Tour of the North
Explore Northern Ireland’s North Coast
The smallest of the United Kingdom nations, what Northern Ireland lacks in geographical magnitude it more than makes up for it in its undeniable aesthetic appeal. Travelling there is simple, thanks to centrally located airports at Aldergrove and Belfast City. Or, you can arrive via the ferry terminals in Belfast and Larne.
Belfast to Londonderry
- 5 days
- 146 miles
- £35.67 avg. fuel cost
Top three road trip gems...
Location: Carrickfergus Castle, Marine Hwy, Carrickfergus BT38 7BG
Home to a variety of 17th, 18th, and 19th century artefacts, including war canons, Carrickfergus castle is a distinctive part of Northern Irish history.
Location: National Trust Carrick-a-Rede, 119a Whitepark Road Ballintoy, County, Antrim, Ballycastle BT54 6LS
First built by salmon fisherman in 1755, this hanging rope bridge offers up the opportunity to peer at the local wildlife, including basking sharks, dolphins, and seabirds.
Location: Old Bushmills Distillery, 2 Distillery Rd, Bushmills BT57 8XH
Explore the secrets of this distinguished distillery, including the crisp indigenous water used in the distilling process.
World Class
Described by many intrepid road-trippers as one of the world’s greatest roads, the A2 as it is officially known, is a combination of slowly sweeping left and right-handers. Travellers will meander through the ‘nine Green Glens of Antrim’ on their journey from the capital, Belfast, to the second largest city, in the North-West corner, Londonderry.
Hug The Coast
For the vast majority of the route, drivers will remain close to the seawall — spotting porpoise in the deep blue waters glistening alongside them.
One does not need to rush when driving this iconic route. Take your foot off the pedal and immerse yourself in your stunning surroundings. Activities are aplenty on the Antrim Coast Road, meaning you won’t find yourself getting sleepy behind the wheel.
The Giant’s Causeway
A World Heritage Site and recognised as one of the many wonders of the modern world, Giant’s Causeway is a must-visit attraction during anyone’s trip to the Emerald Isle. Legend has it that Irish giant Finn McCool laid the 40,000 interlocking basalt columns himself. Explore the intriguing formations created by this geographical wonder and indulge in an uninterrupted view across the Irish sea.
The Gobbins Cliff Path
Closed for more than 50 years, the unique experience of the Gobbins Cliff Path situated on the edge of the Islandmagee Peninsula is once again accessible to the public. A guided tour that negotiates along the coastal path weaves through the caves, over suspension bridges, and along the cliff-face, creating an unforgettable experience. Visitors are treated with an opportunity to get up close and personal to the wide range of wildlife which lives on the peninsula.
The City Walls
Derry-Londonderry, the endpoint of your journey is a city immersed in culture, so much so it was awarded City of Culture in 2013. The only city on the island of Ireland to still have completely intact city walls, describing the infrastructure as a spectacle is rather an under-exaggeration. Wander the walls and jump on the Instagram hype of capturing a selfie with the Derry Girls and the famous ‘You are now entering Free Derry’ gable wall.