The best museums in Northern Ireland in September 2025

These are the top 50 best museums in Northern Ireland, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Northern Ireland, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Northern Ireland.

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Looking for the best museums in Northern Ireland? These are the best ones:

  1. Crumlin Road Gaol Visitor Attraction and Conference Centre1

    Crumlin Road Gaol Visitor Attraction and Conference Centre

     Belfast
  2. Titanic Belfast2

    Titanic Belfast

     Belfast
    Titanic Belfast is a museum in Belfast. The museum features exhibits related to: industry, maritime and social history.
  3. SEA LIFE Blackpool3

    SEA LIFE Blackpool

     Blackpool
  4. Ulster Museum4

    Ulster Museum

     Belfast
    The Botanic Gardens, a public garden in Belfast, Northern Ireland, spans 28 acres of south Belfast. This garden is a popular spot for office workers, students, and tourists alike. Its location on Stranmillis Road in Queen's Quarter, with Queen's University nearby, makes it easily accessible for visitors.
  5. Dunluce Castle5

    Dunluce Castle

     Portrush
  6. Belfast Cathedral6

    Belfast Cathedral

     Belfast
    St. Anne's Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral, is a significant religious site located in Donegall St., Belfast, Antrim, in Northern Ireland. This cathedral is unique in serving two separate dioceses: Connor and Down and Dromore. Despite not being the seat of either, it is situated within the first diocese. The cathedral is a notable landmark in Belfast and a place of worship for the Church of Ireland.
  7. W57

    W5

     Belfast
    W5 is a museum in Belfast. The museum features exhibits related to: natural sciences and science and technology.
  8. Ulster Folk Museum8

    Ulster Folk Museum

     Holywood
    The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum is situated in Cultra, approximately 11 km to the east of Belfast in Northern Ireland. This unique destination is actually a combination of two distinct museums: an open-air and folk museum, and a transport museum. The former provides a fascinating insight into the lifestyle and traditions of Northern Ireland's population, while the latter explores the history of land, sea, and air transportation.
  9. Ulster American Folk Park9

    Ulster American Folk Park

     Omagh
    The Ulster American Folk Park, located in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, is an open-air museum that offers a comprehensive look into the history of Irish emigration. With more than 30 exhibit buildings, visitors can explore the stories of those who left Ulster for America over three centuries. The museum provides a unique opportunity to delve into the past and understand the experiences of these emigrants.
  10. Carrickfergus Castle10

    Carrickfergus Castle

     Carrickfergus
    Carrickfergus Castle is a Norman castle situated in the town of Carrickfergus, in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The castle is located on the shores of Belfast Lough, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. It is one of the best-preserved medieval structures in all of Ireland, having played a significant military role until 1928. Today, the castle is maintained by the Environment and Heritage Service as a state historical monument.
  11. Mount Stewart11

    Mount Stewart

     Newtownards
  12. Castle Ward12

    Castle Ward

     Strangford
    Explore this 332-hectare walled demesne dramatically set overlooking Strangford Lough and see the quirky mid Georgian mansion, home of the Ward family since the 16th century. An architectural curiosity, it is built inside and out in the distinctly different styles of classical and gothic. Children c
  13. Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre13

    Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre

     Bushmills
  14. Florence Court14

    Florence Court

     Enniskillen
  15. Tower Museum15

    Tower Museum

     Londonderry
  16. Guildhall16

    Guildhall

     Londonderry
  17. Castle Coole17

    Castle Coole

     Enniskillen
    Castle Coole is a neo-classical mansion that dates back to the late 18th century. It is situated in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, in the west of Northern Ireland. This historical building is a testament to the architectural style of the period and offers a glimpse into the past.
  18. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium18

    Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

     Armagh
    The Armagh Planetarium is conveniently located near the city centre, making it easily accessible for tourists. It shares its location with the Armagh Observatory, both of which are situated within the beautiful Armagh Astropark. This park spans approximately fourteen acres and offers landscaped grounds for visitors to explore.
  19. Somme Museum19

