Explore the Giant Indoors

Indoors ExploreGiantthe

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.

Crumlin Road Gaol

Only 25 years ago, the heavy gates of Crumlin Road Gaol slammed shut for the final time. Today, you can explore its 150-year history of tension, imprisonment and executions. Learn first-hand about the gaol’s colourful past and gain a memorable insight into its daily routine.

Ulster Museum

If you’re a history buff or a lover of art, Belfast’s Ulster Museum is sure to spark your curiosity. Get up close and personal with dinosaurs, meet an Egyptian mummy and see modern masterpieces in the flesh at this fascinating museum.

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.

Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum

Where else could you pop in for a haircut while brushing up on a history of rail travel? Well, the Johnston family’s decision to combine their traditional barber shop with their love of railway history has led to a hidden gem for railway heads in Enniskillen. At Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum, step on board and recreate railway travel of old with lovingly created exhibits like the Station Master’s office, booking office and signal box.

St Georges Market

Get down to St George’s Market and experience the wonderful atmosphere, with street food from around the world, and an amazing selection of traders and stalls offering some of the finest local produce, arts and crafts. The Friday Variety Market is open 6am-3pm, the Saturday City Food & Garden Market is open 9am-3pm and the Sunday Market is open 10am-4pm.

We are Vertigo, Belfast Corick House, Co. Tyrone

Corick House Afternoon Tea

This is how an afternoon tea should be done: delicate sandwiches, decadent cakes, profiteroles and organic tea (or maybe some sparkling wine!). Visit Corick House, in County Tyrone, this summer for something delicious for all the family.

Whitehead 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.

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 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.

No 5 Vicars Hill (Armagh)

Originally built to store the city’s Church of Ireland records, this Georgian gem has been beautifully restored as a cultural history museum. The collections inside No 5 Vicars’ Hill offer a fascinating glimpse into the past with its displays of Neolithic stone tools, ancient coins, gems, medals, early Christian artefacts and other curiosities. Touchscreens, activity sheets, interactive exhibits and bronze rubbing games make this a place for everyone.

Airtastic When it comes to bouncing fun, Airtastic is up there with the best! Kids can choose either to bounce on inflatables or trampolines – or both – and have a go at ten-pin bowling and mini golf. Head to their Inflata parks in Bangor and Newtownabbey, or play centre in Craigavon for pure bouncing heaven. Plus, all three locations have awesome soft play centres for the wee ones too.

Tower Museum

Within Derry~Londonderry's city walls, you’ll find the award winning Tower Museum. Here, you’ll discover the story of the city from its early settlement through the Plantation 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 .

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!

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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.