day tours from belfast ireland

15 Mighty Day Trips from Belfast (Self-Guided + Organised Day Tours)

By Author Elisha Donkin

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

If you’re in search of some incredible day trips from Belfast, you’ve landed in the right place.

Belfast is a handy city to use as a base for exploring many of the best things to do in Northern Ireland .

The vibrant capital is perfectly located to explore everywhere from the glorious Causeway Coastal Route and the Glens of Antrim to  plenty  of mountains and colourful coastal villages.

In the guide below, you’ll find everything from adventurous day trips from Belfast to organised day tours from Belfast for those of you without a car.

Table of Contents

Day trips from Belfast (under 35 minutes from the city)

The first section of our guide tackles Belfast day trips that are just over a 30-minute drive from the city centre.

Below, you’ll find everything from the Causeway Coastal Route and Lisburn to Lough Neagh and much, much more.

1. The Causeway Coastal Route

Photo left: Lyd Photography. Right: Puripat Lertpunyaroj (Shutterstock)

A road trip along the Causeway Coastal Route is definitely one of the best things to do in County Antrim . It’s often ranked as one of the best drives in the world, so you know that it’ll be non-stop rugged beauty and incredible views along the stunning coastline of Northern Ireland.

The route can be tackled over one long day, although it’s best if you have a couple of days or even a week. The 313km long road trip starts in Belfast City and ends in Derry, heading through the nine Glens of Antrim .

There’s so much to see along the way from historic castles to small towns, that you really do get to see the best that the county has to offer.

2. The Gobbins Cliff Path

Photos by Cushla Monk + Paul Vance (shutterstock.com)

The Gobbins is arguably one of the most unique day trips from Belfast. If you’re up for more stunning scenery, you can try this incredibly dramatic cliff walk just 35 minutes away from Belfast.

It’s surprisingly often missed by people touring the Causeway Coastal Route but should definitely be added to your list if you’re looking for a thrill.

The Gobbins Cliff Path is a 2.5 hour guided walk along a narrow path that literally wraps its way around some of the cliffs around the coast of Antrim. It includes some incredible bridges and hairy staircases past caves that were once used by smugglers.

If you’re keen to visit the Gobbins, you should book the walk in advance and wear suitable clothing to tackle an uneven, coastal walk.

Photo via Google Maps

Just a 20-minute drive to the south of Belfast City, you can spend the day tackling some of the many things to do in Lisburn . Many of the buildings date back to the 18th century and the city has an interesting history as a leading textile producer in Ireland.

You can spend the day exploring the car-free city centre with the beautiful Georgian-style square at its heart.

The history is best discovered by heading to the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum, or even take the drive further south and visit Hillsborough Forest Park and Hillsborough Castle .

4. Lough Neagh

Photo by Ballygally View Images (Shutterstock)

Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in Ireland and supplies almost half of the region’s water. It’s located just 32km west of the city and makes for a great day trip from the city.

You can explore the towns on the lake’s shore or even hop over to one of the islands to discover the history and wildlife out on the lake.

Ram Island and Coney Island both have unique histories. You can see the ancient round tower on Ram Island or head over to Coney Island to discover the history of the westernmost outpost of the Normans.

Day tours from Belfast under 1 hour from the city

The second section of this guide tackles Belfast day trips that’ll take you just under an hour to get to (but that are well worth the spin!).

Below, you’ll find everything from the glorious Ards Peninsula and the might Mournes to Castle Ward and more.

1. The Ards Peninsula (55 minutes away)

Photo via visitardsandnorthdown.com

To the east of the city, the Ards Peninsula is arguably one of the most overlooked day trips from Belfast. The peninsula is located in County Down and separates Strangford Lough from the Irish Sea.

You can head to one of the main towns on the peninsula including Donaghadee and Newtownards or explore some of the scenery in this beautiful part of Northern Ireland.

The peninsula is home to some incredible beaches along its eastern coast, including near the village of Cloughey where you’ll find beautiful dunes and a long sandy beach, and Ballywater which is a popular holiday spot on the peninsula.

2. Newcastle

Photo by Mick Harper (Shutterstock)

If you’re after active Belfast day tours, get yourself to Newcastle and tackle one of its many mighty rambles.

The small seaside resort town of Newcastle sits at the foot of Slieve Donard , the highest point of the Mourne Mountains in County Down.

It’s the perfect spot to escape the city of Belfast and immerse yourself in nature amongst spectacular scenery. It’s just a 45-minute drive from the city.

You can explore Tollymore Forest Park just outside of town or Murlough Beach, which are perfect places to stretch your legs on a walk.

3. Castle Ward

This incredible 18th century National Trust property is located near Strangford village in County Down, just 50 minutes southeast of Belfast and it’s one of the most iconic castles in Northern Ireland .

The unusual and unique double-sided mansion stands inside a perfectly manicured park overlooking Strangford Lough.

You can explore the gardens, woodland and shoreline of the lake, with over 32km of trails to head off on foot or on bikes.

And we can’t forget to mention that the farmyard and lake were one of several Game of Thrones filming locations in Ireland .

4. Glenariff Forest Park (55 minutes away)

Photo by Dawid K Photography (Shutterstock)

Next up is one of our favourite day trips from Belfast. To truly get lost in the incredible nature of Antrim, you should head out to explore the 1000 hectares of Glenariff Forest Park .

This woodland in the Glens of Antrim features lakes, picnic areas and walking trails with dense ferns and mosses growing along the rocky gorges of the river.

There are a few walks to choose from, including a 1km Viewpoint Trail and a 3km Waterfall Walk Trail which takes you to a beautiful, tiered waterfall that is especially impressive after heavy rain. The park is just 50 minutes northwest of Belfast City towards the coast.

Belfast day tours under 1.5 hours from the city

Right – our next batch of day trips from Belfast are for those of you that don’t mind a bit of a drive (it’ll be worth it!).

Below, you’ll find everywhere from the lively coastal village of Portrush to some often overlooked day tours from Belfast, like the Sperrins.

1. Portrush (1 hour and 10 minutes drive)

The resort town of Portrush is a fun little spot on the Causeway Coastal Route of Antrim. It sits on a mile-long peninsula with beautiful Blue Flag beaches on either side, so it’s the perfect summer destination.

It’s a popular stop along the Causeway Coastal Route for a visit to any of its three beaches or just to enjoy the lively pubs and shops in the small town.

West Strand is great for swimming and sunbathing, while East Strand tends to be the spot for surfing and other water sports.

There’s plenty of things to do in Portrush and there’s  lots  of great restaurants in Portrush to kick back in after rambling along Whiterocks Beach .

2. Mourne Mountains (1 hour and 5 minutes drive)

Photo by James Kennedy NI/Shutterstock.com

If you want something different to the coastal destinations, then the spectacular Mourne Mountains are calling. The granite range is in County Down, not far from Newcastletown, just over an hour’s drive south of Belfast.

They include the highest mountains in Northern Ireland including Slieve Donard at 850m. The mountains have inspired many poets and writers and even featured as a prominent set for Game of Thrones throughout the series.

There are some incredible hiking opportunities with the epic Six Peak Challenge taking three days to complete. There’s also the Mourne Mountains Cycle Loop or rock climbing and abseiling adventures as well.

3. The Sperrins (1 hour and 20 minutes drive)

Photo by Gordon Dunn (Shutterstock)

I’d argue that the Sperrins are one of the most overlooked day trips from Belfast. If you’re in search of more mountains to explore, the Sperrins are one of the largest upland areas in Northern Ireland stretching from Strabane to the shores of Lough Neagh.

It’s definitely a more wild and undiscovered part of Northern Ireland, but it’s easily explored with some incredible scenic drives.

The Sperrins are also a popular hiking destination with plenty of walks around the valleys to tougher climbs up some of the peaks, including Sawel, the highest one of the ranges.

For history buffs, the mountains are also home to some interesting sites including the Beaghmore Stone Circles in the southeast part dating back to the Bronze Age.

4. Derry City (1 hour and 30 minutes drive)

Photo by ronniejcmc (Shutterstock)

Derry is home to Ireland’s only completely intact historic Walled City from the 17th century. It’s located to the west of Belfast near the border of County Donegal.

While it’s often overlooked by visitors to Northern Ireland, there are plenty of incredible places to visit within the walled city, including St Columb’s Cathedral and the Tower Museum with stunning city views.

Derry is also referred to as a city of culture, with plenty of events going on all year round including its famous Halloween festival. While you’ll also find colourful murals around the streets celebrating and bringing awareness to the long history and culture of the city.

5. Slieve Gullion (1 hour and 15 minutes drive)

Photo by Pavel_Voitukovic on shutterstock.com

Slieve Gullion is a mountain in the south of County Armagh and the highest point in the county at 573m. It lies right in the middle of what is known as the Ring of Gullion, or circle of hills.

A visit to the Slieve Gullion Forest Park is a great day out for the whole family. The park offers a scenic drive, walks around the mountains to stunning views and an adventure park and children’s story trail for the kids.

Whether you’re up for a decent hike or a fun run around a maze with the family, a visit to this beautiful part of the county is a must.

Don’t have a car? Here are some excellent organised day tours from Belfast

The final section of our guide is filled with day trips from Belfast that’ll appeal to those of you without your own mode of transport.

Note: If you book a tour below we may make a tiny commission. You won’t pay extra, but it helps us keep this site going (and we greatly appreciate it).

1. Giant’s Causeway, Titanic and Dark Hedges Tour

Photo by Chris Hill

For a full day tour from Belfast, this trip takes you to see the Titanic Museum before heading to the Giant’s Causeway. This incredible place is an ancient volcanic formation and a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site.

You can explore on foot as you see various interesting formations such as the Wishing Chair and Giant Boot and Organ.

On the return to the city, you get to also stop at the Dark Hedges, a centuries-old lane of beech trees that have been made famous by films and television, including of course Game of Thrones.

Check prices + learn more here

2. Belfast: Giants Causeway and Game of Thrones Locations Tour

Photo by Matthew Woodhouse

The ultimate day trip for Game of Thrones fans, this tour takes you to some of the best location sites for the series as well as some of the most beautiful spots in Northern Ireland.

Some of the places you get to visit include the Giant’s Causeway , Dark Hedges , Dunluce Castle and Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge .

Of course, you can even get dressed up with some of the provided props to take some fun photos at the locations along the way.

Day trips Northern Ireland: What have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve missed out on some brilliant day trips Northern Ireland has to offer in the guide above.

If you have any day trips from Belfast that you’d recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check them out.

FAQs about the best day trips from Belfast

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from what are the best organised day tours from Belfast to which Belfast day trips are best if you only have 7/8 hours.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best day trips from Belfast?

I’d argue that the best Belfast day trips are the Causeway Coast and the Mourne Mountains.

What are the best day tours from Belfast if you have no car?

If you’re looking for organised Belfast day tours, there’s everything from Game of Throne tours to organised trips up the Causeway Coast (see guide above).

What are the most unique places to visit near Belfast?

It’s hard to beat Glenariff Forest Park and the Torr Head Scenic Route, however, tourists in particular tend to enjoy Carrick-a-rede.

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14 Top-Rated Day Trips from Belfast

Written by Alison Abbott and Shandley McMurray Updated May 13, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Over the years, Belfast has transformed itself from a divided city with a troubled past to a bustling metropolis packed with museums, restaurants, and the iconic Titanic Quarter. Despite its many attractions , sometimes it's nice to head out for a day trip from Belfast. Within a short drive, visitors can take in a wealth of natural beauty and partake in other fun activities, all located within a short drive.

Rent a car for independent exploring or take advantage of the many tours leaving from the city to transport you deeper into the countryside. Road trips along the Great Atlantic Way are popular, and dramatic cliffs, medieval castles, mountains, and movie sets are all just a few of the popular attractions located a quick trip away.

Find the best places to visit with our list of the top day trips from Belfast.

1. The Giants Causeway

2. carrick-a-rede bridge, 3. royal portrush golf club, 4. the gobbins cliff path, 5. dunluce castle, 6. derry (a.k.a. londonderry) area, 7. the sperrins, 8. dark hedges, 10. lough erne, 11. carrickfergus, 12. donegal, 13. mussenden temple, 14. winterfell castle ward, map of day trips from belfast.

