Attractions and Places To See around Kilgreel - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Kilgreel often encompass notable sites within the broader County Down and County Antrim regions. This area features a mix of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features. Visitors can explore significant man-made monuments and historical buildings. The region offers diverse experiences for those interested in history and local heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Kilgreel
- The most popular attractions is Belfast City Hall, a man_made_monument that is an impressive building…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Belfast City Hall
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Albert Memorial Clock, Belfast
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The Dirty Onion (Belfast's Oldest Building)
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Belfast Peace Wall Murals
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Bobby Sands mural
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Robert George “Bobby” Sands was an IRA member, hunger striker and MP for Fermanagh & …
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Tips from the Community
Frightening to see in the mural here how current global conflicts are still being aligned between the two population groups here to further manifest the divide.
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The restaurant is less interesting, but a visit to the pub is a must when in Belfast.
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The Leaning Tower of Belfast.
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Due to insufficiently compacted subsoil, the tower dedicated to Prince Albert has become "leaning." Despite repeated repairs, it is still one meter out of alignment in two directions. Hence the Leaning Tower of Belfast 😎
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The Dirty Onion is divided into a pub with a beer garden on the ground floor and a restaurant specializing in chicken on the first floor.
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The Dirty Onion is Belfast's oldest building. Dating back to 1780, the building was used as a bonded liquor warehouse from 1921. It was known then as 'STACK N' - a nod to its location on the north side of Waring Street - and still bears a giant red-painted 'N' on its brick facade. The distinctive external timber structure is another original feature which, after careful restoration, frames the pub's beer garden at the front of the complex, with a new contemporary courtyard extending to Hill Street. Inside, low ceilings supported by exposed timber beams and original brick walls throughout are a nod to the past. In addition, the building's heritage is further highlighted by a sensitive partnership with Jameson Irish Whiskey - a tribute to the tens of thousands of Jameson barrels and cases that passed through the building, which was operated by Edward Dillon Bonders (now a subsidiary of Irish Distillers and Dillon Bass) until 1991. Live Music The Dirty Onion is a modern take on a traditional Irish pub. The novel partnership with multi-award-winning cultural centre An Droichead ensures a varied music programme seven nights a week. From open workshops in singing and various traditional instruments to sessions with traditional musicians of the highest quality, there is something for participants and spectators every night at The Dirty Onion.(Source:https://visitbelfast.com/partners/dirty-onion-yardbird/)
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Perhaps the most significant development of the strike occurred when Sands entered the election campaign for a seat in the Parliament for Northern Ireland's County of Fermanagh and South Tyrone. On 10 April, after 41 days of hunger strike and to the great shock of the IRA leadership, Sands won the seat by more than 30,000 votes. His election sent shockwaves throughout Ireland and within the British government. After all, Britain's criminalisation policy was based on its claims that the IRA had little public support and was a gang of renegade criminals. Despite Sands' new political status as an MP and mounting public pressure, the British government under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher refused to take even a step towards reconciliation. Sands' condition continued to deteriorate and he remained confined to the prison infirmary. Eventually, on 3 May, Sands fell into a coma. His family was called to visit and on Tuesday, May 5, 1981, Sands died after 66 days on hunger strike. Sands' death sparked enormous reactions around the world. Hundreds of thousands demonstrated in support of the prisoners' demands, the US government issued a statement of "deep regret", Irish unions went on strike, newspapers around the world condemned Thatcher's "glory" in allowing a parliamentary colleague to die, and riots broke out in the streets of Northern Ireland. His funeral procession was attended by more than 100,000 people. After Sands, nine more prisoners died before the hunger strike was finally ended on October 3, 1981. Shortly afterwards, all prisoners were granted reforms that largely met their demands.(Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bobby-Sands)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of attractions can I expect to find around Kilgreel?
While Kilgreel itself is a smaller locality, the surrounding regions of County Down and County Antrim offer a rich variety of attractions. You'll find significant historical landmarks, cultural sites, and impressive natural features. These include grand civic buildings, ancient castles, dramatic coastal landscapes, and serene forests.
