If you’ve never had the pleasure before, taking a trip to Northern Ireland can provide everything you’d want from a holiday – dramatic coastlines and an abundance of natural beauty, plenty of cultural highlights and great food, and a short flight or ferry trip that makes getting there nice and easy. From the Antrim Coast to the peaks of the Mourne Mountains, this part of the UK offers a fantastic staycation for anyone who loves long walks and stunning scenery.
For those considering a trip for the first time, below you will find a few highlights you won’t want to miss, helping you immerse fully into the natural side of Northern Ireland at any time of year. If you’ve been before, hopefully you’ll find another good reason to return sooner rather than later.
#1 – The Antrim Coast
As an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), you’ll experience breathtaking landscapes and historic sites when visiting The Antrim Coast. It’s a must-visit destination and as you drive along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route, you’ll get to see the coastline dotted with small villages, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping views of the North Atlantic.
Of course, one of the most famous highlights of this coastal journey is the Giant’s Causeway, formed by ancient volcanic activity. The hexagonal basalt columns are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you’ll see just some of the 40,000 columns that have formed.
Nearby, you’ll find the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge which has stood since 1755, with stunning views of the surrounding area. Just be sure to book in advance before you arrive to avoid disappointment. There’s also the ruins of Dunluce Castle that is perched on the edge of a cliff, dating back to the 16th century, ideal for anyone looking for insights into the area’s medieval past.
#2 – Mourne Mountains
The Mourne Mountains in County Down offers some of the most picturesque hiking in Northern Ireland. For views across the country thanks to the highest peak of Slieve Donard at 850m, making your way here will provide breathtaking views across the Irish Sea and as far as the Isle of Man on clear days. These peaks are renowned for their rugged beauty and have inspired many writers and artists, including C.S. Lewis in his depiction of Narnia, while Game of Thrones was filmed in many locations including here.
The area has well-maintained paths tailored to various skill levels, so you can enjoy casual walks along the Mourne Wall which is 22 miles long, to more challenging routes to the summit of Slieve Bearnagh and Meelmore with its distinctive granite tors. The Silent Valley Reservoir, found in the Mourne AONB, is nestled within the mountains, attracting as many as 50,000 visitors each year. It has seven walking routes to enjoy, so whether seeking solitude, adventure, or simply the beauty of the outdoors, this is the place to be.
Travel Tips Before You Go
When planning your trip to Northern Ireland, there’s a few things to consider that will make your holiday, even if just for a long weekend, go to plan. One of the most important alongside finding the ideal accommodation is taking out appropriate travel insurance. Whilst you may not be travelling far from home, being covered for unexpected mishaps is always recommended. For those with a pre-existing medical condition, having a medical travel insurance policy can cover chronic illnesses, heart conditions and more. Insurance providers such as Staysure also cover up to unlimited medical expenses. That way if you were in a situation where you needed to make a claim, you’ll have cover, whilst also being covered for everything from lost items to cancellations and delays, which can happen anywhere in the world.
Besides being covered for the unexpected, you’ll also want to prepare for the ever-changing weather. Visiting Northern Ireland in the shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn will generally give you the best combination of good weather as well as fewer crowds. The Summer may bring the warmest weather, but it also brings more tourists. Rain and windy conditions can happen all year round, so be sure to pack for this with plenty of layers you can easily change as well as a good coat to keep you warm and dry.
Renting a car is highly recommended to easily explore the scenic routes at your own pace. If you don’t drive, you can of course book excursions through a tour operator and use public transport. You can find tours and excursions on the official tourism website. Translink is the main provider of both bus and rail networks with senior citizen concessions available for those eligible through their website. You may also come across taxi tours, where you can travel by taxi whilst getting insights on the journey – certainly a more comfortable way to travel around.
#3 – Fermanagh Lakelands
Continuing onto the Fermanagh Lakelands, you can find a serene and enchanting part of Northern Ireland, characterised by its lakes, rivers, and 154 islands. This area is centred around Lough Erne, connected by the town of Enniskillen. As well as the amazing scenery, you can visit the 600 year old Enniskillen Castle on the waterside of River Erne, which houses two museums for those wanting to immerse themselves into the history.
As you can probably guess, boating and fishing are popular activities in the Lakelands, with the calm waters providing ideal conditions for kayaking, canoeing, and angling. There are plenty of leisurely walks to be had along the well-marked trails with views of the water and wildlife. You can always take a cruise on Lough Erne to discover islands such as Devenish Island with its ancient monastic ruins that are only accessible by water. Whatever you choose to do, the Fermanagh Lakelands is the perfect destination to spend a day or two at the very least.
#4 – Strangford Lough and Ards Peninsula
Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula are where you will find some of the most picturesque and ecologically significant areas. Strangford Lough is another of Northern Ireland’s many AONBs and is the largest sea lough in the British Isles. It is also one of just three designated Marine Nature Reserves in the UK, with over 2,000 marine species. You’ll be able to see seals, birds, and diverse marine life, making it a must-visit for both wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers.
The Ards Peninsula, stretching along the Eastern coast of Northern Ireland, is just 30 minutes outside of Belfast where you can enjoy a mix of sandy beaches, rolling hills, and charming villages. The region is also rich in history, with many estates and castles to see, including the stunning Mount Stewart House and Gardens, known for its beautifully landscaped gardens. Whether exploring Ballyhalbert Beach or the wildlife reserve at Ballyquintin Farm, you have yet another area that gives you lots to see and do even if just for a few hours.
What Will You Do First In Northern Ireland?
Well, it certainly won’t be an easy choice knowing where to start first. Depending on where in the country you come into, such as Belfast, you’ll be able to plan a route to help you see as much of the coastline and natural beauty you can manage during your stay. Ideally, if you have a week or two, you’ll be able to fit in most of it, but if just for a long weekend, any one of the highlights above will be a great choice. Plan ahead to make the most of your time in Northern Ireland and you’ll be in for an unforgettable experience from start to finish