A little over an hour's drive from Belfast gets you to one of the Emerald Isle's most popular attractions: the Giants Causeway. Its unique beauty and close proximity make this a perfect day trip from Belfast and one of the best places to visit with the family.

An otherworldly locale, Giant's Causeway is home to over 40,000 basalt columns that pepper one of the most beautiful coastlines in Ireland. Local legend has it that the columns are what remain from a road built by enemy Goliaths. In actuality, they are the remnants of a volcanic eruption from millions of years ago.

Visitors can walk along the path, making their way down to the ocean until the rocks eventually disappear into the sea. With a bit of creative imagination, tourists can easily imagine the lore behind this UNESCO World Heritage-listed sight.

If you'd like someone else to do the driving, consider taking an organized tour. One of the best, most reasonably priced, options is the Giants Causeway Day Trip from Belfast. It takes about 10 hours and includes a trip along Antrim Coast Road and stops at Carrickfergus and Dunluce Castles , as well as the Dark Hedges and beautiful Carnlough Harbour , before it reaches the Caves of Cushendun .

Looking for heart-pumping adventure during your next day trip from Belfast? Visit the Carrick-A-Rede Bridge, a dramatic, centuries-old suspension bridge located a 14-minute drive west of Giant's Causeway.

While not for the faint of heart, the thick rope crossing, lined with strategically placed wooden planks, has linked the mainland to the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede for centuries.

Originally built in 1755 by salmon fisherman, this attraction has seen millions of visitors over the years. You can cross it (if you dare) for a fee when the weather cooperates. Spectacular views will be your reward, and dolphins can often be seen in the distant waters. Walking across it is one of the best things to do for adventurers.

Royal Portrush Golf Club boasts one of the most challenging golf courses in the world , which makes it the perfect place to hit the links. Established in 1888, it is the only club to host The Open Championship in Ireland. It is open year-round and well worth the 96-kilometer drive from Belfast to take your game to the next level.

Bragging rights will allow you to say you played a round of golf where kings and other aristocrats have teed off for over a hundred years. Many holes overlook the ocean, and the often-viewed sight of horses and their riders galloping along the beach is memorable. Not surprisingly, playing golf in this spectacular locale is an impressive and enjoyable thing to do for those who enjoy the sport.

Who wouldn't want to wander along a path called Gobbins Cliff Path? It certainly sounds intriguing! Less than a half-hour drive from Belfast, this unique, at times rocky path is a picturesque place to stop, stretch your legs, and admire the breathtaking view on the Causeway Coastal Route.

Take the guided tour across impressive suspension bridges, past caves, and through tunnels. With spectacular coastal vistas of this beautiful, rugged landscape, you'll find yourself perched precariously on a narrow path, leaning as far as you can to get the best photos. It's easy to see why this scenic hike is nicknamed the most dramatic walk in Europe.

Because of its popularity, you will want to consider making arrangements in advance. Keep in mind this attraction is only open from mid-February to the beginning of November, and it's best viewed on a dry (and hopefully sunny) day.

Another must-see attraction when enjoying a day trip from Belfast is Dunluce Castle in County Antrim. The historic castle has an interesting and occasionally sordid history dating back to the early 1500s and is set atop a rugged cliff backed by bright azure waves. It is a true marvel to behold, and you can reach it in a little over an hour from Belfast.

Although now in a state of ruin, the medieval castle and abandoned town are well worth the trip. The elevated remains clearly demonstrate the visual advantage the setting gave to the reigning clan, and the scenery is so magical you won't want to rush your visit.

Visitors can access the site by a bridge from the mainland. Guided tours as well as an on-site café are available, so you can grab a snack as you explore the grounds.

A day trip from Belfast isn't complete without a stop in Derry (a.k.a. Londonderry). This vibrant city, the fourth largest in Ireland, has a small-town feel despite its size and is bursting with culture and charm.

Located about 112 kilometers from Northern Ireland's capital, this border city is a great spot to head to a local public house for some traditional Irish fare. Tourists will also enjoy a stroll among the centuries-old streets, filled with rich architecture. Keep your eyes out for the many colorful and dramatic murals found throughout. There's no lack of fun things to do for tourists in this town.

While you are here, make sure to walk or bike across the Peace Bridge. This newer piece of architecture is an engineering marvel that connects Ebrington Square to the city center, offering a spectacular bird's-eye view of Derry.

After crossing the bridge, don't miss the Derry Craft Village in the heart of the city. It's filled with a mix of craft shops, restaurants, residences, and coffee shops on a replica of an 18th-century street.

The Sperrins mountain range makes up one of the largest upland areas in Ireland. Located about an hour and a half northwest of Belfast, this is the place to visit if you love both nature and hiking.

The beautiful vistas and rugged landscape overlooking gorgeous green fields and rolling hills were carved out millions of years ago during the Ice Age by glaciers. You'll want to capture them for posterity through your camera's lens. Wear good shoes, layers (including a raincoat), and pack snacks and water. You'll likely wander this area for hours.

The drive to and through The Sperrins is another highlight at this point of interest, adding to the allure of this enticing day trip from Belfast. The scenery is so amazing that this has been named one of the top scenic drives in the world .

Game of Thrones fans agree: no trip to Belfast is complete without visiting Dark Hedges, one of the famous locations used on the popular series. A dark street lined with beech trees that form a mysterious tunnel along Bregagh Road, this ethereal place is a must-see even if you haven't watched the show.

This previously little known area has now found a cult tourist following for those who can't get enough of the medieval fantasy story. If you go when the fog is thick, it has an ethereal look that lends itself perfectly to the lore and legends of Ireland, as well as the HBO hit.

Looking for more GOT locales and an inside scoop on behind-the-scenes action? Book this Game of Thrones and Giant's Causeway Full-Day Tour from Belfast .

While many may not think of Dublin as a day-trip worthy destination from Belfast, its proximity makes it an easy getaway for a quick jaunt. At 165 kilometers, it takes about two hours to reach Ireland's capital. Once you arrive, you'll be happy you made the trek, especially if you leave early in the morning.

The only problem with traveling to Dublin will be choosing which attractions to see while you're in town. With so many top tourist sites on offer in Dublin —like Trinity College , Grafton Street , and the Little Museum of Dublin —there are enough places to visit to keep you occupied for days.

If you're hoping to explore Irish art, you won't want to miss the National Gallery of Ireland . If you love to shop, Grafton Street is one of the best places to practice some retail therapy. If you're a fan of green space, head to St. Stephens Green for a quiet stroll or picnic. Also, be sure to grab a bite while you're in town, Dublin is known for its wide variety of restaurants.

The best way to get from Belfast to Dublin is either by train or by bus . Both are reasonably priced and take just over two hours.

To escape it all, head to the Lough Erne lake region. Located in the northwest of Ireland, just over two hours west of Belfast, this resort area is the gateway to the town of Enniskillen . It's a whopping 40 miles long and consists of two lakes (Upper Lough Erne and Lower Lough Erne) that are joined by a 10-mile strait.

This large lake offers visitors a relaxing, comfortable place to while away a day admiring the area's panoramic views. When you've had enough water-based fun, award-winning golf can be found nearby. It's easy to see why the world's most discerning travelers flock here year-round.

The charming town of Carrickfergus lies just 30 minutes north of Belfast by car, along the rugged Irish coast. This County Antrim village is home to one of the best castles near Belfast, Carrickfergus Castle . A historic Norman stronghold, this ancient wonder has survived multiple attacks over its 800 years.

The city itself harkens back to medieval times, its lovely stone walls adding to the romantic allure. No wonder the famous Irish Ballad, "Carrickfergus" was written about this pretty spot. Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Center is an art-lovers paradise filled with local works and historic gems popular with tourists from across the globe.

Just outside town, you'll find the Knockagh Monument , a tall obelisk erected to honor those who fought and died in the World Wars. It offers phenomenal views of the sprawling countryside.

The popular county of Donegal is vast and filled with some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland. The prevailing winds can quickly bring in extreme weather, so be prepared with the proper gear. A picture postcard setting introduces some extraordinary beaches, like Culdaff Beach.

Splendid cliffs and rolling hills seem to continue forever in the distance. Take a drive from Belfast (about two hours) to fully appreciate its splendor and experience a dramatic portion of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Small towns dot the path to Donegal and make good stopping points, where you can appreciate the views. Other points of interests include Glenveagh National Park and the castle, and Malin Head , the Northernmost point of Ireland. Finally, save room in your suitcase for a bit of tweed from Magee, weaving their craft since 1866.

Inspired by the famous Temple of Vesta in Italy, the Mussenden Temple was built as a summer library on Downhill Demesne , a scenic estate by the sea. This circular building sits high on the cliffs and is one of the most photographed structures in Ireland.

Despite the fear of it falling off the edge of its precarious setting, this building has braved the extreme weather of coastal Ireland since 1785. A secret chamber was built into the underground where Catholic priests were rumored to hold mass. On a clear day, visitors can see for miles along the coastline, and it provides a scenic spot for a picnic.

Winterfell Castle Ward is a historic farmyard located in Northern Ireland, about 48 kilometers from Belfast. This area serves as one of the main locations featured in the Game of Thrones .

Ward castle, the grounds, and many of the nearby locations have become popular tourist destinations because of the show's global audience. Props, costumes, and other memorabilia from the show will be on exhibit in this "new" historic destination in County Down.

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More to Explore in the Region: As an island, water travel is a part of the Irish lifestyle. To explore further afield, visitors can take connecting ferries between Belfast and Scotland . In addition, the Isle of Man , sitting in the Irish Sea about equidistant between the two, represents another distinctive piece of the British Crown.

More on Northern Ireland

17 Best Day Trips From Belfast (Cost, Transport and Tips For 2024)

Categories Antrim , Down , Where To Go

With the popularity of Game of Thrones, Northern Ireland is becoming a must-see for fans. But Northern Ireland is more than GOT’s popular filming locations . In fact, there are several day trips from Belfast aside from these filming locations.

So if you manage to visit Belfast , here’s our list of the top day tours from the city.

Things you'll find in this article

How to get to Giant’s Causeway from Belfast

How to get to game of thrones filming locations from belfast, how to get to carrick-a-rede rope bridge from belfast, how to get to dunluce castle from belfast, how to get to newry from belfast, how to get to londonderry from belfast, how to get to portstewart from belfast, 8. dark hedges, 9. the gobbins cliff path, 10. portrush, 11. mourne mountains, 12. donegal, 13. carrickfergus, 14. the glens of antrim, 15. bushmills, 16. rathlin island, 17. the sperrin mountains.

1. Giant’s Causeway

Chrisrine Rogador at Giant’s Causeway

The  Giant’s Causeway  is an area of about 40,000 interlocking  basalt columns , the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national nature reserve. It is located in Northern Ireland and it is about a 3-4 hour drive from Dublin on a rental car .

Admission Fee

The access to the Giant’s Causeway is free however the visitor center charges £12.50 per adult and £31.00 for a family of 4.

Take a Translink UK bus (#218) from Belfast Bridge Street to Coleraine. The trip takes 1 hour and 40 minutes and it costs between €12-18 for a one-way trip or €24-36 for a round trip bus fare. Buses leave every 2 hours.

From Coleraine, take a   Translink UK bus (#172) to Aird Giants Causeway The Nook. The trip takes about 40 minutes for €5-8 per trip or €10-16 for a round-trip fare and buses leave every hour. Then walk about 1.4 km to get to the Giant’s Causeway. In total, you might have to spend between €34-52 on transport alone.

Or you can also take this Giant’s Causeway day tour from Belfast for just €35 per person. It also includes a trip to Game of Thrones filming locations and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. To book it, click here .

Opening Hours

The opening hours varies depending on the season. For updated opening hours, click here .

Contact Information

Location: 44 Causeway Road Bushmills County Antrim BT57 8SU Northern Ireland

Phone: (028) 2073 1855

Email: [email protected]

2. Game of Thrones Day Tour from Belfast

Dark Hedges, Image by Christine Rogador

Game of Thrones grew in popularity for the past 7 years. The TV series focuses on medieval realism which shows several medieval and exotic locations. These locations also grew in popularity that tours to these locations have become coveted by loyal fans. In Northern Ireland alone, there are over 10 locations where you can experience Game of Thrones in real life.

Depending which filming locations you’re looking into, taking public transport might not be a good idea due to the distance between locations. Renting a car might be a better option to make sure you visit all the places.

