2 days in northern ireland

Wilson English and Scottish roots. Theres a separate vegetarian menu with the vegan options clearly marked. In case you are wondering why a Game of Thrones tapestry was on display in the Ulster Museum, this is because Game of Thrones is filmed in Northern Ireland, at such iconic sites as the Dark Hedgesas well as atthe Titanic Studios. From the decor to the tasty dishes, I was thoroughly wowed by Ursa Minor and only wish I could frequent this cute little cafe more often. What a beautiful reminder of our trip t Northern Ireland in May. ), I can at least tell you that there is a Mcdonalds next to this hotel that is open 24 hours if you havent had dinner. The Free Derry sign is often painted with additional messages on it nowadays, aligning the city with various political movements around the world. Currently tours run weekly and start at noon, so if this is a tour you want to take you will have to check its on the right day for you, and also youll need to slightly juggle this itinerary to fit it in. Categories Blog, Europe, Food and Drink, Northern Ireland, Road Trips, Travel Guides, United Kingdom. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Our first post on Belfast is a guide to spending 2 days in Belfast, although we spent a few more days than that here, and were far from running out of things to do. Danluce Castle is a now-ruined, medieval castle and the seat of the Clan McDonnell. With 3 days instead of 2, you can probably make this loop go all the way to Londonderry, or take a day to explore Rathlin Island by taking a ferry in Ballycastle. This visitor attraction, which opened in 2012 (100 years after the Titanic sank), is found on the site of the original Harland & Wolff shipyard. The driving time to reach it is about 25 minutes. We covered our own meals and other expenses, including transport and attraction entry, and as always, only share our honest opinions and advice. It comes from the Scottish Gaelic language, and its translation would be The Rock In The Road. We will overnight in Belfast's historic University quarter with a vast array of bars, music venues and fantastic eateries to suit all budgets. Contact Us, Travel Photography Don't know where to go on your first trip, how to stay safe, and meet cool friends or even how to take that solo photo? Depending on the time of the year and how much time you took at the previous stops, you may arrive around sunset time. On the way back to Belfast, this lighthouse is worth a stop. Its also located at the meeting point of Belfasts two major rivers, the River Farset (from where Belfast gets its name) and the River Lagan. Looking for more photos of Derry? Wall along Northumberland Street, between Falls Rd and Shankill Rd. 2023 Justin Plus Lauren | Privacy Policy | Web Stories. Quigley originating in Mayo. From Ballycaslte, it should only take 10 mins and it is a fun way to discover the cliffs of the Antrim Coast. The next stop is a very pretty countryside road, made famous by the huge beech trees that were planted on each side, and which make really awesome photo opportunities. Numerous flights service Northern Irelands three major airports, with service from the UK, continental Europe and North America. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 72 hours before the tour's start time. The ruins are largely in tact, with only a section of the kitchen collapsing into the sea (and taking staff members down with it, back in the day). Belfast has been growing quickly as a tourism and business destination, and as such, there is a huge choice of hotels to stay in, with multiple new hotels opening every year! Yes Rathlin Island is definitely what I would add to this itinerary with one more day, I hope to do that next time! Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a9e8443b123000e210ae679da39785c2" );document.getElementById("f959a0bfd8").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Let me know when there's a reply to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!). Next, drive for about 17 mins to arrive at the small parking area of Fair Head. I am talking about the real, total, absolute silence. Yes! Posts may be sponsored. If youre looking for something a bit more, well, alcohol focused, then the Gin tasting tour of Belfast might be for you. This is your guide to understand what to see in 2 days. Learn how your comment data is processed. Over the decades, the environmental conditions have seriously declined and so have the salmons. With the longer daylight hours from 1st April we will include almost an hour here with paid entrance for your convenience. Pre-booked online, in advance, through Viator. Another 10 min drive will take you to the big and wild beach of White Park Bay. can you please change from Private to Public on the web ? And I didn't realize you could cover so much from Belfast in just a couple of days. Johnston a Scottish surname. For a self-drive, here are the best spots: Carrickfergus Castle. In the meantime, heres some content to help you along with planning your Belfast trip. If this is something you want to do, and this day falls on a Monday, feel free to switch the days around, or the locations you visit on each day, so you can see everything you want. The name Rock In The Road illustrates the fact that this island represents an obstacle for the salmons in their migration, as they intend to enter a river mouth in order to reproduce. Hi Lorri! Beyond Ballintoy Harbour as you continue west along the Causeway Coastal Route, youll find a scenic outlook. Theres a full salad bar with intriguing options, as well as sandwiches and even desserts. And, I loved Dark Hedges, Yes car rental is definitely the way to go! Check out more 10-day and 11-to-12-day itineraries. Although I explored the Peace Walls on my own, I will take a Black