5 day Northern Ireland self-drive itinerary: Belfast and the Causeway Coastal Route

A short break to Northern Ireland promises a journey through breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From a visit to the lively streets of Belfast, where history and modern energy collide, to a drive along the awe-inspiring Causeway Coastal Route, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and legendary Giant’s Causeway, every twist and turn reveals spectacular scenery and fascinating stories. Whether exploring Northern Ireland’s history, indulging in traditional Irish hospitality, or simply soaking in the raw beauty of the rugged coastline, this short break offers a perfect blend of nature and heritage.

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Why Northern Ireland is perfect for a 5 day short break

Northern Ireland has loads to offer as a tourist destination yet is probably not somewhere a lot of us have been.  The coastline is outstanding and, inland, the spectacular scenery has been embodied in popular culture like Game of Thrones. The north coast is home the world famous and iconic Giant’s Causeway which is easily accessed from Belfast.  There is plenty of history to appreciate and understand in Belfast from the Titanic to the more recent Troubles and so much beyond and between.  We were impressed by the amount of investment in tourism including the fabulous Titanic Belfast and the Causeway Coastal route which has seen investment in stopping places and view points.

How to get to Northern Ireland

The quickest way to get to Northern Ireland from mainland UK is to fly into Belfast which is serviced by several airlines flying from within the UK and Europe.  Hire a car from Belfast airport and you can be at the Giant’s Causeway in just over an hour.  

However, if you have a bit more time on your hands it’s worth considering the ferry which can really make the travelling a great part of the holiday.  Ferries to Belfast are run by Stena line and leave from Liverpool (including overnight options) and from Cairnryan in Scotland.  If Liverpool is your jumping off point for this tour then you could combine with some sightseeing in Liverpool - a previous UK city of culture.

5 day Northern Ireland self-drive itinerary

This itinerary takes you from Belfast, along the Causeway Coastal Route, to the Giant’s Causeway.  Although I suggest the number of days in particular places, in practice you can flex these to suit whatever you are interested in.

Day 1 and 2: Belfast

There are so many options of things to do in Belfast whatever your interests and no matter how much time you have available.  Here are my top 6 things to do in Belfast:

• Titanic Belfast is the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience in a dramatic new building located near the slipway where Titanic was first launched.

• Black Cab taxi tour will take you on a politically historic tour in Belfast including the famous murals and sites associated with the Troubles.
  

• Hop on Hop off bus, 48 hour ticket with audio guide of Belfast’s highlights

• Stormont, home to the Northern Ireland Assembly
• Botanic Gardens established in 1828 including Palm House and Tropical Ravine

• Cave Hill Country Park delivers panoramic views across Belfast and a range of walking trails

Day 3: Start driving the Causeway Coastal Route

The Causeway Coastal Route is a spectacular road that hugs the coastline from Carrickfergus, just north of Belfast all the way to Londonderry, a distance of 212 km or 130 miles.  You can drive the length of the route in one day but if you want to make the most of your time in Northern Ireland then it’s best to allow time to stop along the way.  On this part of the journey, before you get onto the proper route, my recommendations are to:

• Experience the The Gobbins, a dramatic coastal walk along cliff hugging paths, narrow bridges that connect headlands and viewpoints that get you close to the waves.
• Visit Patterson’s Spade Mill and witness the age-old process of spade-making (see my blog on quirky National Trust properties in the UK) 
  

Day 4: The Causeway Coastal Route and Game of Thrones

There are so many places to stop to take in the amazing views as well as attractions to see along the Causeway Coastal Route.  Depending on what you want to do you could easily add an extra day into your itinerary here.  My top 4 things to do as you make your way towards the Giant’s Causeway are: 

• Take a boat trip to Rathlin Island for wild birds, seals and puffins. There is also a small visitor centre telling the story of this small island and its inhabitants. Puffin season is April – July. 

• Walk the Carrick a Rede rope bridge suspended 30m above the sea by salmon fishermen 250 years ago.
• See the sights from Game of Thrones including various filming locations such as The Dark Hedges.  These are mainly inland just off the Causeway Coastal Route but worth a diversion if you are a Game of Thrones fan.

• Try the local tipple at Bushmills distillery the oldest licenced whiskey distillery in the world that has been making whiskey for over 400 years 

Day 5: The Giant’s Causeway 

The Giant’s Causeway is located on the north coast of Northern Ireland and is the main feature of the epic Causeway Coastal Route.  Formed 60 million years ago by volcanic eruptions the Giant’s Causeway is one of the most iconic natural wonders of the UK.  What we see today is an expanse of hexagonal basalt columns reaching into the Atlantic Ocean that are steeped in myths and legends about their creation.  It is a geological marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site managed by the National Trust.

See my 6 top tips for a day trip to the Giant’s Causeway in order to make the most of your time there.