Northern Ireland\u2019s summer of 2025 has been incredible, but it isn\u2019t over yet. From the roar of the crowds at Belsonic as stars including Justin Timberlake and Charli XCX took to the stage, the roar of the engines at the North West 200 to the roars for Rory at The 153rd Open in Royal Portrush, it\u2019s been unforgettable.<\/p>\n
From world-class experiences to great value short breaks and days out, in Northern Ireland you\u2019re always just one step away from a giant adventure.<\/p>\n
With so much to do right on your doorstep and an array of options to be enjoyed by rail or road, you might be wondering where to start. Discover Northern Ireland has shared some suggestions for short trips you won\u2019t want to miss this summer. <\/p>\n
The perfect star-studded experience can be found in Mid-Ulster with a trip to the awe-inspiring OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory<\/b><\/a>. Here you can take a journey through time and space using the latest technology to explore our solar system at our only official Dark Sky park and spend a night glamping beneath the stars at Sperrin View Glamping<\/b><\/a>.<\/p>\n Connect with the outdoors with a serene walk around the beautiful stately homes and gardens found in County Down from Hillsborough Castle<\/b><\/a>, Montalto Estate<\/a>, Mount Stewart<\/a> <\/b>and Castle Ward<\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n There\u2019s something for everyone to enjoy in Belfast. In one whirlwind day you could take a self-guided tour of the award winning Titanic Belfast<\/a> <\/b>which currently hosts a free Freud Exhibition, <\/b>explore the Ulster Museum<\/a>, <\/b>join a guided Taste & Tour<\/b><\/a> to meet inventive locals making world class products and embark on a sensory experience at Titanic Distillers<\/b><\/a>.<\/p>\n Of course, you could also choose to linger for longer and with a range of fantastic hotels including The Harrison<\/a>,<\/b> The Grand Central Hotel<\/a> <\/b>or the Bullitt Hotel,<\/a> <\/b>you\u2019ll find something to suit every budget.<\/p>\n Stay at any of the incredible hotels, glamping sites and B&Bs on the Causeway Coastal Route like Benone Getaways<\/b><\/a>, The Carrick<\/b><\/a> or the Portrush Adelphi<\/a> <\/b>and turn a thrilling day into a world class weekend. <\/p>\n Learn how to catch some gnarly waves at Portrush Surf School<\/a><\/b> with the help of experienced head coach and 11x Irish National Champion, Martin \u2018TK\u2019 Kelly. With just eight surfers per lesson and and just two sessions per day, you can be sure you\u2019ll get plenty of attention and spend a full two hours in the waist depth water, with every lesson also supervised by leading RNLI Beach Lifeguards.<\/p>\n As you make your way along the iconic Causeway Coastal Route be sure to check out the oldest licenced whiskey distillery in the world \u2013 the Old Bushmills Distillery<\/a>, <\/b>the Giant\u2019s Causeway<\/a>, Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne<\/a><\/b> and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge<\/b><\/a>.<\/p>\n Fill your boots full of culture as you uncover Seamus Heaney\u2019s formative years at Seamus Heaney HomePlace<\/a> <\/b>in <\/b>Bellaghy before venturing into Derry~Londonderry and grabbing a great-value Visit Derry Sightseeing Pass<\/b><\/a> which provides access to ten handpicked attractions such as The Guildhall and Tower Museum for one great price (from \u00a330).<\/p>\n County Fermanagh is home to some incredible lakelands and it\u2019s largest town, Enniskillen straddles the River Erne. Here you\u2019ll find Enniskillen Castle<\/b><\/a> housing both the Fermanagh County Museum and The Inniskillings Museum.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve explored the castle on foot, be sure to check it out from a hydrobike<\/b><\/a> from Erne Adventures for a completely new perspecitve on the town. Endulge in the Enniskillen Taste Experience<\/b><\/a>, grab a drink at Charlie\u2019s Bar<\/a> <\/b>and relax at Finn Lough<\/b><\/a>, Lusty Beg Island<\/a> <\/b>or the Killyhevlin Hotel & Lodges.<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n For a festival brimming with fine foods, foraged lunches, cider tasting, tours, talks and fiction amongst the apple-laden orchards, check out Armagh Food and Cider Weekend<\/b><\/a>. From 4-7 September this festival is focused on intimate, quirky venues and exclusive dining. Make a weekend of it and embrace the comfort of Armagh City Hotel<\/a><\/b> and long late evening walks on the city\u2019s historic Mall.<\/p>\n Or, the same weekend, why not head to the seaside town of Newcastle in the heart of the Mournes and enjoy the much-loved Eats & Beats Festival<\/b><\/a> . This lively weekend brings together great food, live music, and a buzzing festival vibe. <\/p>\n At the heart of the festival is the Food Pavilion where over 40 local and Northern Irish artisan producers showcase their culinary masterpieces. Make a weekend of it and stay at Slieve Donard Resort and Spa<\/b><\/a>. This local landmark offers luxury and jaw-dropping views of its namesake. <\/p>\n