trip from dublin to belfast

• The ultimate Ireland travel planning guide

• Ireland Food and Drink
• Things to Do
• Destination Guides
• Itineraries
• Packing Lists
• Seasonal Guides
• Where to Stay

Itineraries , Travel Tips

How to take a belfast day trip from dublin (2024).

It’s time to switch up the scene from Dublin and dive into a fresh landscape without straying too far from Ireland’s shores. While Dublin offers its own unique charm, the island of Ireland is a mosaic of cultures and histories. That’s why I recommend heading north to go on a Belfast day trip from Dublin, where, fun fact, you’ll suddenly be in a new country even though you’re on the same island!

Belfast is the vibrant capital of Northern Ireland and was one of the cities I visited on my first trip to Ireland way back in 2015 on my honeymoon. While it doesn’t get as much love as Dublin, it’s definitely worth a visit, even if just for one day. From driving along the Antrim Coast to exploring a part of the United Kingdom (as Northern Ireland is officially in the U.K.), you’ll love taking a day trip from Dublin to Belfast.

Wondering if Belfast should make the cut in your travel plans? The city is closer to Dublin than you’d think, making it a great day trip option when you want to get out of Dublin. This guide will show you the different ways to visit Belfast from Dublin, so you can choose which one is right for you. I’ll also list some of the best places to visit in Belfast, so taking your trip is easy, and you can just focus on exploring!

Table of Contents

How to Get to Belfast From Dublin: The Best Dublin to Belfast Day Trip Options

Heading from Dublin to Belfast isn’t just a geographical shift – it’s a transition between two dynamic worlds. As you contemplate this adventure, you’ll find a range of travel methods, each offering its own distinct flavor. Whether it’s the allure of rolling landscapes seen from a train window, the efficiency of a budget bus ride, or the luxury of a private tour, I’ll help you find the perfect transportation method.

Let’s look at some of the best Dublin to Belfast tours to get you started on your trip.

Flying into Dublin? Here are all the best ways to get from Dublin Airport to the city center .

Train Tours: The Scenic Route

For those who love beautiful views and comfort, train tours offer a perfect blend of both worlds. I always take the train when I’m in Europe if time allows because so rarely do I ever need to take a train in the States, and it’s always so relaxing.

Imagine gazing out of the window as you glide through the stunning Irish countryside, with green fields and cute little villages passing by. The direct train from Dublin to Belfast, also known as the Belfast train, takes just over 2 hours , making it a laidback, efficient way to travel between the two cities.

With stops at Connolly and Heuston stations in Dublin and Lanyon Place in Belfast, you’ll have easy access to the heart of both cities. To ensure a smooth journey, it’s a good idea to book your Belfast train tickets ahead of time so you can sit where you want on your Belfast day trip from Dublin, plus you’ll get the best ticket price on your journey.

Buy your Dublin to Belfast train tickets in advance to get the day and time you want.

Bus Tours: Budget-Friendly Exploration

Bus excursions are a fantastic option for individuals on a tighter budget who don’t want to miss out on any Dublin to Belfast tours. My husband studied abroad in Ireland and loved taking the bus all around the country, as it made traveling much more affordable for him at that time.

Taking a bus between Dublin and Belfast may take a little longer than taking the train, but you get to meet interesting people and hear their tales along the way (or you can always just plug those headphones in if that’s more your style).

Compared to train or private trips, the cost of Dublin to Belfast bus tours are more reasonable, and the guided experience, along with the opportunity to see the beautiful Irish countryside, are all added bonuses. If you want to see the sights of Northern Ireland but don’t want to spend too much money, a bus trip could be the way to go.

Here are some of the top-rated Dublin to Belfast day tours:

• This day tour takes you to Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Belfast , and more.
• You can also go on this Giants Causeway and Belfast City bus tour .
• You’ll love seeing the Titanic Experience along with Belfast city sights.

If you prefer taking the public bus and doing a self-guided tour, you can look up bus times in advance and buy tickets online .

Private Tours: Customized Experiences

Private excursions are perfect for those who want their Dublin to Belfast day trip to be as unique and adaptable as they are. You may make your trip as unique as you are by choosing to see the sights that most interest you and stopping anywhere you like along the way.

You can take private tours in the form of:

Walking tours

Bus excursions

Helicopter rides

Food and wine tours

Cultural experiences

Do your homework on the tour company, check reviews, and ask questions to make sure you get the most out of your Belfast day tour from Dublin private trip. Therefore, plan ahead to guarantee your spot and save money on your tailor-made excursion.

Here are some of the most popular private tours in Belfast:

• You’ll love going in a private black taxi around the city to see the best sights.
• History lovers will enjoy this private historical tour of Belfast .
• I always love doing tours like a local to get an insider’s perspective.

You’ll love going on a 6 day trip to Ireland .

Rent a Car: Unlimited Freedom

Of course, you can always just take the Belfast to Dublin drive into your own hands, and rent a car for the day. I’ve done this multiple times (and the last time, I was in Ireland by myself, pregnant, and stuck in Belfast rush hour traffic, so trust me – if I can do it, you can do it!) and driving a rental car is much easier than you think.

In fact, I wrote a whole guide after that last trip to help others know how to drive in Ireland as a tourist .

Make sure to book your car rental in advance! I love using Discover Cars when I travel.

Must-See Attractions on a Day Trip From Dublin to Belfast

Between the two cities, Dublin and Belfast , lies a plethora of must-see landmarks that serve as a living testament to Northern Ireland’s rich culture and history. Natural treasures and cultural heritage abound in this area, from the impressive Giant’s Causeway to the majestic Dunluce Castle, built above craggy cliffs along the Antrim Coast that you’ll want to see on your Belfast trip from Dublin.

Whether you’re marveling at:

the unique basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway

delving into the intriguing history of Dunluce Castle

soaking in the coastal route of the Antrim Coast

You’ll find that each attraction makes you fall more in love with Northern Ireland.

Traveling without a vehicle? Here’s how to get around Ireland without a car .

Giant’s Causeway

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway attests to the grandeur and majesty of Mother Nature. This natural marvel, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption, is a sight to behold, with its roughly 40,000 interconnecting basalt columns.

A visit to the Giants Causeway will capture you with its beautiful scenery and intriguing legends, such as the one about the Irish giant who built the causeway so he could cross to Scotland.

Do one of the climbs that leads to a vantage point over the Giant’s Causeway so you can take in its full splendor. If you have time, I highly recommend visiting the adjacent Carrick-a-Rede Bridge , which was one of my favorite stops in Northern Ireland.

The Giant’s Causeway is a breathtaking natural wonder that boasts an intriguing history and otherworldly scenery and is one of the most popular day trips around Belfast .

Book your ticket from Giant’s Causeway from Belfast in advance.

Dunluce Castle

Perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff overlooking the wild Atlantic Ocean, the 500-year-old ruins of Dunluce Castle offer a fascinating glimpse into the past. With a history steeped in violence, intrigue, and rebellion, this medieval castle has captured the imagination of visitors and has even served as a filming location for Game of Thrones .

Anyone interested in diving deeper into the castle’s fascinating past can do so by purchasing a ticket to visit Dunluce Castle, which gives them 45 minutes to tour the castle grounds and take in the gorgeous scenery. The ruins of the castle will take you back in time, and you may imagine the lives of those who once lived in this imposing structure.

I almost didn’t stop here on my last Belfast day trip from Dublin, but I had some extra time in my schedule during my 10-day Ireland trip and was glad I chose this.

Antrim Coast

The Antrim Coast is a hidden gem in Northern Ireland, boasting stunning cliffs, sandy beaches, and quaint towns. Traveling down the shore, you’ll love the beautiful panoramas of both land and sea.

Balintoy Harbor, the Dark Hedges, and the Cushendun Caves are just a few of the iconic Game of Thrones filming locations that you can see as you travel down the Antrim Coast. The Antrim Coast is a beautiful place to visit, full of historic sites and scenic places to stop and stretch your legs.

Belfast Day Trip From Dublin: Things to Do

Belfast is a city full of life, history, and culture, and you’ll also find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Belfast . The Giant’s Causeway, the Belfast City Murals, and the Titanic Experience are just a few of the highlights of a day spent on a guided tour of Belfast and its environs. With knowledgeable local guides by your side, you’ll get a full picture of the area while also learning about the city’s history and culture.

As you learn about Belfast’s past, you’ll visit:

The Ulster Museum , where you can discover the region’s diverse history, from ancient artifacts to modern art

The Titanic Experience , an interactive museum that offers a glimpse into Belfast’s maritime legacy

A unique Black Taxi Political Tour , where knowledgeable guides share personal stories and take you to key sites related to the city’s political history on a Belfast city day tour.

There’s so much to see on a Belfast day tour that it’ll be hard to fit it all into one trip, but don’t worry – you can always come back! However, should you decide to stay longer, there are plenty of places to stay nearby, including castle hotels around Ireland .

Ulster Museum

The Ulster Museum , located in Belfast, offers a comprehensive look at the art, natural science, and history of Northern Ireland. As you wander through the museum’s diverse collections, you’ll be transported through time, learning about:

The region’s rich history

Cultural heritage

Artistic achievements

Scientific discoveries

From ancient artifacts to contemporary art, the Ulster Museum provides a fascinating insight into the past, present, and future of Northern Ireland. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply curious about the region, a visit to the Ulster Museum on your Belfast day trip from Dublin is a must for anyone seeking to truly understand the essence of Northern Ireland.

Titanic Experience

In Belfast, the birthplace of the ill-fated Titanic, you’ll find the Titanic Experience, an immersive museum dedicated to the city’s maritime legacy. Featuring interactive exhibits, videos, and audio recordings, the Titanic Museum offers a fascinating look into the lives of the ship’s passengers and crew that you’ll want to put on your day trip to Belfast from Dublin itinerary.

For a truly unique perspective, consider taking a guided tour of the shipyard where the Titanic was built, complete with original blueprints and artifacts from the ship. As you explore the museum and delve into the captivating stories of the Titanic, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Belfast’s maritime history and the enduring legacy of this tragic vessel.

It’s worth dedicating at least a few hours to the Titanic Museum. I usually whiz through museums (a bad trait of mine), but you couldn’t get me to leave when I stopped here on my honeymoon in 2015. I think we spent at least three hours looking at every little artifact they preserved.