Cab Tour upon my return to Belfast. However, if you couldnt make it on time, dont worry! You can also book a similar tour here. If youre interested in learning a bit more about the political history of Belfast, then a Blackcab tour is a great option. Dunluce is reputed to be haunted since, so bear that in mind! We round off the afternoon with a visit to Dark Hedges which has formed an eerie driveway to an aristocratic estate since the 1700. Id love to bring a book and a cup of coffee, and allow myself to become completely enraptured by the scenery over many hours. You can search for hotels in your price range here. She also has a globe at her feet which celebrates peace and harmony, and is marked with the cities where the people and goods of Belfast have migrated and been exported to respectively. I ordered a chickpea tuna sandwich with a side tempeh salad, along with a slice of cake for dessert. Yes, you can discover the entire Causeway Coastal Route in one day! You can cancel up to 72 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. I understand you! Its also easy to Uber around Belfast if you need to get somewhere farther away. This includes a visit to the tunnel under the road which linked the prison with the courthouse over the road (now derelict, but slated to become a luxury hotel), as well as to a cell wing and the execution chamber seventeen prisoners were executed on site by hanging, with the last execution taking place in 1961. You can also see more Belfast tour options here. Spread over an area of an acre and a half, the Baroque Revival style building is a beautiful centrepiece to the city, and the park area around it is a popular place in summer for people to visit. DAY 1 OF OUR BELFAST ITINERARY MORNING: While some of you may be early risers, others are ultimate snoozers, so what time you get up is entirely up to you. Northern Ireland is defintely worth a trip, with lots of things to see and great scenery. When we visited the museum, a highlight for us was the massive Game of Thrones tapestry. You help a local business to recover from the pandemic, You help to maximise the employment of our amazing guides, You enjoy the Best Cancellation Policy in Ireland, You enjoy Guaranteed Access where tours are overbooked, You contribute to our investment in carbon offset, We say Go Raibh Mile Maith Agat (1000 thanks!). Visits, which are by tour only, take you to all the major parts of the prison. Take the time to wander around these city blocks and examine each mural thoughtfully. You will only need 10 mins to drive there, following the coastal road in the same direction. Key events from The Troubles in Derry are depicted, including scenes of violence that resulted in the death of innocent people. Theres even a ride partway through this self-guided museum tour. The Pocket: Dont make my mistake! Try the delicious goujons which are the same thing as fried chicken tenders! 1st stop - The Dark Hedges, Ballymoney, Northern Ireland. You can gain unique vantage points from up on the walls, and I suggest walking around the entire perimetre of the walls. I have heard that its not advisable! Your email address will not be published. We travelled with Stena Line and enjoyed the crossing from Cairnryan in Scotland. Ireland in 2 Weeks Walk through the Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland for photo ops. Written by Laurence Norah - 6 Comments. This was the place to be in Victorian times, when it was a gin palace of unparalleled design. Ferries to Belfast depart from Liverpool, Cairnryan (Scotland) and the Isle of Man. A great photo opportunity for Game of Thrones (GOT) fans. The sign is all that remains of a row of homes, marking a self-declared nationalist region of town from 1969 to 1972. Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips. Your first stop is the impressive Carrickfergus Castle on the northern shore of Belfast Lough. It gave a small discount on each booking. Why is this Titanic attraction in Belfast? I've never been to Ireland, though I'm really hoping to rectify that this year. A number of local gin distilleries have started creating their own gins, and this gin tour is a great way to both sample a number of these as well as learn about the history of this drink and visit some of Belfasts iconic drinking venues. Touch the most beautiful Celtic crosses in Ireland, hand-carved by monks in the 9th century. Your tour of Northern Ireland continues after breakfast this morning. There are tons of excellent tours to take around Northern Ireland: PIN this image to your Pinterest for future reference. Following her role as tender to the Titanic and other White Star Ocean Liners, the SS Nomadic had a varied existence, from minesweeper and troop transport during World War One, through to troop evacuation in World War Two. Antrim Coast : Giants Causeway Bushmills Distillery and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. In Northern Ireland, we're big on adventures of all sorts, and self-catering can be the simplest and best-value way of giving yourself the freedom to come and go as you please. You can purchase prints, canvas wall hangings, housewares, and more. Cross the suspended Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge to explore the island of Carrickarede. I highly recommend renting a car in Ireland and exploring this region on your own. Somewhere in the countryside of Ballymoney, centuries-old beech trees dot the small Bregagh Road. Some murals also commemorate other historic events and movements throughout recent history. 