8 of the best day trips from Belfast

December 7, 2021

By Heidi Fuller-love

There’s plenty of things to do in buzzing Belfast, but with dozens of major attractions within less than two hours’ drive, the Northern Irish capital also makes the perfect base for exploring further afield.

From super scenic drives to Game of Thrones hangouts and atmospheric castle hideaways, here are eight must-do day trips for your Belfast city break.

1. The Giant’s Causeway

A geological formation of more than 40,000 basalt columns located on Northern Ireland’s picturesque Causeway coast, the Giant’s Causeway is a must see on any extended holiday to Belfast.

Although legend says that this unique UNESCO World Heritage-listed site was the work of angry giant Finn McCool, it was actually formed by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. Pop into the visitor’s centre to learn more about this geological marvel and then take stunning photos as you follow The Causeway right down to the water’s edge.

The Giant’s Causeway is just over an hour’s drive from Belfast, so make a day of it by stopping at Bushmills Village en route. From here, you can hop on the village’s beautifully restored 19th-century electric tram and travel to the Causeway in in style.

2. Dark Hedges

Originally planted by the Stuart family as a gateway to their striking 18th-century Georgian mansion, most people will recognise this atmospheric tunnel of centuries-old, intertwined beech trees as Kingsroad from the second series of Game of Thrones.

While you’re unlikely to see any dragons, you can wander through the dim web of trees (get there early for fewer crowds), then play a few rounds on the Dark Hedges Estate’s 18-hole golf course.

The Dark Hedges are only hour by car from Belfast via the A26, which will give you plenty of time to visit the breathtakingly beautiful Causeway Glens, only a further ten minutes away.

If you prefer not to drive, there are plenty of tours available, too – fans should take the Game of Thrones filming locations tour from Belfast, which also includes the Cushendun caves and Carnlough Harbour.

3. Bushmills Distillery

Home of the world’s oldest licensed whisky distillery, Bushmills Distillery’s original grant to distil was signed in 1608 by King James 1st. Stop off for a dram and learn about the history of this world-famous alcohol on a tasting tour and then sample some of that 80% proof whisky.

If you’re visiting in summer, it’s worth it to arrive early – if you can handle a morning tipple, that is. Then, since this whisky-loving village is close the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle, you can go on to combine all three on a Giant’s Causeway day trip.

Bushmills is an hour’s drive from Belfast.

4. Dunluce Castle

Once inhabited by feuding clans, the clifftop ruins of this medieval castle in County Antrim was abandoned after part of the building fell into the foaming waters beneath during a storm in 1639.

What’s left of the castle is spectacular, but there’s also an open-air museum packed with fascinating archaeological exhibits and a small cafe selling bags of seaweed and other local treats to snack on as you stroll.

An hour’s drive from Belfast, Dunluce Castle can easily be combined with a stop at the Giant’s Causeway. However, you’re in County Antrim here, which is famed for its stunning scenery, so it’s well worth making a detour to explore neighbouring Glenariff’s forests and waterfalls.

5. Derry

As known as Londonderry, Northern Ireland’s second-largest city is packed with thrilling cultural activities, cool architecture and cosy pubs serving traditional local food.

Head out on a walking tour to explore this ancient walled city and discover vivid street art, ancient buildings and modern gems whilst learning more about Derry’s – sometimes tragic – history. Round out your visit at the Derry Craft Village, where designer stores and indie boutiques are packed with handmade treasures.

If you don’t fancy driving, regular trains from Belfast will zip you over to Derry in two and a half hours.

6. Castle Ward

You’ll find 20 iconic Game of Thrones sites on the Castle Ward estate (pedal out on a filming location cycle tour to see them all), but this 18th-century mansion has more than one story to tell. 

A striking mash of two architectural styles both inside and out, Castle Ward was built signal the marriage and unity of Bernard Ward, 1st Viscount Bangor, and his wife Lady Anne, who favoured wildly different décor. Take a tour of the castle, which also has spectacular views over Strangford Lough, then linger a while at the picnic area to enjoy the scenery. There’s also a small bookstore and a gift shop where fans can pick up some Game of Thrones souvenirs.

Castle Ward is less than an hour’s drive from Belfast. You can also get there on the number 515 bus.

7. The Sperrins

One of Northern Ireland’s hidden gems, this gloriously lush region of rugged mountains and rolling hills carved out by ice age glaciers is perfect for a bit of outdoor action.

A paradise for hikers and cyclists, this wild and wonderful region is also a designated Dark Sky Zone, so head out for a night of stargazing with local company Stars and Stones. You should also stop by the Beaghmore Stone Circles, a fascinating group of stone structures dating back to the Bronze Age.

The Sperrins are just over an hour’s drive from Belfast, but if you don’t want to drive you can also join a full day tour, which gives plenty of time to explore.

8. Lough Neagh

Northern Ireland’s largest lake – and the biggest tarn in the British Isles – Lough Neagh is a nature lover’s paradise surrounded by dense forests, secluded coves and historic towns.

Learn more about the life and times of Seamus Heaney one of Ireland’s greatest poets at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace or visit the art gallery, shops and museum at Clotworthy House.

It takes less than an hour to drive to Lough Neagh from Belfast, but you can also hop on the train at Lanyon Place and whizz there in 40 minutes. Pack your cozzie if the weather’s warm and you can swim in the lake.

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