Return to your happy place

From windswept beaches and ancient ruins to forest trails and lively cities, Northern Ireland is filled with places that spark holiday memories and invite rediscovery.

Whether it’s revisiting a childhood favourite or discovering somewhere new for the first time, there’s always another nostalgic corner waiting to be explored.

As Gen Z* and millennials spark a revival in nostalgic-led travel, returning to cherished childhood holiday destinations, Northern Ireland’s attractions, experiences and resorts are ready to welcome them back.

This has recently been brought to life in a new podcast by Discover Northern Ireland. Some local famous faces have been reminiscing about their favourite childhood holiday spots, and the places they’re excited to rediscover, in Postcards from Northern Ireland.

Taking part in the podcast are artist, Colin Davidson; Bored of Lunch creator Nathan Anthony; comedian and actor Diona Doherty; Great British Bake Off star, Iain Ross; West End singer Rachel Tucker; and award-winning actor Bronagh Gallagher.

Each guest reveals the Northern Ireland destinations that shaped their happiest childhood memories, the ones they can’t wait to return to, and the places that they have yet to explore!

County Antrim

• Along the Causeway Coast childhood trips often felt like entering another world. A visit to the iconic basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway will capture your imagination, as it has for generations of children who grew up hearing stories of giants striding across the sea. Along the coast, a nerve-testing walk across Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge still delivers the same thrill and awe-inspiring views. For calm and tranquillity, a return trip to Glenariff Forest Park offers waterfall walks and a picnic area to create the perfect nostalgic day out – a favourite spot for Great British Bake Off star Iain Ross. He said: “As a family, we would always go to Glenariff Forest Park. The waterfall walk is gorgeous. My fiancée Dervla and I bonded over it and it’s her favourite place.”

County Armagh

• Armagh is packed with places which have shaped generations of school trips and family excursions. Navan Centre & Fort, one of the most important ancient sites, is where many visitors first learned about Celtic myths and legends. Curiosity about the wider universe and stars above often begins with a trip to Armagh Observatory & Planetarium. Gosford Forest Park offers lakeside walks for nature lovers, while the imagination can run wild on one of Slieve Gullion Forest Park’s fairy trails. Speaking on Postcards from Northern Ireland, comedian Diona Doherty said that her family had “the most magical time” spent picking apples in an orchard in County Armagh.

County Down

• From breezy seaside adventures to leisurely cycles through beautiful parks, County Down has magic around every corner waiting to be explored. Newcastle’s amusement arcades are always a favourite for young people, and no day is complete without a stroll along the promenade with an ice cream. Nearby, Castlewellan Forest Park draws visitors with lakeside paths and its impressive Peace Maze. Take the drive down Ards Peninsula for memorable views of Strangford Lough with Scrabo Tower in the background and make a stop a National Trust’s Mount Stewart and Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry. And in Bangor, Pickie Fun Park remains a must‑visit for a pedal on the iconic swan boats. For Bored of Lunch creator Nathan Anthony, a trip to Kilbroney Park, where ‘Kodak Corner’ can be found, is very much on his bucket list. “It's very special. I’d love to get up there, sit on the bench and enjoy that view.”

County Fermanagh

• With almost a third of its landscape shaped by water - from the mighty sweep of Upper and Lower Lough Erne to the peaceful tranquillity of the Shannon-Erne Waterway - County Fermanagh is where giant adventures flow. For many, descending into the limestone caverns of the Marble Arch Caves, has created a sense of adventure for generations. Visitors can follow the winding trails of the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, often nicknamed the ‘Stairway to Heaven’. The medieval stronghold of Enniskillen Castle is situated beside the River Erne, while a boat trip can bring visitors to the monastic ruins of Devenish Island. GBBO star Iain recently returned to Fermanagh with his parents, along with his fiancée Dervla. “It’s a place that we like going back to because it reminds me of all the times we spent there as a family. We did boat trips on the lakes and I love the Marble Arch Caves.”

County Tyrone

• Pomeroy Forest, ideal for long family walks, now offers magical trails featuring 18 nature-based sculptures that offer an interactive giant experience and memorable adventures with wonder and discovery for all ages. Create new memories while taking a journey through time and space with an out-of-this-world experience at OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory. Davagh Forest has one of the ‘darkest skies’ on the island of Ireland, which means there is so little light pollution that there are crystal clear views of star constellations and the Milky Way. Comedian Diona revealed her fondness for the Ulster American Folk Park, located near Omagh. She said: “I absolutely love the Ulster American Folk Park. We went there as kids, and I have taken my kids about three or four times. You are just transported to a different world.”

County Londonderry

• County Londonderry blends dramatic coastal scenery with literary and historic landmarks. One of the most breathtaking views in Northern Ireland can be found at Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, while just along the coast, the sweeping sands of Benone Strand have hosted generations of family beach days. For nature lovers, the summit of Binevenagh Mountain Walk offers spectacular views across the Causeway Coast and more. The Causeway Coast remains a favourite place for artist Colin Davidson. “It's a beautiful part of the world and just an hour and a quarter up the road from Belfast, but it's another world completely.”

Belfast

• Belfast is full of exciting new places to create unforgettable holiday memories, from hands-on discovery at W5 to the iconic experience of Titanic Belfast. In the city centre, St George’s Market has been a beloved spot for generations, with lively mix of local food, music and crafts making, it’s a perfect weekend stop. And a short drive from Belfast’s city centre, head to one of the many viewpoints that offer sweeping views and a different perspective of the city. Artist Colin said he “never tires” of visiting Black Mountain, Cave Hill and the Castlereagh Hills. “To be standing on those viewpoints, enjoying those wonderful walks, and suddenly seeing the city in its entirety - there are not many places you can do that,” he said.

Derry~Londonderry

• From the city’s historic walls, the impressive Guildhall and vibrant food scene, to its many museums, Derry~Londonderry has so much to explore. For many visitors, crossing the modern Peace Bridge has become a symbolic experience, while just outside the city centre, St Columb’s Park offers peaceful riverside walks and green space. Diona, who is originally from Derry, said she loves going home and insists that she needs to take her children to explore the historic city walls. She said: “When I go back, I feel like I’m on a wee holiday, I can reclaim my teenage years. I have never actually taken my kids to the walls. It’s on my bucket list of where I need to take them.”

Go back to your happy place by booking your next short break at discovernorthernireland.com. For more nostalgic holiday inspiration, listen to Postcards from Northern Ireland, hosted by broadcaster Ralph McLean, at Discover Northern Ireland’s YouTube, Spotify, and discovernorthernireland.com