Book your Titanic Experience ticket in advance.

Black Taxi Political Tour

For a unique insight into Belfast’s turbulent past, the Black Taxi Political Tour offers a truly memorable experience. Through the knowledgeable tour guide who shares personal stories and visits important sites related to the city’s political history, this tour helps you gain a deeper understanding of Belfast’s complex past while riding in a traditional black cab.

The tour takes you to key locations such as Stormont, Falls Road, and Shankill Road, offering a comprehensive look at the city’s political landscape. As you learn about the events and people that shaped Belfast’s history, the Black Taxi Political Tour provides an intimate and engaging way to explore the city’s past, bringing to life the stories that have defined this remarkable place.

Book your Black Taxi tour in advance.

Tips for Planning Your Day Trip to Belfast From Dublin

It’s important to keep a few things in mind as you plan your exciting journey from Dublin to Belfast, two of the top Irish cities to visit . A little bit of planning, such as buying train tickets in advance, reading up on where to stay, and learning how to get around the city, can make for a stress-free Belfast day trip from Dublin.

Following this introduction to Belfast, we’ll explain how to get around the city by train, where to stay, and what other modes of transportation are available. You can now confidently and eagerly board the train from Dublin to Belfast, thanks to these helpful hints.

Train Tickets: Secure Your Seat

While traveling between Dublin and Belfast, booking your train tickets in advance is strongly recommended. Not only will you be able to guarantee a seat, but you will also save money. You can book your train tickets from Dublin to Belfast with ease and convenience by visiting either the Irish Rail website or Rail Europe.

You can also buy tickets for trains at the station or from a travel agent. Booking your train tickets in advance will allow you to sit back, relax, and take in the sights as you travel between these two fascinating cities.

Transportation: Getting Around Belfast

Navigating the vibrant city of Belfast is a breeze thanks to the various transportation options available, including:

Buses: Belfast boasts an extensive bus network that runs throughout the city and to nearby towns, with tickets available from the driver or at a ticket office.

Taxis: Taxis are readily available in Belfast and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance.

Walking: Belfast is a compact city that is easy to explore on foot, with many attractions within walking distance of each other.

Taxis offer another convenient way to explore Belfast, providing quick and easy access to various attractions and landmarks.

As a compact and pedestrian-friendly city, Belfast is ideal for people who like to take in the sights and sounds at a more relaxed pace. Learn the ins and outs of Belfast’s public transit system so you can make the most of your time in this fascinating city.

Is the Train Ride From Dublin to Belfast Scenic?

The train ride from Dublin to Belfast is very scenic, with beautiful landscapes along the way. The journey is a great way to explore the Irish countryside and take in stunning views.

You’ll love going on a Belfast day trip from Dublin, no matter which method you take!

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.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

7 Best Stops on the Dublin to Belfast Drive

Last Updated on February 7, 2024

by Seán Whelan

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

If you’ve been planning a road trip in Ireland , one of the routes you’re likely curious about is the Dublin to Belfast drive or vice versa. The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland’s capital respectively, both have enough sights and scenes to keep any visitor busy and are luckily only a two-hour drive from one another.

We’ve picked some of the most worthwhile stops between the two cities, and we’ll also be addressing some of the more general concerns about the trip that readers may have. Whether you’re a foodie, a nature-lover or a history buff, there’s something for everyone to be found in our suggestions below.

Table of Contents

Planning a Dublin to Belfast Road Trip

The drive from Dublin to Belfast – or from Belfast to Dublin – takes just over 2 hours when travelling via motorway, along the M1 on the Republic’s side and then along the A1 on the Northern Irish side.

If you’re hoping to get there in the quickest time possible, with minimal stops and no sightseeing, then this is the way to do it. While the roads in Ireland are generally of a high quality, the motorways are better maintained still and are quite straightforward to navigate.

Things can get a little bit trickier once you get off the beaten track, with some of the smaller country lanes being somewhat windy and prone to potholes, but certainly, nothing to be concerned about as long as a minor degree of caution is exercised.

For navigation, an app such as Google Maps or Waze will more than suffice for whichever route you end up taking. As is the case throughout all of Ireland and the UK, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. This is something that’s definitely important to be mindful of as a number of accidents occur each year when foreign drivers forget this.

Something that you may be concerned about is the border crossing between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland . Shortly after passing through Dundalk if approaching from Dublin, or after passing through Newry if you’re coming from Belfast , you’ll cross the border between the United Kingdom and Ireland.

At present, there is no physical border in place between the two countries and the first giveaway that you’ll have entered a different country is the speed limit signs swapping between miles per hour and kilometres per hour!

If you’re travelling in a rental car, however, you’ll need to inform the rental company that you will be crossing the border, so that they can extend your insurance to cover any accidents abroad.

It’s also worth paying close attention to your speed as your car’s speedometer may not correspond with the posted speed limit. You can browse car rental options here.

It can also be worth taking out an excess insurance policy with iCarHireInsurance to ensure that you don’t have to pay a deductible should any damage happen to your rental car.

How Far is Dublin to Belfast?

The most direct route from Dublin to Belfast is about 170 kilometres. However, most of the stops listed below will require getting off the motorway and exploring some of Ireland’s more rural scenic drives.

The motorway is the way to go if expediency is the aim of the game, but in doing so you’ll miss out on some of Ireland’s most historic and ruggedly beautiful sites such as Newgrange and the Mourne mountains.

If you do decide to take the quickest way there, you could always take the motorway for most of the journey and exit at your chosen stops along the way. Without stops, the drive will probably take you around two hours, traffic dependent!

The stops listed below are ordered sequentially so that each is a little further from Dublin. Including all of our sightseeing suggestions below is feasible, but would turn a two-hour drive into a multi-day road trip! So take a look, pick your favourites and craft your very own itinerary for your Belfast to Dublin road trip!

Best Dublin to Belfast Drive Stops

1. malahide, co. dublin.

Only a half hour’s drive from Dublin city centre, the picturesque coastal town of Malahide offers some of the best views of Dublin Bay and is a great spot to grab some food before hitting the road for Belfast and makes for an excellent first stop on a Dublin to Belfast drive.

If you decide to stop in Malahide, Malahide Castle and its grounds, gifted to the Talbot family by King Henry II in 1185 are well worth exploring. If history isn’t much your thing, nothing beats a walk along the promenade or through the town on a sunny day.

Much of Malahide’s architecture is Georgian in style and the traditional shopfronts and boutique stores make Malahide an ideal location for a serene escape from the liveliness of Dublin city.

For a drink in a traditional pub, you can’t do much better than Gibney’s on New Street, while Old Street Restaurant near the marina comes highly recommended, though do try to book in advance if you want to be sure to get a seat!

Don’t fret if Old Street Restaurant is booked out, there’s a host of other top-notch restaurants such as That’s Amore and The Greedy Goose located very close by.

2. Skerries, Co. Dublin

Haven’t quite had your fill of coastal Dublin towns? Skerries has got you covered. Slightly further from the city than Malahide, Skerries (from the Norse sker, and then rendered in Irish as na sceirí, meaning rocky islands) is about a 50-minute drive from Dublin city centre along the M1 towards Belfast, making it a perfect stop.

Over the years, Skerries has received many awards for its local scenery, culture, and community. Spend a little time there and you’ll quickly find out why: few experiences in Ireland will have you feeling as tranquil as watching the gentle bobbing of boats in the Skerries harbour (enjoying a Guinness or two beforehand in Joe May’s pub may aid in the attainment of said tranquillity!).

If you feel like taking in some greenery before continuing on the road to Belfast, a picnic on the grounds of Ardgillan Castle would work perfectly, and guided tours are available if you want to spend a while longer there.

There’s also a playground on site if you have some children that could do with a bit of tiring out before the rest of the drive!

3. The Boyne Valley, Co. Meath

Look all over the world and you’ll struggle to find an area so rich and laden with history as the Boyne Valley. This stop suggestion differs from the previous two in that the Boyne Valley isn’t a singular location, it describes a broad area of land at the core of Ireland’s Ancient East.

It is home to Neolithic settlement sites such as Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, sites of historic clashes such as the Battle of the Boyne between King James and King William, as well as a striking number of castles, churches and monasteries.

The Brú na Bóinne contains the three most well-known Neolithic burial sites: Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Keep in mind that access to these sites is only available through guided tours.

So if you plan on making this one of your stops, be prepared to allocate sufficient time to really enjoy it, and to account for tourist queues which can be quite long during the summer months.

The range of historical sites here, as well as the timeframe that they span really is remarkable, so if you do have a strong interest in Irish history it could be worthwhile to spend an entire day in the Boyne Valley and to spend the night in the nearby town of Drogheda where there’s an abundance of hotels, hostels and BnB’s to suit all budgets.

You could write an entire article on the sites of the Boyne Valley alone, so if you’re interested in what’s described above, I’d definitely encourage you to do some further research to make sure you’re not missing out.

Similarly, if there’s more than a couple of individual sites that would be of interest to you, you may benefit from some of the coach tours that operate within the Boyne Valley.

4. Cooley Peninsula, Co. Louth

This next suggestion is more of an alternative route for a Belfast to Dublin drive than a location, but there are certainly plenty of worthwhile stops along it!

Beginning about an hour north of Dublin in Dundalk, the coastal route to the town of Carlingford along the R173 has to be seen to be believed. In a hurry, it can be done in around half an hour, but the drive itself requires taking a diversion from the main road to Belfast anyway, so why rush?

If you feel like adding another layer of navigational complexity to the puzzle, you can detour further yet again and drive through Ravensdale Forest to the summit of the Black Mountain.

The scenery itself has an austere beauty to it, amongst the cold shimmering waters of the beaches and the hilly woodland, the title of the most impressive vista on this route belongs to the stunning glacial fjord of Carlingford Lough, which marks the dividing line between Northern Ireland and the Republic in this part of the country.

The peninsular drive comes to an end in the Medieval town of Carlingford, the halfway point between Dublin and Belfast. Carlingford has a lot of outdoorsy stuff going on, from mountain biking through the hilly terrain to kayaking in the aforementioned Carlingford Lough, if you’re feeling a strong pull to spend some time in nature then this is the place to do so!

But if the only strong urge you’re feeling is the desire to fill your stomach, then the Carlingford Arms does some great pub grub and won’t break the bank.

