The Good 7 Days Northern Eire Highway Journey Itinerary

Coastlines shaped by warring giants. Historic shipyards. Political uprisings. The King within the North (sure, that is a Sport of Thrones reference). This stuff and extra are all tied to Northern Eire and make it an interesting place to go to.

However too many individuals go to Northern Eire fleetingly, perhaps dedicating a day or two to Belfast and Large’s Causeway as a part of an extended journey within the neighboring Republic of Eire. It is a disgrace, as Northern Eire actually deserves a visit all its personal – or, on the very least, greater than only a day or two.

When you’re serious about planning a visit simply to concentrate on Northern Eire, then this itinerary is for you! It hits up all of the highlights in Northern Eire in a single week, from the historical past in Belfast and Derry to the gorgeous Causeway Coast to even an opulent spa resort if that is your factor.

Be at liberty to make use of this Northern Eire itinerary that can assist you plan your personal journey!

One of the best time to go to Northern Eire

Like a lot of the remainder of the UK and Eire, the summer season months are often considered the “finest” time to go to. From Might-September, you could have extra of an opportunity of experiencing some sunny days – although you may nonetheless positively wish to pack a raincoat, too!

I’ve visited totally different components of Northern Eire a number of instances, all in the summertime or early fall, and I might agree that Might-September is the perfect time to go. (The actual street journey I am basing this itinerary on was in September, and you may see in my pictures what the climate was like!)

The place to begin your Northern Eire street journey

This explicit itinerary is finest carried out by automotive. I notice driving within the UK can appear intimidating to some, however you actually do get used to driving on the left faster than you’d suppose. (And for my American readers, you do not want any particular permits to drive in Northern Eire; your US driver’s license works.)

You *can* journey round Northern Eire by way of public transport, however you may have a lot extra freedom to go to all of the spots I am suggesting with your personal set of wheels.

Must hire a automotive in Northern Eire? I like to make use of Auto Europe to match costs. Search for a rental car here. (I might counsel a small-ish automotive to make driving simpler!)

As for the place to begin, this street journey itinerary begins and ends in Belfast. You could possibly, nevertheless, additionally begin your journey in Dublin (which is only a 2-hour drive from Belfast), or finish in Galway. That means sure, you may completely mix this street journey with a road trip in the Republic of Ireland. If in case you have greater than only a week, I might positively suggest it!

1 week Northern Eire street journey itinerary

This itinerary is predicated on a number of journeys (and one street journey) I’ve personally taken to Northern Eire. I am suggesting you dedicate every week to this journey to be able to actually savor it and never rush an excessive amount of – however I am going to offer you some solutions on the finish for how one can shorten this up a bit if you have to!

Day 1: Discover Belfast

Highlights of as we speak embrace: A political Black Taxi Tour, visiting Crumlin Highway Gaol, seeing Belfast Metropolis Corridor within the metropolis heart, and exploring the Cathedral Quarter.

Belfast is the capital metropolis of Northern Eire, being dwelling to simply beneath 300,000 folks. Its trendy historical past dates again to the early 1600s, and it rose to prominence by means of the 1700s due to its linen business and shipbuilding yards (somewhat ship referred to as Titanic was constructed right here… perhaps you have heard of it).

Belfast was severely broken by air raids throughout World Struggle II, and skilled a decline in financial system and inhabitants after the battle because it struggled with demand for its important industries, adopted by a long time of political unrest.

In the present day, nevertheless, the town is bouncing again due to issues like tourism and the movie business. Belfast nonetheless feels tough across the edges in components, but it surely’s additionally change into a cool European capital with good pubs, a number of avenue artwork, and a younger inhabitants.

Morning: Black Taxi Tour

Likelihood is if you already know something about Belfast, you already know (or a minimum of have heard) about The Troubles, a interval of violent clashes and terrorist-style bombings that plagued cities throughout Northern Eire for roughly 30 years. However in case you’re like me, you most likely know little or no about what the truth of life in Belfast was like throughout that point – or what marks these years have left on the town.

