Tucked away just outside Derry / Londonderry, Ness Wood is quietly home to the highest waterfall in Northern Ireland, yet it somehow remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets. The woodland trails here are lush, winding through ancient trees, mossy gorges, and peaceful glades where you’re more likely to meet a red squirrel than another walker. Halfway along the route lies a small, arched stone bridge that feels like something out of Lord of the Rings, a little slice of Rivendell hidden in the Sperrins. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, look up, and wonder how on earth it’s stayed off the radar for so long.placeholder image
Tucked away just outside Derry / Londonderry, Ness Wood is quietly home to the highest waterfall in Northern Ireland, yet it somehow remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets. The woodland trails here are lush, winding through ancient trees, mossy gorges, and peaceful glades where you’re more likely to meet a red squirrel than another walker. Halfway along the route lies a small, arched stone bridge that feels like something out of Lord of the Rings, a little slice of Rivendell hidden in the Sperrins. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, look up, and wonder how on earth it’s stayed off the radar for so long.

10 awesome places you may not have heard about in Northern Ireland

By Tyree Patton
Published 23rd May 2025, 11:24 GMT

Northern Ireland is packed with jaw-dropping landscapes and iconic landmarks, but what about the places and experiences that don’t make it onto the postcards?

We know about the Giant’s Causeway and the Mourne Mountains. But tucked away in forests, coastlines, and quiet corners of the country are secret spots and unexpected adventures that even locals are surprised to discover. We’re talking hidden sea saunas with wild Atlantic views, alpine rollercoasters nestled in the hills, and majestic tumbling waterfalls.

This isn’t just a list of pretty places, it’s a collection of the most off-the-radar things to see and do across Northern Ireland. Each one blends natural beauty, mystery, and a touch of magic with an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re hunting for the perfect Instagram shot, craving a quiet retreat, or chasing your next adrenaline rush, this list has you covered.

So lace up your boots, pack a towel, maybe even a helmet and get ready to say, “How have I never heard of this before?”

Have a look at our list of 10 awesome places you may not have heard about in Northern Ireland.

Just a few miles outside Newry, high on the slopes of Ballymacdermot Mountain, lies one of Northern Ireland’s most underrated ancient sites. Ballymacdermot Court Tomb. Surrounded by the beauty of the Ring of Gullion, with panoramic views stretching to the Mournes and Cooley Mountains, the tomb is where to find spectacular views at golden hour. Peaceful, eerie, and quietly powerful, it's the perfect detour for anyone craving a moment of stillness with a serious dose of history. The tomb itself features three burial chambers and a partially intact stone court, believed to have been used for rituals by Neolithic communities. It’s been excavated more than once, revealing everything from cremated remains to ancient pottery shards. It’s not roped off or heavily signposted. No entry fee, no crowds, just an open field, a quiet hillside, and one of the most atmospheric spots in County Armagh.

5. Ballymacdermott Court Tomb, Co Armagh

Just a few miles outside Newry, high on the slopes of Ballymacdermot Mountain, lies one of Northern Ireland’s most underrated ancient sites. Ballymacdermot Court Tomb. Surrounded by the beauty of the Ring of Gullion, with panoramic views stretching to the Mournes and Cooley Mountains, the tomb is where to find spectacular views at golden hour. Peaceful, eerie, and quietly powerful, it's the perfect detour for anyone craving a moment of stillness with a serious dose of history. The tomb itself features three burial chambers and a partially intact stone court, believed to have been used for rituals by Neolithic communities. It’s been excavated more than once, revealing everything from cremated remains to ancient pottery shards. It’s not roped off or heavily signposted. No entry fee, no crowds, just an open field, a quiet hillside, and one of the most atmospheric spots in County Armagh. Photo: Discover NI

If you know, you know…it’s the most famous best kept secret just off the Causeway Coastal Route, Whiterocks Beach is a stunning stretch of golden sand framed by striking white limestone cliffs that have been sculpted by the elements into formations like Elephant Rock and the Lion's Paw. This Blue Flag-awarded beach is a must for water sports enthusiasts, offering prime conditions for surfing, bodyboarding, and kayaking. For those who prefer to stay on land, the beach is perfect for leisurely walks along the sand or exploring the scenic cliff path that forms part of the Causeway Coast. This trail provides breathtaking views of the coastline and leads to hidden arches and sea caves accessible during low tide.