Or you can also take this Game of Thrones day tour from Belfast for just €47 per person. To book it, click here .

3. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Carrick A Rede, Image by Christine Rogador

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a popular rope bridge in Ballintoy and it connects the mainland to the island of Carrickarede. The bridge was mainly used by fishermen who frequent the area for salmon but salmon slowly declines in the area. As a result, the bridge is now mainly used for tourism.

The location of the bridge overlooks one of the best coastal views in Northern Ireland. Currently, visitors can access the bridge for a fee.

To cross the bridge, you will have to pay €6.5.

Take a Translink UK bus (#218) from Belfast Bridge Street to Coleraine. The trip takes 1 hour and 40 minutes and it costs between €12-18 for one-way trip or €24-36 for a round trip bus fare. Buses leave every 2 hours. From Coleraine, take a   Translink UK bus (#172, #402, #402a) to Ballintoy Carrick-a-Rede Rope and get off at Ballintoy Youth Hostel. The trip takes about an hour for €6-9 per trip or €12-18 for a round-trip fare and buses leave every hour. Then walk about 1.7 km or 20 minutes to get to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. In total, you might have to spend between €36-54 on transport alone.

Or you can also take this Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge day tour from Belfast for just €35 per person. It also includes a trip to Giant’s Causeway and Game of Thrones filming locations. To book it, click here .

4. Dunluce Castle

Dunluce Castle, Image by Christine Rogador

Dunluce Castle is now a ruined medieval castle in Northern Ireland. It is located on the edge of rocks on the coast of County Antrim.   Richard Óg de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster , built the first castle in Dunluce. From then on, this Irish castle witnessed a long and tumultuous history between Scotland, Ireland, and the UK.

Dunluce castle is also said to be the inspiration for Cair Paravel, the fictional castle in Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis . It is also the film location of Game of Thrones for the Seat of House Greyjoy of the great castle of Pyke.

Adult – £5.50, Child (age 4 – 16) – £3.50

Senior citizen £3.50

Student and Benefit Claimants (ID required) – £3.50

Child under 4 – Free

Family (up to 5 members, including up to 3 adults) – £15.00

Group rate(10 plus, must be pre-booked) – £4 per person

Take a Translink UK bus (#218) from Belfast Bridge Street to Coleraine. The trip takes 1 hour and 40 minutes and it costs between €12-18 for one-way trip or €24-36 for a round trip bus fare. Buses leave every 2 hours. From Coleraine, take a   Translink UK bus (#402, #402a) to Dunluce Castle. The trip takes about 25 minutes for €4-6 per trip or €8-12 for a round-trip fare and buses leave every 2 hours. Then walk about 400 meters or 4 minutes to get to Dunluce Castle. In total, you might have to spend between €32-48 on transport alone.

Or you can also take this Dunluce day tour from Belfast for just €35 per person. It also includes a trip to Game of Thrones filming locations, Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. To book it, click here .

Daily: 10 am – 4 pm (last entry strictly at 3:30 pm)

Location: 87 Dunluce Road, Bushmills, County Antrim , BT57 8UY

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (028) 2073 1938

5. Newry day trip from Belfast

Newry is a charming city between the counties of Armagh and Down . Only 55 km away, it is one of the best day trips from Belfast due to its proximity.

It is one of the oldest cities in Ireland and has a rich and colorful heritage. Aside from being a market town, it is also popular for its beautiful Georgian townhouses lining up the city center.

Take a train (#5) from Lanyon Place, Belfast to Newry. The trip takes about an hour for €8-12 for a one-way trip or €16-24 for a round-trip fare. Or take a Translink UK bus (#238) from Belfast Europa Bus Centre to Newry. The trip takes about an hour for €9-13 for a one-way trip or €18-26 for a round-trip fare. The bus leaves every hour. In total, you might have to spend between €34-50 for transport alone.

6. Londonderry

Derry or Londonderry is one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe. It is also the only remaining walled city in Ireland. Known for its turbulent past, the city of Derry survived the Tudor conquest of Ireland, the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, the Glorious Revolution, Siege of Derry, the Irish War of Independence, and the Troubles.

These historic events defined the past of this unassuming city. So if you like to learn more of Irish history, this day tour from Belfast is a must.

Take a train (#5) from Lanyon Place, Belfast to Londonderry . The trip takes about 2 hours for €13-19 for a one-way trip or €26-38 for a round-trip fare. Or take a Translink UK bus (#212) from Belfast Europa Bus Centre to Altnagelvin. The trip takes about 2 hours for €14-20 for a one-way trip or €28-40 for a round-trip fare. The bus leaves every hour. In total, you might have to spend between €40-58 on transport alone.

7. Portstewart

This small town in Northern Ireland is a popular surfing spot and seaside resort. Although small, this town is prosperous and known as the holiday town for the middle class and affluent Northern Irish people. The property prices in this area are also the highest in Northern Ireland. So if you want to know how rich people live, then add this day trip from Belfast to your itinerary in Ireland .

Take a Translink UK bus (#218) from Belfast Bridge Street to Coleraine. The trip takes 1 hour and 40 minutes and it costs between €12-18 for one-way trip or €24-36 for a round trip bus fare. Buses leave every 2 hours. From Coleraine, take a   Translink UK bus (#278, #402a) to Portstewart Promenade. The trip takes about 10 minutes for €3-5 per trip or €6-10 for a round-trip fare and bus leaves once a week so plan accordingly. In total, you might have to spend between €30-46 on transport alone.

On the outside, it doesn’t show up to have much. However, if you step out of your car and take a look around, you’ll see why it’s lured photographers, painters, and curious visitors for decades.

The Dark Hedges are extremely mesmerizing. However, tourism has taken its toll over the years, and you might wish to visit soon before it all vanishes.

The tree limbs have been cut during the previous year or two, making the tunnel a little less striking. That doesn’t mean it’s not beautiful; you simply have to look a little harder to locate the ideal area.

How to get to Dark Hedges from Belfast

There are three ways to go from Belfast to Dark Hedges: train, taxi, or car. If you don’t have a car, the quickest way to get from Belfast to Dark Hedges is by train, which requires 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs between 37.94 USD and 52.40 USD.

Without a car, the quickest way to go from Belfast to Dark Hedges is via taxi, which costs between 162.62 USD and 198.76 USD and takes 50 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take this Tour from Belfast for 65.34 USD and see the splendor of Dark Hedges. The journey also takes you to the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle.

The Gobbins cliff walkway, which hangs from basalt cliffs straight over the Irish Sea, is a labor of love. The Gobbins, as lovely as it is, is more than meets the eye. Sedimentary rock dominates this basalt beach, hinting at conditions from the Triassic and Jurassic eras.

Surprisingly, a fossil discovered in Larne dates from a time when this region of Ireland would have been fully buried under a warm, shallow sea millions of years ago.

If you are not wearing proper footwear, including hiking boots with solid tread and ankle support, you may be denied access.

How to get to The Gobbins Cliff Path from Belfast

Drive the A2 Causeway Coastal Highway from Belfast to Larne if you have a car. Proceed through Carrickfergus, then take right onto B90 Island Lower Road and search for the brown signs. It is the cheapest method to go from Belfast to The Gobbins, costing between $6.14 and $9.03 USD and taking 29 minutes.

Take this tour for $339.80 for a group of no more than two people. Carrickfergus and its spectacular century castles are also included in the tour.

Portrush is a tiny beach tourist town on Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route. The town center of Portrush is located upon a mile-long peninsula named Ramore Head, which points north into the Atlantic Ocean. The majority of the hotels, restaurants, and taverns are located here.

If you’re seeking for exciting things to do in Portrush, consider walking from Portrush Harbour to Saint Patrick’s Well in Portstewart.

Despite being roughly 3 hours long, this is a pleasant stroll that covers a section of the Causeway Coast Way Walk.

How to get to Portrush from Belfast

If you have a car, travel the M2 to Antrim, then the A26 to Ballymena, and finally the M2/A26 to Portrush. Continue the yellow and digital signage for Public Parking as you reach Coleraine.

If you want to go by bus, the regular 218 Goldline coach journey from Belfast is available. The train arrives at Coleraine Rail and Bus Station, from where you can simply transfer to an Ulsterbus bus to Portrush.

The cheapest mode of transportation from Belfast to Portrush is by rail, which costs between 17.17 and 25.30 USD and takes 1 hour and 40 minutes.

You can book this group tour of six people and visit Portrush for $372.47. This trip includes a visit to the Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and a Flexible Drop-Off, leaving you with plenty of time to discover Belfast’s highlights.

The Mourne Mountains form a mountain range in County Down. It encompasses the tallest peaks in Northern Ireland as well as the province of Ulster.

The Mournes is a geographical region with remarkable natural beauty that has been suggested as Northern Ireland’s first national park. The National Trust owns a portion of the region, which attracts a huge number of people each year.

How to get to Mourne Mountains from Belfast

There are 4 options for getting from Belfast to the Mourne Mountains: rail, cab, bus, or automobile. The distance between Belfast and Mourne Mountains is roughly 60.8 kilometers. Driving from Belfast to the Mourne Mountains takes around 55 minutes.

Without a car, the best way to go from Belfast to Mourne Mountains is by rail and cab, which takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs 50.59 USD to 66.85 USD. Alternatively, for 71.88 USD, you may book an Electric Bike Experience and learn about the history of the Mourne Mountains.

Discover stunning vistas at every turn in gorgeous Donegal and recharge your batteries with a trip to one of Ireland’s most picturesque regions.

The enormous Derryveagh Mountains govern the wild countryside; explore its trekking routes and see Lough Eske’s shoreline. Make time to see some of Ireland’s loveliest beaches, including the white sands of Portsalon Beach.

The months of May to September are ideal for visiting Donegal and Ireland in general. Every year in September, I visit Donegal, and the weather is always dry and bright, which is all you can expect for while visiting Ireland.

How to get to Donegal from Belfast

You may travel from Belfast to Donegal via bus, rail, or vehicle. Driving from Belfast to Donegal takes 2 hours and 2 minutes and costs between 34.33 and 50.59 USD.

There is no specific bus service between Belfast and Donegal. However, operations leaving Jury’s Inn and reaching  Donegal Abbey Hotel through Letterkenny take around 3 hours and 15 minutes, involving transfers.

Carrickfergus, or simply Carrick, is a significant town on the coast of County Antrim, close to Belfast City.

As among Ireland’s oldest towns, it is most known for its iconic Carrickfergus Castle, one of the finest maintained in the country. Carrickfergus is an excellent place to start visiting Northern Ireland because it’s only a short drive from Belfast.

You may discover additional information about the history of Carrickfergus Castle and appreciate the excellently preserved Great Tower by attending a guided tour. Otherwise, you may see the castle from the town’s shoreline, either during the day or at night.

How to get to Carrickfergus from Belfast

You may get from Belfast to Carrickfergus via rail, bus, taxi, or vehicle. There is a direct bus that runs from Belfast Royal Avenue Tesco to Carrickfergus Joymount. Services run every hour and every day. The travel takes around 50 minutes.

There is also a direct train that runs from Belfast Lanyon Place to Carrickfergus. Services run every hour and on a daily basis. The travel takes around 26 minutes.

The cheapest method to go from Belfast to Carrickfergus is to drive, which costs between $3.43 and $5.24 and takes around 15 minutes. Alternatively, you may book this trip and see Carrickfergus Castle for 39.21 USD. Giant’s Causeway, Cushendun, and Carnlough Harbour are also included in the itinerary.

The Glens of Antrim are inherently unique within a few square miles, you may experience glacial valleys, sandy beaches, towering cliffs, tundra plateau, woodland glens, waterfalls, and lovely settlements.

The Antrim Plateau is divided into nine glens or valleys that radiate to the shore. The people that live in the glens are mostly related to native Irish as well as Hebridean Scots. The Glens are a prominent tourist destination in north Antrim and a region of great natural beauty.

How to get to The Glens of Antrim from Belfast

There are three options for getting from Belfast to Glens of Antrim: rail, cab, or automobile. Driving from Belfast to Glens of Antrim is the cheapest option, costing between 18.07 and 27.10 USD and taking 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Without a car, the best way to go from Belfast to Glens of Antrim is by train and cab, which takes 1 hour and 50 minutes and costs $75.89 USD to 99.38 USD.

You may also book this Tour to see the Glens of Antrim for 36.59 USD. The tour includes stops at Carrickfergus Castle and the Giant’s Causeway.