To get a greater understanding of The Troubles, I extremely suggest occurring a historic Black Taxi tour of Belfast. These excursions are provided by licensed taxi drivers in Belfast who’ve private ties to the occasions that occurred within the metropolis from 1968-1998; most of them grew up or labored in divided components of the town.

On a tour like this, you may be taught in regards to the varied issues that result in the battle (an advanced combination of politics and faith performed a job), and listen to tales of spiritual discrimination, paramilitary teams, starvation strikes, and far more. Every tour is barely totally different based mostly in your information and what their expertise was like in Belfast throughout these years, which I believe is fairly cool.

You is perhaps stunned to be taught that components of Belfast are nonetheless divided by partitions and fences and gates. You will drive previous or by means of a number of the gates, and go to the biggest wall (the “Peace Wall”) that also serves as a border between a Catholic and Protestant neighborhood.

I actually do not suppose you may totally perceive Belfast with out occurring a tour like this. Study extra about what a Black Taxi tour in Belfast is like.

(Do not let the outline flip you off; these excursions are very secure. Whilst you may not wish to go wandering on Falls Highway or Shankhill Highway by yourself as a vacationer, it is secure to go on a tour like this!)

RELATED: Belfast and Its Troubles: What a Black Taxi Tour in Belfast is Like

There are a LOT of Black Taxi corporations providing excursions round Belfast. All of them are very related, and so they all make the most of drivers who lived (and typically labored) by means of The Troubles. The excursions provide informative, pretty balanced excursions of each “sides” of Belfast.

Some Black Taxi tour choices to take a look at embrace:

And listed below are another historic Belfast excursions that cowl the identical materials:

Late morning: Crumlin Highway Gaol

To go with what you may hear and be taught in your Black Taxi tour, you could wish to go to the Crumlin Highway Gaol subsequent. This excessive safety jail (gaol means “jail” in Irish) dates again to 1846, however turned most well-known for imprisoning each Republicans and Loyalists throughout The Troubles.

“The Crum,” because it’s recognized colloquially, hasn’t served as a jail since 1996. In the present day, the location affords guided historic excursions, and can be (a bit weirdly) an leisure and occasion venue. (You may buy a ticket in advance here.)

Afternoon: Belfast Metropolis Corridor

Head again into the town heart within the afternoon for a little bit of wandering. One website you may’t miss (actually, it is enormous and you will positively discover it) is Belfast Metropolis Corridor. Sitting in Donegall Sq., the enduring green-domed constructing is likely one of the most iconic buildings in Belfast. It dates again to 1906, and is the town’s important civic constructing.

Guests can take free guided tours inside Metropolis Corridor (you have to register on the customer exhibition/guided excursions reception), or you may discover the monuments, memorials, and gardens exterior by yourself, together with the Titanic Memorial Backyard.

Night: Cathedral Quarter

Simply to the north of Belfast’s metropolis heart you may discover the Cathedral Quarter, a buzzy, inventive space with a few of Belfast’s finest bars. The quarter facilities round Saint Anne’s Cathedral, a Romanesque church recognized for its needlelike metal spire. This space was once stuffed with warehouses, however as we speak these warehouses are stuffed with cafes, pubs, comedy golf equipment, and extra.

Be sure you cease by Business Court docket simply exterior the Duke of York Pub to snap a photograph on the well-known “umbrella avenue” when you’re right here.

When you’re visiting on a weekend particularly and wish to hearken to some dwell conventional music tonight, try pubs just like the Duke of York, White’s Tavern, The Soiled Onion and Yardbird (they really have dwell music 7 nights every week!), and Sunflower Public Home.

You may as well try the Belfast Traditional Music Trail, which runs guided excursions targeted on conventional Irish music. They provide a public tour on Saturday evenings, or you may e-book a non-public tour different nights of the week.

Day 2: Extra Belfast

Highlights as we speak will embrace the Titanic Belfast museum, the Botanic Backyard and Ulster Museum, a elaborate afternoon tea, and drinks with a view.

Morning: Titanic Belfast

Titanic Belfast is a museum and customer attraction devoted to the Titanic and Belfast’s shipbuilding historical past, and is likely one of the hottest (if not THE hottest) sights within the metropolis.

