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Northern Ireland

From the world-famous Giant's Causeway to the world-class Mount Stewart estate, discover places to visit and things to see and do in Northern Ireland.

Places to visit

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Summer Highlights

Celebrate summer with the National Trust - longer days, fresh air, and unforgettable moments in nature.

Girl playing at Mount Stewart Summer of Play

Family-friendly places in Northern Ireland 

Discover the best family-friendly places to visit in Northern Ireland this summer with a day out at the places in our care. Enjoy sunny outdoor trails that ignite inquisitive minds and natural play areas perfect for letting off steam. When the summer sun shines, family adventures are boundless. If a sudden summer shower appears, take refuge in our family-friendly cafés for some well-deserved treats. Remember to check property websites for specific opening times and events.

Boy plays at Summer of Play Mount Stewart

Summer of Play 

Discover the places hosting Summer of Play events this season across Northern Ireland

A view towards grass-covered cliffs along the Portmuck coastline, Islandmagee peninsula, County Antrim. Two visitors are visible walking along the shoreline in the distance.
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Discover Hidden Gems: Northern Ireland's Secluded Coastal & Countryside Car Parks 

Soak up the sunshine and set off on a summer adventure! Whether you're picnicking by the sea, hiking across blooming headlands, or chasing sunsets along the coast, our car parks are your perfect starting point. Discover peaceful places to pause, play, and reconnect with nature across Northern Ireland’s most stunning landscapes.

Find a place to visit

A grassy path, with two people on it, leads between trees towards water on the Castle Ward loughside trail at Castle Ward, Northern Ireland

Walking in Northern Ireland 

Step into Summer in the Legendary Landscapes of Northern Ireland. From the golden dunes of Portstewart Strand to the peaceful paths of Florence Court, explore walking trails that suit all abilities. Whether you're after a short stroll or a scenic ramble, summer is the perfect time to get outside and discover somewhere new.

Sculpted harp hedge in the Shamrock Garden

Gardens and parks in Northern Ireland 

Explore the vibrant beauty of Castle Ward and the enchanting charm of Florence Court garden this summer. Whether you seek a tranquil retreat or a picturesque setting for sunny adventures, our gardens provide the perfect sanctuary.

View of the Temple overlooking Temple Water at Castle Ward, County Down

Houses and buildings in Northern Ireland 

Whether built through a martial disagreement, family rivalry or even a quirky stipulation in a will, each of the houses and buildings in our care has its own unique story to share. From Castle Coole, one of the greatest Neo-classical country houses in Ireland, to The Crown Bar, a masterpiece in pub architecture, intriguing items and fascinating finds speak of centuries ceased and capture a snapshot in time.

Two boys jumping off sand dunes on a sunny summer day with blue skies at Portstewart Strand in Northern Ireland

Coast and beaches in Northern Ireland 

Northern Ireland’s world-class coastal route comes alive in spring. From the rugged headland of Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne to the softly greening dunes of Murlough National Nature Reserve, the landscape awakens with colour and life. Along the way, discover both world-famous landmarks and hidden gems, from the iconic rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede to the awe-inspiring basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway.

Visitors sitting on a stone bench with a dog in the garden at Mount Stewart, with pink blossom on the ground and a view of the garden and house in the background

Dog-friendly places in Northern Ireland 

Get your dog's tail wagging, with pooch friendly places across Northern Ireland. From dog exercise areas to dog-friendly accommodation, discover a slice of canine heaven when visiting with your four-legged friend this summer.

Places to stay in Northern Ireland

Rose Cottage in the garden at Florence Court, County Fermanagh
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Be our guest 

Savour the warmth of summer with a relaxing getaway in Northern Ireland, where golden evenings stretch on and the coast calls you to unwind. From sun-dappled loughs to lush green landscapes in full bloom, discover the northern reaches of the Emerald Isle in unique accommodations like cosy woodland glamping pods or charming coastal cottages. It’s the perfect time to plan a summer escape filled with sweeping views, seasonal serenity, and rich heritage.

Places to eat in Northern Ireland

A table set for lunch with sandwiches, cake and drinks.

Feeling peckish? 

