Our favourite things to do while staying with Shore

For the foodies
Northern Ireland is proud of its distinctive food and drink heritage and is known the world over for its fresh seafood, beautiful breads and hearty Guinness. The cafe, bar and restaurant scene in Northern Ireland is booming and you won’t have to travel far to sample some of the best local food and drink.

Best for seafood

  • The Salty Dog, Bangor
  • The Dirty Duck, Holywood
  • Mourne Seafood Bar, Belfast & Newcastle
  • Jamaica Inn, Bangor

Best for fine dining

  • Ox, Belfast
  • Deanes, Belfast
  • The Old Schoolhouse Inn, Newtownards
  • Noble, Holywood

Best for Sunday Lunch

  • The Crawfordsburn Inn, Crawfordsburn
  • Balloo House, Newtownards
  • Culloden Hotel, Cultra

Best for Coffee

  • The Yard, Holywood
  • Haptik, Newtownards
  • Established, Belfast
  • General Merchants
  • Courtyard, Bangor
  • Donaghadee Garden Centre

For the leisure seeker
Known for its beautiful green landscape and historic landmarks, Northern is a great destination for those with a love of the outdoors, and has become a major golfing destination in recent years thanks to the success of homegrown talent Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell. However, it’s also a great place to kick off the shoes, relax and unwind. Take your pick of a range of indoor and outdoor activities.

Best for relaxation

  • Culloden Estate & Spa, Holywood
  • Merchant Hotel, Belfast

Best for Golf

  • Royal Belfast Golf Club, Holywood
  • Helens Bay Golf Club, Bangor
  • Holywood Golf Club

Best for Walking / Hiking

  • Mourne Mountains, Newcastle
  • Coastal Path (Left to Belfast and Right to Bangor and beyond)
  • Crawfordsburn Country Park, Crawfordsburn
  • Castle Espie Wildlife Wander, Newtownards

Best for Children

  • Pickie Pool, Bangor
  • Aurora Lesure Centre, Bangor
  • Belfast Zoo, Belfast
  • W5, Belfast

For the culture vultures
Northern Ireland has a rich and diverse cultural history and in recent times has become known as a prime filming location thanks to the success of the Game of Thrones television series. You will certainly not be at a loss for places to visit to expand your cultural knowledge.

For the History Lover

  • Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Cultra
  • Mount Stewart, Newtownards
  • Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast
  • Titanic, Belfast

Best for film & TV buffs

  • Game of Thrones tours, across Northern Ireland
  • Queens Film Theatre, Belfast
  • Omniplex Cinema, Bangor

Best for art aficionados

  • Ulster Museum, Belfast
  • The MAC, Belfast
  • Lyric Theatre, Belfast
  • Grand Opera House, Belfast

Best for Music Lovers

  • Ulster Hall, Belfast
  • Waterfront Hall, Belfast
  • SSE Arena, Belfast

For the shopaholics
From independent boutiques to large shopping centres and bustling markets, Northern Ireland can provide you with your shopping fix, whatever your preference.

Best for buying local

  • Holywood High Street, Holywood
  • St George's Market, Belfast
  • Studio Souk, Belfast

Best for brands

  • Victoria Square shopping centre, Belfast
  • Castle Court shopping centre, Belfast
  • Lisburn Road, Belfast