Begin your trip in Northern Ireland's capital city of Belfast, where you'll find a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of interesting sights. Take a walking tour of the city center, including the historic St. George's Market, City Hall, and the Linen Quarter. Make sure to visit the Titanic Belfast Museum to learn about Belfast's shipbuilding heritage and infamous Titanic disaster. End the day with a pub crawl in the lively Cathedral Quarter.
Explore Northern Ireland's stunning coastline with a scenic drive along the Antrim Coast. Make sure to stop at the famous Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. Other highlights include the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the charming seaside town of Portrush.
Visit Northern Ireland's second-largest city, Derry/Londonderry. Take a guided walking tour of the historic city walls, which date back to the 17th century. Other sights include the Free Derry Museum, St. Columb's Cathedral, and the Bogside murals, which depict the city's political and social history.
Head out to Northern Ireland's rugged Sperrin Mountains for a day of hiking and stunning views. Visit Beaghmore Stone Circles, an impressive prehistoric monument featuring 7 stone circles and several cairns. End the day with a visit to the Ulster American Folk Park, an open-air museum dedicated to the Irish immigration to America in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Cross the border into Ireland to visit the scenic county of Donegal. Highlights include Glenveagh National Park, with its vast wilderness areas and stunning castle, and Slieve League, one of the tallest marine cliffs in Europe. Drive along the rugged coast and enjoy the charming towns of Killybegs and Dunfanaghy.
Visit the charming town of Enniskillen, located in the heart of Northern Ireland's picturesque Fermanagh Lakelands. Take a boat tour of the lovely Devenish Island, with its ancient monastic site and picturesque views. Other highlights include Enniskillen Castle, the Marble Arch Caves, and the Belleek Pottery Factory.
Visit the historic city of Armagh, known as the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland. Explore the ancient St. Patrick's Cathedral and the nearby Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. Don't miss the Navan Centre and Fort, a fascinating archaeological site and museum exploring the myth and legend of ancient Ireland.
Explore Northern Ireland's beautiful Mourne Mountains, a range of impressive peaks and valleys with excellent hiking trails. Make sure to visit Tollymore Forest Park, with its extensive forests and rivers, and the charming seaside town of Newcastle. Don't miss the Castlewellan Forest Park, with its stunning castle and panoramic views of the Irish Sea.
Visit Northern Ireland's largest sea lough, Strangford Lough, for a day of wildlife spotting and water activities. Take a boat tour of the lough to see its wide variety of seabirds, seals, and porpoises. Other highlights include Castle Ward, a beautiful castle and estate, and Exploris Aquarium, which showcases the marine life of the area.
Take a ferry to Rathlin Island, a quiet and beautiful island just off the coast of Northern Ireland. Highlights include the Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre, which offers stunning views of the sea and the island's birdlife, and Kebble National Reserve, with its unique flora and fauna. End the day with locally caught seafood at one of the island's cozy seafood restaurants.
Visit the charming town of Holywood, located on the outskirts of Belfast. Take a stroll through the town's narrow streets and quaint shops, and don't miss the impressive Culloden Estate and Spa, with its beautiful gardens and excellent spa services. Other highlights include the Ulster Folk Museum, which offers insight into Northern Ireland's rural history, and the historic Ormeau Park.
Visit the small town of Armoy, located on the banks of the River Bush. Make sure to visit the famous Dark Hedges, a scenic avenue of beech trees that has been featured in many films and TV shows, including Game of Thrones. Other highlights include the Gracehill Golf Course, with its beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, and the charming town of Ballycastle.
Explore the town of Strabane, located on the banks of the River Foyle. Make sure to visit the beautiful Glenelly Valley, with its impressive Dowth Stone Circle and scenic hiking trails. Other highlights include the Creggan Country Park, with its excellent outdoor activities for all ages, and the historic Ballyskeagh Farmhouse, which offers a glimpse into traditional rural life in Northern Ireland.
Depart Northern Ireland from Belfast City Airport.
Total Estimated Costs: £106.5
Consider renting a car during your Northern Ireland trip. Public transportation is not very extensive and car rentals are relatively affordable. Keep in mind that Northern Ireland uses the British pound (£) as its currency, not the euro. Expect to pay around £70-£100 per day for a rental car, depending on the time of year and the car model. You can also take guided tours to some destinations by various tour companies, provided in a cost of around £40-£60 per person for the whole day trip.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the city of Newry, the charming town of Newcastle, and the stunning Tollymore Forest Park. If you have less time, you can shorten your itinerary by skipping some of the less essential stops. Consider flying into Belfast International Airport to save time on transportation.
Belfast City Airport (BHD) is located just three miles from Belfast city center. Daily flights from major UK and Irish cities are available, with occasional flights to other European cities. Belfast International Airport (BFS) is located about 20 miles northwest of Belfast city center. It offers daily flights to major UK and Irish cities, as well as limited flights to other European destinations.