5. Castlewellan Castle & Forest Park, Co. Down

Castlewellan is our first suggested stop on the UK side of the border. If you’ve decided to take our earlier suggestion and have arrived in Carlingford, the easiest and most enjoyable way to continue the journey is to take the ferry across Carlingford Lough to Greencastle. It is €16 per vehicle (including all passengers) and will cut a decent chunk of driving time from your journey.

Keep in mind that the ferry only operates daily during the high season months and doesn’t sail at all in the winter. Check the schedules beforehand to avoid disappointment if the boat isn’t sailing on any particular day.

Once you’re in Greencastle, continue north and you’ll soon find yourself in Castlewellan. The main draw in Castlewellan is the forest park, which is the perfect spot to stretch and chill out for a while. Similar to Carlingford, there’s a big emphasis on the outdoors here and there’s a large range of activities on offer.

If you feel like keeping it simple, then there are plenty of walking trails both through the forest and along the lakeside. If you’ve really been taken in by all the wooded beauty, there’s a campsite with facilities where you can throw up a tent and just unplug for the night.

6. Slieve Donard, Newcastle, Co. Down

At 850m, Slieve Donard is the tallest point in Northern Ireland. The views of the Irish Sea from the summit have a surreal beauty to them but you’ll have to work to get there!

For anyone who hikes regularly, the climb will provide no problems but if you’re not in the best of shape, you may find it hard work. It does get quite steep in parts so it should be avoided during periods of inclement weather, but on a good day, one can see as far as the Isle of Man!

The time up and back is around 5 hours, sensible footwear and appropriate clothing are definitely advised and you’d be wise to bring an extra layer , even during the warmer seasons. Car parking is available in multiple locations at various starting points from the foot of the mountain.

Once you’re back down to sea level, the town of Newcastle has plenty of restaurants where you can enjoy a well-deserved meal. I’d recommended Villa Vinci for homely Mediterranean cuisine and Brunel’s Restaurant for a more formal, fine-dining experience.

7. Ards Peninsula, Co. Down

Once again, this suggestion is more of a route deviation on the typical driving route than a bonafide stopping point, but a drive along the Ards Peninsula on the eastern coast of Northern Ireland will take you through some unspoilt fishing villages and into the heart of the County Down countryside.

The peninsular drive begins in Newtownards and will take you northwards up along the bounds of the Strangford Lough.

The Echlinville Distillery in Kircubbin is a small-batch spirits producer that’s part of the distilling renaissance taking place in Ireland at the moment and they produce exceptional whiskey, gin and poitín on-site.

Tastings are included in the price of the tour but can be redeemed against the price of a bottle to take home instead — this is a road trip after all!

Where to Stay on the Dublin to Belfast Drive

While you’re likely going to be on the look for places to stay in Dublin or Belfast, you also won’t be able to get the most out of all of these great stops if you don’t find a place to spend the night! We recommend resting your head in the Boyne Valley so you can adequately give yourself time to see and do all that that area has to offer.

Where to Stay in the Boyne Valley

The Yellow House B&B – This bed and breakfast located in the town of Nevan is a great base for exploring the Boyne Valley. They have a number of cosy and comfortable rooms available, ample free parking, and a fantastic breakfast each morning.

Boyne Valley Hotel & Country Club – Located just outside of Drogheda, this hotel is the perfect place to stay if you’re after some luxury on your Irish road trip. There are countless stylish, spacious and comfortable rooms available, great amenities and a delicious breakfast included in the nightly rate.

Spoon and the Stars Hostel – Located in the town of Drogheda, this hostel is a great option for solo and budget travellers on the drive from Belfast to Dublin or vice versa. Well-located to explore the Boyne Valley, there are both dorm beds and private rooms available and a buffet breakfast.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more hotels in the Boyne Valley!

Where to Stay in Belfast

The Warren Belfast – A chic hotel located in a historic building, there are several double and triple rooms to choose from. It also has a great, central location for exploring the Northern Irish capital, breakfast available along with private parking.

Central Belfast Apart m ents: Citygate – With several different one- and two-bedroom apartments to choose from, these flats are fully furnished, centrally located for exploring the city and free parking is also available.

Vagabonds – A highly-rated hostel located next to Queen’s University in the centre of Belfast, there are lots of different rooms to choose from, a convivial vibe, great shared facilities and free breakfast each morning!

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Belfast hotels!

Where to Stay in Dublin

Hotel 7 – An upmarket guesthouse on the centre of town, you can get a different perspective of the city while staying here while also being within walking distance of most main attractions. There are numerous rooms to choose from and an option to include breakfast each morning.

Kilronan House  – A classic bed and breakfast in central Dublin close to the Irish capital’s top attractions, this is a great option in the city. There are numerous cosy and comfortable rooms available and there is also a hearty breakfast included in the nightly rate.

Jacob’s Inn – A great option for budget backpackers and solo travellers, this hostel is also centrally located close to all of Dublin’s main attractions. They offer both dorm and private rooms and have clean facilities and good common areas.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more hotels in Dublin

By motorway, the drive from Dublin to Belfast will take you just over two hours, travelling on well-laid-out roads of good quality. You could very comfortably leave Dublin after breakfast and arrive in Belfast before you’ve even thought about lunch. 

But the real rugged beauty of Ireland and all its rich history won’t be found in a petrol station at the side of the M1; it’s busy impressing adventurers atop breath-taking mountain peaks, nestled in dense, hilly woodlands and along jagged peninsular scenic drives! 

This is a scenic drive where nature lovers, foodies and history-buffs will all find something to delight in. Whether you decide to take a chance on only one or all of the suggestions above, each is very worthwhile in its own right and will be certain to charm you.

Are you planning a road trip to Belfast? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

A Perfect 2-Week Wild Atlantic Way Road Trip Itinerary

9 Best Stops on the Dublin to Cork Drive

14 Best Things To Do In Connemara, Ireland

About Seán Whelan

Seán is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Cork, Ireland, he loves travelling around his home country as much as he enjoys visiting Europe and further afield. When he’s not travelling, Seán can be found working as a bacterial scientist, designing websites and making music.

Are there any “not to miss” places? We are heading to Dublin in October and plan to drive around the coast from Dublin to Dublin. We are not making any hotel reservations and all our plans are open!!

Doing the drive today looking forward to these recommendations.

Going this December. Do you still recommend these scenic side trips going from Dublin to Belfast? Any other suggestions of places to go or things to do in December? We will be there for 10 days.

Looking forward to seeing all the beautiful scenery in Country Louth, Dublin, Wicklow and Mt Temple. County Westmeath. Thank you for the info. Slainte Mate.

Would love to be there right now!!! Hopefully my bucket wish list will come true sooner than later:) Really enjoyed you writing on these sights. Thank you and slainte!

This sounds absolutely awesome!! Hoping to do this when I visit Ireland in 2 years!! Thanks so much for writing these articles.

Thanks for your comment, Linda! I hope you’re to make these stops on your trip 🙂

Can’t wait for our visit end of April 2020. Thanks for the info.

Hope you have a great trip!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Deals of the Week   Green Hikes & Treks   Up to 50% OFF

Dublin to Belfast Tours & Trips

Find adventures that start in Dublin and then finish in Belfast. Trips from Dublin to Belfast are most popular in June, with the most tours doing this route then.

12 Dublin to Belfast tour packages with 36 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Hiking & Trekking

Highlights of Ireland

• Coach / Bus

Country Roads of Ireland (Classic, Summer, End Belfast, 12 Days)

• Train & Rail
• Sightseeing

Titanic Rail Trail & Wild Atlantic Way

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Country Roads of Ireland (Small Groups, Winter, End Dublin, 12 Days)

Independent Dublin & Belfast City Stay

Dublin, Belfast & Causeway Coast Small Group Rail Tour

Shades of Ireland featuring Northern Ireland (Dublin to Belfast) (2024)

Shades of Ireland featuring Northern Ireland (Dublin to Belfast) (2025)

Country Roads of Ireland (Classic, Winter, End Belfast, 12 Days)

Country Roads of Ireland (Small Groups, Winter, End Belfast, 12 Days)

Country Roads of Ireland (Small Groups, Summer, End Belfast, 12 Days)

• Intl. Flights Included

Ireland & Northern Ireland In-Depth

• Flights included
• Family from Dublin to Belfast (9)
• Explorer from Dublin to Belfast (9)
• In-depth Cultural from Dublin to Belfast (7)
• Coach / Bus from Dublin to Belfast (6)

International Versions

• Deutsch: Rundreisen von Dublin nach Belfast
• Español: Dublín a Belfast Viajes
• Nederlands: Van Dublin naar Belfast Reizen en Tours

Are you sure you want to leave the feed?

Oops... something went wrong!

Looking for inspiration? Planning a trip? Or just want to scroll yourself happy? We'll show you an Ireland that's tailor-made for you.

• #Landscapes
• #CultureandHeritage
• #OutdoorActivities

Oops... no internet connection

While offline, you can still add items to My board. New travel reccomendations will only show up once you’re back online.

See what Ireland has in store for you

Items without a physical location are not shown in map view.

Looks like your board is empty

Look out for the little heart icon around Ireland.com. Simply tap the heart to add items to your board!

Board settings

Collection cover image.

Visible to people you share your board with

Share board

Share a link to your My Ireland board and inspire friends, fellow travellers and family. Only you can add or remove items from your board.

Sign in Sign up Forgot your password?

Create an account.

Access My Ireland across all your devices by logging in.

Sign up Not got an account?

Terms of use | Privacy policy

Login Got an account?

Location access

• View offers and deals nearby
• Find travel inspiration based on your location
• Get local weather forecasts and essential information

Enable location access

Location access on ios.

• 1 Open the website settings for this website in your browser.
• 2 Select Location settings.
• 3 Choose Allow.
• 1 Open the My Ireland website.

• 2 Select the icon below.

• 3 Select Website Settings.

• 4 Change Location status to Allow.

Notifications

Travel times.

Tell us when you are travelling to Ireland and we'll show you tailored reccomendations during of your trip.

• Recommended events during your stay
• Helpful travel reminders and updates

You have unsaved changes. Save before leaving?

