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County Antrim Itineraries

County Antrim Itineraries

County Antrim Northern Ireland, Ireland Travel Guide

Belfast Layover 24 Hours

Make the most of a short visit to Belfast, focusing on prominent historical and cultural landmarks.

Explore Titanic Belfast in the morning, enjoy lunch, then take a Black Taxi Tour. Conclude with dinner and traditional music.

Highlights

  • Visit Titanic Belfast and the Titanic Quarter.
  • Lunch at St. George's Market or a traditional pub.
  • Black Taxi Tour of the Peace Walls and Murals.

Weekend & Week-Long Journeys

From a quick escape to a comprehensive Northern Ireland experience.

Weekend Escape 2-3 Days

Combine city exploration with a scenic day trip to the coast for a memorable short break.

Your Plan

  • Day 1: Explore Belfast city center, Titanic Quarter, Black Taxi Tour, enjoy Cathedral Quarter dining.
  • Day 2: Full day on the Causeway Coast (Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, Dunluce, Dark Hedges).
  • Day 3: Visit Ulster Museum, Belfast City Hall, last-minute shopping before departure.
  • Organized tour or self-drive options for coastal exploration.
For tailored experiences, check GetYourGuide for bookable activities.

One-Week Comprehensive

A dive into Belfast and the stunning Causeway Coast and Glens, with a choice of day trips.

Detailed Itinerary

  • Days 1-3: Thorough Belfast exploration (Titanic, Crumlin Road Gaol, Ulster Museum, St. George's Market, Black Taxi Tour, dining, nightlife).
  • Days 4-5: Causeway Coast & Glens (Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, Dunluce Castle, Bushmills Distillery). Overnight in Portrush or Ballycastle.
  • Day 6: Choose a day trip to Derry/Londonderry for history or the Mourne Mountains/Strangford Lough for natural beauty.

Two-Week Deep Dive

Combine the one-week itinerary with more extensive exploration, including longer hikes and further afield locations, for a true immersion.

Extended Possibilities

  • Dedicate extra time to the Glens of Antrim for longer hikes.
  • Plan a visit to Rathlin Island to see the puffins.
  • Extend day trips further afield to locations like the Fermanagh Lakelands.
  • Consider a longer visit to the Republic of Ireland, as connections are straightforward.

Long-Term Stay

For extended visits, consider different accommodation and engagement options to truly integrate into the local culture.

Immersive Living

  • Focus on self-catering apartments in Belfast.
  • Consider extended stays in B&Bs in smaller towns for more local experience.
  • Take short courses or workshops to learn new skills.
  • Volunteering opportunities for community engagement.

Extended Visit Considerations

For longer stays, consider various aspects to deepen your experience and comfort.

Accommodation Options

From self-catering to B&Bs, select lodging that suits your extended stay preferences.

Local Engagement

Short courses or volunteering opportunities offer integration into the community.

Exploration

Beyond main attractions, dedicated time to explore lesser-known areas of Northern Ireland.

Strategic Planning

Your itinerary can adapt to your available time, from a brief layover to a prolonged stay, for a fulfilling journey.

Interest-Based Journeys

Design your trip around your passions and preferences for a tailored experience.

History & Heritage Focus

Explore sites that tell the stories of Northern Ireland's past, from maritime sagas to ancient castles and political murals.

Sites

  • Belfast: Titanic Belfast, Crumlin Road Gaol.
  • Belfast: Peace Walls and Murals.
  • County Antrim: Carrickfergus Castle, Dunluce Castle.
  • Bushmills Distillery (for its historical operation).
Day trip to Derry/Londonderry for its historic city walls.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Savor the local flavors and culinary traditions, from hearty breakfasts to fresh seafood and famous spirits.

Gastronomic Delights

  • Belfast: St. George's Market, Belfast Food Tours.
  • Traditional pubs for Ulster Fry and hearty pub grub.
  • Enjoy fresh seafood restaurants on the coast in towns like Portrush or Ballycastle.
  • Consider a Bushmills Distillery tour for whiskey tasting.

