From the natural mystery of the Giant’s Causeway to the bumpy beautiful Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland has lots of stunning and scenic spots that are Instagram-worthy. So here’s our list of the top natural phenomena in Northern Ireland that you’ll want to visit.

The Mourne Mountains

Located in County Down is the granite mountain range called the Mourne Mountains. These twelve shapely summits are sprinkled with lakes, forests, and granite tors. You can even see them on the clearest of days from as far away as Dublin, The Isle of Man, and Scotland. Sloping down to the Irish sea, their ever-changing colour, and beauty wedged in every nook and cranny makes The Mourne Mountains a definite sight to see!

And if you fancy staying nearby the mountains with a great scenic view, you can find The Slieve Donard Resort & Spa at the peak of the mountains which has a luxury hotel resort and makes for a nice weekend holiday.

Rathlin Island

Just off the coast of the scenic County Antrim is Rathlin Island – Northern Ireland’s northernmost point with a small population of 154 people. With it only being 6 miles long, Rathlin Island’s beauty is unique and untamed, which is what makes it so special.

Take a short boat ride from the mainland to see a diverse range of birds and escape from the everyday. Whilst there, you can discover some of the exciting local history, learn about present-day island life, and see some artefacts at the Boathouse Visitor Centre – which is a short walk away from the harbour. There are stunning views of the Antrim coastline, the Scottish island of Islay, and the Mull of Kintyre.

The Giant’s Causeway

Of course, The Giant’s Causeway has to be a part of this list. With its strangely symmetrical stones placed in a neat formation, it’s no wonder that the Giant’s Causeway is not only a natural wonder of Northern Ireland but the world.

It’s often hard to believe the columns of rock reaching out into the untamed Atlantic Ocean are natural structures since they are so flawlessly crafted. These 40,000 interlocking basalt columns are the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption, but the locals believe that it was actually because of a fight that broke between Irish giant and legend Finn McCool and then Scottish giant Benandonner. Learn more about the legend down below!

Marble Arch Caves

Now here’s a place you’ll definitely want to visit on a rainy day. The Marble Arch Caves are a series of natural limestone caves found nearby the village of Florencecourt.

County Fermanagh’s Marble Arch Caves come alive with the groans and echoes of cascading waters and the boom of torrent rivers forging through the passages when it’s pouring down. But it’s pretty good on dry days too when you can take a subterranean boat trip through the caves on a tour.

The Dark Hedges

The Stuart family planted this lovely avenue of beech trees in the seventeenth century.

It was created as a striking landscape feature to dazzle visitors as they approached Gracehill House, their Georgian estate. The trees are still a spectacular sight two centuries later, and have become one of Northern Ireland’s most photographed natural occurrences. In reality, the renowned trees, which depict the Kingsroad in HBO’s epic series Game of Thrones, have been utilised as a filming site.