Spreading out from Belfast city on Ireland’s northeast coast and taking in the Glens of Antrim and the rugged Causeway Coastal Route, County Antrim is a must on any visit to Northern Ireland. Belfast is a big draw – a UNESCO City of Music with an intriguing Titanic history, lively traditional music pubs and chic restaurants, but there’s plenty more to explore beyond the city. Hit the Causeway Coast for a road trip brimming with golden beaches, world-class links golf and sublime seafood, not to mention gems including the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the clifftop ruins of Dunluce Castle. You’ll quickly see why these landscapes were chosen as filming locations for the fantasy epic Game of Thrones®. Take it from us – County Antrim is a star!
Commercial Court, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast
Belfast packs a lot into one city, from the award-winning Titanic Belfast and the historic St George’s Market, to the buzzing Cathedral Quarter. Get your heart pumping with a walk at Cave Hill – scenic walking trails and picture-perfect Belfast Castle make this a local favourite. For a slower pace, try the lush Botanic Gardens. Then discover the city’s musical heritage on a walking tour that takes you from traditional music sessions in some of Belfast’s oldest pubs to exploring its thriving electro-pop scene.
Why Belfast is a UNESCO City of Music
Explore the Causeway CoastBeyond the city, the Causeway Coastal Route awaits. This staggeringly beautiful road winds along the edge of the north Antrim coastline and serves up pulse-racing delights, including the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Exceptional beaches lie around every corner, from the secluded beauty of Whitepark Bay to Whiterocks Beach with its unique rock formations.
Then there’s the breathtaking scenery of Torr Head, the cliff path walk at The Gobbins, and one of the oldest whiskey distilleries in the world, the Old Bushmills Distillery. Once you’ve enjoyed all that, hop on a ferry to discover the raw beauty of Rathlin Island.
Walk Ireland’s wild northern coast in 7 days
Game of Thrones® territory and moreBut Antrim isn’t all about the coast – head inland to stroll the Dark Hedges, a striking avenue of beech trees made famous by Game of Thrones®. Then explore scenic Lough Neagh, the largest lake on the island of Ireland, or discover the dramatic scenery of Slemish, a mountain with strong links to St Patrick.
Glenariff Glen, County Antrim
Stefan Schnebelt
Antrim offers enough exciting experiences on its own but it also makes a great base for exploring Northern Ireland and beyond.
To the south lies County Down, where hillwalkers test themselves among the granite peaks of the Mourne Mountains, and the shimmering waters of Strangford Lough entice kayakers and standup paddleboarders. It’s the ideal place to escape into nature, and all just a half-hour drive from Belfast.
The Causeway Coastal Route weaves westwards from Belfast to the Walled City of Derry~Londonderry, a destination that deserves a few days’ exploration. Walk the 400-year-old city walls, see the striking Guildhall, get acquainted with the Derry Girls and soak up the atmosphere in this lively city. For the ultimate Ireland road trip, keep travelling and you’ll find yourself on the Wild Atlantic Way, which hugs the west coast from Donegal to Cork.
From the peaceful Fermanagh Lakelands to the orchards of County Armagh and the untouched beauty of the Sperrin Mountains, Northern Ireland will amaze you with how much there is to see and do. Time to start planning your trip.