Titanic Belfast is situated within the metropolis’s “Titanic Quarter” (think about that!), a mere 100 meters from the place Titanic’s hull was constructed and launched. The museum covers a whopping 120,000 sq. toes and consists of interactive displays, recreations of the ship’s cabins, and a whole gondola-style trip indoors.

The museum walks you thru the entire story of the Titanic, but in addition touches on Belfast’s historical past as an necessary linen manufacturing metropolis earlier than it emerged as a ship constructing powerhouse. I discovered so much about Belfast right here!

Additionally included together with your Titanic Belfast ticket is an opportunity to go aboard the SS Nomadic. Moored at Hamilton Dock throughout the road from Titanic Belfast, the SS Nomadic served as tender boat to RMS Titanic, and is the final remaining White Star Line ship on the planet! The vessel has been restored to look how she did when she ferried passengers to the Titanic, so positively save time for this.

Early afternoon: Botanic Backyard/Ulster Museum

From the Titanic Quarter, head south of the town heart to the Queens Quarter. Right here you may go to two fascinating spots close to Queen’s College.

First, Belfast’s Botanic Backyard is a good inexperienced area to go to within the metropolis. The backyard dates again to 1828, and has a stunning glass home, a palm home stuffed with tropical crops, a rose backyard, and plenty of strolling trails. Better of all? The backyard is free to go to!

And because you’re there, you could as effectively additionally go to the Ulster Museum, which is situated throughout the backyard grounds. The museum has a variety of displays overlaying artwork, historical past, and the pure sciences, and can be free to go to.

Late afternoon: Afternoon tea

Head again into the town heart this afternoon for a spot of tea. Northern Eire continues to be politically part of the UK, bear in mind, and the custom of afternoon tea continues to be alive and effectively right here.

There are a number of locations you may e-book for a pleasant afternoon tea, together with on the Europa Hotel, Café Parisien, the Merchant Hotel, or the Grand Central Hotel. Costs can range, however general afternoon teas in Belfast are far more inexpensive than what you may discover in, say, London.

Night: Drinks at The Observatory Bar

The Grand Central Hotel is likely one of the most well-known accommodations in Belfast, and its indoor rooftop bar, The Observatory Bar, is one you will not wish to miss. With a number of cozy seating areas and the easiest views of Belfast, that is the right place to seize a night cocktail.

Day 3: Belfast to Causeway Coast

Highlights of as we speak embrace an elective coastal stroll OR a go to to a Sport of Thrones filming website, lunch at a fort, and driving the Torr Head Scenic Route.

In the present day you may bid farewell to Belfast and begin heading north in the direction of the unimaginable Causeway Coast. The Causeway Coast encompasses the coastal (and barely inland) areas of Northern Eire between Belfast and Derry, and is understood for its unimaginable surroundings and historic websites.

On paper, the Causeway Coast covers about 150 miles. However we will discover it slowly over a pair days!

Non-compulsory morning: Gobbins Stroll

I am suggesting two alternative ways you may begin your day, relying in your private pursuits. The primary possibility is to stroll the Gobbins Cliff Path, which is situated about half an hour away from Belfast. This adventurous cliff-face stroll takes you throughout bridges and previous caves nearly at sea stage alongside the crashing coast.

The stroll is not essentially a stroll, because it’s 3 miles lengthy out-and-back, and consists of the equal of fifty flights of stairs, a few of that are uneven and slim. You can also solely do that stroll as a part of a guided tour that takes 3 hours, so it is not a fast cease and requires some pre-planning (you may book tickets here).

Non-compulsory morning 2: Sport of Thrones Studio Tour

The opposite possibility for this morning is to go to the Sport of Thrones Studio Tour roughly half an hour south of Belfast. Northern Eire was a significant filming location for the sequence, and the studio tour permits followers to go behind the scenes in distinctive methods.

