The Perfect Day Trip in Northern Ireland
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Northern Ireland is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes and rich history, and there's no better way to experience its magic than a day trip from Belfast to the iconic Giant's Causeway and the historic city of Derry. Whether you're renting a car or opting for a guided tour, this journey promises to be unforgettable. In this blog post, we’ll share our recent adventure, packed with tips, insights, and all the reasons why this trip is a must-do.
Starting Point: Belfast
Most likely you will be basing yourself in Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland. We also spent some time in Belfast, you can read our Belfast guide here
Renting a Car
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. To ensure a smooth experience, bring the proper license; non-UK residents need an international driving license, which can be obtained from AAA for $20 along with two passport photos. Booking in advance is recommended for better rates and availability, with airport pickups usually being more affordable. Choose a compact car for narrow country roads, or a larger vehicle for group travel, and ensure it has GPS in case of limited cell service. Remember, driving in Northern Ireland is on the left side of the road and roundabouts are common.
Before hitting the road, make sure you're well-prepared. Start early, leaving Belfast around 7:00-8:00 AM to beat the crowds and maximize your day. Pack essentials like a camera, comfortable sport shoes, water, snacks, an umbrella, and a jacket, as the weather can be unpredictable. Don’t forget a good playlist for the drive! When driving, be prepared for narrow roads, especially in rural areas, and be cautious around bends. Watch out for sheep on the roads, particularly in the countryside, and drive slowly to avoid accidents. Since cellular service can be spotty in remote areas, using a GPS or offline map, such as the Google Maps offline feature, is essential.
Why Visit Giant's Causeway?
We had actually never heard of Giant’s Causeway before until we were researching what to do in Northern Ireland. But after visiting, we’ve put it high up on our bucket list of adventures. Giant's Causeway is a mix of emotions. It's the fresh air you didn't know you needed so badly, the wonder and amazement at these surreal basalt columns. It almost doesn't feel real. It's calm and peaceful, giving you a sense of purpose, like you were meant to visit this magical place. It shows you that nature can create beauty beyond our wildest dreams. Sometimes, it even feels like you're on another planet. You really have to see it for yourself.
Day trip from Belfast to Giant’s Causeway
The Legend of Giant's Causeway
Giant's Causeway is steeped in myth and natural wonder, making it a must-see on any trip to Northern Ireland. According to legend, the giant Finn McCool built the causeway to reach Scotland and challenge his rival, Benandonner. However, when Finn saw the colossal size of Benandonner, he fled back to Ireland, with his clever wife disguising him as a baby. When Benandonner saw the 'baby,' he assumed the father must be even larger and fled back to Scotland, tearing up the causeway as he went. This legendary tale reflects the rich tradition of storytelling in Northern Ireland, where history and folklore are often passed down through spoken word and song. Scientifically, the causeway’s 40,000 interlocking basalt columns were formed by volcanic activity around 60 million years ago. Interestingly, similar formations can be found across the sea on the Scottish isle of Staffa, linking the two lands both in geology and legend.
How to get there:
To get to the Giant's Causeway from Belfast by car, take the M2 motorway north out of the city, then continue onto the A26 towards Ballymena. From Ballymena, follow signs for the A44 towards Ballycastle. After passing through Ballycastle, take the B147, which will lead you directly to the Giant's Causeway. The journey covers approximately 60 miles and takes about 1.5 hours, offering scenic views along the Antrim Coast Road. The Causeway Coast Way Car Park is available at 60 Causeway Road with a PayByPhone system for walkers to park for £10 and access the coastal walkways. Be sure to arrive early as spaces are limited and allocated on a first come, first served basis.
For more information on how to get to Giant’s Causeway by train or bus click here.
What to Do:
Explore the Columns: Walk among the basalt columns and marvel at their geometric perfection. The main attraction area offers plenty of photo opportunities. You can actually walk all over the columns and even when there are a lot of people visiting, you can break away from the crowd to admire the view. There are some employees watching over the Causeway ensuring everyones safety as the tide can come up pretty high.
Hiking Trails:
For the adventurous, there are several trails that offer stunning coastal views. Form the carpark, we chose the blue trail which is the easiest and shortest. If we did it again, we would take the blue trail down and one of the other trails up. The Red Trail is particularly popular and offers a challenging but rewarding hike with stunning views of the causeway from above.
SKIP Visitor Centre: The Causeway is completely free to visit but if you feel like paying £14 per person, you can park at the visitors center and stop in to learn a little more about the Causeway.