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Embrace the rugged landscapes with exciting activities like hiking, water sports, and unique cliff walks.

Active Exploration

  • Hiking: Causeway Coast Way, trails in the Glens of Antrim (Glenariff Forest Park), Slemish Mountain.
  • Water Sports: Surfing in Portrush, kayaking on Lough Neagh or coastal waters.
  • Scenic drives and coastal walks.
  • Unique: Exploring The Gobbins Cliff Path for an adventurous walk.

Family Adventures

Plan a trip enjoyable for all ages, mixing education with fun at interactive centers, museums, and natural wonders.

Kid-Friendly Fun

  • Belfast: W5 Interactive Discovery Centre for hands-on learning.
  • Ulster Museum and Titanic Belfast for engaging history.
  • Belfast Zoo for animal encounters.
  • County Antrim: Carrickfergus Castle, Giant's Causeway (use the shuttle bus for ease), and beaches.

Art & Architecture Emphasis

Discover the aesthetic and structural beauty across the region, from civic landmarks to contemporary galleries and street art.

Belfast Landmarks

Belfast City Hall and exploring the art galleries in the Cathedral Quarter.

Academic Art

The Naughton Gallery at Queen's University, demonstrating diverse collections.

Urban Creativity

Observing the city's diverse street art and murals, reflecting local narratives.

Customized Experiences

Whether you seek history, culinary delights, outdoor thrills, family fun, or cultural immersion, Northern Ireland has many ways to create your ideal journey.

Budget & Seasonal Travel

Plan your trip considering financial aspects and seasonal variations for the best experience.

Backpacker's Budget

Travel Northern Ireland economically with smart choices, focusing on cost-effective accommodation and free attractions.

Cost-Saving Tips

  • Stay in hostels, especially in Belfast.
  • Utilize public transport, considering a Translink iLink pass for savings.
  • Cook some meals to save money on dining.
  • Focus on free attractions like the Ulster Museum, Belfast City Hall, and walking the Giant's Causeway stones.
Remember to carry a reusable water bottle for daily savings and minimized plastic waste.

Mid-Range Comfort

Enjoy a balance of value and convenience, mixing comfortable stays with guided experiences and flexible transport.

Balanced Travel

  • Mix of B&Bs and mid-range hotels.
  • Eat at pubs and casual restaurants.
  • Take occasional paid tours, like a Black Taxi Tour or a Causeway Coast tour bus.
  • Consider car rental for flexibility on some days to reach less accessible spots.

Luxury Indulgence

Experience Northern Ireland with premium comfort and exclusive activities, from 5-star hotels to bespoke tours.

Premium Lodging & Dining

  • Stay in 5-star hotels, like The Merchant Hotel in Belfast.
  • Enjoy fine dining restaurants.
  • Arrangements for private drivers.

Exclusive Experiences

  • Bespoke tours tailored to your interests.
  • Unique experiences like helicopter tours over the Causeway Coast.
  • Luxury golf experiences at top courses.

Summer Adventures

Enjoy Northern Ireland's summer, ideal for outdoor activities, coastal exploration, and local festivals with longer daylight hours.

Summer Highlights

  • Longer daylight hours for sightseeing.
  • Best weather for coastal activities like surfing or beach visits.
  • Numerous festivals take place, like the Lammas Fair.
  • Puffins are visible on Rathlin Island during these months.

Winter Charm

Experience a cozy and tranquil Northern Ireland during the colder months, with fewer crowds and festive atmospheres.

Winter Appeal

  • Enjoy a cozy pub atmosphere.
  • Experience festive lights in Belfast, including Christmas markets.
  • Fewer crowds visit attractions, offering a more tranquil experience.
  • Be prepared for rain and shorter days, and pack accordingly.

Event-Based Trips

Cultural Festivals

The Belfast International Arts Festival (October) or Culture Night (September) present rich cultural experiences.

Orange Parades July 12th

If interested in the Orange parades (July 12th), research routes beforehand, as they can cause disruptions.

Optimizing Your Visit

Align your travel dates with seasonal specialties or specific events to create a memorable and perfectly timed Northern Ireland journey.