All Posts, Europe, Ireland · 8 Spots You Absolutely Cannot Miss in Northern Ireland Vising Northern Ireland and want to see all that this beautiful region has to offer? Keep reading for 8 Spots You Absolutely Cannot Miss in Northern Ireland! Located just north of Ireland (as its name suggests!), Northern Ireland is the smallest, yet most lush country in the UK. Known in the past for its shipbuilding industry and turbulent history, Northern Ireland today is home to some of the most unspoiled scenery in the world, with plenty of Game of Thrones filming locations sprinkled in. After road-tripping through Northern Ireland last year, I’ve compiled a list of 8 places you need to add to your trip itinerary. Here’s a map of all locations as well. Enjoy! 1. Giant’s Causeway If you only visit one spot in Northern Ireland, let it be the Giant’s Causeway. With its unique rock formations, spectacular coastline, and looming cliffs – there’s a reason why this is the top attraction in the region. The Giant’s Causeway is where both legend and science meet. According to legend, Finn McCool (coming in with the best last name ever) laid these hexagonal pegs himself in order to reach his lover on the Scottish coast. In reality, the unique formations were made from a volcanic eruption over 60 million years ago. When the lava cools fascinating geometric features form. This natural rock formation looks like a huge staircase for giants – hence the name! Made up of over 40,000 densely-packed hexagonal columns, this rock formation is something you have to see to believe. I recommend visiting around sunset for the best views and fewer crowds. Location: Bushmills BT57 8SZ, UK 2. Belfast Best known as the birthplace of the Titanic, Belfast is the capital and largest city in Northern Ireland. Once home to political turmoil and conflicts, Belfast today is booming in all the best ways. Be sure to visit the Titanic museum, located on the slipways where the ship was constructed over 100 years ago. Also don’t miss a Taxi Tour, which takes you to the city’s famed murals along with a history lesson on ‘The Troubles’. Location: 1 Olympic Way, Queen’s Road, Belfast BT3 9EP, United Kingdom 3. Causeway Coasteering Looking for an adventure? Look no further than Causeway Coasteering in the town of Portrush. Coasteering is perhaps one of the most adventurous activities in Ireland: climbing, jumping, and maybe even (accidentally) belly-flopping into the chilly waters of the Irish Sea! Located only 10 minutes from Giant’s Causeway, this extreme activity lets you explore the rugged coastline like it’s your personal playground. This is an experience you’ll never forget when in Ireland. You can book your tour with Causeway Coasteering here! 4. Game of Thrones- Winterfell Ireland is full of Game of Thrones filming locations, but the Winterfell castle movie set has something for everyone. Dress up in legit costumes, stand exactly where Jon Snow stood, and fire arrows at the White Walkers! Ok, not really, but you do get to play an archery game while hearing all the ‘behind the scenes’ secrets from your tour guide, who appeared as an extra in several episodes of the famous TV show. Located only 40 minutes from Belfast and 2 hours from Dublin, this is a true bucket-list experience in Northern Ireland. Location: Winterfell Castle & Demesne, Old Castle Ward, Park Rd, Downpatrick BT30 7LS 5. Dunluce Castle Who doesn’t love a good castle? Ireland is full of enchanting castles, and Dunluce is no exception. Perched on a dramatic cliffside, this once-thriving castle is now in ruins, but offers a unique insight into what life was like in Ireland over 500 years ago. Items such as belt buckles, jewelry, and clay pipes have been found among the ruins and are on display in the castle’s Discovery Room. You may also recognize the seaside castle as the inspiration for the House of Greyjoy, ruler of the Iron Islands, in Game of Thrones. Plus, what makes you feel like you’re in Ireland more than wandering around old castle walls!? Location: 87 Dunluce Rd, Bushmills BT57 8UY 6. Derry Encompassed by a medieval wall and cobblestone streets, Derry is oozing with charm. A walk through Ireland’s only walled city is the perfect way to get a feel for the deep history behind this 17th-century town. While its history has been a turbulent one, the Derry we see today is so peaceful that there’s even a bridge called the Peace Bridge. Location: Londonderry, Northern Ireland 7. Carrick-a-Rede Calling all adrenaline junkies! Now is your chance to walk across a 300-year-old swaying rope bridge suspended 100ft above the Atlantic Ocean – sound fun, right? If your palms are sweating just thinking about it, take heart in knowing that over 250,000 visitors cross the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge each year, so it’s perfectly safe. The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge was first built by salmon fishermen in 1755 to connect the Carrick-a-Rede island to the mainland. The bridge we see today has, of course, been reconstructed and makes for a bridge walk experience that’s hard to beat. Location: 119a Whitepark Road Ballintoy, County, Antrim, Ballycastle BT54 6LS 8. Dark Hedges There is no shortage of Game of Thrones filming locations in Ireland, but this one may be the most impressive. Even if you haven’t watched the hit series, the Dark Hedges is still worth the stop. Planted in the 18th-century to line the driveway of the Stuart family’s Georgian mansion, the trees remain a magnificent sight over 200 years later and have become one of the most photographed natural beauties in Northern Ireland. Location: 119a Whitepark Road Ballintoy, County, Antrim, Ballycastle BT54 6LS Alright, there are 8 Spots You Absolutely Cannot Miss in Northern Ireland. Have you visited any of these spots? Do you have a favorite? Are You Visiting Northern ireland soon? Check out my other posts about neighboring Ireland: 10 Stunning Places to Visit in IrelandIreland Travel Guide DID YOU LIKE THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER!
