Straight answers to practical questions about driving, travelling, parking and getting around Northern Ireland.
Free promenade parking is provided at Castlerock Beach; vehicles may use the eastern part of the beach subject to conditions and entrance signs.
The Palm House is free to enter and Belfast City Council currently lists it as open daily from 10am to 3.30pm, with last admission at 3.15pm.
Belfast City Council lists the Tropical Ravine as free to enter from 10am to 4pm daily, with last admission at 3.45pm.
Ballyholme Beach in Bangor offers free parking by the beach, and the tourism operator lists the car park as closed between 11pm and 5am.
Use the public car park above Runkerry Beach at Portballintrae, then follow the marked descent and coastal path towards the sand.
The Peace Maze is inside Castlewellan Forest Park, so drivers should use the forest park’s designated visitor parking rather than look for a separate roadside maze entrance.
The Dufferin Arms is at 35 High Street in Killyleagh, near the castle and Strangford Lough; the published visitor listing does not promise a dedicated guest car park.
The US Grant Ancestral Homestead at 45 Dergenagh Road, Ballygawley, lists free admission, on-site parking and year-round access to its cottage and grounds.
Yes. Ballykeel Portal Tomb on Ballykeel Road near Mullaghbawn is listed as a free, year-round historic site.
Start from the public parking at the northern end of Portballintrae near Beach Road and follow the signed uphill path towards Lissanduff.
Antrim Round Tower, also called the Steeple, is on Steeple Road in Antrim and is listed as a free historic site.
Admission is free at the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum on Market Square, with limited nearby street parking and Blue Badge parking beside the building.
Yes. The Ulster Transport Museum in Cultra provides free visitor parking, with the car park published as open until 6pm on museum opening days.
The National Trust identifies free visitor parking by the Corner House tea-room and at Glenmona House in Cushendun, although spaces are limited.
Use the beach parking area on Shore Road at Cushendall, where the council identifies nearby toilets and a play area; the beach has no lifeguard service.
The Somme Museum at 233 Bangor Road, Newtownards, lists on-site parking and operates different visiting hours depending on the season.
The council lists Browns Bay as a free coastal car park with approximately 120 spaces on Islandmagee.
Not currently according to its published tourism listing: Sentry Hill Historic House and Visitor Centre is marked closed.
Start in Carnlough village near Harbour Road; the old railway route climbs towards Gortin Quarry, but the published visitor information says access to Cranny Falls is closed.
Head for Portglenone Forest on Ballymena Road, BT44 8BN, to explore its bluebell woods and riverside paths.
Benvarden is primarily a garden visitor attraction, with spring and summer highlighted for flowers and woodland colour.
Hillsborough Forest is beside Royal Hillsborough village and Hillsborough Fort, separate from the ticketed Hillsborough Castle and Gardens attraction.
The self-guided North Belfast Heritage Trail recommends starting at Belfast Cathedral before following its marked historic buildings northwards.
Templemore Baths has a heritage space about Belfast’s Victorian public baths, distinct from the swimming and leisure facilities.
Edenvilla Park lists on-site parking and free admission, but exact vehicle-gate hours should be checked with the council.
The Carrickfergus artisan market is advertised for the first Saturday of each month from February through November, usually 11am–3pm.
The Guard Room exhibition is within Carrickfergus Town Hall complex on Antrim Street; its listing does not establish a dedicated free visitor car park.
No. The Coca-Cola Visitor Experience at Knockmore Hill currently describes group tours only, with advance booking essential.
Yes. Tayto Tours runs pre-booked guided factory visits at Tandragee Castle rather than an unrestricted factory drop-in.
No. The Saint Patrick Centre’s main visitor exhibition has an admission charge, although Down County Museum nearby is a separate free attraction.
