You can book your ferry here. It was the case for me. Luckily, you are not far from the town of Ballycastle, where you will be able to find a nice and inexpensive local restaurant for lunch. Check out more 10-day and 11-to-12-day itineraries. Its also easy to Uber around Belfast if you need to get somewhere farther away. The castle was built in 1547 and is made of white limestone which gives it its name. You will have a chance to easily include it in the next days itinerary . After all, no two days in Northern Ireland are the same, so the independence to do it your way has plenty of advantages. Tours run on demand, visit the official website for booking and pricing information. Thanks for narrowing them down a little! Theres room to stop the car so you can fully take in your surroundings. While I haven't done that personally, I don't see any problem with it! The Big Fish, also known as the Salmon of Knowledge, is a large sculpture of, as you would imagine, a Salmon. Built by Harland & Wolff in Belfast, she was originally designed to serve as a tender to both the Titanic and the Olympic. Navigate the hiking path from the top of the cliffs to the rocky shores below before climbing the peninsula to the castle ruin grounds. Every region in Ireland has different surname popularity, so let's take a look at the most common surnames in Northern Ireland. This opens at 10 am, and there are three major art galleries on site, with exhibitions varying depending on when you visit. The Peace Walls in Belfast would be a must-visit for me; I remember some IRA bombings when I was younger (I'm English) so the peace is so much better for everyone in Ireland and the UK. Discover the very best of Northern Ireland including Titanic Belfast, UNESCO Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Dark Hedges, entrance fees, accommodations and breakfast. Even for a guy like me who regularly goes to the countryside or wild areas. The Peace Bridge is another symbol in town of the unification of these communities, allowing people to freely move back and forth. The grounds and surrounds are beautiful for a stroll, fresh air and photography. Downhill Demesne is a massive estate, including the ruins of the Downhill House, the gardens, and the Mussenden Temple. Do you dare cross this swaying rope bridge? Two to three days in Northern Ireland Mar 13, 2022, 11:29 AM Save We will be spending 10 days in Ireland on a tour and are thinking of adding a few days to explore Northern Ireland on our own. Like for most places in the world its very frustrating to decide to skip stuff because we have no time! The Titanic Museum operates a timed ticketing system, with entrances every 15 minutes from opening time. This was probably the longest stop as the bridge was a bit of a walk from the entrance. I also stumbled upon a flower shop called the Ballycastle Garden Center. If its open and you do want to go theres a charge of 9. This dry dock was where all the final parts of the Titanic was completed, including fitting her propellors, painting of the hill, and all the finishing she needed prior to her sea trials and maiden voyage. Its one of the top things to do in Northern Ireland. Youll stumble upon ancient cemeteries and churches, shops, pubs, unique architecture, and all the town has to offer. Categories Blog, Europe, Food and Drink, Northern Ireland, Road Trips, Travel Guides, United Kingdom. I totally recommend having a nice walk on that beach and exploring the wild shores. Thanks very much Udit, thats very kind of you. It comes from the Scottish Gaelic language, and its translation would be The Rock In The Road. This was the place to be in Victorian times, when it was a gin palace of unparalleled design. To help you put a shortlist together for your Belfast visit, heres a few options to choose from that we visited. I recommend going here at sunset to admire the pretty views. Enjoy these panoramic views of White Bay Park. Thanks for your comment Claudia, I wish you to visit Northern Ireland in a near future! Check out my entire travel photo album of the Causeway Coastal Route. Be sure to arrive early to avoid the crowds or go in the afternoon around 3 when it all settles down. You can also see this on Google Maps here. Depending on the time you want to take to stroll on the road and take pictures, you might not stay more than 15 or 20 mins, but it will leave you with very nice memories. Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above. Justin Plus Lauren is one of the first vegan travel blogs - I've been vegan since 2009 and vegetarian all my life. Especially because the walk down leads to some stunning views. Unfortunately, the bridge was closed when I visited. If you wish, you can simply show it on your phone or tablet. The most recognisable feature of the present day Harland and Wolff facility are the massive Samson and Goliath cranes, huge yellow gantry cranes which dominate the Belfast skyline, and which youll probably spot when you visit the Titanic Quarter. This is one of the great natural attractions of the world and some of the locals believe the Causeway was built by ancient giant Finn McCool. This is a 77 metre long linen tapestry which features a scene from every episode of the show up to the current season with room for the final season. 