Royal Ulster Rifles Museum is a must for anyone interested in military history. Ulster was heavily affected by both world wars suffering enormous losses in battles of the First World War, particularly the Somme, and sustaining the heaviest Blitz damage of any UK region outside London in the World War II. Artifacts from the uniforms and weapons of the Royal Ulster Rifles and its predecessor foot regiments are collected here, charting its impressive history through the wars that have shaped the 20th Century. Admission is free.
Nestled in a corner of the iconic Botanic Gardens, the Ulster Museum is one of Belfast's most prestigious establishments with a spectacular collection art, ethnography and archaeology sourced from all across the globe. Formally established in the year 1929, this elegant four-story structure is located within walking distance of Queen's University's plush campus. The main highlights of the museum include riches recovered from the wreck of a Spanish Armada ship salvaged off the Giant's Causeway. Its top-floor gallery displays a series of exquisite British and Irish artwork.
Titanic, the British liner has remained ever popular through literature, movies, exhibits and folk songs. Considered to be the biggest experience relating to the Titanic in the globe, Titanic Belfast showcases the complete story of this passenger line - right from its inception to its unfortunate sinking through stunning, interactive displays, including artifacts such as the launch day tickets and last luncheon menu. Set on the former shipbuilding site where the Titanic and Olympic were built, Titanic Belfast is among the city's most prominent landmarks. Resembling an iceberg and hulls of a ship, this striking architectural masterpiece is encased in 3000 contrasting shaped aluminum plated sheets in intricate geometrical patterns. It is not only an ode to RMS Titanic but also to the city's maritime heritage. The historic slipways feature life-size frameworks of the Titanic and Olympic while its plaza is outlined with a map of its journey with LED lights and tiles.
The art of linen weaving was introduced to this region by Huguenot refugees in the 17th Century. The event transformed the province around the 19th Century into the linen workshop of the world. The Irish Linen Centre And Lisburn Museum is the best amongst the many centers in Northern Ireland and is dedicated to the story of production of linen. You can visit the factory floor, complete with exhausted mill girls or choose to see modern day production and design of what is still considered to be an exclusive fabric. There's a cafe as well as a tourist information center and large parties can be catered for. Admission is free.
The North Down Museum is behind Bangor Castle in Castle Park. The centre is the most visited small museum in the country. Impressive displays of Bangor history, from the early Christian monasteries to the 1950s holiday, are presented with the aid of artifacts and audio-visual equipment. Special activities are organized for kids, and if they start to play up, you can always take them to the observation beehive and tell them you've got the key! Relax in the cafe and enjoy coffee or ice cream. The cafe doubles as a recital room, and hosts the annual Aspects Festival of Irish writing.