Discover a destination filled with history and natural beauty! When you travel to Northern Ireland, you’ll find a combination of city and coastal landscapes, this wonderful place has plenty of attractions for all types of travellers. Here are some must-do’s and recommendations to help plan your visit!
Belfast
The capital city of Northern Ireland, Belfast has lots to offer. Filled with history and culture, you can cover a lot of ground all on foot. Make sure you take time to learn about the city, and there are many ways to do so. Consider taking a walking tour or a Black Cab tour, having a guide explain the importance of the sites you see will make this such an informative experience. Explore the Titanic Belfast, an interactive museum experience that tells the complete story of the Titanic through many exhibits. Take some time to stroll through the lanes of the vibrant Cathedral Quarter, an area of the city best known for its arts scene. In the evenings, try and visit a local pub for a pint and some traditional cuisine!
Visit the Causeway along the Coastal Route
To truly experience the beauty of Northern Ireland, a visit to the causeway is a must. By either renting a car or booking a tour, you will see how the Causeway Coastal Route is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world. Make a stop at the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO Heritage site with its iconic hexagonal rock columns. The legend says that these incredible rock formations were created by a giant, which gave the site its name. However, they were actually formed by an ancient volcanic eruption. You’ll definitely learn more about the origin of the rocks, either by giant or volcano when you visit. As you continue your drive, you’ll want to stop at the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, but will you be brave enough to cross? The 20 meter rope bridge connects the mainland to Carrickarede. If you are scared of heights, keep in mind the bridge is 30 meters above the water. Important to note – if you are thinking of crossing, pre-booking your ticket is required, so purchase ahead of time! As you drive between these two sites, make sure to take in the beautiful landscapes along the way, the scenery is like none other.
Visit Iconic TV Locations
If you are one of the many who were captivated by the world of Game of Thrones, you’re in luck, you can visit some recognizable spots in real life. The Dark Hedges, a mystical avenue lined by beech trees was featured in the show and since then, many have flocked to be able to walk down the road themselves. Bring your camera, you’ll want to show your friends and family that you walked the Kings Road. Another spot you can visit is the Ballintoy Harbour, this village was used as a town also in Game of Thrones. From the screen to in person, it’s so cool when your favourite shows come to life!
The Glens of Antrim
For outdoors enthusiasts and nature lovers, visiting the Glens of Antrim is the perfect experience. Made up of nine valleys, this region of the country is a beautiful place for a scenic drive, hikes and exploring the quaint villages. Glenariff Forest Park is a picturesque park open to the public for stunning hikes to visit multiple waterfalls. If you do choose to visit the park, make sure to wear appropriate footwear as the walks to the waterfalls can be steep with wet ground.
These are just a few suggestions of things to do while visiting Northern Ireland. If you have more time, consider visiting a distillery or doing some shopping in the city. As you begin to plan your trip you’ll realize there is so much to do with a great balance between the bustle of the city and calm coastal landscapes. So embrace the spirit of Northern Ireland and take the trip!
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