    Somme Museum

     Newtownards
    The Somme Museum is an independent fully accredited museum established in 1994 between Newtownards and Bangor. The Museum features exhibits related to: social history, archives, weapons & war, costume, textiles and personalities. It is an institution for the study and interpretation of Ireland's c
  20. The Argory20

    The Argory

     Dungannon
    The Argory is a museum in Dungannon. The museum features exhibits related to: fine art, social history, costume and textiles, decorative and applied art and archives.
  21. Madame Tussauds Blackpool21

    Madame Tussauds Blackpool

     Blackpool
  22. Saint Patrick Centre22

    Saint Patrick Centre

     Downpatrick
  23. Metropolitan Arts Centre23

    Metropolitan Arts Centre

     Belfast
    The Metropolitan Arts Centre, commonly known as the MAC, is a significant arts venue located in the Cathedral Quarter of Belfast. It is a hub for a variety of artistic expressions, hosting a range of exhibitions, theatre performances, and experimental works. The MAC is a vibrant cultural hub in the city, providing a shared space for the community and visitors alike to engage with the arts.
  24. Down County Museum24

    Down County Museum

     Downpatrick
    Down County Museum is a museum in Downpatrick. The museum features exhibits related to Archaeology, Coins and Medals, Maritime, Social History, Land Transport, Archives, Weapons and War, Fine Art, Decorative and Applied Art, Medicine, Costume and Textiles and Natural Sciences.
  25. Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House25

    Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House

     Castlerock
  26. Downpatrick and County Down Railway26

    Downpatrick and County Down Railway

     Downpatrick
    The Downpatrick and County Down Railway (DCDR) is a heritage railway located in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is operated entirely by volunteers who are passionate about preserving and sharing the history of rail travel in the region. Visitors can experience a journey on the railway, which uses both steam and diesel locomotives, and explore the historical sites of Inch Abbey and King Magnus Grave.
  27. Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum27

    Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum

     Lisburn
    Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum is a museum in Lisburn. The museum features exhibits related to Decorative and Applied Art, Archives, Personalities, Social History, Natural Sciences, Archaeology, Fine Art, Land Transport, Weapons and War, Science and Technology, Costume and Textiles, Coins and
  28. Headhunters Barber Shop and Railway Museum28

    Headhunters Barber Shop and Railway Museum

     Enniskillen
    The Johnston family’s decision to combine their traditional barbers skills with their interest in local railway history has led to one of the most unique and fascinating attractions. Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum, Enniskillen has one of the largest collections of small Irish railway artef
  29. Exploris29

    Exploris

     Portaferry
    Exploris is a unique attraction in Northern Ireland, being the only public aquarium in the region. Situated in the picturesque town of Portaferry, it offers visitors a chance to explore the diverse marine life that inhabits the surrounding waters. From common seals to basking sharks, the aquarium showcases a wide variety of species, providing an educational and entertaining experience for all ages.
  30. Springhill30

    Springhill

     Moneymore
    Springhill is a historical plantation house that dates back to the 17th century. It is situated in the townland of Ballindrum, near Moneymore County Londonderry in Northern Ireland. This house offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural style and living conditions of the time.
  31. Royal Ulster Rifles Museum31

    Royal Ulster Rifles Museum

     Belfast
    Belfast Exposed, established in 1983, is a photography gallery located in Belfast. It holds the distinction of being Northern Ireland's first dedicated photographic gallery. This gallery has been a significant space for contemporary photography, as described by Sean O'Hagan in The Guardian in 2018.
  32. Carrickfergus Museum32

