So you’re thinking of taking a holiday?
Consider Northern Ireland, an area which is well known for its picturesque views and wild coastlines –– and is perfect for a leisurely, multi-day road trip. Here, I’ll give you a few tips on how to plan the perfect trip.
Consider Your Timing
First and foremost you’ll want to ensure you consider what time of year you want to travel. Many people will opt to explore this part of the world in the spring, when flowers are in bloom (and when in May you can see tulips during a beautiful annual festival). Others will prioritise the summer, when according to Climates To Travel, the temperature averages about 18-19 degrees, making it a little easier to explore outdoors. Then again, don’t let colder temperatures scare you away from autumn or winter either. Yes, things can be a little cooler and dimmer –– but the landscapes can be particularly striking during the cooler months, and there’s also something to be said for the delightful sense of coziness you can enjoy warming up in pubs, restaurants, and wherever you’re staying.
There really isn’t a wrong time to visit. I’d simply recommend doing your research and determining what time works best for you.
Start By Exploring Belfast
A whole tour of the most common attractions in Northern Ireland takes about 5 days in total, (though you can always explore longer and see some of the lesser known areas). The first day of your trip, however, should be about the capital city of Belfast, where iconic landmarks like St. George’s market and the Cathedral Quarter await you.
Once you’ve seen some of these main attractions though, it’s also worth taking the time to explore some of Belfast’s less heralded highlights as well. If you want a little more history (the city is oozing with it), you might want to stop by the Titanic Memorial Garden, as it is a sombre but fascinating attraction. If you’re in the mood for something more lighthearted, meanwhile, you might check out the local bingo scene. Gala Bingo has listed Belfast as one of the best places in the UK for live play, and named Westway Bingo Hall, Galaxy Bingo, and Jackpot Bingo all as fun spots to check out. It’s often little things like these that give a city its character and charm beyond the common brochure items, so if you really want to explore Belfast we do suggests getting “off the beaten path.”
In addition to the options just mentioned, I’d also point you toward an evening trip to the Cathedral Corner, the Cabaret Supperclub, or a visit to the indoor trampoline park. The last one is by no means unique to Belfast, but who am I kidding –– it’s a blast.
Head to Glenarm Castle
From Belfast, you can head north on a short and picturesque drive to Glenarm Castle, which makes for a wonderful second stop. At Glenarm Castle and Gardens you can pause to enjoy the peonies and roses in the walled gardens, and stretch your legs on the new woodland walk. The castle has a host of events and tours to choose from, including a woodland walk, the option to hire an e-bike to explore the grounds, standard classic tours, and even on-site stonemasonry classes that take you back in time. In short, there’s something for everyone. You can even stay the night to extend your vacation, should you like.
Explore The Giant’s Causeway
Once you’ve enjoyed Glenarm Castle and the surrounding area, you can take a short drive to the Giant’s Causeway –– which many would consider to be the highlight of any Northern Ireland road trip.
The Causeway is the region’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a stunning area marked by small hexagonal stone pillars, naturally formed some 60 million years ago but said in legend to have served as a road for a heroic giant. Even beyond these stone formations though, the Causeway makes for a gorgeous stretch of coastline and –– legitimately –– one of the coolest drives on Earth.
Spend a Night at Bushmills Inn
If you do want to make the road trip last a few days, it’s nice to find a place to stay in close proximity to the Giant’s Causeway. As you might imagine there are plenty of options, but the Bushmills Inn is particularly alluring to many travellers. It’s a four-star hotel, but an historic one, dating all the way back to the 1600s. Cozy rooms, an excellent bar and restaurant, and even an on-site cinema make it an excellent place to relax and treat yourself after a day or two driving around the country.
Plus, you’ll want to rest up for a busy trip to Derry-Londonderry the next day!
Head to Londonderry
If you want to fit more into your trip, why not continue on to the Londonderry area –– where you’ll be able to enjoy the eclectic blend of a thriving modern city and imposing, historical buildings. Anyone who walks through the museums of Londonderry will also enjoy the traditional music that can be heard in the streets and the diverse shopping opportunities offered all around the city. As for specific attractions, do be sure to walk Peace Bridge and the city walls, both of which afford you lovely views. Take a tour of St. Columb’s Cathedral as well, if you can manage it.
Back to Belfast & a Stop for Owls
From Londonderry back to Belfast marks the longest stretch of driving on this route. But you have a few ways to break it up. One is to take some of the smaller roads south towards Staffordstown so that you can dive along Lough Neagh. Another is to stop for owls! World Of Owls, while not an area of natural beauty or an historic city or landmark, is a lovely attraction where you can get up close and personal with beautiful birds of prey in the 430-acre Randalstown Forest. And lest you think it sounds like a zoo, it does more than that to blend into the surroundings, with In Your Pocket describing the venue as having a “perfect backdrop” with fallow deer, birds, and squirrels in a natural habitat.
Back in Belfast
From your owl excursion it’s just a short drive back to Belfast, where you can pick right back up exploring (since there’s no way you saw everything at the beginning of the trip!). Check out Titanic Belfast, tour some real-life Game Of Thrones locations, and find a few good local pubs or restaurants to enjoy to cap off your trip.
You’ll have managed to see and enjoy quite a bit in just a few days’ time!
Written by Caroline Peters for poferries.com