Very similar to the Harry Potter Studio Tour exterior of London, the Sport of Thrones Studio Tour options units, costumes, props, and extra that had been really used within the present. Stand earlier than giants, stroll by means of precise units, and even sit on the Iron Throne. You will additionally get glimpses into the planning and visible results that went into making the sequence, and luxuriate in some immersive interactive experiences.

It is a actually enjoyable cease for any Sport of Thrones fan, and actually could be pleasurable for any movie or TV buff. Reserving your timed tickets upfront is very really helpful (you may book ahead here).

Lunch: Glenarm Citadel

Whether or not you select the Gobbins Stroll or Winterfell this morning, this afternoon you can begin heading up the coast. I like to recommend stopping at Glenarm Citadel for lunch. This coastal property is the ancestral (and present) dwelling of the McDonnell household, Earls of Antrim. It is nonetheless used as a non-public dwelling by the Earl and Countess of Antrim, however can be open for excursions on choose dates.

Together with touring the fort, guests can at all times discover the 18th century Walled Backyard, go to the Heritage Heart to be taught in regards to the McDonnell household, and see classic automobiles within the Coach Home Museum. You may seize espresso or lunch on the Floor at Glenarm Citadel, and ice cream at The Milk Parlour.

Afternoon: Cushendun Caves or Glenariff Forest Park

This afternoon, there’s one other alternative you may make between exploring a reasonably wooded park with waterfalls, or some seaside caves.

Glenariff Forest Park could be the primary doable cease, not removed from Glenarm Citadel. This park is generally woodland, with some lakes and waterfalls and exquisite vibes. Park in the principle parking space and hit one of many 4 mountaineering trails. (My choose could be the Waterfall Stroll, which is lower than 2 miles and principally alongside boardwalks.)

Or, if mountaineering would not enchantment, drive somewhat additional north in the direction of the villages of Cushendall and Cushendun, each quaint little spots with cute cottages and comfy pubs.

Cease at Cushendun to see the stunning seashore and the Cushendun Caves, a sequence of sea-carved caves that had been utilized in Sport of Thrones (it was right here that Melisandre gave beginning to her shadow/demon child). The caves are free to go to and do not take terribly lengthy to stroll round.

(You *would possibly* be capable to go to each Glenariff Forest Park and the Cushendun Caves, relying on the way you’re doing on time. It is your name!)

Late afternoon: Torr Head Scenic Route

Simply north of Cushendun, you may detour off the principle street onto the Torr Head Scenic Route (the principle street will flip left; you need to flip proper onto Torr Highway).

This brief, 15-mile drive between Cushendun and Ballyvoy isn’t for the faint of coronary heart (do not let the road down the center of the street idiot you; it is barely wider than a single lane street with frequent cliff-like drop-offs on one aspect), however it’s critically EPIC.

You may (and will) cease at Torr Head itself, a dramatic headland with the stays of an 1800s coast guard/signaling station on high. You may climb as much as the ruins for excellent views in all instructions. On a transparent day, you may see Scotland throughout the water!

Additionally situated off the Torr Head Scenic Route, make a cease at Murlough Bay. You will drive down a slim gravel street and park subsequent to some livestock pastures, after which you may stroll alongside a gravel path to the bay itself.

This quiet, protected bay is surrounded by steep, forested hills and is often fairly empty due to its secluded location. Some say it is probably the most stunning spots alongside the Causeway Coast – and I can not actually argue! You may stroll out onto the rocks and even get pleasure from a small sandy seashore at low tide.

RELATED: 18 Epic Stops Along the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland

Night: Ballycastle

From Murlough Bay, it is a brief drive to the city of Ballycastle, one of many bigger cities on the Causeway Coast (inhabitants of round 5200). Ballycastle has a beautiful giant seashore (Ballycastle Strand) with views of Honest Head, a marina and seafront play park, and loads of cafe and restaurant choices.

Day 4: Causeway Coast

Highlights as we speak embrace the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, a number of fort ruins, a gorgeous seashore, and an elective keep at a spa resort.

We’re dedicating most of as we speak to sights alongside the northern Causeway Coast, together with probably the most widespread stops in all of Northern Eire! As a result of every thing is pretty shut as we speak, you may have a lazier morning if you’d like and get a barely later begin.

