12-Night Northern Ireland Giant’s Causeway Route from Stranraer

Morning — Crossing from Stranraer to Larne

Begin with your booked Stena Line ferry from Stranraer to Larne. For a vehicle, arrive at the Stranraer ferry terminal at least 60–90 minutes before departure; foot passengers should still allow comfortable time for check-in and boarding. The crossing takes roughly two hours, and the ship has cafés, toilets, and indoor seating, so it is an easy way to settle into the trip. On arrival at Larne Harbour, follow signs for the town centre—about 2 miles away—where town-centre parking is generally easier than leaving the car at the port.

Afternoon — Larne Market Yard and local history

After arrival, head to Larne Market Yard in the town centre for an unhurried browse through local stalls and independent traders, allowing around 45 minutes. Opening days and stall numbers can vary, so treat it as a flexible stop rather than planning around a full market. From there, walk to Larne Museum & Arts Centre, a compact local museum where you can spend about an hour learning about the town’s maritime history and the surrounding Antrim coast. Check the day’s opening hours before setting out, as smaller museums often close in the late afternoon; admission is typically free or modestly priced.

Evening — Harbour dinner and sunset

For your first-night meal, settle into Olderfleet Bar & Lounge beside Larne Harbour, where the harbour setting makes a good introduction to the area. Allow about 1½ hours and budget approximately £20–35 per person; booking is sensible if your ferry arrives during the busy dinner period. Finish with a gentle walk along Larne Promenade, heading out from the harbour for around 45 minutes as the light fades. It is a simple, restorative first evening—keep it easy after the crossing, and confirm the next day’s train time only once you know whether you are departing from Larne Town or Larne Harbour station.

Morning

After arriving at Belfast Lanyon Place, walk about 10 minutes into the city centre for breakfast at St George’s Market. It is open on Saturdays roughly 8:00–15:00, and the food stalls are the best reason to come early: expect about £8–15 for a substantial breakfast, coffee, and something sweet. Allow around 90 minutes to browse the produce, crafts, and local-food counters. From the market, Belfast City Hall is an easy 7-minute walk along May Street and Donegall Square; spend 45 minutes admiring the grand interior and gardens. Entry is free, though guided tours and exhibition access may have separate arrangements.

Late Morning and Lunch

Take a taxi or the frequent Metro bus from the centre to Crumlin Road Gaol in North Belfast—allow roughly 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic. Book a timed guided tour in advance; tours generally last about two hours and typically cost around £15–20. The former prison is atmospheric and the tour involves stairs and uneven surfaces, so comfortable shoes are worthwhile. Afterwards, head south by taxi or bus toward the Botanic area for lunch at Maggie Mays Belfast Café. Its generous traditional plates, soda bread, and all-day breakfast make it a good-value stop at approximately £10–18 per person; allow an hour, with a little extra time if there is a queue.

Afternoon and Evening

A short walk along Botanic Avenue brings you to the Ulster Museum, beside Queen’s University Belfast. Admission is free, and two hours gives you a satisfying look at the art, natural-history, and Northern Ireland galleries; check the museum’s current opening hours before setting out, as they can vary. Finish at Botanic Gardens, entering from Stranmillis Road or Botanic Avenue for a relaxed hour among the Victorian Palm House, flowerbeds, and tree-lined paths. Both are free, and the gardens are an easy place to slow down after the gaol and museum. For dinner, stay in the Queen’s Quarter rather than returning to the centre: Molly’s Yard or Deanes at Queens are convenient nearby options, while Botanic Avenue has plenty of casual choices.

Morning — Titanic Quarter

Start in the Titanic Quarter, ideally arriving around 9:30–10:00. From central Belfast, it is roughly a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride; if driving, use the paid car parks around the waterfront rather than trying to park beside the attractions. Allow about 2½ hours for Titanic Belfast—the galleries are much more engaging when you take your time, covering the shipyard, the launch, and the disaster without feeling like a conventional museum. Standard admission is usually around £25–30, and advance timed tickets are sensible for a Sunday. Afterwards, spend an hour aboard SS Nomadic, the beautifully restored tender ship next door; a combined ticket is often available, and the cramped lower decks are especially atmospheric.

