Northern Ireland Travel Guide

The Best of Northern Ireland

It’s an easy thing to be in Ireland—lost somewhere in its sweeping, green hillsides and hidden coves, or standing on its defiant cliffs and its northernmost shores, tucked away at edge of the world, to believe that it was somehow formed by magic. Harder by far to believe, is that it was not.

To See

The Peace Walls of Belfast

Few places on earth seem to feel as peaceful as Northern Ireland. Much of the little nation is still covered in farmland and flecked with seaside villages that seem to harken back to simpler times. But students of history may know that Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to the south are distinct nations with unique cultures.

The Peace Walls of Belfast typify the steep differences between the two nations and their people and stand as a monument to to the ongoing struggle for Northern Ireland’s cultural, religious, idealogical, and political identity.

During a period in the nation’s history known ubiquitously as “The Troubles”, walls were erected in the city of Belfast as well as other prominent towns across the country. The most well known is arguably the stretch of wall dividing the Unionist Protestant area of Belfast along Shankill Road from the Republican Nationalist Catholic area from Falls Road.

Today, parts of the wall act as a memorial to more challenging times in Northern Ireland, and conversation is ongoing about if and when the walls can be removed for good. In the meantime, the walls have become a canvas of expression for artists, activists, and protestors, covered in murals, slogans, graffiti, and even epitaphs.

Despite the challenges of its past and the walls remaining active in the present, the people of Northern Ireland remain stubbornly hospitable and utterly welcoming to outsiders, and the walls almost seem incongruent with the experience of being in the tiny island nation.

Balintoy Harbor

Very little is more iconically Irish than the dramatic rocky shorelines along the Causeway Coast. Nestled just a few kilometers west of Carrick-a-Reed Bridge is a tiny village along the sea called Ballintoy and a stunning little harbor and secret beach that is a favorite spot of locals and adventure tourists alike. You can stand on the rocks in the harbor and just experience the might of the Irish Sea and the North Atlantic as waves buffet the rocks that shelter the little port. For fans of Game of Thrones, the harbor was used for several scenes on the Isle of Pyke in Season Two. It’s a great place for pictures if you can brave the sea spray and scrambling on the rocks.

Carrick-a-Reed Rope Bridge

This icon of the North Coast is not for the faint of heart and has its historic roots dating back more than three hundred years by some accounts. The Carrick-a-Reed Rope Bridge is now managed by the National Trust, but in the past, it was a simple construct slung between the mainland and the island from which it derives its name for fishermen during salmon season.

In the past, it boasted a single handrail and gaps in the slats, though in its current form it is a sophisticated feat of modern engineering that retains its old-world charm. Some visitors have been known to be too afraid to cross back from the island and require passage by boat to the mainland. If you can brave the 66 foot traverse nearly 100 feet above the rocks and waves below, then on a clear day, you may even catch glimpses of Rathlin Island and the Hebrides of Scotland beyond. (*The Rope Bridge is currently closed, but the car park is open for visitors to enjoy access to the Causeway Coast Way walk for a fee of £1 for an hour, £2 for four hours, and £4 for anything beyond that. Patrons pay by phone. Check National Trust website for updates.*)

Dark Hedges

Despite the foreboding sound of its name, the Dark Hedges is one of the most beautiful and beloved features of the Causeway Coast. The rows of beech trees have been standing since the days of the American Revolution and live up to the grandeur of their intended purpose— impressing visitors of the Royal Stuart family’s Gracehill House. They have been photographed by countless people around world and set the scene for another location in the Game of Thrones series: the King’s Road.

They are stunning year round and in any condition but truly spectacular when they catch the light of dawn or are shrouded in the famous Irish mists.

Courtesy of discover Northern Ireland.

Giant’s Causeway

Northern Ireland truly is a special place. In many ways ways, it is a land of dualities: like the stark contrast between the sprawling urban center of Belfast and the pastoral hills of the surrounding countryside, or from its political identity as one of the four nations of the United Kingdom and its proud Irish heritage and ancient Celtic roots. Even the land seems to have been birthed out of these disparate elements. And nothing could better typify that than the World Heritage Site know as the Giant’s Causeway.

Erupting out of the North Atlantic and shielded all around by dramatic cliffs, pillars of basalt as tall as 39 feet and solidified ancient lava flows speak to a land forged in part by water and fire. These hexagonal columns are the effluence of a volcanic fissure being rapidly cooled as it emerged from the sea, but ancient legends tell a different story: one of giants.

According to myths, the giant called Finn MacCool was challenged by a Scottish giant across the Irish Sea and built the Causeway so they could meet and do battle. There are variations on the story, but in one version, Finn realizes he poses as the infant child of his own wife when he realizes how much larger Benandonner of Scotland is. However, when Benandonner sees the infant, he is frightened at his size and believes the father, Finn, to be a giant among giants. He returns to Scotland afraid, destroying the Causeway behind him. By definition a causeway is a road or path raised above wet ground or water, and there are similar basalt structures on the Isle of Staffa in Scotland that may offer some insight into the origin of the story.

The Giant’s Causeway has captivated the imaginations of storytellers, artists, and travelers for generations and continues to inspire people today, with nearly a million visitors per year as recently as 2019.

Dunluce Castle

Just a few miles east of Portrush, one of the most romantic castle ruins in the nation perches precariously on the edge of a cliff dying to be photographed. The castles of Ireland tell the stories of battles between families and feuds for power from the past, but today they are part of the backdrop that makes Northern Ireland so mysterious and alluring. For an entry fee of £5.25 per adult, you can explore within the ruin and learn about the castle’s history in the visitor’s center. But there are plenty of spots that sport views of the castle for free if you’re willing to be a bit more intrepid.