We take your privacy very seriously and only ever process your data with your permission. If possible this is handled anonymously and we will never store your data for longer than is required. For more information on how we handle your personal data, please read our privacy policy.

Remove data

To securely remove all data associated with your profile, please contact our Data Protection Officer.

Reset your board

This will remove all the items you have previously liked from your board. Please note, you can’t undo this action.

Are you sure you want to reset your board?

• Created date 19 July 2023

Delete account

Sorry you’re leaving. Just a reminder – if you delete your account, you won’t be able to post in Community. And it’s permanent so you can’t undo it in the future.

Dublin to Belfast city break

Dublin and Belfast: a dream double city break

• #CityBreaks

If there’s one thing the island of Ireland has in abundance, it’s fun cities. And each has its own unique character and atmosphere… 

Two of the most popular city breaks on the island are Dublin and Belfast, and best of all, they’re surprisingly close to each other – just over 2 hours on the train door-to-door. So why go for one, when you can have two?

Dublin’s "Fair City" awaits, with friendly locals, great neighbourhoods and excellent sightseeing....

Hit the cobbles

Temple Bar, Dublin city

To get to know Dublin , and really understand it, a walking tour is the way to go. The Dublin Free Walking Tour takes in the city’s most famous sights such as Trinity College and Temple Bar. Your charismatic and informative tour guide will detail the social and cultural history of these Dublin landmarks, giving you a deeper understanding of what makes the city so special.

You can also try Pat Liddy’s Walking Tours , which takes a historical journey through the city’s streets, peppered with famous stories and personal anecdotes.

For lunch, make your way to The Woollen Mills Eating House for a rustic soup and sandwich with views of the Ha’penny Bridge and River Liffey.

Winding Stair Bookshop and Restaurant

MV Cill Airne The Boat

Artistic flair.

National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin city © Shutterstock

Culture-wise, Dublin has lots going on, with Temple Bar across the river from the Woolen Mills, packed with cultural hotspots such as Temple Bar Gallery + Studios , the Gallery of Photography and the Project Arts Centre . From here, it’s a pleasant 20-minute stroll through the leafy historic campus of Trinity College  (home to the Book of Kells) to the National Gallery of Ireland .

Step inside the light-filled modern Millennium Wing in the heart of the gallery and you can enjoy a delightful collection that includes European masters such as Caravaggio, as well as work from famous Irish artists including Jack B Yeats, James Barry and Paul Henry. The gallery is free to visit and offers guided tours at the weekends.

Fancy something more modern? Jump on the Luas tram, alight at the James’s stop and it’s less than a 10-minute walk to the Irish Museum of Modern Art . Housed in the 17th century Royal Hospital Kilmainham, this museum hosts the national collection of modern art as well as ever-changing exhibitions. In the summer months, IMMA Outdoors sees a special exhibition take place on the expansive grounds of the site, hosting new work, talks and musical performances. 

Kilmainham Gaol

The National Leprechaun Museum

Sights and shopping.

Stephen's Green, Dublin city © Shutterstock

If you’ve still got room for more, you can stay in the area and visit Kilmainham Gaol , or stroll across to the Phoenix Park, one of Europe’s largest enclosed city parks, before jumping on the Luas back into the heart of the city.

Dublin comes alive after dark and a good place to kick off any evening is Grogan’s pub on South William Street, where locals gather to chat amid art-lined walls. This part of the city is great for grabbing a bite to eat, too, with some of Dublin’s top restaurants all in walking distance. Try Uno Mas for excellent Spanish fare, 777 for high-end Mexican cuisine or stroll up to Frank’s Dublin on Camden Street Lower for biodynamic wines and seasonal dishes in an old butcher’s shop.

The Little Museum of Dublin

Trocadero Restaurant

3Olympia Theatre

A dockland delight.

The Gibson Hotel, Dublin city

You’ll have plenty of hotel options in Dublin, but if you want a good hub for public transport, the Gibson is a perfect chic urban retreat. Situated beside the 3 Arena, this hotel has all the essentials including a gym, bar, restaurant and relaxation area. It’s also perfectly located – with a Luas line at your door, you can be at the nearby Connolly train station in minutes – which will come in handy for the Belfast portion of your trip!

Accommodation

The Morrison Dublin, Curio Collection by Hilton

Mespil Hotel

Make the most of Dublin by going beyond the city and exploring some of the great coastal locations on its doorstep

Let's go to the seaside!

Howth Pier, County Dublin © Shutterstock

It’s easy to enjoy a day trip out of Dublin, and the Dart train will bring you out to either the northern or southern coastal suburbs in around 30 minutes.

A great place to really get away from it all is the fishing village of Howth. The first attraction you’ll reach when you get off the Dart is Howth Pier, which is particularly fine on a sunny day – so if the winds are favourable, walk out to the end and look back for lovely views of the village. Make sure to grab some fish and chips from Beshoff Bros or an ice cream.

Howth Castle

Howth Market

Take a hike.

Howth Head, County Dublin © Shutterstock

The most famous attraction in Howth – and one of the top walks in Dublin – is the Howth Head Walk. This route takes in glorious views of the surrounding Dublin Bay, as well as the striking Baily Lighthouse. There are a few different routes that vary in difficulty – but all in all, the walk should take about three hours.

If you want to explore Howth in more depth, give Hidden Howth Experiences a go. Their passionate guides will detail the history and culture of the area, while clueing you in to all the top spots for a meal or a drink.

Aqua Restaurant

The Bloody Stream

Some seaside delights.

Brass Monkey, Howth, County Dublin

You could head back into Dublin city for dinner, but Howth boasts some great places to eat, so it’s worth sticking around. If you fancy fine dining, pop into the Pier House and try their oysters or shrimp tempura, or book a table at Mamó , where you can enjoy an upscale “cod chip”.

The Dart back to the city runs until just before midnight, so you’ll have time to pop into a local pub such as the Bloody Stream , Brass Monkey or McNeills for a quick nightcap before you wrap up your day!

Marine Hotel

Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links

White Sands Hotel (Dublin)

It’s time to discover a city rich with history, culture and Titanic tales… Set your sights on Belfast

Journey northward

Coppi, Belfast

Getting to Belfast  from Dublin couldn’t be easier. Frequent trains leave from Connolly station in the centre of Dublin and take around 2 hours 15 minutes. This is one of the island's busiest train routes, so make sure you have your ticket booked in advance. It’s a beautiful journey as you travel along the coast, with views of the Irish Sea and a patchwork of green fields out the window.

Once you arrive in Belfast, make your way to the Cathedral Quarter for a spot of lunch. This buzzing creative district is a hotbed of brilliant places to eat, from the cheap and cheerful Yardbird , which specialises in rotisserie chicken, to the elegant surrounds of Waterman House , as well as authentic Italian pizza and pasta at Coppi .

Mourne Seafood Bar

The Muddlers Club

The Northern Whig

Rediscovering the ship of dreams.

Titanic Belfast, Belfast

After lunch, take a walk over to the Titanic Quarter and the visually stunning Titanic Belfast  museum. Housed in the location where the ship was built and launched, this fascinating spot details the vessel's story, from its conception through to its maiden voyage.

Stepping through the original Harland & Wolff gates, and walking through Hamilton Dock as you approach the museum is like stepping back in time. The exhibition itself is just as impressive, bringing you through the history of shipbuilding with immersive animations and reconstructions.

To keep the Titanic theme going, head to the Titanic Hotel . Originally the Harland & Wolff Headquarters and Drawing Offices, the hotel boasts an award-winning restaurant called The Wolff Grill , which boasts beautiful views of Titanic Belfast.

Hickson's Point at Titanic Belfast

The Wee Tram - Titanic Quarter

The perfect nightcap.

Town Square Bar, Belfast

Make your way down to the 1852 hotel and wind your evening down with a few cocktails in its funky Town Square bar. This spot hosts gigs, performances and special drink tastings so it’ll be the perfect way to wrap up the night. When you’re tired out from the festivities, make your way to one of the 1852’s spacious, comfy rooms and sleep like a baby. 

Europa Hotel

Grand Central Hotel

Wrap up your trip with a challenging and rewarding walk, and some of the finest cuisine Belfast has to offer...

The view from the top

Cave Hill Country Park, Belfast © Shutterstock

Kick off your final day with a cup of the 1852’s world-class coffee, and then make your way out for your final journey. A great way to uncover a personal side to Belfast's past is with the Black Taxi Tour . With a knowledgeable driver as your guide, each tour will take you through a different aspect of the city's history – from the political murals, to a 3-hour tour that takes in all the top sights.

For lunch, you’ll find some gorgeous street food spots dotted around the city including addictive Mexican food at Taquitos , or the diverse mix of flavours at Urban Scullery . Once you’re charged up for the day, make your way to Cave Hill Country Park. There are plenty of Translink busses that head from the city centre which will take you to the entrance of the park in about 15 minutes.

From here you can walk up to Belfast Castle and choose your walking route. If you want a gentle walk, the Castle Trail will take you through the beautiful parkland and gardens surrounding the area but if you fancy a challenge, the Cave Hill Trail will more than suffice. This walk has some steep sections and uneven ground, so if the weather is a bit on the heavy side, make sure to dress appropriately and wear some good shoes!

But while it’s an occasionally difficult ascent, it’s more than worth it for the sprawling panoramic views once you reach the top – you’ll be treated to sights encompassing all of Belfast city and the distant mountains beyond, a real sight to savour.

Cave Hill Country Park

Darcy’s Belfast

A final feast.

Deanes at Queens, Belfast

Once you arrive back in the city, you will have worked up a serious appetite. Make your way to the Queen’s Quarter and head to Deanes at Queens . This Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant has a picturesque terrace, where you can take in the views of the surrounding area as you sample their highly rated cuisine.

The Lantern

Deanes Meat Locker

Ireland in your inbox

Sign up to receive free email newsletters from Tourism Ireland, including regular tailored updates on holiday ideas and insider tips.

We will use your email address to send you personalised content straight to your inbox based on how you interact with this website and our advertisements on other websites.

Something went wrong...

Success! Thank you for subscribing to our Newsletter!

I understand that by signing up, I will receive personalised email content based on my use of Tourism Ireland’s website, emails and Tourism Ireland’s advertising on other websites, cookies and tracking pixels. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking 'unsubscribe' in our emails. Find out more information on "How we handle your personal data" in our privacy policy .