Lunch and Afternoon — Cave Hill

For lunch, walk over to Dock Market, a convenient casual option by the waterfront, allowing roughly £10–18 per person. Check the Sunday opening hours before setting out, as individual food traders can vary. After eating, take a taxi—about 15–20 minutes—to Belfast Castle on Cave Hill. The castle grounds and terraces are free to enter, generally open from morning until early evening, while the interior rooms may have limited Sunday access. Give yourself around 1½ hours for the views over Belfast Lough and the city. Continue directly into Cave Hill Country Park for a shorter scenic walk rather than attempting the full circuit: the paths can be muddy, and sturdy shoes are worthwhile. The woodland and lower slopes offer excellent views without turning today into a strenuous hike; allow another 1–1½ hours and keep an eye on daylight and weather.

Evening — Cathedral Quarter

Return by taxi or bus into the Cathedral Quarter, allowing 20–30 minutes depending on traffic, and finish at The Dirty Onion. It is a lively, characterful place for dinner, usually around £20–35 per person, with traditional dishes, local beer, and live music often adding to the atmosphere. Sunday evening schedules can be quieter than Friday or Saturday, so check the music listings and reserve a table if you want to eat at a particular time. After dinner, have an unhurried wander around the nearby cobbled streets and murals, but keep the evening relaxed: tomorrow’s coastal departure will be more enjoyable with an early start.

Morning — Belfast to the Causeway Coast

Pick up your rental car in Belfast and leave around 09:00, taking the A2 Causeway Coastal Route toward Ballycastle. The drive takes roughly 2½–3 hours without stops, but today’s route is designed for a slower pace. Your first stop is Carrickfergus Castle, about 20 minutes from Belfast. This exceptionally well-preserved medieval fortress sits directly beside the harbour; allow around 1½ hours for the great hall, thick defensive walls, and coastal views. It generally opens from about 09:00, with adult admission usually around £7–10; check the official opening times before setting out. Parking is available around the harbour and town centre.

Continue along the A2 for approximately 35 minutes to Carnlough Harbour. Park near the waterfront and take an easy stroll around the small harbour, where the stone quays and surrounding glens make this one of the prettiest pauses on the coast. For lunch, try Harbour Lights Café for soup, sandwiches, and coffee, or The Glencloy Inn if you prefer a more substantial pub meal. Allow about an hour here, remembering that the coastal road is narrow in places and photo stops can easily add time.

Afternoon — Forest and waterfalls

From Carnlough, drive around 15 minutes inland to Glenariff Forest Park. The Waterfall Walk is the best use of your time: a wooded trail with boardwalks, streams, and several cascades, including Ess-na-Laragh and Ess-na-Crub. Allow roughly two hours, and wear shoes with good grip—the paths can be slippery after rain. The park normally has a modest car-parking charge, and facilities at the Glenariff Forest Park visitor area are limited, so bring water and a snack from Carnlough. After the walk, return to the A2 and continue north for around 45–50 minutes to Ballycastle, arriving in the late afternoon for check-in and a little time to settle in.

Evening — Ballycastle

For your first dinner in town, head to The Central Bar in the centre of Ballycastle. It is an unfussy, reliable choice for hearty food and a drink, with mains typically costing about £15–25 and a total of roughly £20–35 per person. After dinner, take a gentle walk along Ann Street and toward the harbour if daylight remains; the town is compact, so there is no need to drive again. Keep the evening relaxed—tomorrow’s coast is best explored early, before the main visitor traffic reaches the major viewpoints.

Morning — Murlough Bay and Fair Head

Leave Bushmills early by car, allowing roughly 30–35 minutes to reach Murlough Bay via Ballycastle and the narrow coastal roads. The final approach is steep and twisting, with limited parking, so arrive around 08:30–09:00 while the bay is quiet. Spend about 1½ hours following the rough paths above the shore; the views toward Rathlin Island and, on a clear day, the Scottish coast are superb. Wear proper shoes—the ground can be muddy, and mobile reception is patchy.