Bushmills is a tiny settlement on Northern Ireland’s North Coast in County Antrim. The community of Bushmills receives its name from the Bush River, which passes through it, and a big watermill was erected there in the early 17th century.

Bushmills has historical value in addition to its famous distillery. As a market hamlet, the area prospered, and Main Street reflected its rich history through various landmarks. The Macnaghten Family War Memorial, for example, serves as a poignant reminder of the town’s involvement in conflicts.

The Old Bushmills Distillery is a visible landmark that provides an insider’s perspective on the whiskey-making procedure, while the River Bush is great for romantic walks and is easily reached from the Bushmills Inn.

How to get to Bushmills from Belfast

The easiest way to get there from Belfast is to take the A2 Route, which weaves its way down the coast via some of Ireland’s most stunning landscape. This journey takes around 2 hours to complete directly, however, it is worth taking the extra time for a rest along the way.

Driving from Belfast to Bushmills is the cheapest option, costing between 18.06 USD and 28.90 USD and taking 1 hour and 5 minutes.

There is a direct bus that runs from Belfast Pottinger Entry High Street to Bushmills War Memorial. Services run twice a day and are available every day. The trip takes around an hour and 30 minutes.

Rathlin Island can only be reached by ferry and is situated 10 kilometers off the coast of Antrim. There are multiple crossings from Ballycastle Harbour each day, weather permitting.

Rathlin Island’s shoreline is lined with sea stacks, which provide spectacular views. Sea stacks are rock features that rise upright in the water. They are the remains of headlands that have been worn by water and wind as time passed.

Quick Tip: While there are some bus services that frequent the area, renting a vehicle or hiring a guide/driver is a preferable alternative; this will give you more freedom, make your journey more enjoyable, and, if guided, bring an added level of service.

How to get to Rathlin Island from Belfast

To reach the island, use the Rathlin Island Ferry. The Rathlin Island ferry connects Rathlin Island to Ballycastle.

To guarantee availability and reserve your spot on the ship, you must purchase tickets in advance. Tickets and passes must be presented for examination on demand by a member of the ferry operator’s crew or personnel or a Department of Infrastructure monitoring officer. Ticket costs range from $4.31 to $17.22.

Alternatively, for 587.85 USD, you may book this Group Tour of 3 that includes a tour of Ballycastle and information on Rathlin Island.

Despite possessing one of Ireland’s biggest highland tracts, the Sperrins range is a hidden gem, undisturbed and so magnificent that it has been declared an Area of exceptional natural beauty.

The Sperrins are a walking enthusiast’s dream. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely afternoon stroll or a strenuous climb up into the hills, you’ll discover it all here. Moderate hikes are ideal for undulating hills, calm valleys, and swampy uplands.

How to get to The Sperrin Mountains from Belfast

If you have a car, drive the M2 to Toomebridge, then to Cookstown via Toomebridge. Take the A505 route to Omagh from Cookstown. Travel approximately thirteen miles to Creggan Crossroads, then go 110 meters after the gas station until you reach the first right turn to An Creagan Visitor Centre.

The quickest method to go from Belfast to Sperrin Mountains is by car, which costs between 18.06 USD and 28.90 USD and takes 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Or you can also take this Derry/ Londonderry day trip from Belfast for just €78 per person. And the tour includes transport getting around Derry/ Londonderry and museum entrances. To book it, click here.

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. I also lived in 3 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.

35 Fun Things To Do In Belfast City - Ireland Travel Guides

Friday 4th of June 2021

[…] If these are not enough, you can check out these day trips from Belfast. […]

Day Tours from Belfast

Emerging from the rubble of a turbulent history, Belfast is a city which has undergone an incredible transformation in recent years. Reformed from former days, Belfast boasts a lively atmosphere and a zest for life ! Brimming with chic bars and restaurants, world-famous museums such as the Titanic Experience , and surrounded by bountiful natural wonders, Belfast is a destination not to be missed! Just a hop away from incredible beauty such as the Giant’s Causeway and stunning scenery worthy of Game of Thrones , day tours from Belfast are truly an eye-opening experience. Rugged coastal locations, historic castles, myths, legends, and incredible adventures are just around the corner! Why not take a Game of Thrones tour and visit the most mystical and storied parts of the North? Once you set eyes on this stunning scenery it will be crystal clear why so many Hollywood movies choose to shoot in this rugged and windswept landscape. When in the city, take a Belfast tour and learn all about it’s fascinating, if melancholy, past. Our Belfast Conflicting Stories Political Tour breaks down the bloody conflict of the North, offering perspectives from both Catholic and Protestant viewpoints. Join a day tour from Belfast and discover the mystery and appeal of this northern capital and surrounding beauty.

Belfast Conflicting Stories Political Tour

Game of Thrones Filming Locations Tour from Belfast

Special offers.

10% Off. Cliffs Of Moher & Galway + Giant’s Causeway & Belfast (2 x Tours)

10% Off. Cliffs Of Moher & Galway + Wicklow & Kilkenny (2 x Tours)

10% Off. Belfast & Giant’s Causeway + Wicklow & Kilkenny (2 x Tours)

12.5% Off: 3 Tour Saver. Cliffs of Moher (with Bunratty) + Belfast + Wicklow

• GAME OF THRONES TOUR

THINGS TO DO IN BELFAST

Belfast bus tours.

Day Trips From Belfast

Guided Day Trips & Self Driving

Belfast day trip ideas.

Looking for ideas and inspiration for day trips from Belfast? Belfast is perfectly positioned for visiting the best tourist hotspots, and all of Northern Irelands must see hidden gems. With most must see tourist attractions no further than 60 minutes from the city centre. Below we will explore day trip ideas, which will include the best day tours from Belfast , & self driving road trip adventures. We have broken down day trips by distance and time to reach, along with two of the very best fully guided recommendations!

Table of Contents

*day trips from belfast ideas.

• Helens Bay Beach 20 minutes
• Lisburn & Hillsborough 25 minutes
• The Gobbins Cliff Path 30 minutes
• Newcastle 35 minutes
• Mourne Mountains 40 minutes
• Ards Peninsula & Strangford 40 minutes
• Lough Neagh 45 minutes
• Castleward 50 minutes
• Glenariff 55 minutes
• Frequently Asked Questions? Most Asked - Answered

*Guided Day Trips From Belfast

• Giant's Causeway Tour 8 Hour Coastal Adventure
• Game of Thrones Tour 8 Hour Coastal Adventure

Helens Bay Beach

Helen's Bay Beach is one of the two top-notch beaches situated in Crawfordsburn Country Park. These stunning sandy beaches are highly regarded within the Belfast area, attracting many visitors during the summer months. It is highly favoured by visitors due to its gentle slope and excellent water quality, making it perfect for swimming. The beach is beautifully complemented by the country park, which features wooded headlands, meadows, scenic walks, and convenient facilities. With its clean waters and gradual sandy incline, Helen's Bay Beach is a popular choice for summer bathing. However, it is worth noting that the beach can get quite crowded during peak times, given its reputation as one of the area's finest.

Lisburn & Hillsborough

Only a short 20-minute drive from Belfast City lies the charming city of Lisburn, where a plethora of activities await you. With its rich history as a prominent textile producer in Ireland, many of the buildings in Lisburn date back to the 18th century. Spend your day immersing yourself in the car-free city centre, which features a stunning Georgian-style square as its centrepiece. To delve deeper into the city's fascinating past, visit the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum. Alternatively, you can extend your drive to the south and explore Hillsborough Forest Park and Hillsborough Castle, the official residence of the British Monarchy when they come to Northern Ireland.

The Gobbins Cliff Path

For those seeking breathtaking scenery, this dramatic cliff walk is just a short 30-minute journey away. Surprisingly, many people overlook this hidden gem while touring the Causeway Coastal Route. However, if you're looking for an exhilarating experience, it's worth adding to your itinerary. The Gobbins Cliff Path offers a 2.5-hour guided walk along a narrow trail that winds its way around the stunning Antrim coast cliffs. Along the way, you'll encounter remarkable bridges, staircases, passing by caves once frequented by smugglers. Be sure to book your adventure in advance and dress appropriately for the weather.

• Newcastle County Down

Sea and mountains, what more could one ask for? If you're looking for an exciting day tour from Belfast, head over to Newcastle and embark on one of its many exhilarating hikes. Located at the base of Slieve Donard, the highest peak in the Mourne Mountains, this charming seaside resort town allows you to escape the city of Belfast and surround yourself with breathtaking natural beauty. With just a 45-minute drive from Belfast, you can easily explore Tollymore Forest Park, where more Game of Thrones was filmed or take a leisurely walk along Murlough Beach.

Mourne Mountains

If you're seeking a unique and awe-inspiring experience, the stunning Mourne Mountains are waiting to be discovered. Northern Ireland's highest mountain is the majestic Slieve Donard standing at 850m, which can be found within the Mourne Mountains. These awe-inspiring landscapes have long served as a source of inspiration for poets, and writers, and even as a setting for Game of Thrones. For those seeking adventure, the Mourne Mountains offer an array of incredible hiking opportunities. Take on the epic Six Peak Challenge, a three-day adventure that will test your endurance and reward you with stunning views. Alternatively, explore the region through the Mourne Mountains Cycle Loop or embark on thrilling rock climbing and abseiling adventures.

Lough Neagh

Lough Neagh, the biggest freshwater lake in Ireland, provides nearly 50% of the region's water supply. Not far from Belfast, Lough Neagh offers an excellent opportunity for a fun day out away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can explore the small towns located along the lake's coast or even visit one of the many islands to learn some history and marvel at the wildlife. Two islands you can explore include Coney Island and Ram Island. Ram Island, you can marvel at the ancient round tower, while on Coney Island, you can discover the intriguing history of the Normans' westernmost outpost.

Just a short 50-minute drive southeast of Belfast, near Strangford village, sits this remarkable 18th-century property. What sets this mansion apart is its distinctive double-sided design, which is truly one-of-a-kind. Nestled within a meticulously maintained park, it offers breathtaking views of Strangford Lough. Nature lovers will be delighted to explore the expansive grounds, which include gardens, woodland, and a picturesque shoreline along the lake. With an extensive network of trails spanning over 32km, visitors can embark on leisurely walks or bike rides. Furthermore, fans of the popular TV series Game of Thrones will be thrilled to know that the farmyard and lake served as filming locations for the show in Ireland. Whether you're captivated by history, seeking tranquillity in nature, or a devoted Game of Thrones fan, this enchanting property promises a memorable experience.

Glenariff, known as the Queen of the Glens, is one of the nine Antrim Glens located in Northern Ireland. Spanning over 1,000 hectares, Glenariff Forest Park offers a diverse landscape of planted woodland, lakes, outdoor recreation areas, and conservation zones. To immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Antrim, make sure to explore the vast expanse of Glenariff Forest Park. This woodland, situated in the Glens of Antrim, boasts tranquil lakes, a picturesque waterfall, picnic spots, and scenic walking trails adorned with lush ferns and mosses along the river's rocky gorges. The park offers several walking options, including the 1km Viewpoint Trail and the 3km Waterfall Walk Trail. The latter leads you to a stunning tiered waterfall, particularly awe-inspiring after heavy rainfall. Located just 50 minutes northwest of Belfast City along the coast, the park is easily accessible for nature enthusiasts seeking an escape.

The resort town of Portrush is a popular spot for those looking to visit beautiful blue flag beaches making this coastal town a perfect summer destination. Portrush sits on a mile-long peninsula with two beaches on either side. West Strand is great for those looking to enjoy a relaxing swim or to work on their suntan, while East Strand tends to be popular with thrill seekers who enjoy water sports such as surfing.

Portstewart

Portstewart is a charming coastal town located next to Portrush. It boasts a picturesque harbour and stunning coastal paths that make up the Atlantic promenade. This promenade leads to the popular Portstewart Strand, a two-mile beach that attracts both holidaymakers in the summer and surfers all year round. The sand dunes at this beach even served as a backdrop for a scene in Game of Thrones, where Jaime Lannister and Bronn fought Dornish guards. The town's seafront promenade, shaped like a crescent, is protected by rocky headlands, creating a peaceful and sheltered atmosphere. In May, the town comes alive with the North West 200 motorcycle race, which passes through Portstewart. The starting grid and pit area are located on the coastal road between Portrush and Portstewart.