DUBLIN TO BELFAST TRAIN

Dublin to belfast train: time, map & tickets cost.

Departure & Arrival Stations:

Connolly Station ↔​ Lanyon Place Station

Departing from

Connoly Station

1 Amiens St, North Dock, Dublin, Ireland

Arriving at

Lanyon Place Station

East Bridge St, Belfast BT1 3NR, United Kingdom

Dublin to Belfast Train Timetable

Book train tickets from dublin to belfast, faq: train to belfast from dublin, whant to see more of ireland.

Would you like to experience an Irelands train journey? Choose your perfect ticket from different routes today!

Belfast to Dublin Train

Dublin to belfast train, dublin to galway train, galway to dublin train, cork to dublin train, dublin to limerick train.

Dublin To Belfast Transport Options

Categories Armagh , Dublin , Travel Guides

Are you looking for the best way to travel from Dublin to Belfast ? 

Dublin is the Republic of Ireland’s historic capital, located on the country’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. The city is densely packed with centuries-old buildings, notably the 13th-century Dublin Castle and the towering 1191 St .Patrick’s Cathedral.

To educate visitors about the city, there are a variety of outstanding museums that highlight Dublin’s rich history and distinctive culture.

Dublin, a UNESCO City of Literature, is the birthplace of Nobel laureates and literary greats . The city has many museums and monuments dedicated to highlighting its illustrious literary legacy, including a museum devoted to writers and the craft of writing.

Meanwhile, the Trinity College Library’s iconic Long Room is home to the Book of Kells , a must-see attraction in Dublin.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your newly acquired information and museum hopping, visit one of the city’s green spots. The beautiful St Stephen’s Green and the sprawling Phoenix Park, which is home to the Dublin Zoo, are among Dublin’s parks.

To round off your day, stop by one of the Dublin’s numerous pubs for a pint of Guinness or some fine Irish whiskey.

Dublin is best experienced in a few days and serves as an ideal jumping-off point for touring the rest of Ireland. From Dublin, other cities such as Cork in the south, Galway in the west, and Belfast in the north are easily accessible.

Belfast , the capital city of Northern Ireland, is approximately two hours from Dublin. The city, previously infamous for its turbulent history, has transformed itself into a vibrant, modern city over the last few decades.

Belfast, like the rest of Northern Ireland, has been transformed by the peace process and power-sharing administration. The number of visitors continues to grow year after year, and for good reason. A warm welcome, a wicked sense of humour, and an enthralling history are all to be expected when you visit.

The Northern Ireland capital, despite its small size, has a lot to offer visitors. There are stunning museums, historic castles , and imposing cathedrals, Michelin-starred restaurants , quaint traditional taverns, live music, shopping districts, art spaces and parks.

Additionally, the Black Mountain ridge walk provides great views of the surrounding countryside and Belfast’s skyline.

Things you'll find in this article

From East to North

Travelling from dublin to belfast, the cheapest way to get from dublin to belfast, the fastest way to travel to belfast from dublin, by car (rental).

Related Read:

• Getting Around Dublin: Public Transportation Options
• Dublin Airport To City: Airport Transfer Options For First-Time Visitors
• Dublin To Limerick: How To Travel To Limerick From Dublin
• Dublin To Cork: How To Travel To Cork From Dublin
• Dublin To Galway Transport Options

If you’re in Dublin and want to spend some time in the north, start in Belfast. Travelling to Belfast from Dublin is a breeze, courtesy of an efficient rail system, a dedicated bus system, a variety of travel packages, and great highways connecting the two capital cities.

This guide is an introduction to the many modes of transport available between Dublin and Belfast, ranging from the cheapest to the quickest or most convenient.

There are numerous, direct daily bus and train connections between Dublin and Belfast, as well as several indirect airline options between the cities.

A popular route connecting two capital cities, the journey takes on average slightly longer than 2 hours, depending on the mode of transportation and service chosen.

While buses are the least expensive means of transport between Dublin and Belfast, rail services typically just slightly cost more, and can even be cheaper if a return ticket is purchased in advance.

Numerous bus and coach companies operate daily direct connections between Dublin and Belfast, from the city centre to the city centre, without any stops in between.

Not only is taking the bus to Belfast from Dublin the most cost-effective mode of transportation, but it is also the quickest. Dublin Coach’s shortest scheduled bus route from Dublin Custom House Quay and Belfast Glengall Street in the city centre takes a little under two hours and thirty minutes.

Ways to Travel from Dublin to Belfast

The Enterprise service, which is operated jointly by the Republic of Ireland’s national rail operator (Irish Rail) and Northern Ireland’s national rail supplier (NIR: Northern Irish Rail) allows you to travel straight to Belfast from Dublin by train.

These services operate between Dublin Connolly, Ireland’s busiest station located east of the city centre, and Belfast Lanyon Place Station, previously Belfast Central Station, also located east of the city centre.

You can travel to Belfast from Dublin by direct train thanks to the Enterprise service, which is run jointly by the national rail providers in the Republic of Ireland (Irish Rail) and Northern Ireland (NIR: Northern Irish Rail).

The Enterprise services depart from Dublin Connolly, the busiest station in Ireland located in the east of the city centre and arrive at Belfast Lanyon Place Station, formerly Belfast Central Station, located to the east of the city centre.

Route : Dublin Connolly station to Belfast Lanyon Place Station (formerly Belfast Central Station)

Schedule : departs from Dublin every day with 2-hour intervals

Cost : Single €27.50 – €38.00, return €39.00 – €55.00

Buy your ticket online here. 

Translink and Dublin Coach offer regular daily direct services between Dublin and Belfast, commencing early in the morning and the last trip is late at night, every day of the week.

Dublin Coach is the quickest service, departing from Dublin Custom House Quay in less than two hours.

However, Airlink, Translink, and other services can depart from alternative, possibly more convenient stations throughout Dublin, such as Dublin Airport or Busaras The vast majority of bus services going to Belfast from Dublin arrive at the Glengall Street bus terminus.

Route : Dublin Airport or Busaras / Dublin Custom House Quay stations to Belfast central Glengall Street bus station

Schedule : Translink – Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bus departs every hour

Dublin Coach – Monday to Sunday 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Cost : Translink – on bus €15.70 to €23 /  online €8.50 to €17

Dublin Coach – Single €10 / Return €20

There are no scheduled passenger flights between Dublin and Belfast. However, Ryanair and easyJet operate indirect flights to Belfast International Airport (BFS) via various UK destinations.

The airport is located 12 miles northwest of Belfast City Center and is accessible via a 25-minute express bus. The shortest overall air travel time between Dublin and Belfast is approximately four hours, while certain indirect flights may take significantly longer, depending on the duration of the transfer and the layover airport.

Route : Dublin International Airport (DUB) to George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)

Schedule : usually departs 3 to 4x a week

Cost : €78 to €147 depending on month/season

Where to Book : Ryanair and easyJet ,

The journey from Dublin to Belfast, or from Belfast to Dublin, takes slightly over two hours via the M1 in the Republic of Ireland and then the A1 in Northern Ireland .

This is the route to take if you want to get there quickly, with minimal breaks and no stops for sightseeing. While the roads in Ireland are generally good, the motorways are even better maintained and easier to navigate.

As is the case in the rest of Ireland and the United Kingdom, automobiles drive on the left side of the road.

Route : along the M1 on the Republic’s side and then along the A1 on the Northern Irish side

Cost : starts at €30 per day

Where to Book : Rentalcars

Buy your ticket online 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.

Road Trip from Dublin to Belfast

If you are wondering what an epic journey up north from Dublin would entail; look no further as this road trip to Belfast showcases the very best that Northern Ireland has to offer, even including a UNESCO World Heritage site, and oodles of history to dive into.

The 350 km road trip from Dublin to Belfast takes about 4 hours to drive nonstop. You can visit Brú na Bóinne, Carlingford, the Mourne Mountains, Antrim town, Game of Thrones filming sites, Dunluce Castle and the Giants Causeway along the way.

Our essential guide details everything you need to know about this road trip. We've included route suggestions, accommodation options, a list of things to see and advice on the best time to visit. See below for all the details that will help plan your next journey!

How far is Belfast from Dublin, and how long will the road trip take?

Thanks to the small size of the island of Ireland, getting from Dublin to Belfast won't take you more than 4 hours and 30 minutes.

The Giants Route has the greatest distance of 350 km, and while it is longer, it is still the most direct. You will drive nonstop for 4 hours and 20 minutes without accounting for any stops or detours on this route.

At 100 km shorter, The Mountains Route sticks to the coast and uses minor roads rather than motorways to get from Dublin to Belfast. This route will take 4 hours and 10 minutes to complete.

Best road trip route from Dublin to Belfast

Whether you're into historic medieval castles, epic hikes, jaw-dropping cliff walks or a night on the town, this road trip has it all. Learn about the delicate and fractious history of The Troubles or immerse yourself in the legendary landscape that County Antrim has to offer - the best road trip will depend on your preferences.

The Giants route is the more direct of the two and it means you get to visit the iconic Giants Causeway - a unique formation of hexagonal basalt columns formed 60 million years ago.

It also takes you through County Antrim, which is stuffed full of things to see and do. While it is littered with lovely mountain scenery along the motorways there are fewer opportunities for walking and hiking along this route.

The Mountains Route makes the most of the hiking and walking opportunities in the surrounding area. You can take in the fabulous Mourne Mountains, with their rugged landscape and a variety of hikes available.

The route follows the East coast of Ireland which is full of scenic seaside towns and refreshing sea air - sure to blow away any cobwebs. The main drawback of this route is that you miss The Giants Causeway.

Note: Don't forget that you'll need to use pounds sterling (GBP) once you cross the border into Northern Ireland. Euro (EUR) is used in the Republic of Ireland only. It is also worth checking any visa requirements for travel to the UK.

The Giants Route

Take the M1 out of Dublin, heading for Newry / Mourne / Down. Continue onto A1 and A26 up to Antrim town. From here, continue north out of Antrim, following A26 to Bushmills and The Giants Causeway.

The last part of your road trip sees you returning south on A26, but this time heading for Belfast rather than Antrim town. Before getting into Antrim town, take the M2 southeast to Belfast.

