Road Trips in Northern Ireland

County Antrim’s Causeway Coastal Route runs north from Larne, and is the gateway to the Nine Glens of Antrim with Glenariff Forest Park at its heart. On the north coast you’ll find the Giants Causeway, one of only two World Heritage Sites in Northern Ireland. Nearby, challenge yourself to cross the 100 feet (30 metres) high Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, first erected by salmon fishermen 350 years ago.

Old Bushmills Distillery is Irelands oldest working whiskey distillery. Watch whiskey making and enjoy a wee taster too. Experience a guided tour and discover some of the trade secrets from over 400 years of distilling. See the ruined splendor of Dunluce Castle before visiting Downhill Demesne, with spectacular views over the sea and Mussenden Temple perched on the edge of the cliffs.

Rathlin Island is Northern Ireland’s only inhabited island and is also home to one of the largest seabird colonies. Take the Rathlin Ferry Service to experience amazing wildlife, explore the lighthouse and visit The Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre. In summer, the seabird colony is a real assault on the senses with tens of thousands of birds, including puffins, razorbills, guillemots and kittiwakes, jostling for space on the cliff face.

Take a trip to Bellaghy in County Londonderry and step into Seamus Heaney HomePlace, which celebrates the life and legacy of the Nobel prize-winning poet. Standing at the heart of the place and people which so inspired him, HomePlace includes a stunning exhibition which interprets Seamus Heaney’s work. It’s filled with personal stories and artefacts, dozens of family photographs, video recordings from friends, neighbours and cultural figures, and the voice of the poet himself reading his own words.

Lough Neagh is the largest fresh water lake in the British Isles, said to have been formed by the mythical giant Finn McCool.  Visit the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre at Oxford Island, where you’ll find tourist information, bird watching facilities, woodland, ponds, wildflower meadows and picnic and play areas.

Nearby attractions include The Jungle, a 20 minute drive away, which promises exhilarating experiences like zorbing and high wire tree top adventure as well as overnight accommodation in the form of glamping pods.

A 25 minute drive north east will bring you to the luxurious Galgorm Resort and Spa. Stay the night and indulge in a session at their outdoor Thermal Village Spa and 9 hole golf course.

Immerse yourself in the story of Irish emigration at the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh. From the thatched cottages of Ulster and a full scale emigrant sailing ship to the log cabins of the American Frontier, experience what life was like during the 18th and 19th centuries in Ulster.

Explore the site that once was the powerbase of Gaelic Ulster and headquarters of the famous O’Neill Chieftains for over 300 years and, after the Flight of the Earls, the proposed capitol of the Plantation of Ulster by Arthur Chichester.

Keep the adventure alive with a trip to Todd’s Leap, an outdoor activity centre just 30 minutes from the Ulster American Folk Park. Try off-road driving, paintball, clay pigeon shooting, zip lines, body zorbing and many more adrenaline-fuelled activities. Plus with onsite log cabins and licensed restaurant you can make a night of it!

Embark on a road trip to explore the beautiful Strangford Lough and Ards Peninsula. Stop off at Mount Stewart which has one of the most inspiring and unusual gardens in the National Trust’s ownership. Take a tour of the opulent house and discover fascinating heritage, history and artworks as well as magnificent views from Temple of the Winds. Take the ferry from Portaferry to Strangford, which takes both foot and car passengers, sailing every day of the year except Christmas Day.

From one magnificent house to another, continue your journey to Castle Ward which boasts spectacular views of Strangford Lough. Learn about the heritage of the family who lived there, dress up in Victorian clothes and walk the woodland pathways. Castle Ward is also the location for Winterfell Castle in the HBO hit television show Game of Thrones, and you can explore the location by bike, try archery and even meet the direwolves with Winterfell Tours.

On your return journey to Belfast, you’ll pass Castle Espie Wildlife and Wetlands Centre. Nestled in a tranquil setting, Castle Espie offers great views of Strangford Lough and is home to Ireland’s largest collection of native and exotic water-birds. Whether you are seeking adventure or relaxation, Castle Espie is the perfect destination and every visit can be rounded off with a visit to the Kingfisher Kitchen where you can enjoy food and drinks to suit all tastes.

Game of Thrones is one of the most popular and successful fantasy TV series ever made. Our rugged coast lines, historic castles and breathtaking scenery are the perfect setting for this epic story. Filming took place in the Titanic Studios in Belfast and across various locations throughout Northern Ireland including the Cushendun Caves, Murlough Bay, Ballintoy Harbour, Larrybane, Antrim plateau, Castle Ward, Inch Abbey and Downhill Strand. Get the full experience and tour the filming locations while you’re here.

Hire a campervan from Bunk Campers and journey to the heart of Westeros, with your transport and accommodation in one. Enjoy the freedom and independence of your campervan as you tour from Winterfell to the King’s Road and the Isle of Pyke in your home on wheels.

Discover the legacy of St Patrick on this 92 mile driving route that links sites connected to the Irish Patron Saint. The Saint Patrick Centre situated below Patrick’s burial site in Downpartick is an interactive exhibition about his life. Visit Down County Museum, located within the walls of the former county gaol, and discover the past through the story of St Patrick and the human and natural history of the region.

Famed in legend and folklore as the seat of kings, Armagh was chosen by Saint Patrick as the centre of Christianity. Today there are two cathedrals, both named after the Saint. Enjoy the scenery in the county, from the peaty shores of Lough Neagh to the orchard regions around Portadown and Loughgall.

Download the St Patrick’s Trail Guide >>

There’s no better way to explore the mountains than with a guide who knows the landscapes by heart. Book a guided hike with Wild Irish Walks and venture to the top of Northern Ireland’s highest peak, Slieve Donard, which overlooks the coastal town of Newcastle and the Irish Sea. You’ll walk through breathtaking countryside and forest, and learn about the fauna, wildlife and flora along the way.