Guided Days Trips From Belfast

Giants Causeway Tour

• Game of Thrones Tour

No matter what things to do or day trips you decide upon, be sure to fully discover the city on our daily Belfast hop on hop off bus tour.

BOOK HOP ON HOP OFF TICKETS

Day Trips From Belfast Without A Car?

Both bus tours below depart and return to central Belfast 7 days a week.

• Giant's Causeway Tour
• Shore Excursions

Day Trips From Belfast By Train?

• Londonderry / Derry

Day Trips From Belfast By Car?

• Ards Peninsula

Day Trips To Scotland From Belfast?

• The ultimate Ireland travel planning guide

• Ireland Food and Drink
• Things to Do
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• Where to Stay

15 Exciting Day Trips from Belfast You Need to Take

Belfast is an incredible city to explore, but sometimes it’s fun to get out and discover a new area. It’s an excellent base for adventures around Northern Ireland, and there are many day trips from Belfast to go on.

While there are so many things to do in Belfast itself, you can extend your trip by using the city as a base while you go out for a day or two to a surrounding area. From famous Irish landmarks to new cities waiting to be explored, you’ll love taking a Belfast day trip.

Here are 15 places in Ireland that you’ll want to check out for your next adventure!

Table of Contents

15 Day Trips From Belfast to Explore

Here are some of the best day trips that you can take from Belfast. It’s easiest to have your own car so you can go to some of these places, so make sure to read my tips for driving in Ireland first.

Worried about not having a rental car? Check out my guide on how to get around Ireland without a car . 

1. The Giant’s Causeway

Giant’s Causeway is one of the most popular day trips from Belfast. This geological wonder is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site and is made up of around 40,000 basalt columns along the Northern Irish coast. It’s also an ideal thing to do with kids in Belfast if you’re staying nearby.

According to local legend, the columns formed when Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill and a Scottish giant named Benandonner faced off in a battle. 

It is believed that they tore up pieces of the Antrim coastline and threw them into the Irish Sea. They wanted to build a road to meet each other to engage in battle, hence the name Giant’s Causeway. It is, however, a result of an underwater volcanic eruption.

How to Get to Giant’s Causeway 

Giant’s Causeway is 60 miles (96 km) away from Belfast, and it will take you an hour without traffic to get there by car. It makes for the perfect day tour from Belfast, as you can leave early in the morning and be back before dark. 

If you prefer not to drive, there is public transport available. You can take a bus directly from Belfast, which will take about 90 minutes. 

Things to Do Near Giant’s Causeway 

This area is filled with myths and legends. Some of the other places you can visit include the Wishing Chair, Camel’s Back, and Giant’s Boot. 

You can also embark on a whiskey tasting tour at the Old Bushmills Distillery. It is believed to be the oldest whiskey distillery in the world, dating back 400 years. 

Then there’s also the Giant’s Causeway & Bushmill Railway, where you can learn more about the area’s old tramway, which opened in 1883. It was the first electric tramway in the world and operated for over 65 years. 

If you’ve got kids, you can take them to the Causeway Fun Farm for a day filled with exciting activities. 

Alternatively, you could opt for a guided tour to Giant’s Causeway in an air-conditioned tour van. 

Dublin is the dynamic capital of the Republic of Ireland. The best way to discover both Irish capitals is with a day trip from Belfast to Dublin , especially if you’re visiting this part of the world for the first time. 

Both capitals are synonymous with a dark period in Irish history known as “ The Troubles ” but have since worked hard to move forward and reinvent themselves. 

How to Get to Dublin 

You can easily drive from Belfast to Dublin, as the distance between the two cities is just 105 miles (168 km). It should take you just under two hours to get there without traffic. 

There are also regular train and bus services between the two cities, and the journey lasts around 2 hours by both services. 

Things to Do in Dublin

There is lots to see and do in Dublin in just one day . One thing you should do when visiting Dublin is to look in at one of the local Dublin pubs and try out some local food. Dublin is also home to the world-renowned Irish stout Guinness, so if you enjoy beer, be sure to give it a try. 

You can also visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn more about the history of this iconic Irish Beer. Some of Dublin’s other attractions worth seeing include the Dublin Castle, Trinity College Library, and Temple Bar. 

Be sure to walk across the Ha’Penny Bridge, which spans the River Liffey. If you want to have some fun, you can kayak under the bridge. 

For a unique experience, consider booking a bike tour of Dublin and discover the city’s hidden gems while learning fun facts about Dublin . 

3. Carrick-A-Rede Bridge

If you’re looking for something to get your adrenaline pumping, then visit the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, one of the more famous landmarks in Ireland. This is also one of the best drives in Ireland when you come from Belfast.

The Carrick-a-Rede is a rope suspension bridge that hangs 98 feet above a rock cliff. A fun fact about Ireland is it was originally built in 1755 by fishermen, and the bridge spans 65 feet from the mainland to the small island of Carrick-a-Rede. 

How to Get to the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge from Belfast

The distance from Belfast to the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge is only 58 miles (93 km), and the journey will take you about an hour by car. If you’re looking for a more scenic option, you can take a 3-hour bus or train ride, which will take you through County Antrim.

Things to Do Near Carrick-a-Rede Bridge 

Giant’s Causeway is a short 15-minute drive away from the Carrick-a-Rede Bridge. You can also visit the Ballintoy Harbour, Dunseverick Castle, and Whitepark Bay Bridge.

You can also take the Causeway Coastal Route and stop at the Kinbane and Dunluce Castles.

This Northern Ireland tour will also take you here if you don’t have a car.

4. The Dark Hedges

Whether you’re a Game of Thrones fan or not, no trip to Northern Ireland would be complete without visiting the Dark Hedges. 

It’s one of 25 GOT filming locations in Northern Ireland. This mystical avenue is lined with beech trees that form a tunnel down Bregagh Road. 

How to Get to the Dark Hedges from Belfast 

The drive from Belfast to the Dark Hedges is a short one, as the distance between the two places is only 49 miles (78 km) and should take you about an hour. 

Alternatively, you can take a train from Belfast to Ballymoney Station, which will take about 90 minutes. You’ll then need to take a taxi from the station to the Dark Hedges, which will take another 10 minutes. 

Things to Do Near the Dark Hedges

Many tours combine a tour of the Dark Hedges with a visit to the Giant’s Causeway. If you’re not on a tour, you can still visit the Causeways along with the Ballintoy Harbour, Cushendun Caves, and Murlough Bay. 

After a long day of exploring the area, you can stop at Joey’s Bar for a pint of beer and a traditional Irish pub meal.

You can also choose to go on a Game of Thrones tour if you’d prefer to have someone else drive you.

Looking to take a scenic drive from Northern Ireland to its Irish neighbor? Then take a trip down to the beautiful County of Donegal. 

Donegal sits at the mouth of the River Eske. It is known for having the most fantastic scenery on the island, with rolling hills, stunning beaches, and dramatic cliffs. 

How to Get to Donegal from Belfast 

There are two ways to get to the town of Donegal, which is about 108 miles (173 km) from Belfast. You can travel by car or bus, both of which will take you about 2 hours. 

Things to Do in Donegal 

Donegal is filled with hidden gems and popular tourist attractions. The famous Donegal Castle was built right in the town center in 1474. 

To experience the area’s true beauty, I recommend visiting the Glenveagh National Park and Malin Point. Another must-see attraction in Donegal is the Doon Fort, which is on an island in the center of Loughadoon. 

There are also a number of beautiful beaches in the area that you can visit, like Silver Strand Beach. Check out my guide on unique things to do in Donegal for more in-depth information.

6. Carrickfergus 

Carrickfergus is a charming town that dates back to the middle ages and is located on the north shore of the Belfast Lough. 

It is home to the Carrickfergus Castle, a Norman-style castle that was built in 1177. It helped protect the town, which was the largest town in the area. 

How to Get to Carrickfergus from Belfast 

Belfast to Carrickfergus is one of the shortest day trips, as the distance between the two places is only 12 miles (19 km), and the drive will take you about 30 minutes. 

There’s a train from Belfast to Carrickfergus, which should get you there in about 20 minutes. There’s also a bus service, which should get you there in about 30 minutes. 

Things to Do in Carrickfergus

While visiting the Carrickfergus Castle is a must, you can also check out the Marine Gardens, Carrickfergus Museum, and Civic Center. 

Be sure to visit the beautiful Belfast Lough and check out the Blackhead Lighthouse as well. You can also take a stroll along Crawfordsburn Beach. 

7. Dunluce Castle 

A must-see attraction when visiting Northern Ireland is the Dunluce Castle. This historic castle dates back to the early 1500s and is situated on top of a rugged cliff, and Game of Thrones fans might also recognize it as the House of Greyjoy. 

How to Get to Dunluce Castle from Belfast 

The distance from Dunluce Castle to Belfast is about 58 miles (93 km). If you plan on driving there, the trip should take you around 70 minutes. You can also take a train or bus to the castle from Belfast, which should take about 2 hours.

Things to Do Near Dunluce Castle 

The Old Bushmills Distillery, Royal Portrush Golf Club, and Giant’s Causeway are all a short drive away from Dunluce Castle, making it one of the best day trips from Belfast.

You can also spend the day soaking up the sun at the Portrush Whiterocks Beach and visit the Dark Hedges on your way back. 

No day trip from Belfast would be complete without stopping in Derry. It is the second-largest city in Northern Ireland and is situated along the River Foyle. 

Derry is a vibrant city that has a rich history. The town is best known for its 17th-century city walls, which are still intact and have seven gates leading into the city center. 

How to Get to Derry from Belfast 

The distance between the two cities is about 70 miles (112 km), and it should take about 90 minutes to get there by car. There are also direct train and bus services between the cities, and the journey will take about 2 hours.

Things to Do in Derry 

In Derry, you can stroll along the cobblestone streets and admire the modern murals created by street artists. You’ll find a mix of craft shops, restaurants, and pubs inside this quirky village.

If you enjoy history, check out the Museum of Free Derry, which delves into the city’s rough past during The Troubles. You can also walk across the Peace Bridge and visit the Derry Craft Village in the city center. This area is one of the best places to stay in Derry when looking for accommodation.

9. The Gobbins Cliff Path

Another popular day trip from Belfast is the Gobbins Cliff Path. It is one of the most picturesque locations in Northern Ireland and part of the Causeway Coastal Route.

How to Get to the Gobbins Cliff Path 

The Gobbins Cliff Path is only 18 miles (28 km) away from Belfast, and it takes about 30 minutes to get there. 

You can also take a train or bus to Ballycarry Village and then take a taxi from there to the Gobbins Visitor Center. The whole journey should take about 40 minutes. 

Things to Do Near the Gobbins Cliff Path

Once you get to Gobbins, you can take a guided tour of the area’s intricately designed suspension bridges, caves, and tunnels. Alternatively, you could just hike around the area by yourself and enjoy the dramatic scenery surrounding you. 

10. Royal Portrush Golf Club

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There’s no better place to enjoy a game of golf than at the Royal Portrush Golf Club in County Antrim. 

Established in 1888, it boasts one of the most challenging golf courses in the world. Although it is a private golf club, it is open to visitors who book in advance. 

How to Get to the Royal Portrush Golf Club 

The Royal Portrush Golf Club is about 58 miles (93 km) from Belfast and an ideal day trip from Belfast if you love golfing. The scenic drive will take you about 70 minutes. 

Things to Do Near Royal Portrush Golf Club

Before or after a round of golf, you can take some time to visit Dunluce Castle, which is a short drive from the golf club. You could also admire the wonderful views of County Antrim from the Rinagree Coastal Park or Portrush Whiterocks Beach. 

 11. Mourne Mountains 

For one of the most amazing day trips around Northern Ireland, take a scenic drive to the Mourne Mountains. This stunning mountain range is nestled along the marvelous coastline of County Down, and it is home to Northern Ireland’s tallest mountain, the 2,700-feet high Slieve Donard.

How to Get to Mourne Mountains 

The Mourne Mountains are about 42 miles (67 km) away from Belfast, and a trip by car should take about an hour, depending on traffic. 

Things to Do Near Mourne Mountains

Once you reach the Mourne Mountains, you can hike up the Slieve Donard summit. It might be a bit tricky, but you’ll be rewarded with the best panoramic views of the Belfast Lough, Dublin Bay, and the Isle of Man. 