Continue a short drive toward Fair Head, where the cliff-top walk takes around two hours. This is one of the coast’s best quieter viewpoints, with huge basalt cliffs and open views across Ballycastle Bay. There are no cafés or reliable facilities here, so carry water and a small snack. Keep well back from the edges, particularly in windy weather, and allow extra time for the narrow access lanes.

Lunch and Afternoon — Ballycastle and Rathlin Island Ferry

Drive back into Ballycastle for lunch at Morton’s Fish & Chips near the seafront. Expect roughly £10–18 per person, and allow about 45 minutes; takeaway is the traditional choice, with the harbour area a pleasant place to eat if the weather is kind. Check the ferry timetable before setting out, since sailings to Rathlin Island are limited and can change with weather or seasonal schedules. Walk from the harbour to the terminal, arriving at least 20–30 minutes before departure; allow three to four hours overall for the crossing and time on the island. The boat gives a memorable perspective back toward the cliffs, but bring a waterproof layer—the crossing can be breezy even on a bright day.

Evening — Ballycastle Beach

After returning to Ballycastle, take an easy 45-minute walk along Ballycastle Beach, where the broad sandy shore is especially good in the softer evening light. If you still have the car, return to Bushmills afterward via the A2, a straightforward drive of around 20–25 minutes. Keep dinner simple near your accommodation tonight: the ferry and coastal walks make this a full day, and the north coast is much more enjoyable when you leave a little time to wander rather than chase another attraction.

Morning — Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Drive from Bushmills to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge near Ballintoy in about 20 minutes, arriving around 09:00. Book a timed ticket in advance through the National Trust, particularly for September weekends; admission is usually around £15–20 for adults, and the walk from the car park to the bridge takes roughly 15–20 minutes each way. Allow about 1½ hours, including the cliff-top viewpoints. The crossing itself can close in strong winds, so wear shoes with good grip and bring a waterproof layer—the exposed coast is often breezier than Bushmills.

Late Morning and Lunch — Ballintoy Harbour and The Fullerton Arms

Continue a few minutes by car to Ballintoy Harbour, where the small road drops dramatically toward a rocky inlet. Spend about an hour wandering around the slipway and shoreline, taking care on the uneven rocks and checking the tide before getting close to the water. Parking is limited, so avoid blocking turning areas and expect to walk a short distance. For lunch, head to The Fullerton Arms in Ballintoy, a convenient pub stop about five minutes from the harbour. Allow an hour and budget roughly £15–25 per person for hearty portions; booking is sensible if visiting on a weekend. The pub is also useful for a warm drink and a break from the wind.

Afternoon — Whitepark Bay and Dunseverick Castle

After lunch, drive west for around 10 minutes to Whitepark Bay. The beach is reached by a steep lane, and the lower car park can be tight, so leave the car where practical and walk down rather than forcing the descent. Spend about an hour on the sand or along the dune edge; swimming is not recommended unless conditions are clearly safe, as currents can be powerful. Then continue roughly 10 minutes toward Dunseverick Castle. The atmospheric ruins sit beside the coast rather than being a fully preserved castle, so allow 45 minutes for the short walk, sea views, and photographs. Stay on established paths and avoid climbing the unstable masonry.

Evening — Dinner at Bushmills Inn

Return to Bushmills in about 10–15 minutes and leave the car at your accommodation if possible; village parking becomes easier than trying to move between dinner and a drink. Settle in for dinner at Bushmills Inn, one of the coast’s most atmospheric historic pubs, with low-ceilinged rooms, fireside tables, and a good selection of local whiskey and beer. Expect around £25–40 per person for a main course and drinks, and reserve a table ahead if you want to eat at peak time. Keep the evening unhurried—after a windy day on the cliffs, the inn is exactly the sort of place for a slow meal rather than another outing.

Morning

Start in Bushmills at Old Bushmills Distillery, arriving for a morning tour—usually from around 9:30 or 10:00, with exact slots varying by season. Allow about 1½ hours for the guided visit and tasting; tickets are typically around £25–35. Do not drive immediately after the whiskey tasting, so either nominate a driver or keep the tasting modest. From the distillery, it is only a five-minute drive to Dunluce Castle. The ruins open from roughly 9:30, though hours can change, and admission is generally around £6–8. Give yourself 1–1½ hours to follow the paths around the cliff-top remains; the ground is uneven and exposed, so sturdy shoes and a windproof layer are worthwhile.