The Mountains Route

Drive north out of Dublin, taking the M1 to Drogheda. Rather than entering Drogheda itself, go west to Brú na Bóinne, Co. Meath to enjoy the passage tombs. From here, get back on M1, driving north once again. Continue around Dundalk, looping up to Carlingford.

Take the A2 north up to Newry, and then head northeast to the Mourne Mountains. Return northward to Tollymore Forest Park and Castlewellan Forest Park before heading to Downpatrick. From here, drive to Lisburn and join the M1 which will take you to Belfast.

Best places to stop between Dublin and Belfast

While both of these routes can be done in one day, we absolutely recommend you take two days to complete this road trip. Antrim is a big county, and deserves some extra time to show off its wares.

Explore the history and visit a filming location in Antrim

On The Giants Route, you'll find Antrim, about halfway through your journey. Its convenient location, variety of attractions and size make it a good stop-off for one night. The town is steeped in local history, with plenty of local castles and landmarks for all the history buffs among us.

Antrim town is in Antrim County, which is best known for the Giants Causeway and Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, both of which are about 1 hour from the town itself. If you're a Game of Thrones fan, many iconic scenes were also filmed around Antrim.

After a day of driving, take a stroll around the 400-year-old gardens at Antrim Castle Gardens. You'll also find Clotsworthy House and Antrims Round Tower here.

Take a trip out to the coast to do the Gobbins Cliff Path, one of the most dramatic coastal walks in Europe - a series of bridges and caves brings you up close and personal with the coast, its biodiversity and the elements!

Visit the 18th-century remains of Shanes Castle. Today it is a working family estate comprising 800 acres of farmland and 1000 acres of woodland. A paintball experience, mediaeval re-enactments and summer steam rallies can also be found here.

Dunadry Hotel and Gardens is a wonderful local hotel that is full of Irish charm . The hotel's history goes back to the 1600s when it housed the High Kings. It then worked as a mill before being repurposed as a hotel. The restored buildings have kept their character and charm though, touches of which can be seen throughout.

The onsite spa, fitness centre and pool offer you the perfect place to relax after a day's driving and exploring. Two onsite restaurants (one of them with an AA Rosette) serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and a cocktail hour. There are also live music performances on the premises.

Enjoying the “craic” in Carlingford

About one-fourth of the way into The Mountains Route is Carlingford, a bustling mediaeval town in County Louth. Set on the shores of Carlingford Lough, this town is known for its outdoor adventure centre with plenty of land and water activities to suit all tastes and fitness levels.

It is one of the best-preserved mediaeval villages in Ireland - imagine winding, cobbled streets and mountain ranges all around. For the seafood fans, this quaint little village is known for its oysters. Pop into a traditional Irish bar or restaurant to sample them for yourself.

Walk or cycle along the Carlingford Lough Greenway which is a track dedicated to walking and cycling. Take a boat tour to discover the myths and legends held in the sea. There is even a fully restored 1940s tugboat, Brienne, that does a 1-hour tour of the Lough.

The Four Seasons Hotel, Spa and Leisure Club has an excellent location in Carlingford , very close to all the action. Great leisure facilities are on site including a hot tub, sauna, steam room, modern gym, and swimming pool. This makes it the ideal spot to unwind and relax after a day of adventure.

The on-site bar and restaurant with views of the Lough and Cooley Mountains mean you don't have to leave once you arrive. If you fancy a treat, why not visit the spa with a full range of treatments available? Free parking is an added bonus, as it's not always easy to find in small Irish towns.

The location of this property is fantastic, just a short walk from the town centre. Carlingford Castle is even closer and plenty of bars and cafes are easily accessible on foot. It is also super easy to return to your road trip on the following day.

Where to stay when you reach Belfast

The Merchant Hotel Belfast is the ultimate luxury treat after a day or two of driving . It is located in the historical Cathedral Quarter which gives excellent access to Belfast city centre.

A beautiful facade leads you into an elegant reception, styled perfectly to match the age of the building. The rooms are equally beautifully decorated, with comfortable beds and exquisite furniture.

A rooftop gym, sauna, steam room and hot tub, multiple bars and restaurants and live music complete this picture-perfect stay in Belfast.

Things to see on a road trip from Dublin to Belfast

Hiking, swimming, castles, breathtaking walks, rope bridges and a severed head - this road trip has it all! We've done the hard work and hand-picked some of the best things to see along the way.

• Carrickfergus Castle - This 800-year-old Norman Castle is one of the best-preserved mediaeval structures in Ireland. It even has its own escape tunnels and a resident ghost - Button Cap.
• Gobbins Cliff Path - This exhilarating cliff walk brings you right to the edge of the cliffs across a system of bridges and caves. The breathtaking cliff walk is only available via a guided tour so be sure to book in advance.
• 9 Glens of Antrim - Explore Glenaan, Glenariffe, Glenarm, Glenballyeamon, Glencloy, Glencorp, Glendun, Glenshesk and Glentaisie while you are in Antrim. They have a myriad of walking and hiking routes that allows you to get deep into the countryside of Northern Ireland.
• Game of Thrones Sites - Game of Thrones fans will enjoy some of the well-known scenery around Antrim including Ballintoy Harbor where scenes of “Pyke and the Iron Islands” are filmed, Murlough Bay acts as “Storm's End” and the Dark Hedges that were used for the scenes of the “King's Road”.
• Bushmills Distillery - Visit the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, operating since 1808. Book a guided tour to see how this famous Irish Whiskey is made.
• Dunluce Castle - A majestic and incredibly romantic castle set atop a cliff and dating from the 16th century.
• Carrick-a-Rede rope Bridge - This bridge connects a tiny island with the mainland, and was built by a salmon fisherman. Check the weather before you head for this attraction as even the slightest of breezes can feel like a gale! Opening times vary throughout the year so be sure to check these before you go.
• The Giants Causeway - This UNESCO World Heritage Site was formed 60 million years ago by lava. 40,000 basalt columns, 5 km of walking trails and guided tours make this a must-see on your road trip.

• Oliver Plunkett's head - Visit St Peter's Church in Drogheda where you can see the whole severed head (yes, really!) of a 17th century Irish martyr.
• Brú na Bóinne - Just a short detour off your road trip is Brú na Bóinne Complex, Europe's largest collection of prehistoric megalithic art and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most famous of these is the Newgrange Stone Age Passage Tomb. Built 5,200 years ago, this epic structure is best known for the dramatic winter solstice which illuminates the tomb for 17 minutes a year.
• A sea swim - Fancy a very refreshing dip in the Irish Sea? Consider stopping at Blackrock beach or Templetown beach Co. Louth. Be warned - it will be cold!
• Carlingford Omeath Greenway - Built on the old Dundalk, Newry & Greenore Railway, this dedicated cycle and walking track follows the East coast of Ireland and promises some beautiful scenery.
• Carlingford Lough - There are endless amounts of activities to do in Carlingford - hiking, walking, horse riding, water sports and boat tours, to name but a few!
• The Mourne Mountains - Spend a day hiking through the Mourne Mountain range - one of the finest hiking spots in all of Ireland.
• Tollymore Forest Park - Stretch your legs around some of the 630 hectares at the foot of the Mourne Mountains
• Castlewellan Forest Park - With one of the biggest and best tree and shrub collections in Europe, fauna enthusiasts will enjoy walking around this National Arboretum.
• Inch Abbey, Downpatrick - Explore this 12th-century abbey and its surrounding parks, maybe have a picnic on the shores of the Quoile River while you're there.

Best time to go on a road trip from Dublin to Belfast

Ireland's weather tends to remain stable year round, with rare occurrences of extreme heat or cold. Its reputation as a very wet and rainy country holds up and there is a high chance of rain year round - even in summer! So be sure to pack some good rain gear on your trip.

Average summer temperatures are between 11 and 19 degrees Celsius. School and college holidays usually fall between May and September, so prices for accommodation and the level of visitors will increase during these times.

Rain is still likely at this time of year, but as the locals say - it will be warmer than winter rain!

The Annual Beer and Cider Festival in May gives you a great opportunity to taste some locally brewed beverages. For a traditional buzz, Belfast Trad Fest in July is full of Irish dancing, Irish music and concerts.

There is no need to avoid visiting Belfast during winter, once you have warm and waterproof clothes with you. Average daily temperatures are between 3 and 9 degrees Celsius. Snow is rare during winter but frost, rain and wind are more likely. As this is the low season, accommodation prices will be cheaper and there will be fewer tourists around.

The exception to this is Christmas time, which is magical in Belfast city but comes with a price tag and likely a queue! Also ,double-check the opening hours of any attractions you might wish to visit as they may have reduced opening hours during winter.

The biggest arts festival in Ireland is held every October and features over 100 different events throughout the city. Belfast Christmas Market in December showcases local and international traders selling a host of Christmas treats.

Average Spring and Autumn temperatures don't vary too much from those during summer and winter. Both are great times to visit Belfast as they bring good weather and fewer crowds. They are definitely more affordable times to visit as the demand will be less.

However, around Easter and Halloween, schools and colleges have holidays, so these times will be busier. Belfast Film Festival in April showcases the best films with a focus on an onsite specific cinema experience - this will also increase the popularity of accommodation.

Join our email list!

By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Your email will not be provided to third parties.

Related posts

Sign up on TourScanner

Don't know where to start, best places to visit in dublin, tours and things to do in dublin, best day trips from dublin.

Giant's Causeway and Titanic Belfast Day Trip from Dublin

Discover northern ireland in a day on a great value tour with dunlace castle, dark hedges, and more.

Looking to explore the iconic sites of the North during your Dublin stay? This jam-packed day tour makes it simple! With comfortable round-trip travel from Dublin and pre-booked tickets, you'll discover the unique beauty and folklore of Giant’s Causeway—sometimes called the 8th Wonder of the World—and learn the real story behind the legend at the immersive Titanic Experience in Belfast. You’ll also visit two of Northern Ireland’s most photogenic spots at Dunluce Castle and the Dark Hedges!

• Northern Ireland day trip from Dublin
• Dunluce Castle
• The Dark Hedges
• The Giant's Causeway
• The legend of Finn McCool
• The Titanic Museum
• An immersive 3D experience
• Free time to explore Belfast

Your Northern Ireland adventure begins early in central Dublin, where you'll meet your friendly local driver and guide for the journey north. The scenic drive takes you through the lush countryside and past the atmospheric ruins of Dunluce Castle, where you'll make a quick stop for photos. Arriving on the north coast of the Emerald Isle, it's time to explore the incredible Giant's Causeway. One of Europe's true natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll have time to walk on the columns and learn the ancient myths that surround them.

