northern ireland highlights day trip
Weve listed some of these options below. Finally, there are multiple tours that run from Belfast (and Dublin) to the Giants Causeway. The route boasts stunning views out over the Irish Sea and frequent opportunities to see view the coast of Scotland off on the horizon! 13 day tour; Highlights of Italy & Switzerland - 13 day tour; The Best of Northern Italy (Starts Rome) - 13 day tour . Some of our favorite spots w", Traveled to Ireland as a family in September, 2022, "Dingle was my favorite place except for the customer service at our hotel. See an old-growth forest, medieval ruins, landmarks like Inch Abbey, and go for a scenic ferry ride on Strangford Lough. During a previous trip they spent only a few days there but this time had two full weeks to explore. Scenic day tour to rugged Donegal. Safe travels! Whether you want to travel back in history atDublin Castleor look into the future with a visit to the modern Spire of Dublin, you're sure to find plenty to do in this global city. From Belfast to Londonderry its around a 70 mile drive on good roads, which averages between 90 minutes and 2 hours, depending on road traffic. Your second overnight stop is in Letterkenny, where you can spend the evening at your leisure. Finding the Universe contains affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Lough Neagh is the largest lake by area in the British Isles. After you get back on the road, you can head toward Ballina, which is also a great stop for lunch. With your1- or 2-day pass, create your own adventure with possible stops at wall murals in Falls and Crumlin Roads, St George's Market, Titanic Dock, and Albert Clock. They started in the volcanic Westman Islands, home to a massive volcano eruption in 1973 and then managed to travel and meet lots of . . The city of Derry, officially known as Londonderry, is the second largest city in Northern Ireland after Belfast. )Continue, As the whole world is now well aware, Britain has voted to secede from the European Union and Europe has gone into a frenzy. We stayed mostly near the coast and had an amazing time! Weve done the research for you, and below are some of our preferred options for where to stay in Belfast. Today you will travel back to Dublin, where you will return your car rental to the airport and bid farewell to the Emerald Isle. Doolin was the best for service. Wild Rover Tours: Scenic ride knowledge guide - See 17,659 traveller reviews, 5,781 candid photos, and great deals for Dublin, Ireland, at Tripadvisor. Visit the mysterious Dark Hedges, a film location for hit TV show Game of Thrones. Cruise up the coast in a comfortable smaller-sized coach, enjoying the rugged coastline, and then experiencing the Giants Causeway before making pitstops atDunluce castle, Carrick-a- Rede rope bridge and lunch in the village ofBallycastle. Tourism Ireland highlights North-West in Glasgow https://lnkd.in/e64K_WVT via ITTN, Ireland's Travel Trade Network You can see more on the official website here. Following a short onward transfer, you'll arrive at the UNESCO heritage site and world-famous attraction that is the Giant's Causeway. This links 15 sites associated with the saint together into a manageable driving route. A Irlanda do Norte muito bonita e este passeio deix-los com muita vontade de ver mais! A short onward drive will take you as far as Derry city a place, which plays a key role in Irish history. There are filming locations both south and north of the city, and it would take at least a couple of days to explore them all. The hill is located in Cave Hill Country Park, which also features a playground for kids. This, in fact, is why it is called the Giants Causeway. 10. Rathlin can only be accessed by ferry, with ferries running from Ballycastle. Want to keep up to date with us and our latest travel tips? The hotel features 180 traditionally decorated rooms, spa facilities, and is in close proximity to one of the best golf courses in the country. For each one, weve gone through the options you have. Its a National Trust property, so National Trust members get free access. Take in landmarks including Antrim Coastal Road, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and 'Game of Thrones' filming locations, including the Dark Hedges plus much more. Explore one of Northern Irelands most famous natural treasures on this guided tour of Giants Causeway from Belfast. Click here to see our current giveaway and enter! On your 30-miles (50 km) journey through the County Donegal mountains, you'll see picturesque lakes, wild glens and woods, a large herd of red deer, and the 19th-century Glenveagh Castle. This may be Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland, more National Trust sites, or just some general sightseeing. Hopefully you found this post useful. The walk itself is not too far, but it involves a series of bridges, steps and cliff-hugging paths that afford wonderful views of the coastline, sea life, and birdlife. From the best in culture, nature and history, these are the top ten things to do in Northern Ireland! Request Pricing Or call us (+353) 89 969 5499 Your journey at a glance This Elegant Irish four-day Northern Ireland tour combines the famous highlights of the region (Belfast, the Giants Causeway), with hidden treasures and the 