Morning: Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

Begin your day on the well-known Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, which isn’t removed from the place you are staying. The positioning is strictly what it is billed as: a 60-foot-long rope bridge connecting the mainland to a small island.

The bridge was first constructed about 250 years in the past and was traditionally utilized by fishermen to go over to the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede to fish for salmon. In the present day, it is totally a vacationer attraction managed and maintained by the Nationwide Belief in Northern Eire.

You do must hike from the doorway space/car parking zone to get to the bridge (it is about 1 kilometer or .6 miles every manner), and the bridge itself is suspended nearly 100 toes above the Atlantic Ocean. When you cross the bridge you may stroll across the small island, however the principle attraction actually is crossing the bridge itself.

This spot will get very busy throughout the summer season months and on weekends, so it is suggested that you simply book your ticket in advance, or go early within the day (which is why I am suggesting it as the very first thing in your to-do listing as we speak). Even then, anticipate a slight wait to cross the bridge.

Late morning: Kinbane Citadel hike

After the rope bridge, backtrack a bit to the east alongside the coast to go to Kinbane Citadel. (Sure, it will make sense to go to Kinbane first to keep away from backtracking, however going to the rope bridge very first thing will hopefully assist you to miss the worst of the crowds!)

Kinbane Citadel is a small fort smash sat on a craggy limestone headland alongside the Causeway Coast. It does take somewhat effort to achieve, but it surely’s personally my favourite fort smash to see!

Kinbane Citadel was initially constructed by Colla MacDonnell in 1547. The fort was largely destroyed by the English within the sixteenth century, nevertheless, and as we speak solely components of a guard tower are nonetheless standing. However these stays are in such an epic spot!

To get to Kinbane Citadel, you do must stroll down 140 steps (and naturally again up them once more). From the underside of the steps, you may discover a rocky seashore and all components of the headland that the fort was perched upon. The views again towards the mainland are particularly unimaginable and effectively definitely worth the hike.

Afternoon: White Park Bay Seashore

Cease in to the Carrick-A-Rede Bar and Restaurant for lunch, and maybe see Ballintoy Harbor (it was additionally utilized in Sport of Thrones). After which I might additionally suggest stopping at White Park Bay Seashore.

Although you could not affiliate the UK and Eire with seashores, there are loads alongside the coast! White Park Bay is a gorgeous arc of golden sand that stretches between two headlands. Getting all the way down to the seashore does require a little bit of a stroll by means of some sand dunes, however you too can get a glimpse of the entire seashore from the parking space.

The seashore is managed by the Nationwide Belief, and is a shocking spot to go to (although not an important spot to truly swim due to rip currents).

Afternoon: See extra fort ruins

As you proceed alongside the coast, there are some extra fort ruins you may go to.

The primary past White Park Bay is what’s left of Dunseverick Citadel. There’s been a fort or fort on this craggy promontory since a minimum of the fifth century, and it is mentioned to have been attacked by Vikings and visited a minimum of as soon as by Saint Patrick. Dunseverick Citadel was finally destroyed within the 1600s, and as we speak solely the shadow of a gate tower stays.

From the fort parking space, it is doable to stroll down into to boggy valley and climb as much as the fort website. (Simply watch out, as the bottom is spongy and the hills are steep!) You may see the tower up shut, in addition to historical low earthworks surrounding the location. (And that is all free!)

A bit additional alongside the coast is Dunluce Citadel, the biggest smash you may go to alongside the Causeway Coast. There’s been a fortification of some form on this rocky outcrop for greater than 1000 years, however the present fort ruins are principally from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, when Dunluce was the seat of Clan McQuillan, after which Clan MacDonnell.

You may tour the Dunluce Citadel ruins and see some historic displays inside. Simply beware that it is mentioned to be haunted by a banshee!

This one does require an entrance price, and you purchase tickets there on the fort.

Magheracross Automobile Park & Viewpoint

I am satisfied that most individuals skip this spot as a result of it is marked as “Magheracross Automobile Park & Viewpoint” on Google Maps – and what’s thrilling about a carpark? However you actually ought to make a cease after Dunluce Citadel.