Passing through the incredible Dark Hedges, which were part of the King's Road in Game of Thrones , you'll arrive in bustling Belfast. Here, you'll skip the line to visit the fascinating Titanic Experience in the docks where the infamous ship was built. After some free time to see Belfast, you'll travel back to Dublin in time for the evening.

Giant's Causeway and Titanic from Dublin Tour Description

Your 12-hour Northern Ireland day trip includes:

Private luxury coach transportation from Dublin

Admission to the Giant's Causeway Nature Reserve

Pre-booked tickets to the Titanic Belfast Experience

Free time for a look around Belfast

Visit the Dark Hedges and take a photo at Dunluce Castle - as seen in Game of Thrones !

Professional driver and fun local guide

On occasion, the exact order of this tour may change due to traffic, weather, or other factors.

Travel North from Dublin

You'll meet your local guide, driver, and the rest of your group at a convenient location in central Dublin as you head off on a full-day adventure to Northern Ireland. Hop onto your air-conditioned coach for a beautiful morning drive up the Irish coast and countryside. After a drive of roughly 3 hours, you'll arrive on the dramatic northern coast of the Emerald Isle.

The Dark Hedges and Dunluce Castle

After a picturesque drive through the rolling hills of Ireland, the first stop of the day is the Dark Hedges. Lined by centuries-old beech trees that create an otherworldly atmosphere, the Hedges have been a setting of many films like Transformers and TV series like HBO's Game of Thrones. On the latter, the Hedges portrayed the King's Road which connected King's Landing to Winterfell.

Continuing through the land of Northern Ireland (and Westeros) you'll stop for a photo at the historic Dunluce Castle. This medieval stone fortress is full of history from the Vikings to the Spanish Armada. It is most famous though today as the home of House Greyjoy on the Island of Pyke in Game of Thrones.

The Giant's Causeway

Just down the road from Dunluce Castle, you'll arrive at the natural marvel that is the Giant's Causeway. Created about 50 million years ago from the cooling of Volcanic lava, the Causeway is a massive pathway of hexagonal stone structures that lead out from the cliffs into the Irish Sea. A geologically stunning area, it has become the setting for legends and mythology for ages.

Your guide will tell the legend of the great Finn McCool in depth. The story goes that the Irish giant built the Causeway to Scotland only to discover that the giants in Scotland were not so friendly. Long story short (not to spoil your guides in-depth rendition), Irish cunning prevailed and a Scottish giant destroyed the causeway in fear of the great Finn McCool.

The Giant's Causeway is one of the most beautiful sights on earth. On a sunny day, you can look across and see the Scottish isles in the distance. Walk through the amazing structure, taking in the perfect symmetry of the columns, the amazing flora and fauna around, as well as that wonderful Atlantic breeze on the shore.

After a few fascinating stories from your guide, you'll have plenty of time to walk on the rocks, find a nice spot to sit and enjoy the views, or drop into the visitor center to learn more about the geology of this unique location.

The Titanic Experience, Belfast

The ocean liner RMS Titanic is undoubtedly history's most famous ship, subject of countless movies and books since its maiden voyage ended in disaster in April 1912. Though it departed from Southampton in England, the ill-fated boat was actually built in Belfast. A pride of the famous ship-building city, Titanic was seen as the future of travel. Today, on the site where the boat was built, you will visit the Titanic Experience.

At the museum and learning center, you'll travel through the history of the Titanic from concept to building to the stories of the passengers and crew of the voyage, both victims and survivors. Through interactive experiences and even a historical amusement ride, the Titanic Belfast is a must-see experience while in Northern Ireland.

After visiting the Titanic Belfast, enjoy some free time in the Northern Irish capital before heading back to Dublin for the evening. This great value day trip is sure to be a top memory on your Irish vacation!

" data-expanded-text="hide full description "> show full description

What you get with this tour

See what people are saying

7 total reviews

Susan was an awesome tour guide!!!

Susan was an awesome tour guide!!! She really brought Ireland's history, geography, politics, and stories to life. The tour was informative, organized, well paced, and well run. Susan was so personable, and even gave us restaurant recommendations that were spot on. A great day tour and very fun day.

Giants Causeway

Fun trip out of Dublin. This was super easy and a perfect afternoon we were lucky to have fantastic weather.

Beautiful, fun, easy. Just do it.

show more reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Comfortable shoes, clothes to suit the unpredictable Irish weather, and any snacks you may want for the journey.

Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?

No, it's run by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Dublin. They're a specialist local tour company who we know uphold our high standards.

Are there bathroom breaks on the journey?

Yes, your driver will make stops so that you can use the bathroom.

Is lunch included?

No, but there will be opportunities to buy lunch during the trip or you can bring your own to maximize your sightseeing time.

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

You may also like

Cliffs Of Moher and Galway Day Trip From Dublin

Travel west through the Irish countryside to see spectacular coastlines, seaside cities, and more!

( 8 ) From: $87.36

Game of Thrones Studio Tour - Tickets Only

See firsthand sets, costumes, and props straight from the series on a self-guided tour

From: $40.00

Game of Thrones Studio Tour From Belfast

Marvel at detailed sets, costumes, props, and more during a self-guided tour

From: 0,00 €

Top tours customers bought with this tour:

Thank you for letting us know how your experience was!

Tell us about your experience.

If you need to book more than 7 guests on this tour, contact us at [email protected] A travel Expert will get back to you to arrange all the details.

Europe is re-opening for visitors!

Want to see which small group tours are now operating ?

More tours added weekly!

See Open Tours

• Travel Blog
• In The Press
• Top Attractions

Policy & Terms

• Cancellation Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• USA or Canada: +1 888 290 5595
• Email: [email protected]

© 2024 - The Tour Guy All rights reserved.

How to see more of Ireland on a budget

Mar 31, 2024 • 6 min read

Read on for expert tips to make your money go further in Ireland © davidf / Getty Images

By most European standards, Ireland can be quite expensive. Accommodation and food are generally priced at the upper end of the scale, which means a sizeable daily budget is needed.

However, there are plenty of ways to make your money go further during your visit to Ireland, and if you are travelling on a tight-ish budget, I have a host of cost-saving tips that will help you enjoy the best of what the country has to offer without missing out on the very best experiences.

Here’s a few tips that will help stretch your budget while visiting Ireland. 

Daily Costs

• Hostel room: €40-€70 (€50-€120 in Dublin)
• Basic room for two: €80-€100 (€100-€150 in Dublin)
• Self-catering apartments (including Airbnb): €150-€250
• Public transport ticket: €3.60
• Coffee: €3-€5
• Sandwich: €4-€8
• Dinner for two: €150
• Beer/pint at the bar:  €6-€9
• Average daily cost: €150- € 250

Know the cheapest time to go to Ireland

Peak season – May and August – is the most expensive time to visit, so you can make considerable savings travelling to Ireland outside of those months. Winter (except for Christmas) is when flight costs and accommodation rates are at their lowest, but you’ll likely encounter the worst weather and a lot of seasonal closures, especially along the west coast.

The ideal time to visit is during the shoulder season, especially in autumn (spring has St Patrick’s Day and Easter, which are typically busy and popular), when the crowds have dwindled, prices drop (especially for accommodation) and the weather can be surprisingly good.

Check the cheapest way to get there

Ireland is an island, so the vast majority of arrivals come by air. Dublin is the most popular arrival point, but if you’re coming from North America, flights into Shannon Airport are usually cheaper. For arrivals from Europe, Irish-based Ryanair is Europe’s largest airline, with dozens of cheap flights into Dublin and Cork from most major European cities. Cheaper still is the ferry. There are ferry ports in Dublin, Rosslare and Belfast , serving arrivals from the UK , France and Spain . A typical Sail & Rail ticket between London and Dublin can cost as little as €20.

Public transport is a good option to get around

Ireland has a pretty extensive network of public and private buses that are the most affordable way to travel. Transport for Ireland is a handy route planner for all public transport services across the country, including buses; in rural areas, Local Link services are a convenient way of exploring the local surroundings.

How to save money on attractions

Many attractions offer discounted rates if you buy tickets online in advance. You can also buy visitor passes that include entry to a number of attractions, such as the Dublin Pass. The Heritage Card includes free entry to all Office of Public Works–managed sites; it can be a good deal depending on how many spots you plan to visit.

There’s free entry to the four museums that make up the National Museum of Ireland (three branches in Dublin and one, the Museum of Country Life , in County Mayo), the National Gallery in Dublin, the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork and the Ulster Museum in Belfast.

Where to find good, cheap eats 

In bigger towns and cities with a large working population, many restaurants offer lunch deals that usually include a starter and a main course; a lot of Asian restaurants serve bento boxes as part of their lunch deals. Many restaurants also provide early bird menus that usually run between 5pm and 7pm; the menu is more limited but can offer considerable savings compared to the standard evening a la carte menu.

Early Table is an excellent online service that allows you to book an early sitting in restaurants across the country. You need to buy credit with them but the savings are considerable, usually up to 50% of the regular price of the meal.

How to get good value accommodation in Ireland

Accommodation will likely be the heftiest part of your travel budget. However, as many hotels use booking engines that operate dynamic pricing (which means rates go up and down depending on demand), early booking can often result in some very good deals. Calling a hotel directly – especially at the last minute – can also result in getting a better price than the one quoted on a website.

The traditional B&B was long the backbone of the Irish accommodation industry, and while many have been superseded by a glut of midrange hotels, they still offer surprisingly good value for money – with a home-cooked breakfast thrown in for good measure. Another option for savings on accommodation is to travel in the off-season, when rates are typically lower.

Find out where to join a free walking tour in Ireland

There are a handful of free walking tours that only expect a tip. Yellow Umbrella Tours operates free, thematic tours in Belfast, Cork, Dublin and Galway. Sandemans offers free tours across many European cities including Dublin, where it has a standard walking tour as well as an evening haunted tour, which explores the darker stories of the capital.

The best entertainment in Ireland for the price of a drink is...

