Northern Ireland is a compact nation and it’s a pleasure to explore the rugged coastline, emerald-green countryside and craggy outcrops behind the wheel of a car. The first port of call? Buzzing Belfast.
Bold Belfast
Head into Belfast and experience a city where the locals have a sharp sense of humor and a thriving food and drink scene takes over once the sun goes down.
A vast number of restaurants dotted across the capital make the most of its coastal location, serving up comforting seafood chowders and fresh shellfish. Mourne Seafood Bar is one of the best, where you can feast on local mussels, hake fillet and spicy squid. Once you’ve had your fill, rub shoulders with the friendly locals at a folk music venue and experience the famous Northern Irish charm.
While in the city, make time to visit Titanic Belfast. This award-winning visitor center tells the tragic tale of the famous ocean liner, which was built on the spot where the museum stands. Find out more about the ship’s construction and travel through a life-like recreation of Belfast’s shipyards.
The freshest air
Head out of the city to The Gobbins, along the east coast cliffs near Ballystrudder. This spectacular coastal walk will take you along the rugged cliff face, through holes in the rocks and into smuggler’s caves. Cross a daring swing bridge while the sea crashes below and see if you can spot local dolphins which are known to swim nearby.
Take in the tranquil atmosphere of Lough Neagh, just a short drive from the airport. This huge freshwater lake is the perfect place for aquatic adventures. Try your hand at windsurfing and glide across the lake’s surface or see the countryside from the water with a gentle paddle in a kayak. Take a serene woodland walk through Randalstown Forest on the lake’s shore, where you may come face to face with protected deer and wildfowl.
Uncover local legends
Drive north along the Antrim coast to discover the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s most popular attraction, where mysterious basalt columns stand proud in the sea. Make your way down to the stones and climb this natural marvel or simply admire it from the clifftops. Locals will tell you it was constructed when the mythical giant Finn McCool hurled rocks into the sea to repel a Scottish rival.
As a country steeped in myth and folklore, Northern Ireland was the perfect choice for many of TV hit Game of Thrones’ main filming locations. Experience them for yourself by driving through the atmospheric, tree-shrouded Dark Hedges Road where golden sunlight casts shadows through gnarled old trees and plays tricks with your mind.
This iconic avenue is the perfect place to stop off to take snaps. Ballintoy, a small fishing village on the coast, served as the backdrop for the Iron Islands and is a dramatic place to visit. Walk along the beach and see where the houses drop down dramatically to the harbor.
Belfast International Airport is perfectly positioned to take in the very best sights of Northern Ireland. Discover proud cities and wild countryside that make up this small but diverse nation at your leisure.