You can visit the nearby Tollymore Forest Park to enjoy activities like horse-riding. After a long hike, you can also cool off at one of three beaches in the Mourne Mountains area. If you’re thirsty, stop off at the Mourne Mountains Distillery. 

12. Causeway Coastal Route

One way to experience the highlights of Northern Ireland is to take the scenic Causeway Coastal Route. You can make multiple stops along the way and discover the best that the island has to offer.

How to Get Around the Causeway Coastal Route 

The Causeway Coastal Route runs for about 200 miles (321 km) around the Northern Irish coastline from Belfast down to Derry. 

You can also arrange a private tour or go on a full-day group tour to enjoy the route’s highlights.

Things to Do Along the Causeway Coastal Route

Some places where you can stop along this Northern Ireland route include Giant’s Causeway, The Dark Hedge, Carrickfergus Castle, and Bushmills Distillery. 

You can also enjoy fishing, hiking, and coasteering. If you enjoy being on the water, you can enjoy a day cruise, sea kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding. 

13. The Glens of Antrim 

The Glens of Antrim is home to nine picturesque valleys and one of the most beautiful day trips from Belfast. While you could spend an entire week discovering the valleys, there is one that stands out above the rest: Glenariff Valley. 

How to Get to the Glens of Antrim 

The Glens of Antrim are about 42 miles (67 km) from Belfast, so it should take about an hour to get there by car, which is the best way.

You can also take a bus or train to Cushendun Square and take a further taxi. The journey by public transport will take just under three hours. 

Things to Do in the Glens of Antrim

The Glenariff Forest Park is a must-visit, and it offers four square miles of dense forest with lakes and picnic areas. There are also numerous hiking trails, but the most beautiful is the Waterfall Walkway, which leads to a gorgeous waterfall at the end of the path. 

14. Lisburn 

For another quick day trip, visit the neighboring town of Lisburn. The town has a fascinating history as it was one of the leading producers of linen in the 18th century. 

How to Get to Lisburn from Belfast 

Lisburn is only 9 miles (14 km) from Belfast. You can quickly drive there, or take a bus or train directly to the town center, and it should take you between 20 and 35 minutes to get there. 

Things to Do in Lisburn 

There are quite a few things you can do in Lisburn. Get to know more about the town’s history at the Irish Linens Center and Lisburn Museum. You can also visit Hillsborough Forest Park and Hillsborough Castle.

15. Lough Neagh 

To escape the chaos of the city, head over to the peaceful Lough Neagh area. It’s the largest lake in the British Isles, and there’s plenty to do in the area. Lough Neagh has it all, from historical buildings to wildlife attractions and forest parks. 

How to Get to Lough Neagh

Lough Neagh is about 19 (30 km) miles from Belfast. It will take you about 30 minutes to get there by car or 45 minutes by train or bus. 

Things to Do Near Lough Neagh

You can enjoy many water activities, including boat tours, kayaking, and fishing. You can also visit the Antrim Castle Gardens and Shane’s Castle.

Where to Stay After Belfast Day Trips

After your day of exploring, you’ll need somewhere to stay. I have a complete list of places to stay in Belfast , but here are a few recommendations:

• Ibis Hotel is in the middle of the bustling Central District so you’ll be close to shops, restaurants, and night life. (rates start at €116 per night)
• Jurys Inn is where I last stayed when I was in Belfast and I loved how affordable it was while providing free breakfast that I could grab and go. (rates start at €88 per night )
• Titanic Hotel Belfast is a fun place to stay if you love the Titanic, as you’re near the musem and shipyard. (rates start at €290 per night)

Which one of these day trips from Belfast are you looking forward to the most?

Marissa became obsessed with Ireland when she first visited in 2015, and has been back numerous times since to explore more of the Emerald Isle. She started this site to help others plan their trip to Ireland based off her experiences.

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

The Best Day Trips from Belfast

Last updated: March 10, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 2 Comments

There’s a lot to do in Belfast, as our guides to spending 2 days in Belfast and things to do in Belfast should make clear.

Belfast also makes an excellent base for exploring some of the highlights of Northern Ireland. There are good transport links across the region, and the majority of companies operating day tours in Northern Ireland depart from Belfast.

There are also lots of accommodation options, as well as restaurants and pubs, to entertain you after a full day of exploring.

With this in mind, we wanted to share some of the best options you have for day trips from Belfast.

These cover a wide range of interests, as well as a variety of different transport options. Some will be easy to do by public transport by yourself, others will require either a hire car or to take a dedicated guided tour. For each one, we’ve gone through the options you have.

Day Trips from Belfast

These are some of our favourite day trips from Belfast, although of course it’s not a definitive list. There’s so much to see and do in Northern Ireland! Hopefully, this selection of tours will give you plenty of inspiration for your own trip.

Giant’s Causeway

Without a doubt, the day trip from Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway is one of the most popular day trips from Belfast.

And this is for a good reason. The geological marvel known as the Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO world heritage site, and is quite the sight to behold. A series of geometric basalt columns, largely hexagonal in shape, link together in what looks like a road, leading down into the sea.

You can walk all around and over the columns, which cover a fairly large area, and which make for some great photos. It’s also impressive just to witness the power of nature. It’s so perfect in its shape and form that it looks like it was built rather than formed by nature.

This, in fact, is why it is called the Giant’s Causeway. Legend has it that what we see today are the remains of a massive causeway built across the Irish sea between Ireland and Scotland by the Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill.

The legend says that Fionn built it in response to a challenge he was issued by a Scottish giant named Benandonner. The causeway was built to allow Fionn to cross the sea and do battle with Benandonner. Various versions of the story are told, with one or the other giant’s winning depending on which version you choose to believe.

You can learn all about the myths of the Giant’s Causeway, as well as the geological explanation for its formation, at the excellent Giant’s Causeway center, which is found at the top of the hill. From here, it’s around a 15 minute walk down the hill (or a 5 minute bus ride, for a small fee) to the Causeway itself.

Access to the Giant’s Causeway itself is free, and it is open year round. However, there is a charge for parking and to visit the visitor center, as well as for services like the audioguide. Tickets are cheaper if you buy them online in advance from the official site here .

It’s a National Trust property, so National Trust members get free access. The bus to and from the Causeway from the visitor centre also has a small fee, which is also waived for National Trust members.

We think a visit to the visitor centre is definitely worth it, as it has a lot of information about the geology and mythology of the area, as well as its history as a visitor attraction.

How to Get to the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast

The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most popular visitor attractions in Northern Ireland, and you have a number of options for reaching it.

First, if you have a car (or rent one), it’s around a 60 mile drive from Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway, a journey that usually takes a little over an hour via the M2 motorway. If you drive, you can park on site, for which you will need to pay the entry fee.

In the busier months, the car park can become full, in which case there is a park and ride service available from the town of Bushmills.

Second, you can also reach the Giant’s Causeway by public transport. There are a couple of options.

First, you can take a bus directly from Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway. This takes around 90 minutes, with service from Belfast through to Aird, Giants Causeway The Nook. The bus number is 221, find times here .

You can also take a train from Belfast to Coleraine (takes around 90 minutes, see times here ), then switch to the local Ulsterbus service which will take you to the Giant’s Causeway visitor centre (takes around 40 minutes, find times here ). The specific bus service is the 402 from Coleraine to Ballycastle, also known as the Causeway Rambler Service. The stop for the Giant’s Causeway is Aird, Giant’s Causeway The Nook.

Price wise, you can pick up a Zone 4 iLink day ticket for £16.50 which covers train and public bus across much of Northern Ireland.

Finally, there are multiple tours that run from Belfast (and Dublin) to the Giant’s Causeway. These vary in length, as well as the other attractions they visit. We’ve listed some of these options below.

Tours to the Giant’s Causeway from Belfast

When picking a tour, we suggest finding one that visits a number of sights that you are interested in. This may be Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland , more National Trust sites, or just some general sightseeing.

• This full day tour includes the Giant’s Causeway as well as a number of Game of Thrones filming locations, plus Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and Dunluce castle
• This full day tour includes the Giant’s Causeway, plus the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Old Bushmills Distillery, and Carrickfergus and Dunluce castles.
• A full day tour which includes the Giant’s Causeway, as well as time at the Titanic Museum in Belfast, the Dark Hedges and Dunluce Castle
• A private tour of the Giant’s Causeway as well as a number of the Game of Thrones filming locations north of Belfast

Causeway Coastal Route Highlights

One of the most scenic drives in Northern Ireland is the Causeway Coastal Route . This runs for nearly two hundred miles along the Northern Ireland coastline, from Belfast right around to Londonderry.

This driving route features many highlights – certainly too many to do in one day, even driving yourself. However, you could certainly cover some of the sights in a day trip from Belfast.

Some highlights include Carrickfergus Castle, Torr Head, the Dark Hedges , Ballintoy, the Giant’s Causeway and Bushmills Distillery. We have a guide to the highlights of the Causeway Coastal route here for more ideas.

Ideally, you would hire a car and try and schedule two days to take in the whole route to Londonderry, which would also give you time to explore more of the sights along the way. However, if you have only one day, you can still visit some of the highlights.

How to visit the Causeway Coastal Route from Belfast

The Causeway Coastal Route is primarily a driving route, and so the best way to experience it is in a hire car. The route largely follows the coast, and there are a great many attractions along the way. With a car, you’ll be able to pick and choose those that most interest you.

It is possible to explore parts of the Causeway Coastal Route by public transport, using one or more of the Translink Rambler Services . This will require some careful planning around bus schedules to ensure you can see everything you want to see.

You can also take a day tour from Belfast that will cover many of the highlights of this route.

Tours of the Causeway Coastal Route

If you don’t have a car, the best way to see some of the major highlights of the Causeway Coastal Route is a day tour. Some good options we’ve found are as follows:

• This full day tour includes the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Bushmills Distillery and Dunluce Castle
• A private tour of some of the highlights of the Causeway Coastal Route, including the Glens of Antrim, Ballycastle, Bushmills Distillery and the Giant’s Causeway
• This full day tour which includes many of the highlights of the Causeway Coastal Route
• A private tour of the Giant’s Causeway which includes many of the coastal attractions along the route

Game of Thrones Filming Locations

Fans of the HBO Game of Thrones TV series  will be delighted to hear that many of the real-world filming locations for the show are to be found in Northern Ireland.

One of the most famous of these filming locations is the Dark Hedges , which was the filming location for the Kings Road in the show.

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.

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. 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.

For example, you could spend one day exploring locations south of the city like Castle Ward, Inch Abbey and Tollymore Forest Park. This is also where you’ll find the Game of Thrones studio experience .

Then you could spend a day north of Belfast, visiting the Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour and Portstewart Strand, to name but a few of the locations.

Many of the locations you can visit have some sort of sign depicting the scene that was filmed there, to give you some context as to what you are seeing. Others, such as Castle Ward, offer full Game of Thrones experiences like archery lessons.

Whatever you discover, we’re sure you’ll have a great time hunting down all the Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland. We have a full guide to all the Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland which we definitely recommend you check out for more information.

How to visit the Game of Thrones Filming Locations from Belfast

The Game of Thrones filming locations are spread out across Northern Ireland. You could certainly visit some of the locations by public transport; however, if you really want to see a few in a day your best option is to either hire a car or take a tour.

With a car, we’d recommend either spending one day visiting the locations to the north of Belfast and/or spending one day visiting locations to the south of the city. You’ll need to choose the ones of most interest to you as there are two many to visit them all in one day.

If that sounds like too much work though, you can also take one of many tours which are available from Belfast. This is probably the easiest option for most people.

Tours of Game of Thrones Filming Locations from Belfast

We would recommend that a tour of the Game of Thrones filming locations might be the easiest and best way to see them.

Guides will know exactly where to take you, and many of them will carry images from the show on an iPad or printed out, so you can orient yourself for each scene and location. Some of the tour guides have been actors, extras, or staff in the GoT series.

If you have two days, you could take two different Games of Thrones tours that cover different locations.

