Best of Belfast

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Belfast

The capital of Northern Ireland is a former industrial powerhouse that’s been transformed into an epicenter of arts and culture. There’s much to discover here, from deep dives into history at the renowned Titanic Belfast to immersing yourself in all things food-related at St George’s, the largest market in Ireland. Belfast’s many attractions include beautifully landscaped botanical gardens, the history-filled Ulster Museum and plenty of eye-catching architecture - like the 19th-century Crown Liquor Saloon, best enjoyed while nursing a pint in the stained glass and mahogany interior. Belfast also has fascinating neighborhoods to explore.

The Titanic was built in Belfast, and you can learn all about the world’s most famous ocean liner inside a multimedia museum set in the former shipyards. The key is to go early or late in the day to beat the crowds. Belfast is also deeply connected to “the Troubles.” You can learn about the darker side of Belfast on a Black Cab tour that takes you along the back lanes of the city, where guides give you a firsthand account of what it was like to live through that time. For a dose of nature, you can go for walks amid grasslands and heathland bog on Divis and the Black Mountain, which have sweeping views over Belfast and the rolling moorlands beyond.

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Hike the Antrim Coast: Ballycastle to Belfast - 7 Days

On this tour, you'll experience some of Ireland's most beautiful hikes. Welcome to the Antrim Coast, complete with dramatic coastlines, windswept cliffs, spectacular scenery, and quiet beaches. Start with a walk through the dense Breen Oakwood Nature Reserve before heading to Ballycastle for a hike around Murlough and Fair Head, where you'll gaze down at breathtaking cliffs and relax on beaches. Head out to the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Giant's Causeway, then end your trip in the historic city of Belfast.

Northern Ireland's Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Antrim Coast and Glens Hike - 5 Days

Spend five days exploring Northern Ireland's beautiful north coast. Featuring the Glens of Antrim, the Giant's Causeway, historic castles, attractive beaches, and a Bushmill's distillery where you can taste local whiskey—and even take home a bottle with your name on it.

The beautiful beaches of Achill Island, County Mayo

Northern Ireland & Dublin Road Trip - 7 Days

Discover the scenic highlights of Northern Ireland on this well-rounded road trip. Starting in the ancient streets of Dublin, you'll set off by car to tour wild coastlines and charming towns at your own pace. Explore historic Belfast, cross the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, drive along the Wild Atlantic Way, and wander through the medieval city of Londonderry before driving back to the capital city, where the trip ends.

Walk across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge while exploring the Antrim Coast

Northern Ireland & Dublin Road Trip - 6 Days

Discover the best of Northern Ireland in less than a week on this self-guided road trip. First, get your feet wet in Dublin before you drive north to explore the up-and-coming capital of Belfast. Then visit famous coasts and natural attractions (some featured in Game of Thrones) like the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Portstewart Strand, and Wild Atlantic Way at your own pace. Before driving back to Dublin, you'll also get a night in medieval Londonderry (Derry)—known for its live-music scene.

Exploring Dublin and the Northern Coastline - 10 Days

On this unique exploration of the northern coastline, you will learn the history of conflict in Northern Ireland, visit castles and historical sites, spend the night on an island with a bird sanctuary, and walk some of the most pristine landscapes, wild coastlines, and beautiful beaches in the world. You'll also spend some time sightseeing in Dublin on a private walking tour of the city.

Brightly painted houses in the seaside town of Cobh

Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Galway & Belfast - 14 Days

Get ready to immerse yourself in Irish culture, history, and landscapes with this two-week, self-drive adventure. Starting in Dublin, you'll head south to explore highlights like the Rock of Cashel, the Ring of Kerry, and Killarney National Park. Continue up the wild west coast to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, and make a quick detour to the windswept Aran Islands. Revel in the culture and traditional music of Doolin, Westport, and Galway before crossing into Northern Ireland, where you'll discover the otherworldly geology of the Giant's Causeway and end your journey in the bustling streets of Belfast.

Stop for a photo-op at Antrim's Dark Hedges

Family-Friendly Travels in Northern Ireland & the West - 14 Days

This two-week family adventure starts with a drive from Dublin to Belfast, Northern Ireland's capital city. Learn about the historic HMS Titanic and see the murals of Belfast's Peace Walls, then visit the natural wonders of the Giant's Causeway and Antrim Waterfalls. Tour a working sheep farm, see wild deer in Glenveagh National Park, and explore the night skies at County Mayo's Dark Sky Park. Your trip ends back in Dublin with the interactive EPIC Museum and the city's many family-friendly parks.

Winding roads through Connemara National Park.

North Ireland Road Trip: Belfast, Donegal & Galway - 8 Days

Discover the scenic highlights of Ireland's north on this varied 8-day self-drive trip. Starting in the ancient streets of Dublin, you'll set off by car to tour wild coastlines and charming towns at your own pace. Explore Belfast and tick the Giant's Causeway off your bucket list in Northern Ireland before crossing into Ireland to hike in the majestic Connemara National Park, discover the atmospheric music town of Westport, and end your adventure in the vibrant cultural capital of Galway.

Northern Ireland & Dublin Road Trip - 8 Days

Independent travelers will experience the magic of Northern Ireland on their own terms with this self-guided road trip itinerary. Start with an informal walking tour of Dublin, then pick up your rental car and begin your adventure. You'll experience the vibrant culture of Galway, go hiking in Connemara and Glenveagh National Parks, tick the Giant's Causeway off your bucket list, explore Belfast, and see more charming corners of the Emerald Isle.