Irish traditional music is Western Europe’s most vibrant and dynamic folk music. It is played all over the country, mostly in traditional pub "sessions", where many of the world’s very best players in the genre will showcase their remarkable skills…at no cost to the public. All you need to do is show up, buy a drink and settle in to enjoy.

How to visit heritage sites for free

Unless you invest in a Heritage Card, visiting OPW (Office of Public Works; the government agency that manages Ireland’s heritage sites) attractions can add up. However, try to time your visit for the first Wednesday of the month, when a large number of sites waive their entry charges as part of Free Wednesday . 

How to ride the train for cheap in Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the Sunday Fun Day Tracker ticket gives passengers unlimited train travel on a Sunday for £9 (£4.50 for children). Tickets are available from all ticket offices, the mlink ticketing app and from the train conductor.

Take advantage of the transport fare cap

If you’re planning to explore the region surrounding Dublin, you will save money by using public transport, which has instituted a fare cap on travel to some of the region’s commuter towns across counties Kildare, Meath and Louth. Standard single fares to/ from Dublin to a host of towns is fixed at €6.

Invest in a Leap card for public transport in Dublin

If you're going to use public transport in Dublin, be sure to get a Leap card  – a tap on, tap off card (similar to London’s Oyster Card) – which reduces fares by around 10% compared to cash and eliminates the hassle of having to provide exact change when buying a ticket. Leap cards can be bought in most convenience stores. Topping up is a cinch: you can do it at train stations, Luas stops and at all convenience stores that sell them. You can also download the Leap top-up app for NFC-enabled iPhone 7 (or above) and Android phones. You then hold the card to the back of the phone and it’ll display your balance and options to add value.

Keep planning the trip of a lifetime in Ireland:

• Start that Ireland bucketlist with our list of the  top things to do . 
• Have wheels, will travel: here are the best  road trips  to tackle in Ireland. 
• Get outside and into the great outdoors in Ireland with these top walks .
• Read on for when's the  best time to go to Ireland.
• Get off the beaten track with this guide to where locals holiday in Ireland. 

Explore related stories

Budget Travel

Apr 2, 2024 • 9 min read

Sure, Dublin can be pricey – but that doesn't mean you have to spend every last cent to see its best bits. Explore Dublin on a budget with our tips.

Jan 6, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 1, 2024 • 10 min read

Aug 25, 2023 • 7 min read

Jul 26, 2023 • 6 min read

Jun 26, 2023 • 5 min read

Jun 19, 2023 • 8 min read

May 24, 2023 • 5 min read

Dec 1, 2022 • 7 min read

Aug 4, 2022 • 8 min read

Price of four drinks in Temple Bar pub in Dublin stuns tourists

The receipt at the Oliver St John Gogarty pub in Dublin's Temple Bar area came to an eye-watering 47.70 for two pints of Guinness, a vodka and a pint of Kilkenny

• 08:39, 4 APR 2024

A group of friends couldn't believe their eyes when they saw the price for just four drinks at a Dublin pub. They were in Temple Bar, which is a famous place in Dublin.

They got a bill for 47.70 at the Oliver St John Gogarty pub. This was for two pints of Guinness, each costing 9.95, a vodka and Red Bull for nearly 17, and a pint of Kilkenny for 10.95.

The receipt said that this happened at 2.56pm on Easter Sunday, March 31. It also said there was live music playing from noon until almost 2am.

Read more: We asked the people of Belfast what they think of pint price increases

Fine Gael councillor Jim Gildea got the receipt while he was out talking to people. He put it online because he's worried about what high prices mean for tourists coming to Dublin.

Jim talked to Dublin Live and said: "It's outrageous. I'm really, really concerned at what this does for the tourist industry. Temple Bar is renowned for being the heart of Dublin. Nearly 17 for a vodka and red bull, 11 for a pint of ale. I am shocked at it."

He also said: "I was having a friendly chat with a constituent talking about pricing when they said - wait a minute, look at this - you can see the date, you can see the time so you can see it's recent. I hope there's a public response to this."

Jim added that he would be upset to find out how much drinks cost later at night, like at 1:30am.

He also mentioned: "And a lot of pubs in Temple Bar or town, not necessarily this one, increase their prices at night as well."

Dublin Live reached out to Oliver St John Gogarty's for a response.

The pub's boss, Martin Keane, has stood by the prices before, saying they're similar to what other Temple Bar pubs charge.

In February 2023, on Newstalk radio, he talked about how inflation and living costs have hit the pub.

He explained: "It's quite expensive but, as you can see, it's now just after 12 o'clock in the day and we have musicians in playing."

Join our Belfast Live breaking news service on WhatsApp

Click this link or scan the QR code to receive breaking news and top stories from Belfast Live. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

• Republic of Ireland
• Food And Drink
• Most Recent

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

What to Know About Jeffrey Donaldson, the Former D.U.P. Leader in Northern Ireland

Mr. Donaldson resigned as party leader on Friday after being charged with non-recent sexual offenses.

By Ed O’Loughlin

Reporting from Dublin

Jeffrey Donaldson, who resigned as leader of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist Party on Friday, has spent his career defending the political union between Britain and the six-county statelet where he was born 61 years ago.

Northern Ireland’s longest-serving member of Parliament, he has been present at most of the pivotal moments in its recent political history. His sudden resignation, after being charged with non-recent sexual offenses on Thursday, has upended the status quo in Northern Ireland and raised questions about the future direction of the Democratic Unionist Party, or D.U.P.

Michelle O’Neill, the first minister of Northern Ireland, said on Friday that the charges against Mr. Donaldson were “now a matter for the criminal justice system” and added that her priority was to “provide the leadership the public expect and deserve, and to ensure the four-party executive coalition delivers for the whole of our community now and in the future.”

Here’s what to know about Mr. Donaldson’s career and his impact on politics in the region.

His route to power.

Born in Kilkeel, a County Down fishing and farming village that is within sight — across a narrow sea inlet — of the independent Republic of Ireland, Mr. Donaldson was the eldest of five boys and three girls.

In 1970 , during the period of sectarian violence between Protestant unionists and Catholic nationalists known as the Troubles, his cousin Samuel Donaldson was killed by the Provisional Irish Republican Army while serving in the Royal Ulster Constabulary, an event that Mr. Donaldson would later say “shattered” his childhood.

He joined the Orange Order, a Protestants-only religious and cultural group, at age 16, and two years later enlisted in the Ulster Defense Regiment, a heavily Protestant part-time militia unit of the British Army that was deeply engaged in the Troubles.

He entered public life at age 20, working for Enoch Powell , a conservative English politician notorious for his racist and anti-immigrant rhetoric. By the 1970s, Mr. Powell had moved to Northern Ireland to become a member of the Ulster Unionist Party, winning a Westminster seat in Mr. Donaldson’s native South Down constituency.

While working as Mr. Powell’s election agent, Mr. Donaldson joined the Ulster Unionist Party, or U.U.P., and at age 22 was elected as a member of a short-lived precursor to the present Northern Ireland Assembly. He subsequently became an aide to then U.U.P. leader, James Molyneaux, and successfully contested Molyneaux’s Lagan Valley seat in the Westminster Parliament after Mr. Molyneaux retired from politics in 1997.

He has played a role in Northern Ireland’s politics for four decades.

A skilled debater, Mr. Donaldson has, in over 40 years in public life, demonstrated an ability to stake out bold positions, informed by a staunch unionist ideology, and then, when circumstances change, to move on from them.

In 1997, when he was first elected to the London Parliament as a member of the D.U.P.’s main rival, the U.U.P., a confidential profile prepared for the British authorities noted his links to Mr. Powell. But it added that Mr. Donaldson had gained a reputation, during 1992 talks aimed at ending the bloody Troubles, “as being one of the more liberal members of the U.U.P. team. Since then his stance has been less easy to pin down.”

The following year, as the world watched, Mr. Donaldson led a group of U.U.P. negotiators who defied their party leader, David Trimble, and walked out of the last day of the historic Good Friday peace talks, saying that the power-sharing deal — signed later that day — gave too much ground to the Irish Republican Army, which had led a violent 30 year armed struggle to reunify the island of Ireland.

Despite this rejectionist position, Mr. Donaldson remained in the Ulster Unionists for another five years, often sparring with Mr. Trimble. Then, in 2003, he defected to the more hard-line Democratic Unionist Party, which still held out against the Good Friday Agreement.

His defection came a month after assembly elections in which the D.U.P. overtook the Ulster Unionists for the first time, thanks to dissatisfaction with the Good Friday Agreement among many in the Protestant, unionist community from which both drew their support. Coming only a month after Mr. Donaldson had retained his seat as an Ulster Unionist candidate, the defection caused lasting bitterness in unionist politics.

In 2007 circumstances changed, and Mr. Donaldson also altered course. Following talks in Scotland, the D.U.P.’s veteran founder and leader, the Rev. Ian Paisley, ended his opposition to the Good Friday Agreement, and the D.U.P. went into coalition, in Belfast’s devolved assembly, with Sinn Fein, formerly the political wing of the I.R.A. Mr. Donaldson, while keeping his seat in the London parliament, was also a member of the power-sharing Belfast assembly, where he served for a year as a junior minister.

His time as leader of the D.U.P. was dominated by his response to Brexit.

In 2021 he became D.U.P. leader after infighting brought down its two previous leaders, Arlene Foster and Edwin Poots, within weeks of each other.

Although Northern Ireland had voted, overall, to remain in the European Union in the 2016 Brexit referendum, Mr. Donaldson, leading the D.U.P. from Westminster, aligned unionism with the most hard-line Brexit faction in the British Conservative Party. Led by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson, this group wanted a complete withdrawal from all European Union institutions, including customs, manufacturing, environmental and veterinary protocols that allowed free trade and movement across the Irish border.

In Ireland, and abroad, a frictionless Irish border was widely seen as essential to preserving the peaceful status quo that followed the Good Friday Agreement. So when the U.K. government agreed, under heavy pressure from the E.U. and the United States, to impose customs and trade checks between Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom, rather than on the Irish border, Mr. Donaldson protested by using the D.U.P.’s power-sharing veto to collapse the devolved government in Northern Ireland in 2022.

After two years of Northern Ireland having no functioning government, and with his party losing support to hard-liners and moderates on either side, Mr. Donaldson finally agreed to revive the assembly in January this year .