NorthernIreland
5
Day Itinerary •
UK
Five days in Northern Ireland gives you the full extraordinary depth of the most underrated destination in the British Isles. Beyond the Giant's Causeway and Titanic Belfast lie the complete 17th-century walled city of Derry, the extraordinary Fermanagh Lakelands with their Marble Arch cave system, the finest garden in Ireland at Mount Stewart and the remarkable Cistercian ruins of Grey Abbey on the Ards Peninsula. This route covers the complete Northern Ireland experience from the volcanic drama of the Causeway Coast and the Titanic heritage of Belfast through the Glens of Antrim and the Mourne Mountains to the extraordinary walled city of Derry, the island monastery of Devenish and the wildlife-rich waters of Strangford Lough. Five extraordinary days in a destination that rewards every visit.
Best Time To Visit
April to October
Getting There
Fly into Belfast International
Getting Around
Car essential throughout Northern Ireland
Budget Per Day
Approx 100 to 275 GBP per person per day
Difficulity
Easy to moderate, coastal and lough walking
DAY 1
THE CAUSEWAY COAST
MORNING
THE GIANT'S CAUSEWAY, THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY NATURAL WONDER IN IRELAND
The Giant's Causeway is the most extraordinary natural wonder in the British Isles and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its 40,000 interlocking basalt columns created 60 million years ago by volcanic activity forming the most remarkable geometric natural pavement in the world. The extraordinary Causeway headland, the Organ Pipe columns and the extraordinary coastal walk to Hamilton's Seat viewpoint are all remarkable. Entry to visitor centre approx 14 pounds, causeway itself free. Drive/Travel: 20 min drive
MIDDAY
CARRICK-A-REDE ROPE BRIDGE, THE MOST TERRIFYING BRIDGE IN BRITAIN
The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge connects the mainland to a tiny island across a 30-metre chasm 30 metres above the crashing Atlantic, originally erected by salmon fishermen in 1755. The extraordinary one-at-a-time crossing over the swaying bridge and the extraordinary views along the Causeway Coast from the island make it the finest short coastal experience in Northern Ireland. National Trust, entry approx 12 pounds. Book ahead. Drive/Travel: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
DUNLUCE CASTLE, THE MOST DRAMATIC CASTLE RUIN IN IRELAND
Dunluce Castle on its extraordinary promontory of basalt above the Atlantic is the most dramatically sited castle in Ireland, its extraordinary ruins perched above a sea cave connected to the castle above by a tunnel. The castle kitchen fell into the sea in 1639 during a banquet. The adjacent Mermaid's Cave below the castle is accessible at low tide. The Game of Thrones filming location adds an extra dimension. Entry approx 6 pounds.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The Dark Hedges near Armoy, the extraordinary tunnel of ancient beech trees planted in the 18th century by the Stuart family lining the approach road to Gracehill House, is the most photographed natural feature in Northern Ireland and the finest tree avenue in Ireland. Used as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones. The trees are most extraordinary at dawn before visitors arrive. The 1-mile walk along the avenue is entirely free. Arrive before 8am in summer.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: The Causeway Hotel Outstanding Ulster breakfast at the finest hotel on the Causeway Coast. Full Ulster fry extraordinary. | Lunch: The Nook, Bushmills Outstanding Northern Irish lunch in the finest village on the coast. Local salmon and soda bread. | Dinner: The Bushmills Inn The finest inn on the Causeway Coast. Outstanding local food and Bushmills whiskey tasting.
DAY 2
BELFAST
MORNING
THE TITANIC BELFAST MUSEUM, THE FINEST MUSEUM IN IRELAND
The Titanic Belfast museum in the extraordinary ship-shaped building above the slipways where the Titanic was built is the finest museum in Ireland and one of the finest in the British Isles, its extraordinary galleries telling the complete story of the Titanic from design through construction to sinking with remarkable technical detail and moving personal accounts. The SS Nomadic alongside is the last White Star Line vessel afloat. Entry approx 22 pounds. Drive/Travel: 15 min walk
MIDDAY
THE FALLS ROAD AND SHANKILL ROAD MURALS, THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY POLITICAL ART IN EUROPE
The political murals of West Belfast are the most extraordinary political street art in Europe, their vivid depictions of the Troubles, of international political solidarity and of the peace process giving an extraordinary visual history of Northern Ireland's recent past. The Black Taxi tours with former paramilitaries from both communities are the finest and most nuanced way to experience the murals. Entry free, taxi tour approx 35 pounds. Drive/Travel: 20 min walk
AFTERNOON
THE CATHEDRAL QUARTER AND ST ANNE'S CATHEDRAL
Belfast's Cathedral Quarter around the magnificent St Anne's Church of Ireland Cathedral is the finest arts and culture district in Northern Ireland, its extraordinary independent bars, the Oh Yeah Music Centre and the Ulster Museum's extraordinary collections making it the finest afternoon district in the city. The Crown Liquor Saloon on Great Victoria Street, the finest Victorian pub in Ireland, is a National Trust property. Entry to Crown free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The Crumlin Road Gaol in north Belfast is the most extraordinary Victorian prison in Ireland, its extraordinary radial design, the underground tunnel connecting it to the courthouse across the road and its remarkable history as both a political prison during the Troubles and the location of the last execution in Northern Ireland in 1961 making it the finest dark tourism attraction in Belfast. The guided tours are extraordinary. Entry approx 13 pounds.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: The Barking Dog, Belfast Outstanding Belfast breakfast at the finest independent restaurant in the Cathedral Quarter. | Lunch: St George's Market, Belfast The finest covered market in Ireland. Outstanding street food, local cheese and soda bread on Saturday. | Dinner: Ox, Belfast The finest restaurant in Northern Ireland. Outstanding local produce tasting menu. Book weeks ahead.