Afternoon Snack:
After a refreshing hike around the stunning Giant's Causeway, stopping by the Causeway Hotel for a wee coffee and cake is the perfect way to unwind. Nestled in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site, the hotel offers a cozy ambiance and delightful treats.
Travel Tips
Time: You could easily spend 2+ hours here walking around, taking photos and admiring the coastline. If you choose to do a hike, which we would recommend, you could spend half a day here.
Check the Weather: The causeway can be exposed to strong winds and rain. Dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket.
Wear Sturdy Shoes
The terrain can be uneven and slippery, especially near the water. We wore (and always wear) Vessi waterproof shoes. They are comfortable, stylish and waterproof making them the perfect shoe for exploring Giant’s Causeway. Click the link here to see why Vessi’s are the BEST travel shoe out there!
Avoid the Crowds: Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Mid-morning tends to be the busiest time.
Bathrooms: There are bathrooms at the parking areas we recomended as well as The Causeway Hotel.
Accessability: You can walk down to the Causeway or take a bus. If you have mobility issues you can pay £1 to take the bus up and down. We walked down and took the bus up.
Stop 2: Derry
How to get to Derry
From Giant's Causeway, Derry (Londonderry) is about an hour's drive west. The route takes you through scenic countryside and charming villages like Bushmills, home to the famous Old Bushmills Distillery. Consider a brief stop here for a tour and tasting.
From Belfast you can get a bus or a train. You can search for times and prices here.
For public transportation from Giant’s Causeway click here.
Why Visit Derry?
Derry's history is marked by significant events, including the 1689 Siege of Derry, where Protestant defenders famously held out against Catholic forces for 105 days, a defining moment encapsulated by the cry "No Surrender." In more recent history, Derry was a focal point during the Troubles, particularly with the tragic events of Bloody Sunday in 1972 when British soldiers shot unarmed civil rights protesters in the Bogside area. This event had a profound impact on the civil rights movement and the peace process. Since the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, Derry has transformed into a vibrant city focused on peace and reconciliation, earning the title of UK City of Culture in 2013 and showcasing its cultural renaissance. Their history is very much a part of their culture today.
What to Do
Take a walking tour: We took an incredible walking tour with a guide who was actually present during Bloody Sunday. His perspective was chilling and evoked a lot of emotions. This specific tour is a MUST when visiting Derry, be sure to ask for Jimmy. You can learn more about this tour and book by clicking here.
Experience a true Irish Pub:
Take a load off at Paedar Odonnels Pub. Enjoy a perfectly poured pint of Guinness and chat with the friendly bartenders. Be sure to try a bag of “bacon frys” available for purchase from the bar!
Walk the Walls: Stroll along the 17th-century city walls for panoramic views and historical insights. The walls are the most complete in Ireland and among the finest in Europe.
Visit the Guildhall: Admire the stunning architecture and learn about Derry's history through the informative exhibitions inside. Don’t miss the impressive stained glass windows.
Shop:
The BEST vintage clothing store we’ve ever been to is located in Derry. And we don’t say that lightly as we’ve explore vintage shops in over 20 countries. Make your way to The Yellow Yard to shop for vintage and used clothing, records, souvenirs and locally made gifts. Give yourself some time here, there’s a lot to see!
Explore the Bogside: Discover the murals and learn about the city's past during the Troubles. The People's Gallery murals are particularly poignant.
Visit the Derry Girls Wall: When visiting Derry, don't miss the iconic Derry Girls mural. This vibrant wall, located on Orchard Street, celebrates the beloved Netflix show "Derry Girls," which humorously depicts the lives of a group of teenagers growing up during the Troubles in 1990s Northern Ireland. The mural, a tribute to the show's cultural impact, is a must-see for fans and offers a unique photo opportunity.
Travel Tips
Parking: Look for public parking spaces near the city center. Some may require payment, so have some change ready or cell service in case you need to pay by app.
Cultural Spots: Visit the Tower Museum for a comprehensive overview of Derry’s history and the Museum of Free Derry for an in-depth look at the civil rights era.
Alternative: Guided Tours
If driving isn't your thing, several tour companies offer day trips from Belfast to Giant's Causeway and Derry. These tours provide a hassle-free way to see the sights without worrying about navigation or parking.
Recommended Tours
Giant’s Causeway Tour form Belfast
A day trip from Belfast to Giant's Causeway and Derry is an adventure you won't want to miss. The dramatic landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture offer something for everyone. Whether you choose to rent a car for the ultimate freedom or join a guided tour for convenience, the stunning sights and stories of Northern Ireland will leave you captivated. So pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready for a day of exploration and wonder!
Happy travels!