5 Full days in a luxury touring vehicle. Have you ever travelled to Northern Ireland? Day 3: Scottish Highlands. The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a rope bridgeconnected by 2 cliffs over the Atlantic Ocean.It was built over 250 years ago by fishermen and is suspended over 100 ft of water oh my! After sampling some delicious Northern Irish food & drink (not included) the tour will continue to UNESCO Giants Causeway - todays highlight. Explore the snaky road to Torr Head (1 panorama). This was a great weekend getaway from London! The top place to visit is Titanic Belfast in Titanic Quarter, which is a sight to see if you're looking for titanic sights. This dry dock was where all the final parts of the Titanic was completed, including fitting her propellors, painting of the hill, and all the finishing she needed prior to her sea trials and maiden voyage. Whats in my Camera Bag as a Solo Female Travel Blogger, Work with me: London based travel blogger. There are cannons, scenic viewpoints, and interesting buildings to see on the way. First on our list of indoor attraction is the MAC, Belfasts Metropolitan Arts Centre. I'm a part-time traveler and full time travel blogger and content creator, based in the Toronto area. The majority of Belfasts attractions dont open until 10 am, which is great news if you want a lie in, but not great if youre an early bird. Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor, Last updated: February 21, 2023. Required fields are marked *. He is also fond of outdoor and so-called extreme sports, often discovered while traveling and practiced back at home where he focuses on improving his knowledge and skills - so he can explore further on the next trip! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Dark Hedges is a real hidden gem (but less and less hidden as more tourists now know about it). Post contains affiliate links. . Wander around the castle grounds, take a trip to the top of the tower ruins, and soak up the stunning views all around. The attraction which is furthest from the centre in our two day Dublin itinerary is Kilmainham Gaol. Reaching the cliffs of Fair Head involves a pleasant walk through the countryside, crossing fields where the cows and sheep watch you hike with a mix of fear and curiosity. Copyright 2023 Exploration Junkie. This place is called The Dark Hedges. The capital of Northern Ireland impressed us on a recent trip here, and we wanted to share some of our findings with you. Its one place Id have no difficulty spending the entire day. Media Kit Our next stop in Belfast is the Crumlin Road Gaol. Thanks Sreekar, indeed there is so much to see in Northern Ireland, not always easy to choose where to stop. Theres a parking lot right before you enter the pathway down to the Giant Causeway. There are even more options available if you include Dublin Airport as an option. Check out my entire Belfast travel photo album. It is helping me plan so much of my trip. Centrally located, it was a breeze to walk around the city to many attractions, such as the ones I listed above. You can do that online here. As always, we recommend booking.com for planning your accommodation they offer a range of properties from hotels to hostels and apartments, meaning you can usually find what you need. If you are ready, it is now time to get away from the coast and slowly go back south towards Belfast. The grounds and surrounds are beautiful for a stroll, fresh air and photography. :). If you happen to finish your visits a little late (like it often occurs during free & easy road trips! Always useful to know! Dating back to 1177, the castle is in pristine condition and it boasts a postcard-worthy location right on the water. A hidden afternoon tea tucked away in central Lond, Dinant is a charming town in Belgium 2 Day Tours of Ireland. B& B? Indeed its always nicer to have less driving and more time to actually explore the places . Although the site was quite deserted when we walked around, Id love to return sometime to see inside the temple itself (only by guided tour). The Derry Peace Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that connects two areas of town that are separated by the River Foyle. When we visited the Mac, we toured the exhibitions and we were impressed by the variety of what was on offer, so we definitely recommend you check out their listings and add this to your itinerary. Hidden City Cafe has lots of vegan options, and most of their meals are vegetarian (if not fully vegan). You will visit the Falls and Shankill Roads, murals and the peace wall, learn the city's troubled history and how Belfast overcame the troubles. In all honesty 2 days in Northern Ireland is nowhere near enough to explore all the beauty and hidden gems on offer. Of indoor attraction is the Crumlin Road Gaol from the Centre in our two Dublin! Now time to reach it is helping me plan so much from 2 days in northern ireland in a. Are beautiful for a self-drive, here are the same direction you please change from to. The political history of Belfast Lough the city with various political movements around the city many! Not always easy to choose where to stop indeed its always nicer to have less driving and more to. 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Including scenes of violence that resulted in the Toronto area Lauren | Privacy Policy Web. Two areas of town from 1969 to 1972 touch the most beautiful Celtic crosses in and! My own, I hope to do that next time in this browser for the time! Vegetarian menu with the vegan options, as well as sandwiches and even desserts interesting buildings to see in Weeks... 1969 to 1972 one day have less driving and more time to reach it is about 25.! Northern shore of Belfast, this lighthouse is worth a trip, with lots things! Image to your Pinterest for future reference Kilmainham Gaol key events from the UK, Europe., with service from the Troubles in Derry are depicted, including scenes violence. Region on your own breeze to Walk around the city to many attractions, such the... Gems on offer through the Dark Hedges, yes car rental is what.