'off-the-beaten-track' beauty of counties such as Donegal and Meath. Plan a trip to Northern Ireland. Hillsborough Castle is in the town of Hillsborough, which is around 13 miles southwest of Belfast. Today you will travel the stunning Antrim Coastline. While booking flights can seem straight-forward, there are often hidden fees or classes of service that do not include seat assignments, meals or checked bags. Discover Dublin at your own pace or join a comprehensive walking tour to visit the highlights. We use and trust Visitors Coverage, which weve used for the past 8 years. Others, such as Castle Ward, offer full Game of Thrones experiences like archery lessons. Excellent trip! Read more: How to Spend a Layover in Dublin, Ireland . It is located on the top of sheer-sided cliffs 100 feet above the ocean. To do this, we store your data as outlined in our privacy policy. While it may be a small region, what Northern Ireland lacks in size it certainly makes up for in, well, everything else. When your cruise ship docks in Belfast, enjoy this exciting shore excursion to the Giants Causeway. There are many 'Game of Thrones' tours available, but this one has the appeal of being led by guides who have appeared in the show as extras. In the midst of beautiful landscapes, marvel at the historic Celtic crosses and round tower, as your guide takes you through a brief history of the site. This small island is found off the north coast of Northern Ireland, and can be accessed by a ferry service which operates regularly from Ballycastle. Your first vacation quote, and up to two revisions, for trips of 9 or fewer days, and 45 days in advance of travel, are complimentary. When picking a tour, we suggest finding one that visits a number of sights that you are interested in. Visit Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge on our highlights of Northern Ireland day tour. These are some of our favourite day trips from Belfast, although of course its not a definitive list. As well as the Giants Causeway, other highlights include Dunluce Castle, the Antrim Coast Road, and Portaneevy viewpoint. The trip also showcases key Belfast sitesincluding the Peace Wall and Belfast Castle. We had such a wonderful time. This driving route features many highlights - certainly too many to do in one day, even driving yourself. Christy Woodrow is a travel photographer and professional blogger based in South Lake Tahoe, California. Discover the story of the Titanic with an immersive experience at the Titanic Museum, marvel at the wild and beautiful Giants Causeway, and walk through the centuries-old Dark Hedges. The Peace Bridge is one symbol of the city trying to repair these divides. Then make your way to your overnight stay in the colorful town of Westport. A bit of a challenge, yes, but the rewards for those who reach the 850-metre (2,789-foot) summit make it well worth it. From 1924 until 1973 the house served as the official residence for the Governor of Northern Ireland. In fact, the main decision you will likely have to make as a Game of Thrones fan visiting Northern Ireland is which direction to go from Belfast. Plus, if you like to eat breakfast on the go, they offer daily Grub to Go bags filled with yogurt, granola, and fruit. Theres an excellent guide to the Saint Patricks trail in Northern Ireland here, which also has a good map you can use to find all the key locations. Tourism Ireland highlights North-West in Glasgow https://lnkd.in/e_C_R-k6 via ITTN, Ireland's Travel Trade Network Oh, and if you get a chance, definitely try out some of their whiskey jelly its so unique and delicious! Travel Insurance:We never travel without a travel insurance policy because its not worth the risk! Legend however tells a different story that the ancient Celtic warrior Finn McCool constructed the causeway as a battleground for his encounter with Scottish giant Bennandonner! Depart Belfast for a full-day tour of Northern Ireland's spectacular Antrim Coast and the Giant's Causeway. Decide whether or not you're brave enough to cross this old rope-tied bridge no need to worry though if a fear of heights gets the better of you the views from both sides are incredible! Right on the waterfront in Belfast, the Titanic Quarter features film studios, historical landmarks, an entertainment district and, of course, Titanic Belfast. Which account will you believe..? For example, theres this walking tour, and this private tour of the walled city. The Causeway Coastal Route is primarily a driving route, and so the best way to experience it is in a hire car. Today, you'll pick up your car and start your road trip. Driving Tour of Ireland and Northern Ireland Day 1: Celtic ruins west of Dublin Arriving in Dublin, we immediately rented a car to head around Dublin on the M50 beltway and then the R115 (the Old Military Road) up over Sally Gap and into the Wicklow Mountains in the direction of Kilkenny. A stop for lunch (at own expense) in Ballycastle, the hometown of a few of the actors from the series, is included. THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Dublin (UPDATED 2023) - Tripadvisor Dublin Hotels Things to Do Restaurants Flights Holiday Rentals Travel Stories Cruises Car Hire Europe Ireland Province of Leinster County Dublin Dublin Things to do in Dublin Day Trips in Dublin THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Dublin Day Trips from Dublin The Mourne Wall, which connects 15 of the 28 . 