Some tours you might consider are as follows:

• A full day tour of the Game of Thrones filming locations south of Belfast, including Castle Ward, Tollymore Forest Park and more. You’ll may also meet some real life dire wolves!
• This full day tour of some of the Game of Thrones filming locations north of Belfast, including the Dark Hedges and Cushenden Caves. Also includes the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, Carrickfergus Castle, and the Giant’s Causeway.
• A private full day tour from Belfast of the Game of Thrones filming locations, which includes the Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, and Larrybane Quarry, as well as the Giant’s Causeway
• Another full day tour of the locations south of Belfast, which include Castle Ward, Strangford Lough, Tollymore Forest Park, and Inch Abbey
• This tour focuses on the Game of Thrones Studio Tour which is found about a 45 minute drive southwest of Belfast. The tour includes round trip transfer from Belfast and entry tickets to the experience.

The Gobbins

The Gobbins has been a popular day trip from Belfast since Edwardian times, although the attraction did fall into disrepair through the middle of the 20th century.

The good news is that it is fully restored and operational again!

You are probably wondering first of all what the Gobbins is. Well, it’s a dramatic cliff-face path that has you following a defined route in the company of a guide along some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular coastal scenery.

It was built by an Edwardian engineer, ostensibly to demonstrate his skill and experience tackling complex engineering challenges, which the Gobbins walk construction certainly was.

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. The experience takes around 2.5 hours in total, and it has to be done as a guided tour, which needs to be booked in advance on the official website here .

Note that tours do not run year-round, and weather conditions can cause cancellations. So do check the official website and contact them prior to setting out for your tour just in case.

How to Get to The Gobbins from Belfast

The Gobbins is not far from Belfast, found around 18 miles along the coast in a north-easterly direction.

If you have a car, the drive will take you in the region of 30 minutes, depending on traffic. You need to park at the Goffins Visitor Center and you need to have booked your tour in advance. You’ll arrive at the Gobbins Visitor Center, where there is free parking, and the tour includes your return shuttle transfer to the start of the walk itself.

You can also reach the Gobbins Visitor Center by public transport from Belfast. From Belfast you can take a train to Ballycarry, which is on the Belfast – Larne line. Ballycarry is around a mile from the Gobbins Visitor Center, which you can either do on foot (it is around 20 minutes), or you could take a taxi from Ballycarry.

Note that we’ve not been able to find a guided tour from Belfast which includes the Gobbins, so you will need to drive or take public transit.

Dublin is the capital city of the Republic of Ireland, and is a tremendously fun city to visit. There’s loads to do here, from trying Irish whiskey, to learning about the Irish Emigration, to finding out about some of Ireland’s greatest writers.

There’s also beautiful architecture, lovely old library rooms, and of course – lots of Guinness to be drunk!

A day in Dublin will definitely give you a good idea of what the city has to offer, from the party-centric vibe of the Temple Bar, to the bustling city center shopping streets, to the museums and other cultural attractions.

We’ve written guides for spending 2 days in Dublin and 3 days in Dublin , which should give you some options for your day here. We also have a guide to whether the Dublin Pass is worth it , which might help you save money if you are planning on visiting a number of paid attractions like the Guinness Storehouse.

Dublin is also easily visitable from Belfast, and it has quite a different feel in our opinion, making it very much worth of inclusion on our guide to day trips from Belfast.

How to Get to Dublin from Belfast

You can drive from Belfast to Dublin very easily, with the 105 mile journey usually taking in the region of 2 hours, depending on traffic.

However, as we don’t think you’ll be using your car in Dublin city and parking can be expensive, our advice would be to take public transport. There are regular bus and train services that run between Dublin and Belfast, with journey times of around 2 hours.

You can take a train or bus directly into the city centre of Dublin, so you can start sightseeing straight away.

Tours to Dublin from Belfast

We aren’t currently aware of any tours from Belfast to Dublin, although these have run in the past so do check.

Alternatively, you could take public transport to Dublin, and then take a guided tour in the city itself. For example, this is a guided bike tour of Dublin , and this is a guided walking tour of the city .

Londonderry

The city of Derry, officially known as Londonderry , is the second largest city in Northern Ireland after Belfast. It’s in the north-west of the country, near the border with the Republic of Ireland.

There is a lot to see and do in Derry. The city is particularly known for its 17th century city walls, a massive construction which encircles the older part of the city. They are the only intact city walls surviving in Ireland. Access to Derry’s old centre is achieved through the seven gates.

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.

Of course, there is more to Derry than the walls. Take time to visit the Tower Museum, see the beautiful Guild Hall, cross the Peace Bridge, check out local street art, and explore the 17th century St. Columb’s cathedral.

Note that Derry was seriously affected by the Troubles , and is often regarded as the location where this conflict began. This time of violence had a lasting impact on the city, causing great divisions. The Peace Bridge is one symbol of the city trying to repair these divides.

How to get from Belfast to Derry

From Belfast to Londonderry it’s around a 70 mile drive on good roads, which averages between 90 minutes and 2 hours, depending on road traffic.

There are also regular trains, with a direct train from Belfast to Derry taking just over two hours. There are also direct bus services which take around two hours.

Tours of Derry

There is at least one tour of Derry departing from Belfast, which is this one .

As with Dublin, you could also make your own way to the city, and then take a guided tour once there. For example, there’s this walking tour , and this private tour of the walled city .

Carrickfergus

If you’re looking for a shorter day trip from Belfast, then you might consider a trip to Carrickfergus. This town is just over ten miles from Belfast along the Causeway Coastal Route, and is easy to reach by public transport or car.

Carrickfergus dates from the middle ages, and due to its important location on the water, it was for a time the largest city in the area. It was highly defended, with a large city wall encircling the town, as well as an impressive castle sitting on the waters edge.

Carrickfergus Castle , which was built in 1177, is still in very good condition, and a visit here is a highlight of a trip to Carrickfergus. It’s the best preserved Norman-style castle in Ireland, and you can tour rooms inside the castle as well as visit the walls. There’s a small entrance fee for doing so, but it’s well worth it.

As well as the castle, there are a number of other attractions worth visiting in Carrickfergus. We recommend you visit the excellent and free museum in the town center, the remains of the old town walls, and the beautiful St. Nicholas Church, first established in the 12th century.

Once you are in Carrickfergus, all the town’s main attractions are within walking distance of each other. A trip to Carrickfergus can make for an interesting and relaxing day out of Belfast.

How to get from Belfast to Carrickfergus

Carrickfergus is only a short distance from Belfast, with the drive here taking 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

You can also travel here by public transport. The train from Belfast takes less than 20 minutes, and direct bus services take around half an hour. See train and bus times here .

Tours of Carrickfergus from Belfast

We aren’t aware of any tours that specifically visit Carrickfergus from Belfast; however, some of the tours that run along the Causeway Coast and up to the Giant’s Causeway include a stop at Carrickfergus such as this full day tour or this full day tour .

Often this is just a quick photograph stop for Carrickfergus Castle, so if you do want to spend some time here, read the tour description carefully to be sure it includes time to visit some of the attractions. You might find it easier to just take a bus or train if Carrickfergus is your main aim.

Rathlin Island

One of our favourite places to visit whilst we were driving the Causeway Coastal Route was Rathlin Island. 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.

There are a number of reasons to visit Rathlin Island, other than it’s quiet and laid back atmosphere. The predominant reason for visiting is to go to the RSPB Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre , where you can see a huge variety of breeding seabirds in the spring and summer months. Species include puffin, guillemot, kittiwake, razorbill, and fulmar.

The reserve is operated by the RSPB, and is open to visitors from April through to September. When it’s open, there are volunteers on site who have telescopes and binoculars available to aid in bird watching, plus they can help you with bird identification. There’s a small museum on site as well, with information about the lighthouse here.

There’s a small fee to visit the RSPB reserve, which is free for RSPB members.

As well as bird watching, Rathlin has pretty churches, a cave where Robert the Bruce hid from the English, a lovely beach, and the opportunity to see seals. If you have time, we can highly recommend spending the night on the island, as we did.

How to get from Belfast to Rathlin Island

Rathlin can only be accessed by ferry, with ferries running from Ballycastle. The trip across takes 25 minutes on the fast ferry, and 40 minutes on the slower ferry. Note that unless you live on the island, or have a blue disability badge on your vehicle, you generally won’t be able to take a car across. There is a bus service on the island to get you around, or you can walk or bike.

From Belfast to Ballycastle, if you are planning on visiting Rathlin for the day, our recommendation would be to drive. The drive will take you just over an hour, and you can park at the Ballycastle ferry terminal.

It is possible to take public transport to do a day trip to Rathlin, but it will take a couple of hours each way by bus, so this will end up being quite a long day. You’ll want to leave early to have enough time on the island. Still, it is possible!

We aren’t aware of any tours that visit Rathlin Island from Belfast for the day, however you may be able to book a private tour, or find a local tour company that offers group tours.

Hillsborough Castle

If you prefer your castles to be of the regal variety, then you might want to pop along to Hillsborough Castle as a day trip from Belfast.

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.

The “castle” is not really a castle, but actually a Georgian country house which dates from the 18th century. It was built for an Irish peer, the Marquess of Downshire, who was a secretary of state himself. His family sold it on to the British government in 1922.

From 1924 until 1973 the house served as the official residence for the Governor of Northern Ireland. It has also been the location for a number of key political talks, hence it has features not normally found on a Georgian House, like bulletproof glass!

The castle and its grounds have been open to the public to visit since 2014, and are managed by Historic Royal Palaces, who also manage the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace, among others.

The castle is open every day (although can close for official use), and you can take a guided tour of the castle interior. You can also explore the stunning gardens, which span 100 acres around the property. You can see opening times here.

There’s an entry fee for visiting, and you can buy your ticket online in advance here .

How to get from Belfast to Hillsborough Castle

Hillsborough Castle is in the town of Hillsborough, which is around 13 miles southwest of Belfast. You can drive, with the trip taking around 20 minutes, depending on traffic. There is no on-site parking, so you will need to find parking in Hillsborough. During busier months, a park and ride service operates.

You can also reach Hillsborough Castle easily by public transport, with the bus journey taking 20 – 30 minutes depending on the time of day.

We are not aware of any guided tours that visit Hillsborough Castle from Belfast for the day.

Lough Neagh

If you’d like to visit some beautiful Northern Irish countryside, then you might want to spend the day exploring the area of Lough Neagh .

Lough Neagh is the largest lake by area in the British Isles. It’s around 20 miles long and 9 miles wide, and there is a huge amount to see and do around its shores, from forest parks to historical buildings to wildlife attractions.

Lough Neagh being a large body of water, it’s also possible to partake in water-based activities, including boat tours, kayaking, and fishing. You can see more on the official website here .

How to Visit Lough Neagh from Belfast

Being so large, you’ll want to identify some key points of interest for your visit to Lough Neagh, so you can make the most of your day trip. We’d also recommend that the lake is probably best visited by car, so you can explore at your leisure.

From Belfast to the eastern shore of the Lough (closest to the city), it’s around 25 miles, or a half hour drive, depending on traffic. Fully circumnavigating the lake by car would take at least two hours of driving.

Depending on where you want to go around the Lough, it is also possible to travel here by public transport from Belfast, particularly to the towns around Lough Neagh like Crumlin. See times and options here .

There are also tours that visit Lough Neagh. We recommend looking at Lough Neagh Tours , which offers tours of the highlights of Lough Neagh, with departures from Belfast.

St. Patrick’s Trail

Last but not least in our guide to the best day trips from Belfast is a trip through Saint Patrick’s country. As you are likely aware, St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, and there are a number of locations throughout Ireland which are associated with him.

Many of these are easily reachable from Belfast, and there is even a trail you can follow in Northern Ireland to visit these – the St. Patrick’s trail. This links 15 sites associated with the saint together into a manageable driving route.

This trail starts just to the east of Belfast in Bangor, and runs for 92 miles, through Newtownards, Downpatrick, Newry and Armagh. Along the way you’ll see the slopes of the mountain that St. Patrick tended his sheep on, the location of the first church he founded, and his grave at Downpatrick.

There’s an excellent guide to the Saint Patrick’s trail in Northern Ireland here , which also has a good map you can use to find all the key locations. The trail is do-able in a day if you drive yourself, but we’d suggest doing it in 2 days if you want to stop and visit most of the sites and attractions.

How to Follow St. Patrick’s Trail from Belfast

If you want to visit all the major sites along the St. Patrick’s Trail from Belfast, then your best option is to drive a car. This will let you see all the sites easily and stop at your leisure.

In theory it would also be possible to visit some of the sites by public transport from Belfast, although to follow the whole trail would be more challenging as there are not always public transport options.