Downhill Strand

This incredible beach sits beneath the looming cliffs of Northern Island and the iconic Mussenden Temple and is a testament to the force of the great North Atlantic. Perched precariously on the edge of the cliff, the temple looks as though it could teeter off the side at any point, though when it was constructed there, the cliffs beyond accommodated space for a carriage all the way around. The wind and rain that have railed against these cliffs for centuries have slowly worn the rock down to be recycled by the seas into the beaches below. Enjoy cafes nearby, Dunne Waterfall, and views of County Donegal across the water to the west on clear days when the weather is fair.

Glenveagh National Park

After you’ve crossed into the Republic of Ireland, you should head west before you head south. In the heart of County Donegal, Glenveagh National Park and its will take your breath away. Enjoy the essence of a highland hideaway in the Irish countryside and allow yourself to be transported by the stunning views of wild Ireland.

Errigal

Just west of the national park lies the highest peak in the County, often wreathed in mist and certain sense of the sacred. It draws its name from oratory practices of worship, and while no monetary or ruined temple can be found on its slopes, it seems that it may have been a place of prayer and pilgrimage in bygone eras. Certainly, the views from its base and summit alike move the spirit and imagination alike.

Donegal Town

Just 15 minutes from Lough Eske Castle, you’ll find the port town of Donegal. The streets are lined with colorful buildings and rich greenery that contrast the brooding skies Ireland is known for. Within a short radius, you will find sandy beaches known for surfing, hill climbing in the Blue Stack Mountains, Castles, churches, and ruins for pilgrims of history, and wilderness begging to be explored just beyond the hedges. Ancient lore surrounding Saint Patrick also finds itself comfortably at home in Donegal, being home to the first Christianized clans within the nation of Ireland.

To Shop

Victoria Square Shopping Centre

Not far from Belfast Harbor, is one of the most iconic structures in the whole of Northern Ireland: the Dome at Victoria Square. You can enjoy the bustle of the city, excellent shopping, and access to numerous restaurants in a remarkable blend of classic and ultra modern architectural styles.

Climb to the top of the dome to enjoy undisrupted 360° views of Belfast. At night, enjoy a kaleidoscope of shape, light, and color off the inside of the dome, in the countless triangle glass pieces that give it its iconic shape.

To Experience

Titanic Museum

More than a century ago, a feat of modern engineering and design was destined for one of the most fateful and tragic journeys undertaken in recorded history. To date, it let to the single largest loss of life on a marine vessel in peacetime, and its story has captivated every generation since the 15th of April, 1912.

The Titanic looms large in the Western world’s collective consciousness and often acts as a cautionary tale about the extraordinary breadth of human achievement as well as the folly of our pride.

The “unsinkable” Titanic is linked inextricably to the modern history of Belfast, having been constructed in Belfast Harbour, despite departing on its first and last chartered journey from Southhampton in England.

For the avid history enthusiast, the Titanic Museum is an enthralling and immersive experience for visitors, transporting them back to the time of its inspiration, through the steps of its design, construction, departure, destruction, and even into its mythologized place in modern pop culture.

Food & Drinks

Bushmills

While the New World was still home to a single fledgling British colony in Jamestown, the distillers of Bushmills in Northern Ireland were well on their way to refining their craft, producing world class whiskey. With a license first granted in 1608, Bushmills Distillery is the world’s oldest licensed distillery. Experience the tradition handed down through generations and known across the planet that comes from a small town on the Causeway Coast with a population of just over 1200 people.

Warke’s Deli

This charming eatery and market has stunning views of the sea in the neighboring town of Portstewart just a few miles west on the A2 from Portrush. The Deli features locally sourced fares that are even suitable for lifestyle diets with restrictions. The Emerald Isle is known for its dairy, and this is a great spot for those who want to sample their way through some of the best Northern Ireland has to offer.

In the world of Irish butter, Kerrygold may be household name, but Ireland is full of small dairies that have raised grass-fed cattle in lush, green fields for generations. Anywhere you can try the local fare, you should. Abernethy Butter is one such dairy that has risen to prominence throughout the nation and beyond. Its commitment to excellence has even earned it a place in Michelin rated three star restaurants—one of the highest honors awarded in the culinary world.

You can buy it in the deli on your journey west with a loaf of authentic Irish soda bread and some orange shred marmalade for a perfect snack as you explore the Causeway Coast.

Maegden Cheese shop

This shop is not only an adorable market that has local and small batch-made jams, chips, chocolates, and other pantry staples; it also has fresh Irish cheeses, butters, and cured meats for all your picnic needs. But, why we really recommend going here is because it also serves some of the best toasties (grilled cheese sandwiches) we have ever eaten. Located in downtown Bushmills, drive there on a beautiful day, grab some local goods, a toasty and an iced coffee from the shop, sit outside and enjoy!

Make sure you check that they are open - as they currently are only open Wednesday - Sunday!

Lost & found cafe

Another coffee shop/cafe combo this is a great place for a brunch or lunch. They have two locations, but we recommend the one near Portstewart as it sits right on the water, so the views are also stunning as well.

awaken coffee

The perfect place for an amazing cup of a coffee and a light breakfast or lunch. The people here are friendly, and if you love a single-origin pour-over or latte, you will love the coffee. The food is fresh and delicious. This is one of our favorites!