DAY 3
THE GLENS OF ANTRIM AND THE MOURNE MOUNTAINS
MORNING
GLENARIFF, THE QUEEN OF THE GLENS OF ANTRIM
Glenariff is the most extraordinary of the nine Glens of Antrim, its extraordinary waterfall walk through the gorge known as the Arcadian Valley of Ireland giving access to a series of remarkable cascades in ancient woodland. The glen was called the Queen of Glens by Thackeray and the finest walking in Antrim. The waterfall trail is 3 miles through extraordinary oak and ash woodland. Entry to forest park approx 5 pounds per car. Drive/Travel: 1 hour drive
MIDDAY
RATHLIN ISLAND, THE MOST NORTHERLY POINT IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Rathlin Island 6 miles offshore from Ballycastle is the most northerly island in Northern Ireland, its extraordinary L-shaped profile, the RSPB seabird centre at the West Lighthouse with its thousands of nesting puffins, razorbills and guillemots in spring and summer and the extraordinary Kebble National Nature Reserve making it the finest wildlife island in Ireland. Ferry from Ballycastle approx 12 pounds return. Book ahead in summer. Drive/Travel: 1.5 hours drive
AFTERNOON
THE MOURNE MOUNTAINS AND THE MOURNE WALL
The Mourne Mountains in County Down are the finest mountain range in Ireland outside Kerry, their extraordinary granite domes, the remarkable Mourne Wall enclosing the water catchment in a 35-km circuit of dry stone walling and the extraordinary Slieve Donard at 2,792 feet giving the finest views over the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man and Snowdonia. The walk from Newcastle to the summit takes 3 hours. Entry free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The Kinbane Head promontory near Ballycastle is one of the most extraordinary hidden headlands in Northern Ireland, its extraordinary ruined castle on a narrow limestone promontory above the sea accessible only by a steep path from the car park above. The extraordinary views from the headland to Rathlin Island, to Kintyre in Scotland and along the Causeway Coast are the finest on the north Antrim coast. Entirely free. The most extraordinary sunset viewpoint on the Causeway Coast.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: The Londonderry Arms, Carnlough Outstanding Ulster breakfast at the finest hotel in the Glens of Antrim. | Lunch: McCuaig's Bar, Rathlin Island Outstanding island pub lunch above the extraordinary harbour. Local crab and Antrim sea trout. | Dinner: Brunel's, Newcastle The finest restaurant in the Mournes. Outstanding local seafood and Mourne lamb.