Dublin, Northern Ireland & the Isle of Islay - 8 Days

Combine the energetic capitals of Ireland and Northern Ireland with beautifully wild coastal adventures and remote island-hopping day trips on this well-rounded eight-day self-drive discovery. You'll go from the historical streets of Dublin to buzzing Belfast and on to the castles, waterfalls, and magnificent scenery of Antrim. Leave the mainland behind to explore the traditional islands of Rathlin and Islay—which lies in the Scottish Hebrides—before ultimately returning to Dublin.

Stay two nights in the charming town of Westport while exploring County Mayo

Ireland's Ultimate Self-Drive Adventure - 15 Days

Take 15 days to loop around the island of Ireland at a relaxed pace. Starting in Dublin, head clockwise to check off several beautiful counties in the south and west, like Wicklow, Cork, Kerry, Clare, Mayo, and Donegal while staying in charming towns along the way. Spend the last few days of the trip exploring Northern Ireland's transformed capital and its coastal gems to complete this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Northern Ireland Self-Drive Adventure - 10 Days

Looking for a trip to Ireland that mixes culture and history with outdoor adventure? This ten-day road trip has it all. Kick off the trip in Dublin, where you'll sightsee and taste locally brewed beer, then move onto colorful Galway before visiting one of the Aran Islands. You'll hike in Connemara National Park and visit 19th-century Glenveagh Castle, finishing up the trip with a trip to Giants Causeway and a final day and night in bustling Belfast.

Check out Northern Ireland's Dunluce Castle

Northern Ireland & The West Road Trip - 9 Days

Discover the treasures of Ireland and Northern Ireland during this nine-day self-drive adventure. Explore crumbling castles and ancient monasteries, sail to a historic Scottish island, and follow in the legendary footsteps of giants. Set off on cliffside treks and visit beautiful waterfalls—tackle the trail to the amazing secret waterfall if you dare. There's a modern side to this trip, too, with visits to thriving cities where you can hit the shops, stroll the streets, and take your pick of cutting-edge restaurants.

Wander Northern Ireland's Belfast and hop aboard the Belfast Eye

North Ireland Road Trip: Belfast, Donegal, Westport & Galway - 10 Days

This relaxed 10-day trip takes you on a scenic self-drive tour of Ireland's north. Pick up your car in Dublin and head to Northern Ireland to spend two days exploring Belfast and the Giant's Causeway. Cross into Ireland to journey through the counties of Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, and Galway, where you'll stand atop the majestic Slieve League cliffs, hike up Connemara National Park's rugged mountains, and drive sections of the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way. Spend your evenings in charming and atmospheric towns like the music hub of Westport, the picturesque harbor of Portstewart, and the bustling bayside of Donegal.

Ultimate Ireland Road Trip: Dublin, Killarney, Doolin, Westport & More - 14 Days

This ultimate self-driving tour of Ireland is filled with adventures in historic towns and along scenic coastlines. Start in Dublin before exploring the villages of Laragh, the medieval Rock of Cashel in Cork, and the hiking trails in Kinsale. Then, tour Killarney, the Ring of Kerry, and Inch Beach off the Dingle Peninsula. The final leg of the road trip takes you to the must-see Cliffs of Moher, bohemian Galway, and two historic national parks before a final night in Derry.

Hike through the wilds of Glenveagh National Park

Northern & East Ireland Road Trip & Hike - 11 Days

Adventure, history, and nature await on this 11-day itinerary covering Ireland's eastern coast into Northern Ireland. Start your journey with a road trip from Dublin to Londonderry/Derry, stopping at places like Cooley Peninsula and Belfast. The second part of the trip is all about hiking, so lace up your walking shoes and immerse yourself in the verdant and breathtaking natural beauty of the Wicklow Mountains.

Walk up to a waterfall in Northern Ireland at Glenariff Forest Park

Best of Northern & Western Ireland - 13 Days

This exciting self-guided road trip creates a major loop through the upper half of the Emerald Isle, hitting an impressive number of key attractions along the way. Start your adventure in Dublin and Belfast before heading counterclockwise along the northern coast, west to County Donegal, and south on the Wild Atlantic Way. Active types will appreciate the many opportunities to hike among Ireland's awe-inspiring scenery—and your feet will be rewarded with a luxury castle stay at the end of the trip.

Northern Ireland & the West Coast - 13 Days

Experience highlights of both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland on this adventure-filled 13-day trip. Pick up your SUV rental car in Dublin and drive counterclockwise, first to Belfast, then on to the dramatic northern Causeway Coast, and down the west coast’s Wild Atlantic Way. There’ll be castles and culture aplenty, but the driving itself is one of the stars of the show, with spectacular views of mountains, lakes, cliffs, and sweeping beaches.

Other popular travel destinations in Ireland
Dublin · County Kerry · Killarney · Galway · Dingle Peninsula · Doolin · Dingle Town · Killarney National Park · Northern Ireland · Kenmare · Cork · Westport · Donegal · County Cork · Kinsale · Birr · Letterkenny · Ballycastle · Tralee · Laragh · Clifden, Co Galway · Sligo · Aran Islands · Limerick · Kilkenny · Waterford · Donegal town · Portmagee

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