With great new spots to discover, and amazing transport offers this summer with Translink, we’ve rounded up nine places to visit with the kids by train this summer.
It’s that easy, pop on the train and explore the fantastic seaside resorts, parks and beaches across Northern Ireland.
5. Larne
Larne is a town on the east coast of County Antrim and gateway to the Nine Glens of Antrim. The port town is used as a major passenger and freight port for the area and was likely one of the earliest inhabited areas on the island of Ireland.
With long beaches along the coast and panoramic views, Larne is the perfect spot for a family day trip on the train.
A few miles out of the town along the coast road is Carnfunnock Country Park, a firm favourite with families. Hosting over 191 hectares of woodland, gardens, and walking trails.
For more information, go to theirishroadtrip.com Photo: DiscoverNI
6. 6. Helen's Bay via DiscoverNI website.jpg
Helens Bay is an incredibly popular spot for families and young people within Northern Ireland. Only a short train journey from Belfast, Helen’s Bay hosts the best sandy beaches within the area, with excellent water quality, perfect for dipping in and cooling down.
Surrounded by a quiet wood, meadows, and fields, Helen’s Bay is the perfect picnic spot along the coast for families to relax and unwind.
For more information, go to discovernorthernireland.com Photo: DiscoverNI
7. 7. Cultra via Ulster Folk Museum website.jpg
Cultra near Holywood, County Down, is home to The Ulster Folk Museum which has recreated an early 1900s town. It makes a perfect family day out to experience the reality and traditions of the time. Pop on the train to Cultra and head to the museum for an enjoyable opportunity to learn something new about the history all around us.
The museum offers an interactive way for children and families to think about how we can adapt to the modern world whilst finding inspiration from the generations before us.
For more information, go to ulsterfolkmuseum.org Photo: Ulster Folk Museum
8. Carrickfergus
A trip to Carrickfergus situated on the north shore of Belfast Lough makes for a great family day out.
For more than 800 years, Carrickfergus Castle has been an imposing monument on the Northern Ireland landscape and it is a fine place to start your exploration of Carrickfergus, with historical displays as well as cannons from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
For more information, go to discovernorthernireland.com Photo: DiscoverNI