Strolling paths right here result in viewing platforms with views in the direction of Dunluce Citadel and a group of white limestone rock formations and sea arches. The views are completely unimaginable, and it is a no-brainer to go to since you may see every thing totally free with minimal strolling.

Non-compulsory night: Galgorm Resort

When you’re in search of a little bit of luxurious in your journey to Northern Eire, then I have to let you know about Galgorm Spa Resort simply exterior the city of Ballymena. This resort is tucked away on 380 acres of lush parkland with the River Maine operating by means of it, and affords quite a lot of lodging choices, a number of eating places, spa providers, and a singular out of doors “thermal village.”

Elliot and I really stayed right here for two nights throughout our journey, returning right here within the evenings to benefit from the thermal village and gin tastings contained in the resort’s “Gin Library.” You can read more about Galgorm here.

We stayed in a comfortable Shepherd’s Hut at Galgorm and actually liked it.

RELATED: Galgorm Spa Resort in Northern Ireland: Everything to Know Before You Go

Day 5: Giants Causeway

The principle spotlight of as we speak shall be visiting Large’s Causeway, however you may additionally get to see the Darkish Hedges, tour a previous distillery, and discover a cute coastal city.

Morning: Darkish Hedges

The Darkish Hedges is a spot you have most likely seen pictures of. It is a lane lined with massive, twisted beech bushes that had been initially planted within the 1700s by the Stuart household to line the avenue main as much as their manor, Gracehill Home. Within the mid-2010s, although, the Darkish Hedges had been made well-known due to Sport of Thrones and Instagram, and the location turned a vacationer must-see.

The a part of Bregagh Highway the bushes are planted on has been closed to vehicular visitors to be able to shield the bushes, so now you have to park in so much in entrance of the Hedges Resort and stroll by way of a wooded path to see the location. (And please abide by these new guidelines; parking close to the bushes is actually killing them, and no one needs your automotive ruining their pictures.)

The Darkish Hedges could be crowded, however the lane continues to be fairly fairly to see. Within the early morning, there’s an opportunity of a foggy, eerie scene and fewer folks.

Morning: Large’s Causeway

Proceed on to Large’s Causeway, which has a car parking zone and Nationwide Belief-run customer heart that each open at 9 a.m. Arriving as near that point (or, a minimum of earlier than about 10:30 a.m.) is good if you wish to get pleasure from a quieter go to.

Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site made up of 40,000+ interlocking hexagonal basalt columns that had been shaped throughout an historical volcanic lava movement – or by the Irish large Fionn Mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool), who is alleged to have constructed the Causeway to be able to attain Scotland to problem the large Benandonner. You may imagine whichever origin story you like.

The award-winning Large’s Causeway customer heart affords a number of methods to be taught in regards to the Causeway, together with audio excursions and guided excursions. Notice although that the customer heart “expertise” is ticketed, and so they suggest booking online in advance.

You do not HAVE to pay for the customer heart to be able to go to Large’s Causeway, nevertheless the ticket consists of assured parking and entry to restrooms, so it is actually value it. (In any other case it’s important to park additional away and pay a £10 price anyway.)

The stones are a slight distance from the customer heart, therefore why I did not counsel you cease on Day 4 for a fast picture cease. From the customer heart, it is about half a mile to the biggest focus of basalt columns. There are two totally different strolling trails you should utilize to achieve them; one alongside the underside of the cliff (the Blue Path), and one cliff-top stroll (the Crimson Path).

I like to recommend taking the Blue Path downhill from the customer heart, spending as a lot time as you need exploring the stones (they’re formed completely to behave as pure steps; simply watch out if it is moist!), after which connecting to the cliff-top Crimson Path by way of the Shepherd’s Steps.

Sure, the uphill climb is steep, but it surely’s brief, after which it is principally flat or downhill in your manner again to the customer heart (and the views from the clifftop are superior!).

There is a cafe at Large’s Causeway to have lunch at, or you may head into close by Bushmills the place there are a number of pubs and fish and chips retailers to select from.