Are there historical sites to visit near Kilgreel?
Yes, the area is rich in history. You can explore significant landmarks such as Belfast City Hall, an impressive building with a copper-domed roof and stained-glass windows, or the magnificent Belfast Castle, situated on the slopes of Cave Hill Country Park. Don't miss the Albert Memorial Clock, Belfast, a sandstone tower with a slight lean, earning it the nickname 'Belfast's Leaning Tower of Pisa'.
What natural features are worth seeing in the vicinity of Kilgreel?
The region boasts stunning natural beauty. Highlights include the iconic Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its unique basalt columns, and the thrilling Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The Mourne Mountains in County Down offer majestic landscapes, lakes, and wildlife, while Tollymore Forest Park provides diverse trails and is a 'Game of Thrones' filming location.
Are there family-friendly attractions around Kilgreel?
Many attractions in the wider area are suitable for families. Belfast City Hall and Belfast Castle are both listed as family-friendly. Tollymore Forest Park offers a themed adventure play park, and the Ulster Folk Museum provides an immersive experience of life at the turn of the century, which can be engaging for all ages.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The area around Kilgreel, particularly in County Antrim and County Down, is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking, road cycling, and running routes. For hiking, consider trails around Cave Hill Country Park, such as the easy 'Cave Hill Country Park loop' or 'Cave Hill – Belfast Castle loop'. For more options, explore the full range of activities in the area on our guides for Hiking around Kilgreel, Road Cycling Routes around Kilgreel, and Running Trails around Kilgreel.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible attractions?
Yes, several key attractions are noted for their accessibility. Belfast City Hall and the Albert Memorial Clock, Belfast are both listed as wheelchair-accessible, allowing a broader range of visitors to enjoy these historical landmarks.
Where can I find a traditional pub or a place to eat near the attractions?
In Belfast, you can visit The Dirty Onion, which is Belfast's oldest building, dating back to 1780. It functions as a modern take on a traditional Irish pub with a beer garden and often features live music. Many other cafes and pubs can be found in Belfast city centre and in towns like Kilkeel.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in this region?
Visitors frequently appreciate the rich history and architectural beauty of sites like Belfast City Hall, often recommending guided tours to see its lavishly furnished rooms. The scenic views from places like Belfast Castle and the unique character of landmarks like the Albert Memorial Clock are also highly praised. The komoot community has shared over 120 photos and given more than 140 upvotes to these attractions, highlighting their appeal.
Are there any unique cultural experiences or hidden gems?
Beyond the main landmarks, consider exploring the Belfast Peace Wall Murals, which offer profound insights into Belfast's history and the separation between communities. For a unique historical pub experience, The Dirty Onion, Belfast's oldest building, provides a glimpse into the city's past as a bonded liquor warehouse. In County Down, the Nautilus Centre in Kilkeel offers a deep dive into the local fishing industry's history.
What are some easy walks or beginner hiking trails available?
For easy walks, Cave Hill Country Park near Belfast offers several options. You can enjoy routes like the 'Cave Hill Country Park loop' (5.3 km) or the 'View of Belfast Harbour – View of the Valley loop' (3.9 km) from Belfast Castle, both rated as easy. These trails provide beautiful scenery without being overly strenuous. More easy hiking trails can be found in our Hiking around Kilgreel guide.
What is the best time to visit the attractions in this region?
The best time to visit Northern Ireland, including the attractions around Kilgreel, is generally during the spring (April-May) and summer (June-August) months. The weather is milder, and daylight hours are longer, making it ideal for exploring both indoor and outdoor sites. However, many indoor attractions, like Belfast City Hall and museums, are enjoyable year-round.
Can I find information about the local fishing industry?
Yes, in County Down, the Nautilus Centre and Kilkeel Visitor Information Centre is dedicated to Kilkeel's deep-rooted connection to the sea and the history of the local fishing industry. Kilkeel Harbour itself is one of Ireland's largest fishing ports, offering a direct glimpse into the daily operations of local fishermen.
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