Northern Ireland: what are the must-sees?

L'’Northern Ireland It is often less known than the rest of the island, and yet it holds some very pleasant surprises. Between Belfast, the Causeway Coast, ruined castles, coastal villages and vast landscapes, the region can easily be explored in a few days.

In short: In Northern Ireland, don't miss Belfast and Titanic Belfast, the Causeway Coastal Route, the Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede, the Dark Hedges, Derry, and the Mourne Mountains. Four to five days are enough for Belfast, the coast, and Derry; with a week, add Rathlin Island or the Glens of Antrim.

What's especially nice here is the diversity. You can go from a city steeped in history to a spectacular coastal road, then end the day in a small village overlooking the sea.

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SO, What to see in Northern Ireland? Here are the places we really recommend you don't miss.

Belfast, gateway to Northern Ireland

Belfast is also often the starting point for a trip to Northern Ireland.

Start in the city centre and Belfast City Hall, then take some time to stroll through the Cathedral Quarter. It's one of the nicest areas to have a drink, dinner, or simply soak up the atmosphere.

Belfast is also a city marked by its recent history. Therefore, to better understand it, a guided tour focusing on the murals and the Peace Walls can be particularly interesting.

Titanic Belfast

It's impossible to visit Belfast without mentioning the Titanic. Our 10-day road trip in Ireland It also passes through Belfast and its museum dedicated to the Titanic.

The famous ocean liner was built here, at the Harland & Wolff shipyard. The Titanic Belfast museum recounts its construction, departure, and history.

Even for those who are not particularly passionate about the subject, the tour is very well done and also allows you to better understand the industrial past of the city.

The Causeway Coastal Route

The Causeway Coastal Route is one of the great must-sees in Northern Ireland.

The route runs along the coast between Belfast and Derry and offers many stops: beaches, cliffs, castles, small villages and viewpoints.

The best thing to do is take your time. Driving straight through would be a shame, as much of the enjoyment comes from the stops along the way. Our advice for rent a car will help you prepare it.

Giant's Causeway

The Giant's Causeway is probably the most well-known natural site in the region.

Indeed, its thousands of basalt columns form a rather unique landscape on the edge of the Atlantic.

The place is also linked to the legend of the giant Finn McCool, which gives it even more character.

If possible, try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. The atmosphere is also much more pleasant when there are fewer people.

Dunluce Castle

A few kilometers from Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle It's definitely worth the detour.

The ruins are situated on the edge of a cliff, facing the ocean.

The scenery is spectacular, especially when the sky is a bit overcast. It's also one of those places where the landscape is almost as important as the site itself.

Carrick-a-Rede

Le Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is another classic of the Antrim coast.

This suspension bridge connects the coast to a small rocky islet.

Even if you don't necessarily want to cross the bridge, the walk to get there is already worth the trip thanks to the views of the sea and the cliffs.

Ballycastle

Ballycastle is a pleasant little town to stop over in.

It mainly allows you to slow down a bit between the major sites on the coast.

It also features a seafront, some good restaurants and a more tranquil atmosphere.

It is also from Ballycastle that one can reach Rathlin Island.

Rathlin Island

If you have a little more time, Rathlin Island is a very good option.

The island is peaceful, wild and therefore ideal for walking.

Depending on the season, many seabirds can also be observed there.

It is also an excellent idea for those who wish to get away from the most frequented sites.

The Glens of Antrim

The Glens of Antrim offer a completely different setting.

Here, we leave the coast behind to find verdant valleys, forests and waterfalls.

Glenariff is probably the best known. Several walks allow you to explore the area without necessarily embarking on a long hike.

Cushendun and Cushendall

These two villages are therefore perfect for taking a break on the coast.

Cushendun is smaller and very quiet, while Cushendall is a bit more lively.

These are good stops to enjoy the local atmosphere without necessarily planning a major visit.

The Dark Hedges

Tea Dark Hedges is a famous avenue lined with beech trees.

She became even more famous thanks to the Game of Thrones series.

The visit is quite quick, so I would see it more as a stop along the way than a real day trip.

Derry

Derry is also worth a visit.

The city notably has very well-preserved ramparts that can be explored on foot.

It's a good way to discover the historic center and better understand its history.

The Guildhall and the Peace Bridge are also worth a visit.

Mussenden Temple

Le Mussenden Temple is located on the edge of a cliff with a magnificent view of the Atlantic.

The site is particularly photogenic and combines easily with a day trip around Derry or the north coast.

The Downhill Demesne estate also allows you to extend your walk.

Portrush and Portstewart

Portrush and Portstewart are also two pleasant seaside resorts.

It features large beaches, promenades and several restaurants.

They can be good bases for exploring Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle without having to change hotels every night.

