The top six most unique attractions Northern Ireland has to offer
Despite Northern Ireland’s relatively small size, each county is teaming with attractions to suit families of all ages, as well as activities for every skill set and ability. In fact, there’s almost too much choice! Which is why NI4Kids’ Beth Mason has put on her thinking cap and come up with the most unique attractions in Northern Ireland. Whether you’re seeking adventure, education, or simply something different, we’ve got you covered in our round-up of the most unique attractions in Northern Ireland.
Fort Evergreen Park & Playfarm
Located in Warrenpoint, Fort Evergreen Park & Playfarm has everything you could want from a day out. With indoor and outdoor spaces, the weather won’t dampen your day. The massive Adventure Soft Play Area features four dragon slides, ball pits, and a foam obstacle course, along with a dedicated under 3’s area. Outside there are more adventures to be had at the giant wooden castle play fort, as well as the sand pit play area. Families with budding palaeontologists won’t be able to believe their eyes on the Dinosaur Walk as they spot life-size moving and roaring dinosaurs. You can also meet alpacas, donkeys, deer, calves, and ponies and, not forgetting the star of the show; Starlight, the magical unicorn.
Armagh Observatory & Planetarium
Prepare to get to know our planet like never before at Northern Ireland’s leading astronomical research and education facility. Equipped with a state-of-the-art digital projector system, the Planetarium provides an immersive experience under the full dome. Before visiting check the website for a rotating calendar of screenings that are designed to educate both children and adults on our solar system with storytelling and fun to engage the viewer. Touch a real meteorite or create your own black hole in the exhibition area as you discover the history of astronomy in Armagh and beyond. Families with kids will adore the Sensory Room which provides a fun yet relaxing area through which to uncover all the wonders of space.
Marble Arch Caves
There is really nothing quite like the Marble Arch Caves. Open year round, the site provides an unforgettable insight into what lies beneath Fermanagh’s Lakelands. Pass through the underground labyrinth of caves, sinkholes, and subterranean rivers on foot with a guided tour that unravels the centuries of stories held within the cave’s walls. Marvel at the cave formations made from limestone that is over 330 million years old and afterwards don’t forget to survey the ancient woodlands surrounding the attraction. The Culicagh Lakelands Geopark is made up of a plethora of lakes, forests, and oval-shaped drumlins with plenty of rugged, natural landscape just waiting to be explored.
W5
With eight exhibition zones and 250 interactive exhibits, there really is something for everyone at W5. Combining learning and fun, young scientists will delight in the range of topics on offer; from the human body to energy, and machinery. Play at being a producer in W5’s new state-of-the-art studio or create your own building ideas using your imagination in the Build It zone. No visit is complete without a go on the indoor play area. Designed for 3-11 year olds, The Lost Plant is a multisensory activity zone in which kids can journey to another dimension where dinosaurs rule the world.
Oakfire Adventures
Calling all adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers, zipline across the Faughan Valley for an exhilarating day out. Located at The Oaks Demesne, Oakfire Adventures promises an exciting experience for children aged 10 and above. Thrill seekers won’t be able to resist flying across 1.5km of epic ziplines experiencing the Faughan Valley like never before. Take it one step further with the full ariel challenge; a mecca for thrill seekers who love canopy high tree-to-tree crossings, free-fall Tarzan Swings, and riding super-fast.
Ulster American Folk Park
All aboard the emigrant ship to America as you step into the story of the Ulster people’s journey across the sea in the 18th and 19th centuries. Follow in their footsteps from their Ulster hometown right up to where they settled in America. The open-air museum is home to a full-scale emigrant ship where you can experience what life was like for Irish emigrants who travelled in cramped condition for 12 weeks at a time. A fully immersive experience, the Ulster American Folk Park offers visitors the chance to learn how life-altering the journey across the Atlantic was for our ancestors.
