Ever since Instagram (an app which shares images and video content) sprung onto the scene, people from all over the world have been snapping pics of tourist attractions and curating visual content.
In an era greatly defined by our social media presence, it comes as no surprise that travel images are one of the leading types of content on Instagram.
Recently, Maldron Hotel Belfast City conducted a survey to reveal what the most Instagrammed tourist attractions in Northern Ireland were. Here is what they found!
The Survey
The survey looked at key tourist destinations in Northern Ireland in a bid to expose what places were most “Instagram-worthy”, based on the volume of hashtags.
Francine O’Hagan, Sales & Marketing Manager at Maldron Hotel Belfast City explains, “This survey tallies up consistently with visitor numbers to The Giants Causeway visitor centre and caused no initial surprise.”
She went on to say, “This attraction continues to be one of the most popular in the north, especially with foreign tourists.”
“I also expected the Dark Hedges to feature on top considering the huge popularity of Game of Thrones”.
The Results
10. Belfast City Hall – 19,965 hashtags
In tenth place came Belfast City Hall, a majestic neoclassical building dominating the cityscape in Donegall Square in Belfast city.
9. Tollymore Forest Park – 20, 844 hashtags
Tollymore Forest Park slid in at ninth place. And, with its leafy green forest ways and enchanting atmosphere, it comes as no surprise that Instagram-lovers are posting pictures of this place in Northern Ireland.
8. St. Georges Market – 21,322 hashtags
St. Georges Market was the eighth most Instragammable place in Northern Ireland and given its popularity on the tourist trail, as well as being a favourite of Belfast locals, we can see why this attraction made the list.
7. Dunluce Castle – 31,204 hashtags
Dunluce Castle came in eighth place. Given that it looks like something out of a fantasy land there’s no wondering why this castle ruin is so popular on the Instagram app.
6. Cavehill – 39,701 hashtags
This stunning vista, which overlooks Belfast city, is as enchanting as they come. It slotted in at number six on the list of most Instagrammed tourist attractions in Northern Ireland.
5. Titanic Belfast and Titanic Quarter – 58,712 hashtags
Another major tourist attraction in the capital of Northern Ireland, Titanic Belfast and Titanic Quarter made the list at number five.
4. Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge – 61,651 hashtags
Those enjoying the epic Coastal Causeway scenic drive are likely to stop at this cinematic spot. And with that being said the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge came in at number five on the list of most Instagrammable places up North.
3. The Dark Hedges – 63,993 hashtags
Immortalised by the HBO series Game of Thrones, this natural site in Northern Ireland, is well worth a visit and clearly, we’re not the only ones to think so! It is also one of the most iconic things to do in Northern Ireland.
2. Mourne Mountains – 109,125 hashtags
This epic mountain range in Northern Ireland is as Instagrammable as they come. Favoured by hikers, hillwalkers and nature enthusiasts, the Mourne Mountains won second most Instagrammed tourist attraction in Northern Ireland.
1. Giant’s Causeway – 239,582 hashtags
Surprise surprise! This UNESCO World Heritage site wins the top spot on the most Instagrammed tourist attractions in Northern Ireland.