We would perhaps suggest picking a few highlights that you want to visit along the route and seeing if it’s possible to visit them with public transport.

If you are only visiting one place, we’d recommend heading to Downpatrick to visit St. Patrick’s Grave at Down Cathedral , the St Patrick’s Centre , and the Down Country Museum .

Downpatrick can be reached by bus from Belfast, the journey takes around an hour and is direct. You can see times and prices here .

Tours of St. Patrick’s Trail

We haven’t found any specific tours that follow the St. Patrick’s Trail in its entirety.

The closest option we have found which is currently available is this half-day walking tour which does pass a number of the key sights on the trail, including Saul Church and Inch Abbey.

Getting around Northern Ireland

There are a variety of ways you do day trips from Belfast – you can take a tour, you can hire a car, or for some of our suggested day trips you can take public transport.

For public transport, Northern Ireland has both rail and bus services. Usually these will be a little slower than driving yourself, and less direct than taking a tour. However, for travellers on a budget, or for destinations closer to Belfast, public transport can definitely be a good option.

Bus and train timetables and destinations can be found on the translink website , where you can also find prices and book tickets.

Where to Stay in Belfast

If you’re going to be basing yourself in Belfast while you take one or more of these days trips from the city, then you’re going to need somewhere to stay! We’ve done the research for you, and below are some of our preferred options for where to stay in Belfast.

• The Bullitt Hotel  – this centrally located 4* hotel is where we stayed on a recent trip to Belfast. Rooms are spacious, there are 3 bars on site (including an excellent rooftop bar), and there’s evening entertainment. A great option if you want to be in the heart of the action.
• Belfast International Youth Hostel – One of the best centrally located hostels in Belfast in our opinion. It offers private shared and private dormitory rooms, an on-site cafe, linens, a communal kitchen, a breakfast menu, self-service laundry, and even free parking (rare in Belfast!).
• easyHotel  – This well-rated budget hotel offers no-frills but comfortable rooms and a 24 hour staffed desk. A great central option for those on a tighter budget.
• Jurys Inn – This 4-star hotel offers spacious rooms, breakfast buffet, bar, and restaurant. We have stayed in a number of Jury’s Inns and have always found that they provide good value for money.
• Titanic Hotel Belfast – This 4-star hotel sits within a historical building that was once the Harland and Wolff headquarters and drawing offices (the company that designed and built the RMS Titanic!). A beautiful historical property that offers Art Deco themed rooms, Titanic memorabilia, bar, restaurant, and room service.
• The Merchant Hotel – A beautiful 5-star historic luxury hotel in the heart of Belfast. Found in a beautiful 1860 building, the hotel offers all the luxury amenities you would expect, including a restaurant, bar and lounge, spa, hot tub, and a rooftop gymnasium.

Of course, there are lots more options in the city, at a range of price points and styles. We recommend you check out all the listings available in Belfast here . We can also recommend trying Vrbo if you’re looking for an apartment. We stayed in an apartment on our first visit to the city.

Further Reading

Well, those were some of our favourite day trips from Belfast! As you can see, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. There’s also plenty to see and do in the city itself, and we’ve written a number of guide to help you plan your time in Belfast, and across Ireland and the UK in general.

Here’s some content we think you’ll find useful for planning.

• We have an itinerary for how we think you should spend 2 days in Belfast
• We also have a detailed guide to all our favourite things to do in Belfast .
• We took a tour of Belfast’s street art , so you can get an idea of what’s on offer in the city
• We have a guide to visiting the Dark Hedges , which an make for an excellent part of a day trip from Belfast
• We also have a guide to all the Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland
• If you plan on taking a road trip, see our guide to the highlights of the Causeway Coastal Route , which runs from Belfast right around the coast to Londonderry
• Heading south across the border, we have guides to spending 2 days in Dublin and 3 days in Dublin
• We have an overview of how much it costs to travel in the UK to help you with budget planning
• For longer trips in the UK, we have a guide to spending 2 weeks in the UK , which includes time in Belfast
• We have a guide to driving in the UK , in case you choose to hire a car and do a road trip
• The official Visit Belfast website , which has lots of information to help you plan your visit
• If you are looking for a guidebook, we recommend the Lonely Planet guide to Ireland, the Rick Steves Northern Ireland guide  or the DK Eyewitness Ireland Travel Guide

And that’s it! Hopefully you found this post useful. As always, if you have any feedback or questions, do let us know in the comments below.

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Tash M says

6th August 2019 at 12:26 am

Ireland looks so beautiful! I’ve always wanted to visit the Giant’s Causeway, but I hadn’t heard of The Gobbins before and it looks like a good addition to an itinerary. Cheers!

Laurence Norah says

7th August 2019 at 2:49 pm

Our pleasure! Enjoy your trip 🙂

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From pub etiquette to catching public transport – here's what you need to know before you to Ireland © Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images

A lifetime of living in Ireland has given me some insight into the vagaries of my home country, beginning with the number one rule: never assume anything. This is a country that delights in confounding even your most comfortable expectations about pretty much everything, from the weather to the quality of the wifi.

Here are 10 tips that I’m pretty comfortable giving anyone who plans a visit, whether for the first time or the fifth. I’ve got some practical tips around VAT refunds and the most efficient ways to get around, but then there’s a bunch of suggestions on how to crack the mightiest nut of all – the Irish themselves. Because be in no doubt, while Ireland has gorgeous landscapes, a rich history and the best pubs in the world, your visit will only be truly memorable if you get to know the people – friendly and welcoming but often contradictory and inscrutable.

1. Plan on at least seven days to start making sense of the country

Ireland is small, but there’s an awful lot to it. Luckily, distances in Ireland aren’t huge so you can get most anywhere in a few hours, but the list of where to go can get very long, very quickly.

It’ll take you a couple of days to even begin to make a dent in Dublin , but once you go beyond the capital you’ll need at least five days to make a lightening stop tour of the major highlights of the west: Galway and Connemara, Clare (where you’ll find the Cliffs of Moher and the most authentic traditional music in the country), Kerry (you’ll need a whole day just for the Ring of Kerry and another for the Dingle Peninsula ) and Cork , only it’s time to go home so you can only make enough time for Cork City .

Clearly the only solution is to plan for a month; at the end of it, you’ll be wanting to stay a year. 

2. Keep it to casual wear

The Irish aren’t big on formal wear and only pull it out for very specific occasions (a wedding, a ball, the opening of a parliamentary session). Which means you can wear pretty much whatever you want: smart casual is the most you'll need for fancy dinners, the theatre or the concert hall.

Irish summers are warm but rarely hot, so you'll want something extra when the temperatures cool, especially in the evening. Ultimately the ever-changeable weather will determine your outfits, but a light waterproof jacket should never be beyond reach for the almost-inevitable rain. If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking – in cities or on hills – a good pair of walking shoes, preferably waterproof, will do the trick.

Add these top beaches around Ireland to your travel itinerary. 

3. The land of a 100,000 welcomes

Céad míle fáilte – literally, 100,000 welcomes. The famous Irish greeting suggests a country that is big on displays of affection, but nothing could be further from the truth. A firm handshake – with eye contact – is the appropriate greeting when meeting men, women and older children for the first time. Once a friendship is made, then all bets are off and anything goes, from a hug and a kiss on the cheek (primarily amongst female friends) to an air nod and a casual "hey".

Younger Irish are less formal than their older counterparts, but even they generally eschew effusive greetings: more often than not, a quick handshake and a casual nod is the best way to say hello for the first time.

4. The Irish love to talk, until they don’t

The Irish are renowned for their chat, but with people they don’t know particularly well they generally like to keep it to topics that are light and not likely to embarrass. Despite their gregarious nature, the Irish tend to be reserved when it comes to life’s more serious issues and are very mistrustful of "oversharers". 

The old adage that the Irish will talk about anything except sex, religion and politics is something of an over-simplification, but if you do find yourself steering into deeper waters around sensitive topics it’s always better to listen: locals aren’t shy about getting into heated discussion amongst themselves about all kinds of topics but take a dim view of outsiders who express (even legitimate) criticisms of Ireland or the Irish.

5. You’d better learn about the rounds system

It’s a firm rule of drinking with locals. If someone buys you a drink, you’re obliged to buy them one back – this is the bedrock of Irish pub culture. Nothing will hasten your fall from social grace here like the failure to uphold this pub law. 

The time to repay the drink you’re drinking? It’s when the person you’re drinking with is just about to finish theirs. It doesn’t matter if you’re halfway through your own drink at that moment: you can’t let your drinking buddy sit in front of an empty glass. Your greatest challenge will probably be trying to keep up with your fellow drinkers, who may keep buying you drinks in every round even when you've still got a collection of unfinished pints in front of you and you're sliding face first down the bar.

6. The best way to visit cities is on foot or by public transport

Driving and parking in Irish cities is a nightmare. There’s no free parking anywhere; the unrelenting traffic will test even the most patient of drivers; and the one-way systems in major urban centres will confound you to the point of madness (although map apps are pretty good at pointing you in the right direction).

The good news is you don’t need a car to visit any Irish city. Dublin, the biggest by far, has a pretty decent system of public transport, but even then most of the major sights are within walking distance of each other. Same goes for Cork, Belfast, Limerick and Galway, which are more easily explored without a car.

Save this guide to the best road trips in Ireland.

7. The easiest way to explore Ireland is by car

If cities are best experienced without a car, the most effective way to explore the rest of the country is with one. The bus network, made up of a mix of public and private operators, is extensive and generally quite competitive, though journey times can be slow and lots of the points of interest outside towns are not served. The rail network is quicker but more limited, serving only some major towns and cities. Both buses and trains get busy during peak times; you'll need to book in advance to be guaranteed a seat. 

Cars can be hired in every major town and city. The Irish drive on the left hand side; distances and speed limits in the Republic are measured in kilometres, but once you cross the invisible border into Northern Ireland everything switches to miles.

8. Ireland is good cycling country

Ireland's compact size and scenic landscapes make it a good cycling destination, albeit one you need to prepare for. The weather is unreliable, roads can be very narrow and Irish drivers tend to drive quickly, even on those narrow roads. A growing network of greenways, such as the 42km Great Western Greenway in County Mayo and the Royal Canal Greenway that runs through the midlands, are a great and hassle-free way to see the country from two wheels. A good tip for cyclists in the west is that the prevailing winds make it easier to cycle from south to north. 

Buses will carry bikes, but only if there’s room. Intercity trains will also carry bikes, but you’ll need to book a space in advance as there’s limited capacity. Suburban rail services in Dublin won’t take bikes during rush hour (7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm). A number of Irish companies arrange cycle tours, including Go Visit Ireland  and Cycling Safaris .

9. Pick the right season to travel in Ireland

June to mid-September is high season: the weather is at its best and the most popular parts of the country – Dublin , Kerry and the southern and western coasts – are at their busiest. The downside is big crowds and the highest rates for accommodation and car hire.

Rates drop off from mid-September as the crowds start to thin, but most tourist spots are still open to take advantage of the last weeks of the season. Although weather can never be predicted with any degree of accuracy, the weather can be surprisingly lovely right up to mid-October.

Low season runs from November to the middle of March; Irish winter days are short, damp and cold, but the upside is fewer visitors and some terrific accommodation deals. A lot of the west coast goes into winter hibernation, though, with a lot of attractions and hotels closing down; if you’re planning to visit during this time you should check what’s open before you travel.   

Ready to head to Ireland? These are the best times to visit.

10. Claim your VAT back if you’re visiting from outside the EU

Most goods come with value-added tax (VAT) of 23%, which non-EU residents can claim back as part of the Retail Export Scheme, so long as the purchase was made with a credit card. Visitors from the UK can also benefit from this, but not visitors from Northern Ireland.

Before making a purchase, check with the retailer that they operate the scheme. If they do, you will be issued an export voucher for the purchase, which you need to get certified by customs when you leave Ireland. The voucher is sent back to the retailer who then refunds you the VAT (minus any processing fee). 

Rather than operate the scheme themselves, many retailers use VAT-refunding agencies, whereby you go through the same process of presenting the agency’s own certificate at customs. Some agencies, though, operate a scheme where you don’t pay any VAT upfront, but if you don’t file the paperwork correctly (either sending it back to the agency or presenting it to customs) your card will be charged later. Some goods such as books, children's clothing and educational items are excluded from VAT.

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