Afternoon: Outdated Bushmills Distillery

This afternoon is a good time to take in some non-scenic historical past. Head to the Outdated Bushmills Distillery, which is the oldest licensed distillery in Eire, with a license to make whiskey courting again to 1608.

You may take a tour of the distillery to be taught all about Irish whiskey and the way Bushmills makes its triple-distilled “water of life.” All the things they make is distilled, aged, and bottled proper right here. They’ve three totally different excursions starting from 1-2.5 hours lengthy, and advanced booking is recommended as they do are likely to promote out.

When you’ve not visited a distillery earlier than, or are a fan of Bushmills, then that is positively value it. (And, actually, even in case you do not drink whiskey, visiting a distillery to be taught in regards to the historical past and craft can nonetheless be actually fascinating.)

Late afternoon: Portrush

After your distillery tour, head to the city of Portrush, one of many largest on the Causeway Coast, with a inhabitants of about 7000 folks. The city is constructed on a small peninsula, and has a number of cafes, eating places, and pubs to select from.

You will additionally discover the legendary Royal Portrush Golf Membership proper on the coast. The golf membership is dwelling to the well-known Dunluce Hyperlinks, mentioned to be probably the most difficult golf programs on the planet.

Day 6: To Derry / Londonderry

Highlights as we speak embrace some final glimpses of the Causeway Coast, and the historic walled metropolis of Derry.

In the present day we’re bidding the Causeway Coast and its views and charming cities farewell, and heading to the second-largest metropolis in Northern Eire.

Morning: Mussenden Temple

When you stayed in a single day in Portrush (or in case you do not thoughts detouring barely), then I like to recommend making one final cease alongside the coast at Downhill Demesne, an 18th century property in County Londonderry that is now managed by the Nationwide Belief.

The previous mansion on the property is generally destroyed, however the true “star” right here is the Mussenden Temple, a spherical constructing perched proper on a cliff edge that was initially constructed because the property’s library. The spherical, column-covered construction was modeled after the Temple of Vesta in Rome, and is likely one of the most-photographed buildings in Northern Eire.

Afternoon: Discover Derry

Your closing vacation spot as we speak would be the metropolis of Derry/Londonderry. Town goes by each names, and which one is used is commonly based mostly on the political or spiritual leanings of the native particular person you are speaking to. (Formally talking, the town and county are referred to as “Londonderry,” however most locals name it Derry.)

And in case you’re actually confused about this title debate, then it is a good factor you are going to Derry! Derry was a hotspot for battle throughout The Troubles – actually, it is usually agreed that the Troubles kicked off in Derry, and you have seemingly heard of Bloody Sunday, which additionally occurred right here.

In an effort to totally perceive the historical past and present-day actuality in Derry, I extremely suggest a go to to the Museum of Free Derry, in addition to a guided walking tour by means of the Bogside neighborhood to study Bloody Sunday, and see a number of the well-known Bogside murals.

I do know I already really helpful a tour targeted on The Troubles in Belfast, but it surely’s value studying extra about it on this a part of the nation, too. (Book a Bogside tour here.)

Additionally in Derry you may wish to stroll the traditional metropolis partitions, which encircle the town heart and date again to the 1600s. The Derry Partitions are an iconic a part of Derry, and are nonetheless totally intact! The total size alongside the partitions is a few mile, so it will not take you lengthy to stroll them.

(You could possibly additionally be part of a strolling tour with Martin McCrossan City Walking Tours, which incorporates the partitions AND a little bit of Troubles historical past. Excursions value £6, and run at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. every afternoon. Reserving isn’t mandatory; merely present up at 11 Carlisle Highway.)

You may also wish to go to the neo-Gothic Guildhall constructing, and take a stroll over the Peace Bridge whereas in Derry.

Night: Reside music

When you’re up for an evening out tonight, you may’t go unsuitable with catching some dwell conventional music at Peadar O’Donnell’s pub.

Day 7: County Fermanagh & Lough Erne

Highlights as we speak focus across the stunning Lough Erne.

