The Best Off the Beaten Track Destinations in Northern Ireland

“With a relatively small area, the country of Northern Ireland has few stones left unturned. But for those looking for destinations outside of the usual tourist trail, we’ve got you covered. From fishing villages to inland towns, here are the best off the beaten track destinations in Northern Ireland.

The Best Off the Beaten Track Destinations in Northern Ireland
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DonaghadeeThis lovely spot in County Down is sure to delight. With plenty of walking trails around the area, including the Donaghadee Town Trail that takes you past all of the town’s notable sights, nature enthusiasts will love the abundance of opportunity to explore. Foodies will also fall quickly in love with Donaghadee; with some of Northern Ireland’s oldest pubs, you can take your pick when it comes to places with both lively atmospheres and fresh seafood. The town is also a good base for venturing out to the nearby islands, notably the Copeland Islands, where fishing and birdwatching trips are both common.

Cushendun
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If you’re looking for a quaint village to base yourself in while you explore the Causeway Coast, look no further than Cushendun. With rows of lovely homes that make for a picture-perfect scene, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Cushendun, including lively pubs and village walks. Under an hour’s drive from some of Northern Ireland’s most famous sights – The Dark Hedges, Giant’s Causeway, and Carrick-a-Rede bridge – it’s an ideal village for those looking to see the top sights while also experiencing the quiet respite of a destination slightly off the beaten track.

Kilkeel
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While many visitors to Northern Ireland start in Belfast and head straight to the Causeway Coast, there’s plenty to do south of the city, too. Head to Kilkeel for winding streets of colourful houses as well as ancient ruins, making for an intriguing combination of sights to explore. A bustling fishing port, it takes its name from the 14th century church overlooking the town. Lying just south of the Mourne Mountains, there are plenty of wonderful walking trails and reservoirs, perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Whitehead
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Another beautiful seaside town in Northern Ireland, Whitehead is packed with history. Once a favourite getaway spot for holidaymakers from Belfast, today it’s a fantastic base for exploring the nearby coastline as well as taking in some of the local highlights. Make sure to stop in to the Whitehead Railway Museum to learn about the town’s railway history, and set aside an afternoon to walk the gorgeous coastal path to the Blackhead Lighthouse. Its dramatic location atop the cliff is sure to inspire many photos!

Omagh
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Found in County Tyrone where the rivers Drumragh and Camowen meet, Omagh is a wonderful choice for an off the beaten track destination in Northern Ireland. Filled with charming shops and cafés, you can easily wile away a few days here. Walk the gentle landscape to get to the Gortin Lakes, where you’ll have clear views of the Sperrin Mountains (so make sure to bring your camera). Just outside of Omagh, you’ll find the interesting Ulster American Folk Park, where you can learn about the thousands of emigrants who sailed to America in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Holywood
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If you’re looking for a great day trip from Belfast, or are interested in exploring more of the area, why not head to Holywood? The name may sound familiar, of course, but Northern Ireland’s Holywood is just as worthy of a visit in our eyes. Packed with local boutiques, cafés, and shops, there’s a lot to love about its dedication to the local arts. Its also famous for its music, as it hosts an annual blues and jazz festival that brings people from around the world.

Loughgall
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If you’re really looking to find peace and quiet on your holiday to Northern Ireland, or want to experience a true countryside haven off the beaten track, make your way to Loughgall. Found in County Armagh, it was named after a small nearby loch. The heartbeat of Loughgall is its orchards, as the village is famous for its apples, the history of which stretches back centuries. Make sure to take a tour of one of the orchards to learn all about the industry (and to taste some their famous cider).

Looking for more travel inspiration? Head to our Explore by Expedia homepage, or check out the best beaches in Northern Ireland!”