Lunch

Continue east along the coast to Portrush Harbour, a drive of about 15 minutes. Have a short stroll around the harbour and seafront before lunch at Ramone at Brown’s, a polished but relaxed choice on the Causeway Street side of town. Book ahead if possible, particularly for a Friday, and allow about 1½ hours; expect roughly £25–45 per person for mains and a drink. The menu changes with the catch and season, but local seafood and carefully prepared seasonal dishes are the reason to come. If you arrive early, leave the car in one of the town-centre paid car parks rather than trying to find a space directly beside the harbour.

Afternoon and evening

After lunch, drive west for around 20 minutes to Downhill Demesne and Mussenden Temple near Castlerock. Allow about two hours for the estate paths, ruined house, and clifftop walk to the temple; admission is generally around £6–8, with National Trust opening times often extending into late afternoon in September. Keep an eye on the time and weather—the cliffs are beautifully exposed but can be slippery in wind or rain. From the estate, join the A2 toward Derry–Londonderry; the drive is approximately one hour, with the final approach becoming more urban. Arrive for your evening check-in, refuel before returning the car if required, and use a sat-nav rather than relying on coastal-road signage after dark.

Morning

Start with Derry Walls, entering near Shipquay Gate and walking the complete 1.5-mile circuit in a clockwise direction. Allow about 1½ hours, taking your time at the bastions for views across the Bogside, Guildhall Square, and the River Foyle. The walkway is free and generally accessible, though there are steps and uneven stone sections; go early for a quieter circuit and wear shoes with decent grip.

Continue into the historic centre for the Tower Museum, a short walk from the walls. Its archaeology galleries and maritime exhibition—particularly the story of the Spanish Armada wreck—make this a good, compact introduction to the city. Allow around 1½ hours; admission is usually about £4–7, with opening commonly from 10:00, though check the official schedule before setting out. If you want coffee beforehand, Café del Mondo on Shipquay Street is a handy central stop.

Lunch and Afternoon

Have lunch at The Ledger Restaurant in the Craft Village, where the restored 18th-century-style buildings make an atmospheric break from sightseeing. Expect roughly £15–30 per person for lunch; booking is sensible if visiting at the weekend. Afterward, walk down toward Guildhall Square for Guildhall. The building’s red-brick exterior, ornate interior, and exceptional stained-glass windows are worth seeing, and entry is normally free. Allow about an hour, but check the opening hours because civic events can occasionally restrict access.

Late afternoon is the right time for the Museum of Free Derry in the Bogside. It is a focused, emotionally demanding visit explaining the civil-rights movement, Bloody Sunday, and the community’s experience of the conflict. Allow around 1½ hours and expect admission to cost approximately £6–9. From Guildhall Square, it is about a 15-minute walk; alternatively, take a short taxi if the weather is wet. Leave some quiet time afterward—the museum is best approached without rushing straight into dinner.

Evening

Finish on Waterloo Street at Peader O’Donnell’s, one of the city’s most atmospheric traditional pubs. It is a good place for a straightforward dinner—allow about £15–30 per person—and often has live traditional music, though timings vary by night. Arrive around 18:30–19:00 for a better chance of finding a table before the pub fills. The historic centre is compact, so you can walk there from the Bogside in roughly 15 minutes; taxis are inexpensive if you would rather avoid the uphill streets.

Morning

Start at the Peace Bridge, ideally around 09:00, when the riverfront is quiet and the light is good across theRiver Foyle. Allow about 45 minutes to cross and return; the broad, curved structure links the city centre with the Waterside and is especially pleasant before the day’s cafés and shops get busy. From the eastern end, continue onto the River Foyle walking and cycling trail for roughly 1½ hours. This is a calmer side of Derry**, with open river views and benches where you can pause. Wear comfortable shoes and check the forecast—there is little shelter along some stretches. If you prefer not to walk the full distance, simply turn back whenever the riverside begins to feel repetitive.