    Carrickfergus Museum

     Carrickfergus
  33. Museum of Orange Heritage33

    Museum of Orange Heritage

     Castlereagh
    The Museum of Orange Heritage, Schomberg House, aims to educate, encourage understanding, address negative perceptions and build confidence with all those that come to visit. This site focuses on the history and traditions of the Orange Institution, beginning with the Glorious Revolution, and tra
  34. Sentry Hill Historic House and Visitor Centre34

    Sentry Hill Historic House and Visitor Centre

     Glengormley
    Sentry Hill Historic House and Visitor Centre is a museum in Newtownabbey. The museum features exhibits related to Fine Art, Archaeology, Weapons and War, Archives, Social History, Decorative and Applied Art and Literature.
  35. Armagh County Museum35

    Armagh County Museum

     Armagh
    The Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum is a military museum situated in the Sovereign's House in Armagh, Northern Ireland. This museum is dedicated to the history and legacy of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, a regiment that has played a significant role in the military history of Ireland.
  36. Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Centre36

    Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Centre

     Carrickfergus
  37. Gray's Printing Press37

    Gray's Printing Press

     Strabane
    An 18th-century printing press, where John Dunlap, the printer of the American Declaration of Independence, and James Wilson, grandfather of President Woodrow Wilson, learnt their trade. There is a collection of 19th-century hand-printing machines, as well as an audio-visual display. The former stat
  38. Newry and Mourne Museum38

    Newry and Mourne Museum

     Newry
    Newry and Mourne Museum is a museum in Newry. The museum features exhibits related to: costume and textiles, archaeology, maritime, archives and social history.
  39. Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum39

    Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum

     Armagh
    The Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum is a military museum situated in the Sovereign's House in Armagh, Northern Ireland. This museum is dedicated to the history and legacy of the Royal Irish Fusiliers, offering a unique insight into the regiment's past.
  40. Ardress House40

    Ardress House

     Portadown
    Ardress House is a museum in Portadown. The museum features exhibits related to: decorative and applied art and social history.
  41. Whitehead Railway Museum41

    Whitehead Railway Museum

     Whitehead
    Take a journey through the history of Irish railways at Whitehead Railway Museum. The museum showcases the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland’s large collection of heritage locomotives and carriages, many of which have been restored to their full glory. Interactive displays and exhibits expl
  42. Armagh Observatory42

    Armagh Observatory

     Armagh
  43. The Inniskillings Museum43

    The Inniskillings Museum

     Enniskillen
  44. Coleraine Museum44

    Coleraine Museum

     Coleraine
  45. Mid-Antrim Museum45

    Mid-Antrim Museum

     Ballymena
    Mid-Antrim Museum is a museum in Ballymena. The museum features exhibits related to: literature, fine art, music, trade and commerce, archives, land transport, archaeology, costume and textiles, agriculture, religion, coins and medals, law and order, photography, weapons and war, social history, dec
  46. Fermanagh County Museum46

    Fermanagh County Museum

     Enniskillen
    Fermanagh County Museum is a registered museum, under the MLA Accreditation Scheme for museums in the United Kingdom.The museum is located within and around the historic Enniskillen Castle and was established in 1976 by Fermanagh District Council. The museum collections reflect Fermanagh's history,
  47. ECOS - Millennium Environmental Centre47

    ECOS - Millennium Environmental Centre

     Ballymena
  48. Ballycastle Museum48

    Ballycastle Museum

     Ballycastle
    Ballycastle Museum is a museum in Ballycastle. The museum features exhibits related to Fine Art, Social History and Decorative and Applied Art.
  49. Derrymore House49

    Derrymore House

     Bessbrook
    Derrymore House is a late 18th-century thatched house in gentrified vernacular style.
  50. Ballymoney Museum50

    Ballymoney Museum

     Ballymoney
    Ballymoney Museum is a museum in Ballymoney. The museum features exhibits related to: archives, natural sciences, archaeology, trade and commerce, photography, social history, costume and textiles, law and order, weapons and war and medicine. Key themes, people and exhibits in the museum include: mo

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