Begin at Lisburn Railway Station, a handsome 19th-century red-brick hub, centrally located and ideal for kicking off your tour. Head north (5-minute walk) to Market Square, Lisburn’s lively heart, surrounded by Georgian buildings and bustling shops. Pop into The Coffee House on Market Street for a quick coffee or artisan scone, its warm, modern vibe and local brews offer a welcoming start.
Stroll east (10 minutes) to Castle Gardens, a historic park with sweeping views of the River Lagan and remnants of 17th-century fortifications. On Saturdays, the nearby Lisburn Market (Bow Street area) offers stalls with local breads, cheeses, and hot food. Grab a cheap, hearty lunch, try a freshly baked pasty or a veggie wrap from a vendor like The Yellow Door. Arrive by 12:30 PM to beat the crowds, as it’s a no-reservations hotspot with a communal, 19th-century diner.
Continue south (10 minutes) to the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum on Market Square. This free museum, housed in a 17th-century market house, showcases Lisburn’s linen industry heritage with fascinating looms and artefacts. The adjacent gardens add a serene touch, perfect for a brief pause.
Head west (10-minute walk) along Bow Street to The Square Bistro, a local favourite with a traditional yet stylish ambiance. Grab a pint or a quick bite like their signature Ulster fry or smoked salmon platter in a no-bookings setting. Its historic building, with exposed beams, feels steeped in Lisburn’s past.
Walk north (10 minutes) to Lisburn Cathedral, a 17th-century Anglican gem with elegant spires and stained-glass windows. A quick visit (donations appreciated) offers a serene moment. The nearby Castle Street has boutique shops, adding a touch of charm.
Continue east (10-minute walk) to Hillsborough Road and The Coffee Loft at the Lagan Valley Island complex for a hot chocolate or artisan coffee. Browse the nearby Linen Quarter for historic facades tied to Lisburn’s textile legacy.
End your tour (10-minute walk) at Wallace Park, a Victorian green space with a bandstand and tree-lined paths. The nearby Hilden Brewery, one of Ireland’s oldest independent breweries, offers a small visitor centre with exhibits on local brewing history, providing a cultural capstone. If time allows, grab a classic 99 ice cream cone from a vendor like Mauds Ice Cream near Market Square to enjoy in the park.
Ireland county by county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Largest town walking tour
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