Lunch and Afternoon

Return toward the centre for lunch at the Bishop’s Gate Hotel restaurant in the Cathedral Quarter. It is a good choice for a proper sit-down meal in a historic setting; allow about an hour and budget approximately £20–35 per person. Booking is sensible for a weekend, particularly if you want a later lunch. Afterwards, make your way into the walled city to St Columb’s Cathedral, allowing around an hour to explore the church and its collection. Check the day’s visiting hours before setting out, as services and private events can affect access; modest dress and quiet voices are appreciated. Finish the afternoon at the Craft Village, a compact collection of reconstructed Georgian-style lanes just inside the City Walls. Give yourself about an hour to browse its small independent shops and cafés, but treat it as a relaxed wander rather than a major shopping stop.

Evening

For dinner, head to Legenderry Food House in the city centre, where the varied menu makes it easy to keep things casual after a full day on foot. Expect roughly £15–25 per person and allow an hour, though an early dinner is wise if you want a quieter table. Afterwards, take an unhurried walk back through the illuminated central streets; Derry is particularly atmospheric after dark, with the walls and riverfront providing an easy final stroll without committing to another organised attraction.

Morning — Derry to Slemish Mountain

Leave Derry after breakfast, ideally by 08:30, for the A6 toward Belfast, allowing around 1½–2 hours to reach Slemish Mountain near Broughshane. The final roads are rural, and the small car park can fill on good-weather days. The climb is short but surprisingly steep—allow 1½–2 hours for the ascent, descent, and views across the Antrim countryside. Wear proper footwear, especially after rain, and bring water; there are no facilities on the hill. The summit is associated with Saint Patrick, who tradition says tended sheep here as a young man.

Lunch and Afternoon — Antrim town

Continue roughly 25 minutes by car to The Bank in Antrim town for lunch. This relaxed pub is a convenient stop before the afternoon walk; expect about £15–25 per person for a main course and drink, with service generally running from late morning into the afternoon. After lunch, drive or walk a short distance to Antrim Castle Gardens, where formal planting, woodland paths, and the Six Mile Water riverside make for an easy 1½-hour stroll. The gardens are usually open during daylight hours, with seasonal closing times and occasional event restrictions, so check the council website before setting out. Entry is generally free, and the riverside section is particularly peaceful after the lunch period.

Late Afternoon and Evening — Belfast Cathedral Quarter

Allow about 35–45 minutes from Antrim to central Belfast, depending on traffic, and return the rental car if it is due back today; city-centre parking is inconvenient, so use a nearby multi-storey car park rather than attempting to leave the vehicle on narrow streets. Spend the late afternoon wandering the Cathedral Quarter, taking in its cobbled lanes, murals, old warehouses, and historic architecture around Commercial Court and Hill Street. Finish at Coppi for Italian-inspired small plates, pasta, and a lively dinner—reserve ahead if possible, particularly for a Sunday evening, and budget around £25–40 per person. Afterward, the compact quarter is easy to explore on foot, though return to your accommodation by taxi if you are staying outside the centre.

Morning — Whitehead’s railway and coast

If you are travelling from Belfast, take an early Translink train from Lanyon Place toward Whitehead—the journey is about 35–45 minutes, depending on the service. A taxi is the simplest way to connect from Whitehead station to the harbour area, especially with luggage; otherwise, it is roughly a 15-minute walk. Begin at the Whitehead Railway Museum, allowing about 1½ hours for its compact but absorbing collection of locomotives, carriages, photographs, and local railway memorabilia. Opening times can vary by day, so check ahead; admission is generally around £5–8.

From the museum, walk down through Whitehead toward the Whitehead Coastal Path, an easy, breezy stretch along Belfast Lough with views across the water toward County Down. Allow an hour and wear shoes with decent grip—the surface is manageable, but the coast can be exposed and slippery after rain. For lunch, settle at The Lighthouse Bistro near the seafront, where soups, sandwiches, seafood, and café staples usually run about £12–22 per person. It is worth eating properly here before the longer afternoon walk; takeaway options can be limited outside the main village.

