All aboard to Northern Ireland – your next great family holiday destination

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Northern Ireland is home to the Titanic, Game of Thrones, the Giant’s Causeway and a host of other wonders waiting to be discovered.  Only 2 hours and 15 mins from Cairnryan Port, Northern Ireland is an ideal family road trip holiday location with tons of activities for every member of your crew.

Budget friendly family holiday

Travelling by ferry means you can forget busy airport security gates and you have no constraining baggage costs. Fill your car as much as you please but make sure there’s still room for the kids! Pets also travel for free in your car with Stena Line so bring your furry friend along. There’s even a choice of 8 departure times daily from Cairnryan and Liverpool.

Things to do in Northern Ireland

To put it simply, there’s lots to do! We’ve compiled a family friendly infographic of the top attractions in Northern Ireland to help you plan the best road trip ever.

  1. Watertop Farm, Ballycastle

This fun farm is in the gorgeous glens of Antrim and admission is only £3 for adults and £2 for children. The farm is child friendly and gives kids the chance to get up close with their animals. Guests can visit the small animal corner and meet piglets, chicks and puppies and partake in activities such as boating, go karting and pony trekking.

  1. Coasteering NI, Ballintroy

What is coasteering you ask? Well it’s a combination of rock climbing and water activity that’s suitable for all ages and levels of confidence. Decked out in floating aids, wetsuits and helmets you’ll practice rock climbing techniques along the stunning Irish coastline followed by jumping into the sea – if you’re brave enough!

  1. Causeway Coast Foodie Tours, Portrush

This unique tour is especially appealing for parents but the whole family can tag along. The Foodie Tour brings guests on a guided food and drink tour along the Causeway Coastal Route. There’s a tour for every palate with options including Coast & Country, Catch & Sea, Treasure & Tapas among others. Guests can also sample local brews of beer, wine and whiskey.

  1. Alive Surf School, Portrush

Alive Surf School stands out from others with its award-winning lessons and surf boards made from 100% recycled materials. Classes are suitable for all ages from 5+ and all lessons include free equipment hire as well as free drinks and snacks. Alive Surf School also offer paddle boarding tours of the coastal caves – all led by their experienced instructors.

  1. Lough Neagh Tours, Magherafelt

Lough Neagh Tours run a range of tours around the incredible lake in the areas of heritage, wilderness, food and drink, thatched cottages and more. The lake itself is famous for its folklore, flora and fauna and… eels! There’s over 9 tour options to choose from – ensuring a tour to suit everyone.

  1. World of Owls, Randalstown

World of Owls is Northern Ireland’s only Premier Owl, Bird of Prey and Exotic Animal Conservation Centre. They’re a charitable organisation dedicated to educating people and ensuring the survival of owls worldwide. The whole family can enter the centre for £18 and all proceeds go to the charity. The centre is in Randalstown Forrest and can keep visitors entertained for a full day with facilities such as a display area, shop, café, walking routes and play areas.

  1. DV Diving, Newtownards

This PADI 5-star dive centre offer recreational and commercial diving courses. They cater for complete beginners to instructor training for experienced divers. Dives take up most of the day and most dive sites are on wrecks which are home to a diverse range of marine life – who knows what you might find!

  1. Streamvale Farm, Belfast

This farm focuses on providing the whole family with an unforgettable experience. Parents will have the opportunity to learn and play together with their children in the specially made child-friendly village that includes a mock vet clinic, farm shop, milking parlour and mechanics station. Children can dress up and meet the vets and farmers in the village. There’s also feeding time, cuddle time, milking time and pony grooming on the main farm.

  1. Echlinville Distillery, Ards Peninsula

One for the parents – Echlinville Distillery is Northern Ireland’s first newly licenced distillery in over 125 years. They host interesting tours with refreshments based around their whiskey producing process. Tours include 2 drinks of your choice and cost £15 per person.

Have we convinced you that Northern Ireland has everything you’re looking for in a family holiday that’s full of excitement and experience? Yes? Great! Head over to Stena Line now to see timetables, fares and offers and get ready for the road trip of a lifetime.