Northern Ireland Road Trip

Upon your arrival in Dublin, immerse yourself in the eclectic mixture of heritage sites, museums and historic pubs. Take a stroll along the cobbled streets of the Temple Bar district, grab a pint at the Guinness Storehouse for a taste of the world-famous beer or visit the historic Trinity College to see the ancient Book of Kells. You could enjoy an afternoon tea sightseeing tour of the city on a vintage bus or stroll along the characterful O’Connell Street filled with interesting shops and landmark buildings.

Spend the night in Dublin area.

Start your road trip towards Northern Ireland. Your first stop is the charming 12th-century Malahide Castle. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Newgrange, where you can see megalithic passage tombs which are believed to be older than the Great Pyramids of Egypt. This is one of Ireland’s most popular and fascinating attractions. Next, stop to admire the high crosses of Monasterboice, the historic ruins of a Christian settlement. Cross into Northern Ireland to reach the capital Belfast.

Spend the night in Belfast.

Driving distance: 195 km / 121 miles

You have a full day to explore Belfast, an exciting city with a mix of Victorian grandeur, industrial grit and living history. You’ll have entrance included to Titanic Belfast, the city’s leading attraction. Here you’ll experience the story of the world’s largest and most luxurious ship, which was constructed in Belfast in 1909. You can also go on a Black Cab Tour to see the Peace Walls and their famous murals. Why not admire the architecture of the City Hall or opt to visit the Ulster Folk Museum, a complete recreation of an early 1900s traditional Northern Irish town?

Spend another night in Belfast.

Explore the beautiful Antrim Coast. First, pass by the atmospheric Dark Hedges, a Game of Thrones filming location. Or if you prefer, skip this sight and follow the Antrim Coast via the town of Cushendall for a scenic detour. Then, enjoy a scenic coastal walk at Carrick-a-Rede to cross its rope bridge swaying 30 metres (98 feet) above the sea and providing stunning views of the cliffs below.

The highlight of the day is the jewel of Northern Ireland and World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway, with its iconic basalt columns. Nearby, you can visit Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest whiskey distillery. We also recommend stopping for a view of the breathtaking, medieval ruins of Dunluce Castle, located by dramatic coastal cliffs.

Spend the night in the Derry/Londonderry area.

Driving distance: 183 km / 114 miles
Driving distance alternate route: 200 km / 124 miles

Spend the morning discovering the historic town of Derry. You can walk the city walls and visit the Bogside murals. Or learn more about the history of the town at the Free Derry Museum.

In the afternoon, you’ll get your first taste of the iconic Wild Atlantic Way route, a circuit known for its stunning coastline sights. Drive to Ireland’s most northern point Malin Head. Along the way, visit Fort Dunree, before continuing north through the Mamore Gap. Then you can stop by Bambouth Tower or “Bamba’s Crown”, used by pilots during WWII to identify their location.

Spend another night in Derry.

Driving distance: 128 km / 80 miles

Today you head back into the Republic of Ireland and its northernmost territory Donegal. Your first stop will be Grianan of Aileach, an ancient stone fort with breathtaking views over the entire peninsula. Continue to Glenveagh National Park where you’ll explore towering mountains, lakes, valleys and woodlands. Drive past the imposing Mount Errigal and over the winding Glengesh Pass to Glencolumbkille, one of Ireland’s best living-history museums. Then experience breathtaking views at the imposing cliffs of Slieve League. At 600 metres (1968 feet) they are some of the highest marine cliffs in Europe.

Spend the night in the Donegal area.

Driving distance: 204 km / 127 miles

Make your way back to Dublin, passing through the beautiful midlands of Ireland. Your first stop is to explore the stunning Crom Estate sitting along the shores of Lough Erne. It is one of the most beautiful Irish nature conservation areas. Leave Northern Ireland for the last time to visit Trim Castle, where you can learn about Irish history at the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. Back in Dublin, enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure, perhaps with a fine Irish dinner to top off your amazing journey.

Spend the night in the Dublin area.

Driving distance: 244 km / 152 miles

To get to Dublin Airport, you can take a taxi, or we can arrange a convenient private transfer directly from your hotel. If your flight is in the afternoon, you can use the morning to enjoy some last-minute shopping, visit one of the many attractions or simply relax and take in the atmosphere of the city one last time.