Afternoon — Blackhead and the Gobbins

Continue on the Blackhead Path, following the headland toward Blackhead Lighthouse and the surrounding cliffs. The full outing takes around 1½ hours at an easy pace, with several good viewpoints back over Whitehead and along the lough. Keep an eye on the time: the Gobbins Cliff Path at Islandmagee is a guided, timed experience rather than a walk you can simply join on arrival. Pre-book your slot, allow roughly 20–25 minutes by car or taxi from Whitehead, and arrive early for check-in. The cliff path takes about 2½ hours, involves steep steps, narrow sections, and uneven ground, and may close in poor weather; sturdy footwear and a waterproof jacket are essential. Tickets are commonly around £20–30, with seasonal times changing.

Evening — Dinner in Larne

After The Gobbins, return by taxi or car to Larne, allowing roughly 20 minutes depending on traffic, and check in before dinner. Finish at The Olderfleet around Larne Harbour, a relaxed choice for local seafood, burgers, steaks, and good pub food; budget approximately £20–35 per person. If you are relying on public transport, arrange the Islandmagee–Larne taxi in advance rather than assuming one will be waiting after the cliff walk.

Morning — Larne Market and Carnfunnock Country Park

Begin at Larne Market in the town centre, allowing about an hour to browse local produce, crafts, clothing, and the everyday bustle of the town. Market days and stall hours can vary, so check locally or with your accommodation before setting out; go early for the best food selection. From the centre, Carnfunnock Country Park is around 10 minutes by car. Spend a relaxed couple of hours walking through the landscaped grounds and woodland, with views towards Belfast Lough. The park has ample parking and is a good final outing without committing to a strenuous hike; admission and parking arrangements vary seasonally, so carry a card and some cash.

Lunch — The Coach House Bistro

Have lunch at The Coach House Bistro near Carnfunnock Country Park, a convenient choice before continuing around the peninsula. Allow about an hour and budget approximately £15–25 per person for a main course and drink. Check opening hours and reserve if visiting at the weekend, as local dining options around the park are limited and service can be busiest around midday.

Afternoon — Portmuck Harbour and Brown’s Bay Beach

Drive across Islandmagee to Portmuck Harbour, roughly 30–35 minutes from Carnfunnock depending on traffic and the narrow rural roads. This is a small, quiet place rather than a full attraction: take an hour to enjoy the harbour, cliffs, fishing boats, and open-water views. Continue around 15 minutes to Brown’s Bay Beach, where a gentle stroll makes a fitting final look at the Antrim coast. The beach is exposed, so bring a waterproof layer even if Larne feels calm; parking is limited, and the access road is narrow.

Evening — Larne Harbour promenade

Return to Larne for a simple evening walk along the Larne Harbour promenade, allowing about 45 minutes around sunset. It is close to tomorrow’s ferry terminal, making this a useful chance to confirm your sailing time, check vehicle or passenger booking details, and identify the correct approach road without morning pressure. Have dinner in town or near your accommodation rather than travelling far: the ferry check-in area is practical but not somewhere to rely on for a relaxed meal. Keep your passport, booking confirmation, and any required travel documents ready tonight, and allow at least 60–90 minutes before tomorrow’s scheduled departure for terminal check-in.

Morning — Larne–Stranraer Stena Line ferry

Have your vehicle and travel documents ready before leaving Larne for the Stena Line Larne Harbour terminal. Follow the sailing-specific check-in instruction on your ticket—vehicle passengers are commonly advised to arrive around 60–90 minutes before departure, and busy sailings can justify allowing closer to two hours. The crossing to Stranraer takes roughly two hours, though build in extra time for vehicle loading and disembarkation. On board, settle in with a light breakfast or coffee, and keep a jacket handy: the deck can be noticeably cooler even in September.

Arrival and onward travel

After docking at Cairnryan, the ferry port serving Stranraer, allow time to leave the terminal and follow the A751/A77 toward Stranraer. If you have time before continuing, Stranraer is best treated as a brief practical stop rather than a major sightseeing day: refuel, stretch your legs, and pick up provisions in town. Ferry traffic can make the A77 busier just after arrivals, so avoid committing to a tight onward connection. Check your final sailing or transport arrangements before disembarking, and keep your booking confirmation accessible in case staff direct vehicles into different lanes.