6. White Rocks Beach, Portrush, Co Antrim

If you know, you know…it’s the most famous best kept secret just off the Causeway Coastal Route, Whiterocks Beach is a stunning stretch of golden sand framed by striking white limestone cliffs that have been sculpted by the elements into formations like Elephant Rock and the Lion's Paw. This Blue Flag-awarded beach is a must for water sports enthusiasts, offering prime conditions for surfing, bodyboarding, and kayaking. For those who prefer to stay on land, the beach is perfect for leisurely walks along the sand or exploring the scenic cliff path that forms part of the Causeway Coast. This trail provides breathtaking views of the coastline and leads to hidden arches and sea caves accessible during low tide. Photo: Discover NI

Belfast might not be the first place you’d expect to find an alpine rollercoaster, but tucked deep in the greenery of Colin Glen Forest Park, that’s exactly what you’ll get. The Black Bull Run is Ireland’s first and only alpine coaster. Twisting through the forest on a single rail, this adrenaline pumping ride flings you through 12 wild turns, two dark tunnels, and one seriously scenic descent with speeds of up to 25mph. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s unlike anything else in the country.

7. Alpine Roller Coaster, Colin Glen, Belfast

Belfast might not be the first place you’d expect to find an alpine rollercoaster, but tucked deep in the greenery of Colin Glen Forest Park, that’s exactly what you’ll get. The Black Bull Run is Ireland’s first and only alpine coaster. Twisting through the forest on a single rail, this adrenaline pumping ride flings you through 12 wild turns, two dark tunnels, and one seriously scenic descent with speeds of up to 25mph. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s unlike anything else in the country. Photo: Discover NI

Just outside Downpatrick, nestled in the middle of a quiet field and shielded by hedgerows, lies one of Northern Ireland’s most magical hidden spots, Ballynoe Stone Circle. The path to get there, Hawthorne Holloway, feels straight out of a fairytale. Overgrown with twisted branches arching overhead, the trail is often lined with tiny offerings like ribbons, trinkets, handwritten notes, and charms tucked into the trees. It’s a subtle nod to the fairies and folklore that still linger in the area. At the end of the path, after a stroll through a peaceful field, the stones appear. Over fifty of them, forming a huge circle. The site dates back to the Neolithic period, and though its exact purpose is still debated, the history of this site remains. There are no signs, no guides, no gift shop. It’s quiet, sacred, and a bit surreal. Perfect for a solo wander or a thoughtful detour if you’re in the area.

8. Ballynoe Stone Circle, Downpatrick, Co Down

Just outside Downpatrick, nestled in the middle of a quiet field and shielded by hedgerows, lies one of Northern Ireland’s most magical hidden spots, Ballynoe Stone Circle. The path to get there, Hawthorne Holloway, feels straight out of a fairytale. Overgrown with twisted branches arching overhead, the trail is often lined with tiny offerings like ribbons, trinkets, handwritten notes, and charms tucked into the trees. It’s a subtle nod to the fairies and folklore that still linger in the area. At the end of the path, after a stroll through a peaceful field, the stones appear. Over fifty of them, forming a huge circle. The site dates back to the Neolithic period, and though its exact purpose is still debated, the history of this site remains. There are no signs, no guides, no gift shop. It’s quiet, sacred, and a bit surreal. Perfect for a solo wander or a thoughtful detour if you’re in the area. Photo: Visit Mourne Mountains

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