![\"Giants](\"https:\/\/skylarksandseagulls.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Giants-Causeway-Northern-Ireland-Map-days-out-UK.png\" "\\"Giants")
<\/span><\/p>\nA 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\u2019s Causeway, every twist and turn reveals spectacular scenery and fascinating stories. Whether exploring Northern Ireland\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
You can combine a visit to the Causeway Coast and Belfast with a longer trip \u2013 see my Isle of Mull, Iona and Staffa: Your 3 day Itinerary<\/a><\/p>\n This <\/strong>guide to my 5 day Northern Ireland self-drive itinerary taking in the best that Northern Ireland has to offer <\/strong>will cover: <\/p>\n This post contains affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.<\/em><\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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<\/u><\/a> and the Causeway Coastal route which has seen investment in stopping places and view points.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>. Hire a car from Belfast airport<\/a> and you can be at the Giant\u2019s Causeway in just over an hour. <\/p>\n However, if you have a bit more time on your hands it\u2019s 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<\/a> (including overnight options) and from Cairnryan in Scotland<\/u><\/a>. If Liverpool is your jumping off point for this tour then you could combine with some sightseeing in Liverpool<\/a> – a previous UK city of culture.<\/p>\n This itinerary takes you from Belfast, along the Causeway Coastal Route, to the Giant\u2019s Causeway. Although I suggest the number of days in particular places, in practice you can flex these to suit whatever you are interested in.<\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n There is loads of choice for places to stay in Belfast so I’ve picked out five hotels that are highly recommended by guests and within easy reach of all that Belfast has to offer:<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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:<\/p>\n 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\u2019s Causeway are: <\/p>\n The Giant\u2019s Causeway<\/u><\/a> 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\u2019s 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. <\/strong><\/p>\n See my 6 top tips for a day trip to the Giant\u2019s Causeway in order to make the most of your time there.<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n <\/strong>If you choose to stay awhile along the Causeway Coast then the following hotels come recommended and provide a good jumping off point for the various sights along the route:<\/p>\n If you prefer to base yourself in Belfast it\u2019s possible to visit many of the places on the Causeway Coastal Route, including the Giant\u2019s Causeway and Game of Thrones locations via various organised day trips from Belfast. The following come highly recommended:<\/p>\n From Belfast: Giant’s Causeway Full-Day Guided Trip<\/a><\/p>\n From Belfast: Giant’s Causeway Guided Day Tour With Castles<\/a><\/p>\n Belfast: Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, and Dunluce Castle <\/a><\/p>\n From Belfast: Giant’s Causeway and Titanic Belfast Tour<\/a><\/p>\n Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n
Why Northern Ireland is perfect for a 5 day short break<\/strong><\/h5>\n
![\"giants](\"https:\/\/skylarksandseagulls.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/giants-causeway-northern-ireland-short-break-1.jpeg\" "\\"giants")
<\/span><\/p>\nHow to get to Northern Ireland<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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5 day Northern Ireland self-drive itinerary<\/strong><\/h5>\n
Day 1 and 2: Belfast<\/strong><\/h6>\n
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![\"Titanic](\"https:\/\/skylarksandseagulls.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Titanic-exhibition-Belfast-Northern-Ireland-short-break-scaled.jpg\" "\\"Titanic")
<\/span>Powered by GetYourGuide<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n
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![\"Belfast](\"https:\/\/skylarksandseagulls.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Belfast-murals-Northern-Ireland-short-break-scaled.jpg\" "\\"Belfast")
<\/span><\/p>\nWhere to stay in Belfast<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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Day 3: Start driving the Causeway Coastal Route<\/strong><\/h6>\n
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![\"Rathlin](\"https:\/\/skylarksandseagulls.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Rathlin-Island-Northern-Ireland-Causeway-Coast-short-break-scaled.jpg\" "\\"Rathlin")
<\/span><\/p>\nDay 4: The Causeway Coastal Route and Game of Thrones<\/strong><\/h6>\n
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![\"Puffins](\"https:\/\/skylarksandseagulls.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Puffins-Northern-Ireland-short-break-scaled.jpg\" "\\"Puffins")
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![\"Dark](\"https:\/\/skylarksandseagulls.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Dark-Hedges-Game-of-Thrones-Northern-Ireland-short-break-scaled.jpg\" "\\"Dark")
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![\"Bushmills](\"https:\/\/skylarksandseagulls.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Bushmills-Irish-Whiskey-Northern-Ireland-short-break-scaled.jpg\" "\\"Bushmills")
<\/span><\/p>\nDay 5: The Giant\u2019s Causeway<\/strong> <\/h6>\n
![\"giants](\"https:\/\/skylarksandseagulls.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/giants-causeway-northern-ireland-day-out.jpeg\" "\\"giants")
<\/span><\/p>\nWhere to stay on the Causeway Coast<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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![\"Fingal's](\"https:\/\/skylarksandseagulls.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Fingals-cave-Staffa-boat-trip-Mull-short-break.jpeg\" "\\"Fingal's")
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