Castle Ward

South of Belfast, Castle Ward is a great idea for a day trip.

The estate thus blends architecture, gardens and nature.

Game of Thrones fans will also recognize some of the locations used for filming the series.

Strangford Lough

Strangford Lough is a quieter area, often less visited.

The landscape is mostly pleasant, with small roads, villages and beautiful views of the water.

It's a good option for discovering a quieter Northern Ireland.

The Mourne Mountains

For hiking enthusiasts, the Mourne Mountains are not to be missed.

The mountain range offers several routes of varying difficulty.

Slieve Donard is the highest peak in Northern Ireland, but there are also easier walks for those who simply want to enjoy the scenery.

Newcastle

The city of Newcastle is located right at the foot of the Mourne Mountains.

The contrast between the sea and the mountains is also very pleasant.

It's a good base for exploring the region and enjoying a more relaxed atmosphere.

How many days should I plan to spend in Northern Ireland?

For a first exploration, 4 to 5 days already allow us to see a lot of things.

With this weather, you can easily combine Belfast, the Causeway Coast and Derry.

With a week, you can slow down the pace and add Rathlin Island, the Glens of Antrim or the Mourne Mountains.

How to get around in Northern Ireland?

The car remains, above all, the most practical way to explore the region.

In particular, it allows easy access to villages, coastal roads and natural sites.

Belfast and Derry are very easy to visit on foot, but for the Causeway Coast and the Mourne Mountains, having a car provides much more freedom.

When to go to Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland can be visited all year round.

However, the months of May to September are the most pleasant for enjoying long days and walks outdoors.

July and August are busier.

Spring and early autumn are therefore excellent times if you want to avoid the busiest months. Our guide when to go to Ireland detailed each month.

What are the must-see attractions in Northern Ireland?

For a first trip, I would prioritize five major must-sees:

Belfast for its history and atmosphere.
Giant's Causeway for the scenery.
Dunluce Castle for the setting.
Derry for its heritage.
The Glens of Antrim or the Mourne Mountains for nature.

This already gives a very good overview of the region without trying to do too much. To combine it with the rest of the island, see our essentials for a road trip in Ireland.

Also read: Things to do in Belfast: Titanic, murals and pubs.

Northern Ireland travel: our tours and their prices

Northern Ireland can easily be explored in 2 to 4 days and fits perfectly into a longer trip to Ireland or from Scotland, thanks to the ferry between Cairnryan and Belfast. Here are our itineraries that include Belfast and the Giant's Causeway:

Duration	Circuit	In Northern Ireland	From
10 days	From Titanic to Connemara	Belfast, the Dark Hedges, the Giant's Causeway	€1,600
15 days	From the Highlands to the Emerald Isle	Ferry from Scotland, Belfast and the Giant's Causeway	€3,000
15 days	Castles, gardens and Celtic lands	Belfast and the Antrim coast	€3,000

Price per person, excluding flights. For the capital, also read our guide What to do in Belfast, and discover all our ideas for tailor-made trip to Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days does it take to visit Northern Ireland?

Four to five days is enough to combine Belfast, the Causeway Coast, and Derry. With a week, you can add Rathlin Island, the Glens of Antrim, or the Mourne Mountains.

What is the most beautiful road in Northern Ireland?

The Causeway Coastal Route, which runs along the coast between Belfast and Derry, with its beaches, cliffs, castles and villages.

Where to stay to visit the Giant's Causeway?

Portrush and Portstewart are good bases for exploring the Giant's Causeway and Dunluce Castle without changing hotels every night.

Do you need a car in Northern Ireland?

Belfast and Derry are easily explored on foot. For the Causeway Coast and the Mourne Mountains, however, a car offers much more freedom.

Where can I see Game of Thrones filming locations?

The Dark Hedges, an avenue lined with beech trees, and the Castle Ward estate, south of Belfast, served as the setting for the series.

What is the highest peak in Northern Ireland?

Slieve Donard, in the Mourne Mountains. The mountain range also offers easier walks starting from Newcastle.

Discover Northern Ireland with Brightside Travel

SO, What are the must-see sights in Northern Ireland?

It all depends on how much time you have, but the region truly has plenty to offer. Traveling with children? Check out our ideas for traveling to Ireland as a family. Are you hesitating between two countries? Read on. Ireland or Scotland.

Belfast and Derry first captivate visitors with their history. The Causeway Coast then offers breathtaking scenery. Further south, the Mourne Mountains and Strangford Lough reveal another side of the country, calmer and wilder.

You can also find all our Tailor-made trips to Ireland to discover other ideas for a stay on the island.

To prepare for your trip, you can also consult the official website of Discover Northern Ireland.

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