If in case you have this seventh day to spare, then I positively encourage you to get off the crushed path and discover part of Northern Eire that so many individuals miss: County Fermanagh.

Morning: Discover Lough Erne

Head south from Derry to the southwest nook of Northern Eire, the place you may finally attain Lough Erne, the second-biggest lake system in Northern Eire. There are a number of stuff you will not wish to miss alongside the southern aspect of the lake, together with:

• Lough Navar Forest Drive – A wonderful one-way loop drive.
• Cliffs of Magho Viewpoint – Providing up unimaginable views of Lough Erne.
• Blackslee Waterfall – When you’re up for a hike, this 4-mile path traverses by means of the attractive Blackslee Forest and ends at a reasonably waterfall.

Lunch: Enniskillen

On the jap finish of Lough Erne, you may discover the city of Enniskillen, which really sits on a small island separating Higher and Decrease Lough Erne. The city could be very cute and has ample restaurant, cafe, and pub choices alongside Townhall St. (We had an important lunch at The Toastery.)

Take a while to stoll and discover city earlier than you allow; maybe store for artwork and crafts on the Buttermarket.

Afternoon: Marble Arch Caves

This afternoon, one other cool spot to go to in County Fermanagh is the Marble Arch Caves. This 7.1-mile-long limestone cave system has been developed for guests, with a 1-mile sequence of paths constructed so folks such as you and I can go to.

Guided cave excursions function each day, and it is really helpful you book tickets in advance. (I personally skipped this one since I have been to a number of caves like this earlier than, however in case you’ve by no means been it is a distinctive expertise!)

Again to Belfast, or on to Eire

From there, you may both return to Belfast (2 hours), or proceed on over the border into the Republic of Eire. From Marble Arch Caves, it is 1 hour to Sligo, roughly 2.5 hours to Dublin, and almost 3 hours to Galway.

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Solely have 5 days in Northern Eire?

When you’re including Northern Eire on to an extended Eire street journey, then you definitely may not have a whole week to dedicate to it. In that case, here is how I might construction 5 days in Northern Eire:

• Day 1: Belfast (Black Taxi Tour, Crumlin Highway Gaol, Belfast Metropolis Corridor, Cathedral Quarter)
• Day 2: Belfast (Titanic Belfast museum, Botanic Backyard, afternoon tea, drinks at Observatory Bar)
  • Choice to swap out half a day on both Day 1 or Day 2 to drive to Winterfell if that appears like extra enjoyable to you.
• Day 3: Causeway Coast (Glenarm Citadel, Torr Head Scenic Route, Kinbane Citadel hike, Carrick-a-Rede bridge, Darkish Hedges, keep in Ballycastle)
• Day 4: Causeway Coast (Large’s Causeway, Outdated Bushmills Distillery, Magheracross Viewpoint, keep in Portrush)
• Day 5: Derry (partitions stroll and Bogside tour)

Mainly on this shortened itinerary, I am slicing out staying on the Galgorm Spa Resort, suggesting fewer stops alongside the Causeway Coast, and omitting the day in County Fermanagh.

You could possibly additional shorten this itinerary by spending simply 1 day in Belfast (it IS doable to go to Titanic Belfast and do a Black Taxi Tour all in sooner or later in case you handle your time effectively). I might not reduce something out alongside the Causeway Coast, although, as it is the spotlight of this Northern Eire street journey!

Wish to mix Eire and Northern Eire?

Because you’re already on the identical island, it does make sense to mix a visit to Northern Eire with a daily Eire street journey.

There are just a few alternative ways you may do that, relying on how a lot time you could have. Assuming you are planning to take roughly a 2-week journey, I might suggest the 5-day model of this itinerary mixed with my 10-day Ireland road trip itinerary.

What to pack for a Northern Eire journey

Try my packing guide for a trip to Ireland; Northern Eire shares the identical normal climate!

Mainly, you are going to need quite a lot of layers you may placed on/take off, a very good rain coat, and a few waterproof sneakers.

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And that is it! Who’s able to plan a visit to Northern Eire?