Road Trip Itinerary through Northern Ireland

Multiple things lately have brought me back to thinking about our trip through Ireland last Fall and I can hardly believe that is was a full nine months ago now. It feels like it was just yesterday we were driving through the green fields of Northern Ireland, eating sticky toffee pudding and taking in the land where my family comes from. So in looking back at our trip, we managed to see a lot of the Nothern Irish landscape as we drove through it. I’ve talked a bit about driving in the UK before but today I’m sharing an itinerary for the perfect road trip through the Eastern side of Northern Ireland.

Where to Stay in Northern Ireland

Belfast is the perfect spot to begin a road trip through Northern Ireland, and in a country that’s pretty small to drive around, you can do this itinerary in a day and drive back to Belfast at the end of it. We based ourselves in Belfast and then took day trips as we needed. Stop by the Titanic Museum before you get on the highway heading North.

We decided to go a bit more of a coastal route to take in views of the coast as we headed North from Belfast. Our fist stop was the little town of Ballycastle to grab lunch at a local pub and take in views of the Irish coast.

Next up along the route of the Northern Irish coastline are the cliff views throughout Dunseverick. There are some great spots to pull over along this stretch of road and admire the rocky cliffsides, the jagged ocean and many little houses tucked in here and there throughout the rocks.

The Giant’s Causeway is a must see when venturing through Northern Ireland (a mere hour and 15 minute drive when going straight there from Belfast), this UNESCO world heritage site is incredible. The rock formations here, the way the ocean spills in the inlets and the landscape the surrounds the coast here is truly breathtaking.

Just about 5 minutes up the road after the Giant’s Causeway are the ruins of Dunluce Castle. The hilltop location of this ancient place has sweeping views of the coastline and a pretty incredible story that used to be a huge mainstay of the Irish coast.

Finish your day with dinner at the Bushmills Inn before jumping back on the highway towards Belfast. This little gem of a town (famous for its whiskey) houses this adorable little B&B and restaurant. Our meal there was one of the freshest tasting meals I’ve ever had!

Traveling to Northern Ireland?

See all of my posts on the country!

Road Trip Itinerary through Northern Ireland

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