, and a capital city that has transformed itself from a divided post-industrial city into one of Europe's most vibrant short-break destinations. From the otherworldly columns of the Giant's Causeway to the Titanic Quarter's stainless-steel galleries, Northern Ireland rewards visitors who look beyond the obvious.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Northern Ireland.
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1
Giant's Causeway basalt columns formed by volcanic activity
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2
Neolithic tombs built (Legananny Dolmen, County Down)
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3
St. Patrick returns to Ireland as a bishop; establishes church at Armagh
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4
Carrickfergus Castle founded by Anglo-Norman John de Courcy
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5
Walled city of Londonderry (Derry) completed by London Guilds
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6
United Irishmen rebellion; Battle of Antrim
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7
RMS Titanic launched at Harland & Wolff, Belfast
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8
Ulster Solemn League and Covenant signed against Home Rule; 500,000 signatories
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9
Northern Ireland established; Belfast becomes capital
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10
Civil rights marches; onset of the Troubles
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11
Bloody Sunday — British troops kill 14 civilians in Derry
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12
Good Friday Agreement signed; ending the Troubles
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13
Titanic Belfast museum opens on the centenary of RMS Titanic's sinking
Historical sites
Places where Northern Ireland's past comes alive.
Carrickfergus Castle
Where: County Antrim
Admission: Adults £6, children £4 (~$8/$5)
Dunluce Castle
Where: County Antrim
Admission: Adults £6, children £3 (~$8/$4)
Derry City Walls
Where: Derry~Londonderry
Admission: Free
Museum of Free Derry
Where: Bogside, Derry~Londonderry
Admission: Adults £5, children £2 (~$6/$3)
Ulster Museum
Where: Belfast
Admission: Free
Armagh Cathedral (Church of Ireland)
Where: Armagh
Admission: Free (donations welcome)
Legananny Dolmen
Where: County Down
Admission: Free