One of the great things about a visit to Belfast, aside from the city itself, Is the ease with which you can take an excursion slightly further afield to see some of the other sites and scenes Northern Ireland has to offer, without having to sacrifice much in way of your itinerary.
It doesn’t have to be ‘Belfast or…’ and instead can comfortably be ‘Belfast and…’
Here are 5 great suggestions to take your trip to the next level, all only a short journey from the city.
The Gobbins Cliff Path
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Once deemed ‘Europe’s most dramatic coastal walk’, and for good reason. A visit to the Gobbins is guaranteed to be the most unique experience you have on your visit here. The Cliff Path is a wonder, with tours snaking along the beautiful County Antrim Coast.
Carrickfergus Castle
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Only 15 minutes or so out of Belfast you will find the town of Carrickfergus, in it you will find the jewel in the crown, so to speak: Carrickfergus Castle. The 800-year-old Norman castle is one of the best-preserved castles on the Island of Ireland, and one of the most storied into the bargain. A must for history buffs and day out lovers alike. You’ll find plenty here to entertain you, and afterward you can make the short trip over the road to the famed Dobbins’ Inn for some chowder and a drink.
The Crosskeys inn
Speaking of pubs. It would be a rarity to say it is worth taking a 30-minute drive out of a city to visit a pub in the middle of nowhere, but the Crosskeys Inn is no ordinary pub, and this is no ordinary visit. The oldest thatched pub in Ireland and a hotbed for traditional music, the Crosskeys is a gem. Simply put, for those who seek out real and authentic pubs like their life depends on it, this is a bucket list destination. Visit on a Thursday or at the weekend for some trad, and of course, have a stout. Their Guinness is up there with the best.
Glenarm and Carnlough
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‘Killing two birds with one stone’ is a travel philosophy most can get behind, so this suggestion- which effectively kills 3- is a must. First, head out of the city and towards Larne. There, take the Coast Road heading North. The Coast Road is widely considered one of the most picturesque drives on the island of Ireland and is an absolute must do element of the Causeway Coastal Route. Next you will find yourself reaching your destination, the ‘hub’ of Glenarm and Carnlough. Two quaint yet energizing villages that sit side by side. In Glenarm you will find Glenarm Castle and Garden, a wonderful visit in its own right. A 2-minute drive from Glenarm then you will come to Carnlough. Stop in for some magnificent food at the Twilight Bunkhouse or even spend a night at the newly refurbished Harbourview Hotel- Ireland’s first designated ‘Whiskey Hotel’. You’ll find a day spent across Glenarm and Carnlough to be a more than worthwhile venture.
Whitehead
About a 25-minute drive from Belfast- or better yet you can take the train- you will find the seaside village of Whitehead. Home of the famed coloured houses (you’ve probably seen the pics) and of the equally well-known lighthouse. A dander or cycle along Blackhead Path is a perfect way to spend a couple of hours. For families or those keen on an engineering fix a short walk from the coast you will find Whitehead Railway Museum. Take in the restoration workshop, with engineers hard at work, and even get to explore a very special ‘Royal’ carriage.
For even more things to see and do further north of Belfast, from food to adventure and beyond, click here.