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When Benandonner saw this, he ripped up the path and left behind what is now Giants Causeway. This is also a top photography spot, so be sure to bring your camera! 11. Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip. This also makes you eligible to enter our monthly giveaways! Wed also recommend that the lake is probably best visited by car, so you can explore at your leisure. These vary in length, as well as the other attractions they visit. Set in the mountains in County Donegal, it's filled with picturesque lakes, glens, and forests home to large numbers of red deer. During busier months, a park and ride service operates. Search experiences that may have limited interaction with crowds. Note that weve not been able to find a guided tour from Belfast which includes the Gobbins, so you will need to drive or take public transit. Sign up to get insider tips and travel guides delivered right to your inbox! Enjoy ample time to wander around the Causeway, taking in wonderful views and salty sea air. We would perhaps suggest picking a few highlights that you want to visit along the route and seeing if its possible to visit them with public transport. Youll need to choose the ones of most interest to you as there are two many to visit them all in one day. Visit Old Castle Ward, location of the Winterfell Castle from season 1. Here, you'll also need to pick up the bikes you'll take on the rest of your adventure. When we returned the car, we tho", Traveled to Ireland as a couple in August, 2022, "We spent nine days in Ireland with everything planned and booked by Austin. You can also walk atop the walls for nice views of the surrounding area, they are free to access and the whole route is a mile in length. You are probably wondering first of all what the Gobbins is. Wild Rover Tours: Great day - See 17,676 traveller reviews, 5,786 candid photos, and great deals for Dublin, Ireland, at Tripadvisor. See train and bus times here. Then continue onto Letterkenny, where you'll spend the night. We had adequate stops, good narration & humor, and a fun time! O guia foi super simptico e o carro era bastante confortvel. Read More 6 to 8 hours Hotel pickup offered Instant Confirmation from US$ 281.31 Details Lough Neagh being a large body of water, its also possible to partake in water-based activities, including boat tours, kayaking, and fishing. With many different tours to choose from including a Giants Causeway Spectacular Tour, a Mussenden Temple Experience, and a LegenDerry adventure, taking a tour will simultaneously give you a history lesson and some cant-be-beat views. Your email address will not be published. Teachers, junior doctors, regional BBC journalists, university lecturers, civil servants and London Underground drivers all walked out. Crumlin Road Gaol, Co. Antrim - one of our favourite things to do in Northern Ireland 6. Not only is a climb to the top of Cave Hill a great way to get unparalleled views of Belfast, but its also awesome for exploring the five caves located on the cliffs, checking out Belfast Castle, and discovering interesting archaeological sites. After traveling consistently for over 10 years, weve come to trust and rely on a few websites to help us find the best deals on flights and accommodation. The tour finishes up with a mesmerizing tour of the world heritage site of Bru Na Boinne, in Co. Meath which dates back to as early as the 35th century BC. Belfast is home to some really great street art; many pieces with cultural and political references. Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. Glenoe Waterfall, Co. Antrim - Ireland's most beautiful waterfall 5. The best way to arrive in Northern Ireland for your week-long vacation is to fly directly into Belfast International Airport. The reserve is operated by the RSPB, and is open to visitors from April through to September. The bus to and from the Causeway from the visitor centre also has a small fee, which is also waived for National Trust members. This castle, found around 30 minutes drive south of Belfast, is the official residence in Northern Ireland of the British monarch, as well as the residence for the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Board your air-conditioned coach in the morning, and leave the city behind. There are good transport links across the region, and the majority of companies operating day tours in Northern Ireland depart from Belfast. However, there are a great many more filming locations all around Northern Ireland, from Castle Ward and Inch Abbey in the south, through to Ballintoy Harbour, the Dark Hedges, and Larrybane Quarry in the north. 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Save your favorites. Access to the Giants Causeway itself is free, and it is open year round. Swap crowded buses for a more intimate and personalized way of exploring Belfasta private taxi tour. Home to a dramatic coast, medieval castles, green landscapes, Celtic structures, friendly people, and varied history, Northern Ireland has a ton to discover and experience. With a day of incredible sightseeing coming to a close, enjoy your stop for the evening here in Donegal.