Tuck into a great day out with our places to eat and drink across Northern Ireland. Enjoy classic scones in traditional tearooms and seasonal soups in courtyard cafes. With indoor and outdoor seating, dine in the doorway to nature, beauty and history.

A Climate for Change

A Climate for Change: Adaptation and the National Trust, sets out the actions we'll be taking in the next stage of our journey to tackle the climate and nature crises. It builds on over two decades of work to ensure coastline, countryside, rivers and historic buildings are ready for and resilient to the current and future consequences of climate change.

View across the lake at Mount Stewart with green trees on the other side and a glimpse of a turret between the trees
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How we're adapting to climate change 

We see the effects of climate change all around us. So, what are we going to do about it? Our recent report ‘A Climate for Change’ covers everything we’ve learnt so far about adapting to climate change, and what we suggest can be done to face future challenges. We'll be using lessons from the last century of caring for these places of nature, beauty and history to help us navigate the next.

A child on their parent's shoulders admiring a view across the water of Stangford Lough from Mount Stewart
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Responding to climate change at Mount Stewart 

Climate change is the biggest threat to the coastline, countryside and historic buildings we care for. Our new report reveals how we’re tackling its causes and effects and identifying future hazards. From protecting and planting trees to working with coastal communities, helping people, heritage and nature adapt to a changing climate is at the heart of everything we do. Find out how we’re adapting to rising sea levels and creating new wildlife habitats at Mount Stewart in County Down. Read the full report here.

Upcoming events

Event

Hill Pictures: Belfast Photo Festival Exhibition 

Divis and the Black Mountain, near Belfast, County Antrim

Led by Belfast-based photojournalist and conservation educator Polly Garnett, Hill Pictures captures a year of activity on the Belfast Hills—celebrating the people, places, and stories that define this landscape.

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on
9 Jun to 26 Aug 2025
at
09:30 to 18:00
+ 78 other dates or times
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Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne guided tour 

Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, Castlerock, County Londonderry

Join us on a guided historical tour of one of the jewels of the North Coast as we take you round the Earl Bishop Hervey’s estate.

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on
9 Jun to 22 Sep 2025
at
11:00 to 13:00
+ 4 other dates or times
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Natural Dyeing Printing workshop with Ruth Osborne 

Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, County Down

Join local artist Ruth Osborne for a Block Printing with Natural Dyes workshop at Rowallane Garden this summer

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on
13 Jun 2025
at
10:15 to 13:15
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Walled Garden Open at The Argory 

The Argory, Dungannon, County Armagh

Visit the Walled Garden every Friday in June, July, and August.

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on
13 Jun to 29 Aug 2025
at
11:00 to 17:00
+ 11 other dates or times
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June Recitals in The Mussenden Temple, Presented by the North Coast Association 

Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, Castlerock, County Londonderry

If you love a session of beautiful music, performed by first-class professionals, you are very cordially invited to attend the North Coast Association annual concerts on 13th, 14th and 15th June, 2025

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on
13 Jun to 15 Jun 2025
at
19:30 to 21:15
+ 2 other dates or times
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Yoga in Nature: Serenity at The Argory 

The Argory, Dungannon, County Armagh

Join us at the beautiful historic house and gardens of The Argory for a morning of gentle yoga and a delicious brunch in the onsite Cafe.

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on
14 Jun to 26 Jul 2025
at
09:30 to 11:00
+ 1 other date or time
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Presence and Place Tour at Ardress House 

Ardress House, Portadown, County Armagh

Step into the quiet magic of Ardress House, nestled away in the rolling hills of the Armagh countryside, where history, nature, and mindfulness will come together in a truly immersive experience.

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on
14 Jun to 6 Sep 2025
at
10:00 to 12:00
+ 2 other dates or times
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Volunteering in The Argory's Walled Garden 

The Argory, Dungannon, County Armagh

Join us for some volunteering sessions to help spruce up our walled garden

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on
14 Jun to 25 Oct 2025
at
10:00 to 12:00
+ 19 other dates or times
Visitors at the Giant's Causeway, County Antrim

Discover more in Northern Ireland.

From the world-famous Giant's Causeway to the world-class Mount Stewart estate, discover the best things to see and do in Northern Ireland.