5 minute read
Indoor Attractions
There’s no need to let the rain dampen your spirits. From world-class attractions and family-friendly museums to scrumptious afternoon teas, there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy in Northern Ireland.
W5
From top to bottom, W5 in Belfast has been completely transformed. Two reimagined exhibition floors will excite and inspire, with exhibits and experiences covering everything from climate change and nature to film and TV production, optical illusions, built engineering, medical science and much, much more.
We Are Vertigo
On a rainy day, or any day for that matter, check out We Are Vertigo, an excellent indoor trampoline park, ski and adventure centre located at Knockbracken, a few miles from Belfast city centre. Have a go at skiing or snowboarding with professional instructors or experience extreme fun with Sky Trail high ropes, low ropes, and a climbing wall. There’s a We Are Vertigo in the Titanic Quarter, too. Drop in for a spot of indoor skydiving!
Ulster Transport Museum Take a trip into our past at the Ulster Transport Museum in Cultra, just a short drive from Belfast. Meet some of the horses, donkeys and hens that kept the rural world turning 100 years ago. If you’re a railway enthusiast, you’ve a treat in store too. There’s an impressive collection of steam locomotives, passenger carriages and goods wagons to explore.
Carrickfergus Castle
Carrickfergus Castle has been guarding Belfast Lough since 1177. It is just as imposing today as it must have been back then and it is certainly as impressive. This is one of the finest examples of a medieval Norman Castle on the whole island and it is worth investing a little on either the guided or self-guided tours on offer.
The Jet Centre
There is enough adventure and fun in Coleraine's Jet Centre to completely fill up every hour of a weekend away. With a beautifully landscaped 18-hole outdoor minigolf course, Superstrikes Bowling Alley and an 8-screen cinema showing all the latest movies, time flies when you spend the day at this buzzing spot.
Tower Museum
Within Derry~Londonderry's city walls, you’ll find the awardwinning Tower Museum. Here, you’ll discover the story of the city from its early settlement through the Plantation of Londonderry and its growth through the 18th and 19th centuries. You can explore recent history too, looking at the development of the Civil Rights Movement and the impact of the Troubles.
2 Royal Avenue
Expand your horizons at 2 Royal Avenue. It's Belfast’s latest cultural space with a little something for everyone this season. It's all here: from live music to keep you entertained to sound baths and yoga to balance your body and mind. Experience Belfast through
We are Vertigo, Belfast OM Dark Sky Park, Co. Tyrone
W5, Belfast
a specially curated programme of art exhibitions, local food and craft markets. With a family-friendly vibe, this oasis in Belfast city centre is worth a visit any day of the week.
OM Dark Sky Park
See the night sky in a whole new light (or should that be dark?) at the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, near Cookstown, Northern Ireland’s only ‘dark sky’ park. With holographic installations, virtual-reality headsets and audiovisual shows at the park’s high-tech centre, it’s the perfect spot to take in the cosmos – as well as our place in it all!
Railway Museum
It’s time to go back in time – by rail, if you like. The fascinating
Whitehead Railway Museum
allows you to rub shoulders with the giants of steam. Step on the footplate of a 140-year-old engine, get on board a 1950s carriage from the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland’s collection and catch their restoration workshops live, where these historic vehicles are brought back to life.
Armagh Cathedrals
Fans of St. Patrick are in for a treat in Northern Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital. The story goes he built a church here back in 445AD. Today, in the Cathedral City, you’ve two impressive options to choose between. The twin-spired Roman Catholic Cathedral stands on a hill above the city. St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral faces it across the valley, resting on the site of the original stone church. A bit of a climb, both are worth it for the stunning city views.
Down County Museum
For the history buffs among us, Down County Museum in Downpatrick is definitely worth a visit. This restored 18th-century gaol makes an ideal day out. Take a journey through 9,000 years of history through the permanent exhibition 'Down Through Time' or visit the restored cell block with life-size figures of prisoners and their gaolers.
Saint Patrick’s Centre
Get to know Ireland’s patron saint at the always-engrossing Saint Patrick Centre in the heart of Downpatrick. The modern exhibition combines narration, sculpture, cinema and audio techniques to relate the adventures of Patrick's life and the major impact of Irish Missionaries on Dark Age Europe.
Theatre at The Mill
Catch a top-quality live performance at this state-of-theart 400-seat theatre, set in an imaginatively repurposed flax mill in Newtownabbey. Just 15 minutes from Belfast City Centre, Theatre at The Mill offers a wide programme and plenty of family shows. There’s free parking too. From musicals, dance and drama to comedy, concerts, and workshops, there’s something for everyone here.
Afternoon Tea at Killeavy Castle
Nothing like cosying-up for afternoon tea when the weather’s not great. There’s plenty of places to enjoy it too. Killeavy Castle Estate (4*), for instance. Just a short drive from Newry, at the foot of Slieve Gullion, it has terrific tea rooms. Hopefully the rain will have have stopped by the time you’ve finished your pastries, so you can enjoy a nice walk.
Enniskillen Castle
Perched dominantly on the banks of Lough Erne, Enniskillen Castle in Fermanagh harks back to the might of the ruling Maguires. They were the first occupants of this imposing structure almost 600 years ago and their story is an important part of history. You can find out more about that story in the castle’s Inniskillings Museum.
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Let yourself in on all the best places to be when the clouds start to gather. There’s always plenty happening indoors in Northern Ireland.
Book your next giant adventure at discovernorthernireland.com
