Start the day in Worthing with a relaxed breakfast at The Little Fish Market Café, then collect your luggage and drive north toward the Portsmouth ferry terminal, allowing time for scenic stops at Arundel Castle for a quick stroll in the grounds and photos. Aim to board an early afternoon ferry or connect to a short flight from Gatwick Airport, keeping the morning unhurried so you arrive at the port/airport with time to spare and a calm start to your journey to Belfast.
After boarding and settling into your crossing or flight, take time mid-afternoon to stretch your legs with a short detour to Southsea Common for sea air and views if your route passes Portsmouth, or, upon arrival in Belfast later today, plan a gentle first walk through Customs House Square to get a feel for the city and enjoy coffee at No Alibi while you check maps and timings for evening plans. Finish the afternoon with a relaxed drive to your Belfast accommodation, stopping briefly at Cave Hill Country Park for panoramic city-and-harbour views if daylight allows, setting you up for an easy first evening in Northern Ireland.
After settling into your Belfast hotel, take a short, relaxed stroll to St George's Market (if still open) or enjoy the evening atmosphere around Linenhall Street, sampling local flavors at Mourne Seafood & Wine for a fresh seafood-focused dinner. Finish the night with a pint and live music at The Duke of York, where friendly locals and traditional tunes make for a warm introduction to Northern Irish nightlife before an early night to recover from travel.
Begin with a hearty Ulster fry at Stella's Cafe before heading to the atmospheric Titanic Belfast for an immersive morning exploring the shipyard story and interactive galleries; allow time for the top-deck views and the slipways outside. Afterward wander through the nearby SS Nomadic and finish the morning with a reflective walk and panoramic photos from Clarence Place along the River Lagan, keeping the pace gentle after yesterday's travel while positioning you for an afternoon of city-centre sights.
Head into the heart of the city for a guided walking tour of the murals and political history in the Falls Road and Shankill Road areas, pausing to learn local stories from a knowledgeable guide and photograph striking street art. Later, warm up with a tasting flight and behind-the-scenes tour at Boundary Brewing Cooperative, then stroll through the elegant squares around Queen's University Belfast to soak in Victorian architecture and student buzz before returning to your hotel for a short rest ahead of evening plans.
As twilight falls, wander the regenerated waterfront at Cathedral Quarter, pausing for a pre-dinner drink at the cozy, book-lined The Spaniard before your meal. Dine on modern Irish cuisine at Howard Street Restaurant, then finish the night with contemporary live music or a DJ set at McHugh's Basement, where small-venue energy and local artists offer a lively, authentic Belfast evening.
Leave Belfast after breakfast and head south along the scenic A2, stopping first at Carrickfergus Castle for a brisk self-guided exploration of the medieval keep and foreshore views, then continue to the dramatic coastal village of Murlough Bay for a short cliff-top walk and photo stop. Mid-morning, detour through Cushendun to stroll the harbour and pick up locally baked scones at a seaside café before rejoining the route toward the Antrim coast en route to Dublin.
After a coastal morning, pause mid-afternoon in Glenarm for a leisurely walk through the walled Glenarm Castle gardens and a late coffee at the castle tearoom while soaking up sea views. Continue down the coast with a refresh stop in Cultra to visit the intimate Ulster Folk Museum for a quick cultural dive, then cross into County Louth and stretch your legs with a shoreline stroll at Dundalk Bay before resuming the drive to Dublin.
As night falls, arrive in the charming seaside town of Wicklow Harbour for a sunset stroll along the strand and a relaxed seafood dinner at The Harbour Fish Café, where locally caught fish and cozy harbour views set a mellow tone. After dinner, drive into Dublin and unwind with a post-arrival nightcap at The Long Hall, an atmospheric Victorian pub near your accommodation, soaking up warm wood interiors and easy conversation before turning in.
Begin with coffee and a pastry at Two Pups Coffee before a contemplative morning at the academic National Gallery of Ireland, where you can admire Rembrandt and Irish portraiture on quiet galleries; allow time for the sculpture garden and a guided spotlight tour if available. From there, wander the elegant crescents of Merrion Square, pause to photograph the Oscar Wilde memorial and Georgian doors, then join a short themed walking tour focused on Dublin's literary history that finishes with a mid-morning tea at the historic Russell Court Hotel.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the literary and craft scene: begin with a guided tour and tasting at Teelings Whiskey Distillery to learn modern Dublin distilling techniques, then browse independent bookshops and vintage finds around Fitzwilliam Square. Finish with a late-afternoon coffee and people-watching at the leafy terrace of The Cake Café before an easy return to your hotel to freshen up for the evening.
As twilight deepens, take a leisurely stroll through the cobbled lanes of the Temple Bar area, pausing to browse artisan stalls and street musicians, then enjoy a modern Irish dinner at The Winding Stair overlooking the River Liffey for seasonal produce and hearty stews. After dinner, catch a traditional music session at O'Donoghue's for an authentic live-house atmosphere, or opt for a cocktail at the intimate speakeasy Peruke & Periwig to end the night in style.
Start the final morning with a relaxed breakfast at Queen of Tarts before a last cultural stop at the tranquil Marsh's Library for a brief, atmospheric wander among centuries-old books and oak stacks. Leave Dublin mid-morning, taking the M7/A34 route south with a scenic coffee and coast-view pause at Greystones Harbour to stretch your legs and enjoy fresh sea air before continuing toward your ferry or flight connection back to Worthing.
Mid-afternoon, pause the drive for a restorative seaside stop at Bray Seafront, wander the promenade and ride the cliff path up to Bray Head for sweeping views and fresh air, then refuel with fish and chips at Ella's Café on the harbour. Continue south toward the ferry/airport with a final scenic detour through South Downs National Park for a short picnic among rolling chalk downland near Cissbury Ring, giving one last English countryside memory before boarding your evening crossing or flight back to Worthing.
After boarding your evening crossing or checking in for the flight, unwind with a sunset stroll around Howth Harbour (if your schedule allows a quick coastal detour before departure) to watch fishing boats and enjoy oysters from Aqua Restaurant & Oyster Bar for a taste of fresh Irish seafood. If you're already airside or aboard, settle into a relaxed meal and live piano at The Pigeon House near Dublin Port before your journey home, then finish with a calm last nightcap at The Bailey Bar to toast the trip and plan your next return to these shores.