Hit the Causeway Coast
Stretching along 120 miles of coastline and show-reeling some of Northern Ireland’s most dramatic sights, the Causeway Coastal Route starts in typically epic fashion. Just north of Belfast, follow the A2 along the shores of Belfast Lough towards Carrickfergus, a town best known for its folk song. It’s well worth a photo stop for its Norman castle (try it framed by the harbour pier). After soaking in its splendour, move on to Whitehead for the Bank House, a craft emporium cum artisan deli, and the ideal place to fuel up on road-trip picnic staples. As the landscape shape-shifts from the coast to the Glens of Antrim, head for Glenariff Forest Park. Here, the three-mile cascading waterfall walkway should whet the appetite – keep an eye out for Northern Ireland’s comeback red squirrel population!
Continuing north, pull up a pew at Mary McBride’s in the charming village of Cushendun, before taking in the views from the dramatic sea cliffs at Fair Head. Across the Irish Sea, you’ll see Scotland’s Kintyre peninsula on the horizon, while to the north-west, views of tiny Rathlin Island will tempt you to visit. Northern Ireland’s northernmost outpost, Rathlin Island makes a great escape from the mainland and sits just a 20-minute ferry crossing from Ballycastle.
Back on the mainland, just when you think things couldn’t get better, you’ll arrive at Northern Ireland’s most iconic attraction, the Giant’s Causeway. You’ll need to book your visit in advance, but once you get there you’ll be greeted with the view of a lifetime. Created by a mix of basalt and legend, its hexagonal columns have been bursting out of the north Atlantic for millennia and, up close, they’re best described as stacks of charcoaled honeycomb.
Further along the coast, you’ll reach the ethereal ruins of Dunluce Castle, which have been hugging the coast with precarious drama since the 1500s. Amid the coastal cacophony of waves and seabirds, it’s best to stay alert in these parts as you’re reminded here that the castle is said to have its own banshee! Continuing north-west, Downhill House marks the last blockbuster attraction of the route, but it’s most noted for Mussenden Temple. The fantastical folly kisses the coast above miles of golden, sugar-sand, and is just 30 minutes drive from the historic walled city of Derry-Londonderry.
Mourne to the sea
Leaving Belfast behind, you’ll soon feel the summery seaside vibes kick in on County Down’s magnificent Ards peninsula. Wrapped by the Irish Sea, it’s famed for its farming and fishing food provenance, so as you drive, clock signs for local delights such as Comber potatoes and Portavogie prawns. For a real taste of the region, a seafood lunch at The New Quays of Portavogie will keep you well sated, particularly after roadtripping past scenic highlights such as the Copeland Islands and Ballycopeland windmill. Ards also carries the moniker of “the creative peninsula”, so stitch in some visits to artisan makers such as the Doodle & Boom gift shop in Bangor or Eden Pottery in Newtownards.
Journeying south, take the ferry across the lough from Portaferry to Strangford, where you’ll arrive in the County Down region known as Lecale (or Saint Patrick’s country). Just a short spin from the coast at Downpatrick, Saul church marks the site of the saint’s earliest place of worship. And if you have time, be sure to visit the St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, where you can find out more about Ireland’s patron saint.
Elsewhere, history buffs can explore the stunning National Trust gothic estate at Castle Ward, while Game of Thrones fans can get their “Journey of Doors” passport stamped at The Cuan hotel in Strangford, home to Door 1 from the Game of Thrones door tour. The hotel is closed for now but expects to reopen in the autumn after a renovation. Continuing south along the A2, Cloghy Rocks nature reserve makes a bracing stop for a peep at the resident seal colony. You’ll find great views from the ruins at Dundrum Castle, and come teatime, head for the Buck’s Head Inn in Dundrum for some lauded Dundrum Bay oysters.
Farther down the coast, sea-lovers will swoon at Murlough beach, one of the most spectacular strands in the Northern Ireland, buttressed by embankments of protected sand dunes and the mighty Mournes in the backdrop. The mountains inspired CS Lewis’s land of Narnia, so you can expect magic within the range’s four looped drives and labyrinthine hiking trails. Whatever your route, be sure to take in the views of the spectacular Silent Valley before cosying up at the charming inn-like Kilmorey Arms Hotel in Kilkeel. The perfect coastal base after all that gallivanting.
Escape to Lough Erne
With legend-seeped lakes, historic islands and bluebell woodlands blooming with mystery, the Fermanagh Lakes makes for the ultimate inland detour. Starting in the vibrant market town of Enniskillen, get your bearings with one of several local outfits that offer guided kayaking, canoeing or paddle-boarding sessions along Lough Erne. For a little less shoulder-work, wind along the A32 towards the jetty at Trory point where you can take the short boat-trip out to dreamy Devenish Island. The lush, monastic islet settlement dates back to the sixth century and gifts visitors with a blissful sense of abandon while soaking in timeless Fermanagh scenery.
Following a morning amid the waters and the wilds, Lusty Beg, an island resort on Lough Erne’s north-west shores, makes a welcome refuge. Arriving by the novelty of a private pontoon ferry, you can enjoy a seafood chowder in The Lodge restaurant or take a soak in the new lakeside barrel tubs, while sipping on a pot of hot Suki tea.
If those views have inspired your creative side, make a beeline north to the Wild Atlantic Gin School & Distillery near Castlederg. After closing its doors temporarily during lockdown, the gin school is currently preparing to reopen. It offers workshops on how to design and master the perfect gin and, thanks to an infusion of locally foraged florals and botanicals, you’ll soon be kitted with the knowhow to craft the perfect Northern Ireland negroni! If it’s souvenirs you’re seeking, continue south to Belleek Pottery (in the village of the same name) where you can peruse the ranges, which teeter from kitschy and shamrock-flocked to stylish and contemporary.
Continue east along the Lough Shore road (A46) to Lough Erne Resort where you can reserve afternoon tea at what is one of the region’s most luxe properties before strolling around the lakeside estate. Top off your trip with a visit to Cuilcagh mountain, Fermanagh’s mountain (and Instagram) wonder, better known today as “the stairway to heaven”. The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail rewards you with sweeping views of the county’s largest blanket bog. By now, you’ve surely reached peak Northern Ireland.
Your trip to Northern Ireland
As visitors eagerly return to destinations across the region with the easing of lockdown restrictions, some popular sites and attractions have been overwhelmed – particularly when it comes to parking – due to demand. Our advice is to check and, where necessary, book ahead for any places that you wish to visit, and to be mindful about keeping access on public roads open for locals and other visitors alike when you’re looking for a place to leave the car. Above all: stay safe and enjoy your trip!
Come on over to Northern Ireland
Plan your visit to Northern Ireland with everything you need to know about things to do, where to stay and more at ireland.com/northern-ireland
Get advice about travelling to Northern Ireland, including the latest information on Covid-19 restrictions at nidirect.gov.uk/coronavirus