DAY 4
THE WALLED CITY OF DERRY AND THE FERMANAGH LAKELANDS
MORNING
DERRY, THE FINEST WALLED CITY IN IRELAND
Derry is the most extraordinary walled city in Ireland and one of the finest in Europe, its complete 17th-century city walls encircling the old town in 1.5 miles of walkable rampart giving extraordinary views over the Bogside murals and the Guildhall below. The extraordinary Museum of Free Derry, the People's Gallery murals and the Guildhall itself are all remarkable. Entry to walls and murals free, Museum of Free Derry approx 4 pounds. Drive/Travel: 1.5 hours drive
MIDDAY
ENNISKILLEN AND THE FERMANAGH LAKELANDS
Enniskillen is the finest market town in the Fermanagh Lakelands, its extraordinary castle on the island between the two rivers and the extraordinary Fermanagh lake system of Upper and Lower Lough Erne stretching 50 miles through the drumlins of Fermanagh making it the finest inland waterscape in Ireland. Enniskillen Castle houses the finest regimental museum in Ireland. Entry to castle approx 5 pounds. Drive/Travel: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
THE MARBLE ARCH CAVES, THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY CAVE SYSTEM IN IRELAND
The Marble Arch Caves near Enniskillen are the finest cave system in Ireland, their extraordinary stalactite formations, the underground river navigable by boat and the remarkable cathedral chambers making them the finest show caves in the British Isles. The 75-minute tour includes a boat journey through the extraordinary cave system. Entry approx 15 pounds. Book ahead. Accessible May to September.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
Devenish Island in Lower Lough Erne near Enniskillen is the most extraordinary island monastic site in Ulster, its extraordinary 12th-century round tower in virtually perfect condition, the Augustinian monastery ruins and the extraordinary carved high cross making it the finest early Christian site in Northern Ireland. Accessible by boat from Trory Point. Boat approx 8 pounds return. Entry free. The round tower is the finest in Ulster.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: The Exchange, Derry Outstanding breakfast at the finest independent restaurant in the city walls. | Lunch: The Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen Outstanding lakeside lunch with extraordinary Erne views. | Dinner: Cafe Merlot, Enniskillen The finest dinner in Fermanagh. Outstanding local produce and Lough Erne trout.
DAY 5
THE STRANGFORD LOUGH AND THE ARDS PENINSULA
MORNING
MOUNT STEWART, THE FINEST GARDEN IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Mount Stewart on the shores of Strangford Lough is the finest garden in Northern Ireland and one of the finest in the British Isles, its extraordinary collection of rare and tender plants in a landscape of extraordinary formal gardens, woodland walks and the extraordinary Temple of the Winds viewpoint over the lough. The house contains the chairs from the Congress of Vienna. National Trust, entry approx 15 pounds. Drive/Travel: 20 min drive
MIDDAY
GREY ABBEY AND THE FINEST CISTERCIAN RUIN IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Grey Abbey near Greyabbey on the Ards Peninsula is the finest and most complete Cistercian monastery ruin in Ireland, its extraordinary 12th-century nave, the elaborate west doorway and the extraordinary effigy of John de Courcy in the chancel making it the finest small medieval site in Northern Ireland. The herb garden planted in the monastery grounds is extraordinary in summer. Entry free. Drive/Travel: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
STRANGFORD FERRY AND THE WILDLIFE OF THE LOUGH
Strangford Lough is the largest sea lough in the British Isles and the finest wildlife habitat in Northern Ireland, its extraordinary tidal races through the Strangford Narrows, the 2,000 light-bellied Brent geese overwintering on the lough, the common seal colonies and the extraordinary marine life of the lough making it the finest coastal wildlife site in Ireland. The Strangford ferry crossing takes 8 minutes. Ferry approx 7 pounds per car.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
Castle Ward on the shores of Strangford Lough is the most extraordinary estate in Northern Ireland, its remarkable house split between Classical and Gothic styles by a husband and wife who could not agree on an architectural style, the extraordinary Game of Thrones filming location of Winterfell in its farmyard and the Victorian laundry and corn mill making it the finest National Trust estate in Ireland. Entry approx 14 pounds. The lough views from the tower are extraordinary.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: The Old Schoolhouse Inn, Comber Outstanding breakfast at the finest country inn on the Ards Peninsula. | Lunch: The Cuan, Strangford Outstanding pub lunch in the finest village on the lough shore. Local mussels and Strangford oysters. | Dinner: James Street South, Belfast The finest Belfast return dinner. Outstanding Northern Irish produce tasting menu.
Where To Stay
Bushmills, Night 1 The Bushmills Inn. Approx 120 to 200 GBP per night. Belfast, Night 2 The Merchant Hotel. Approx 120 to 250 GBP per night. Newcastle, Night 3 The Slieve Donard Resort. Approx 100 to 200 GBP per night. Enniskillen, Night 4 The Killyhevlin Hotel. Approx 90 to 160 GBP per night. Strangford or Comber, Night 5 The Old Schoolhouse Inn. Approx 80 to 140 GBP per night.
Top Tips
1. Rathlin Island puffins peak late May to early July. Book the ferry and the RSPB minibus to the West Lighthouse.
2. Marble Arch Caves: book online weeks ahead in summer. The caves are closed after heavy rain.
3. Derry city walls at dawn: the finest light on the Bogside murals is in the morning. Walk the walls before the tour groups.
4. Mount Stewart garden in June: the hydrangeas and southern hemisphere plants at peak are extraordinary.
5. Devenish Island boat: the Trory Point boat runs seasonally. Check with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.
6. Castle Ward Winterfell experience: Game of Thrones fans can dress in costume for the farmyard filming location.
Total Budget
100 to 270 GBP/day