Explore Northern Ireland’s Second World War History

The counties of Northern Ireland are full of historic sites. Explore Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, and Tyrone and discover wartime stories.

Visit Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's six counties of Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry, and Tyrone are full of historic sites. Many of these date to the 1940s reflecting the change in the country during the Second World War.

Map showing Wartime Co. Antrim

Wartime Co. Antrim

During the Second World War, Co. Antrim in Northern Ireland hosted RAF and USAAF airfields, evacuee camps, and bases and training grounds for American GIs.

Map showing Wartime Co. Armagh

Wartime Co. Armagh

Co. Armagh was a hive of activity in the Second World War. Thousands of American GIs passed through the Orchard County from bases such as Brownlow House.

Map showing Wartime Co. Down

Wartime Co. Down

Each branch of the military saw action in Co. Down in the Second World War from U.S. Forces and General Eisenhower in Bangor to the R.A.F. at Ballyhalbert.

Map showing Wartime Co. Fermanagh

Wartime Co. Fermanagh

The military in Co. Fermanagh in the Second World War was well placed to patrol the Atlantic Coast from bases such as Castle Archdale or R.A.F. Killadeas.

Map showing Wartime Co. Londonderry

Wartime Co. Londonderry

Co. Londonderry was an important Allied position during the Second World War. Following the Battle of the Atlantic, U-Boats surrendered at Lisahally.

Map showing Wartime Co. Tyrone

Wartime Co. Tyrone

In the Second World War, Co. Tyrone hosted troops from the United States Army as well as the newly-formed Belgian Infantry Brigades and a large airfield.