1st stop - The Dark Hedges, Ballymoney, Northern Ireland. YouTube Belfast has a visitor pass which offers free public transport around the city and discounted admission on a number of attractions as well as food. I think Ballintoy Harbour was my favourite place among all the things to do in Northern Ireland. Somewhere in the countryside of Ballymoney, centuries-old beech trees dot the small Bregagh Road. I'm Lauren Yakiwchuk, nice to meet you! While I didnt get the chance to spend even 24 hours in Derry, I highly recommend that you visit a few key places around town to gain a better understanding of its history. Theres a paid parking lot at TheHedgesHotel. There are even more options available if you include Dublin Airport as an option. Check out my entire Derry travel photo album. Pretty cool! This well-preserved set of cliffs is considered a major rock-climbing spot in the whole of Ireland and no less than 400 climbing routes on the cliffs are currently listed. We hope you have enjoyed your two days of discovery in Northern Ireland! Interested to compare other hotels to the Clayton Hotel Belfast or stay somewhere completely different? Built in 1177, this is one of Ireland's best preserved medieval structures. I studied the nearby massive rock formations and the tiny rocks that dotted the sand. Or, you can just hit a few attractions and then soak up the culture in the pubs. Through artful presentation and perfectly seasoned dishes, youll rave all night about the delicious meal you enjoyed at Browns Restaurant. It is located just a two-minute walk from theDark Hedges, along with the marked path. Day 3: Scottish Highlands. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter. In fact, Titanic Belfast sits right on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard, and you can wander around the original launching place before the Titanic headed out on her fateful journey. St Georges Market: Open Friday to Sunday it is Belfasts oldest attraction and one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland. We saw several different quarters of the city and learnt a lot about the history of the city and its people and struggles over the years from Billy. In terms of a timeline, from her original point of construction (marked out outside the Titanic Museum), the hull was first floated to the Thompson deep water dock where things like engines, boilers, anchors and so on were fitted. Visit the Celtic ruins of Monasterboice and enjoy Belfast's incredible Titanic Experience, an interactive walk-through telling the story of the ill-fated ocean liner. By now you should be starving! Overall, this museum is a fascinating attraction, and well worth two or three hours of your time. We also have a post with lots more Belfast street art for you to check out! Follow the snaky road towards the beach, and you will find the parking area. The town of Ballycastle is charming and cute. Billy knows a great deal about the local history of the city, and seemed to know hundreds of people often waving out the cab window to wish hello to folks passing by. It is the itinerary I followed when I visited the region, and I feel it is a great introduction to what Northern Ireland has to offer if you only have a couple of days. There are tons of excellent tours to take around Northern Ireland: PIN this image to your Pinterest for future reference. The aforementioned Belfast Visitor Pass makes it affordable to get everywhere you need to go, including to and from the airport. First up this morning is typically Dunluce Castle, the ancestral home of the McDonnell Clan and known to Game of Thrones fans as The House of Greyjoy! Belfast is an easy city to reach from multiple locations around the world. The Free Derry sign is often painted with additional messages on it nowadays, aligning the city with various political movements around the world. Find out more about visiting in our comprehensive guide to the Titanic Belfast here. Take the time to wander around these city blocks and examine each mural thoughtfully. At most times of the year, it is easy to find a good value deal here. Opened in 1846, the prison was one of the most advanced of its time, and was originally built to house around 500 prisoners, although in its later years, and especially during the Troubles, it held many more than this. Driving from the Dark Hedges to Antrim takes around 40 mins. This site is truly surprising and beautiful, and I would say that it would be worth skipping something else in order to see it if you had no choice because you are running late. This would be a perfect short getaway for me and my husband on one of his long weekends off of work. Theres a parking lot at Victoria Square. After sampling some delicious Northern Irish food & drink (not included) the tour will continue to UNESCO Giants Causeway - todays highlight. Northern Ireland Itinerary A 2-Day Road Trip With Car Rental. There are cannons, scenic viewpoints, and interesting buildings to see on the way. Just wander along and look at the pretty storefront facades. While walking in the countryside of Fair Head on the way to the cliffs, you can actually stop and listen and hear NOTHING. Nevertheless, I still felt like I experienced something rare and unusual at Fair Head. The causeway coastal route has so many beautiful scenic drives Northern Ireland is just incredible to visit for a road trip. As always, if you have any feedback or questions, do let us know in the comments below. Day 6 & 7: Northern Ireland and back to Dublin. For a self-drive, here are the best spots: Carrickfergus Castle. The majority of Belfasts attractions dont open until 10 am, which is great news if you want a lie in, but not great if youre an early bird. It is now the end of the day, and after seeing so much and driving all that distance, you will be happy to find your hotel. The . #WeekendWanderlust. Our top tip: you're on holiday so don't be rushing yourself! Use your mouse to move around the 360 panoramas. Contact Us, Travel Photography Staying overnight and spending time in Derry topped my list of things to do in Northern Ireland. President Joe Biden donned a green tie and sported shamrocks in a chest pocket as he welcomed Ireland's prime minister to the White House two years after the COVID-19 pandemic scuttled the . It's also the launching point of a four-hour food tour led by the impeccable Meave Davison, who goes off the eaten path, showcasing the best and most unique food and drink spots around the city centre. Im always seeking the best vegan and vegetarian options when I travel. There is no need to print the ticket. We also have a guide to the best day trips from Belfast, if you plan on using the city as a base and exploring the area. Copyright 2023 Exploration Junkie. Always useful to know! Theres a full salad bar with intriguing options, as well as sandwiches and even desserts. I wish I could have stayed longer. Day 2 - Day trip to Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge . 17 March, 2023 15:58. However, theres a lot more to do here than this museum, so we think you should allocate around half a day to visiting this quarter, known as the Titanic Quarter, and well go through some of our favourite attractions in this area which will easily fill your time. I would consider this stop optional, but it is a nice opportunity to have a little break from the driving and walk in a nice garden. Antrim Coast : Giants Causeway Bushmills Distillery and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Work With Us This also makes you eligible to enter our monthly giveaways! Seems a pretty doable circuit. There are so many memorable things to do in Northern Ireland. Can you let me know if it is advisable to hire a car in dublin and drop it off at belfast? The virtual tour opens in a lightbox. Required fields are marked *. Belfast has no shortage of watering holes (see the section later on in the post on where to drink in Belfast), but one location that deserves its own entry is the Crown Liquor Saloon, also known as the Crown Bar. Touch the most beautiful Celtic crosses in Ireland, hand-carved by monks in the 9th century. Northern Irish film "An Irish Goodbye" won the Oscar for Best Short Film at the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday night, but it was a disappointing night for "The Banshees of Inisherin", which . Services of a highly-trained and professional Irish Experience tour guide. Table of Contents 2 Days in Belfast, An Itinerary Day 1: Belfast Itinerary The Waterfront Area The majority of Belfast's attractions don't open until 10 am, which is great news if you want a lie in, but not great if you're an early bird. Another 10 min drive will take you to the big and wild beach of White Park Bay. Wander around this famous site consisting of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns of varying heights. Belfast also plays host to events throughout the year, so if you are interested in attending one of these, check the Visit Belfast events page for ideas on whats on that you might want to see. Theres a parking lot right before you enter the pathway down to the Giant Causeway. Numerous flights service Northern Irelands three major airports, with service from the UK, continental Europe and North America. A Short Introduction To Your Journey. The Street Art walking tour of Belfast that we took was put together and is run by local Belfast street artists. For those of you who werent aware, the RMS Titanic was built in Belfasts dockyards, by shipbuilders Harland and Wolff. Portfolio These varies depending on the time of year, and are currently from 9 am April September, and 10 am October March. Embedding the virtual tour is completely free, you are just required to keep the attribution as provided in the code. First on our list for this area is the Titanic Belfast Experienceitself. The capital of Northern Ireland impressed us on a recent trip here, and we wanted to share some of our findings with you. Dont follow google maps to the lighthouse as it will send you to a road you arent allowed to drive to. Named after its own address, 387 Ormeau Road is my choice for a dinner establishment. The tour shares lots of information about the history of the prison, its design and notable inmates, and the tour takes around 70 90 minutes. Currently tours run weekly and start at noon, so if this is a tour you want to take you will have to check its on the right day for you, and also youll need to slightly juggle this itinerary to fit it in. Danluce Castle is a now-ruined, medieval castle and the seat of the Clan McDonnell. Giants Causeway formed after an ancient volcanic eruption, although theres a local legend involving a duel between giants that ultimately created these hexagonal rocks. Heres how I spent three days in the Northern Ireland. We want to be as cost effective as possible. Dunluce Castle is the site of medieval castle ruins in Northern Ireland. You can also enter and visit the castle itself after paying an entrance fee. Dark Hedges is a real hidden gem (but less and less hidden as more tourists now know about it). Even if you want to visit all the sights, from Dublin Castle to St. Patrick's Cathedral and the Guinness Storehouse to the many amazing museums in Dublin, you will have time to fit it all in. This includes a visit to the tunnel under the road which linked the prison with the courthouse over the road (now derelict, but slated to become a luxury hotel), as well as to a cell wing and the execution chamber seventeen prisoners were executed on site by hanging, with the last execution taking place in 1961. A part of the beach is also lined with a big sand dune covered with thin grass. Alternatively, you can just pay a lower entry fee for only visiting the SS Nomadic, and you can buy this on site. Take a few hours to try the local restaurants, pubs, and cafes. The Titanic was actually built in Belfast, Northern Ireland in 1911! Be sure to walk up all the way to the top! On the way back to Belfast, this lighthouse is worth a stop. From Ballycaslte, it should only take 10 mins and it is a fun way to discover the cliffs of the Antrim Coast. This part of Northern Ireland is just so spectacularly beautiful that you want to linger a little. 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2 days in northern ireland