When given an opportunity to travel, you should take it and just go. No matter how far you are flying or how short your time is, it will be worth it. I was in Belfast for some work and decided to stay over the weekend to explore the beautiful countryside. Northern Ireland is so close to London, I never thought of it as a travel destination. Yet Northern Ireland has so much to offer, from the gorgeous capital to the amazing natural sights and of course the hugely popular Game of Thrones filming spots. It is a weekend trip that is comfortable and really enjoyable. Here is my two day itinerary.
The capital of Northern Ireland is a charming city with amazingly cosy pubs, great buildings and really friendly people. The city airport is literally around the corner and if you can understand the taxi drivers’ accent, then ask to stop at Maggie Mays. This is the perfect city joint for the best breakfast in town! Think of a greasy fry for a fraction of what you would pay for in London! It’s a cosy spot and very relaxed!
Afterwards, drop off your bags and head out to the centre of Belfast. Meander around the old city and check out the nice buildings. Stop by at the church for some of the immense architecture.
Since my trip to Penang and Ipoh, I have kept my eye out for any street creativity. There were plenty on the streets of Belfast.
There is also the grand city hall to walk by. Its got a really nice medieval evening feel to it.
One of the top activities in Belfast is the Titanic Museum. The city is famous for the construction of the giant boat and you can go to the original spot of creation. Very little people know that the boat’s maiden test journey was actually from here to Southampton! There are a lot of things to do at this museum and you need a good couple of hours to see everything. Lots of interactive activities, videos and a good experience overall!
If you are around for the weekend, head on over to St George’s Market for some street grub and second hand stalls. It’s a great atmosphere and often has folk music and good food!
The food at the top restaurant was pretty unbelievable and gives a good view of the lively market down below.
A local friend of mine took me here and I couldn’t have stood out more! The Harp Bar is a local favorite and you will be transported into a completely different atmosphere. There’s live folk music, friendly people and great Guinness! You can spend hours here with a good laugh and lots of fun! The pub is in the Cathedral Quarter which is filled with pubs, restaurants and cute cobbled streets. End your day at one of the local favorites. I asked a few friends and they all seem to say Deanes is the place to go for dinner. Get yourself there and have some local food! Their soups and fish were incredible!
You won’t have any troubles with renting a car in Belfast, it is affordable and an easy process. A short drive out of the city and you will be in fields and gorgeous greenery. GOT fans will rejoice at the sight of Dark Hedges.
The reaching and arching trees make this sight a popular tourist stop and photos are pretty great here. I do advise heading here earlier, before all the tour buses arrive!
Head towards the coast to this isolated castle built In the 17th century and whoever built this here sure knows how to live. The views are incredible and you can see for miles into the waters. It is windy but well worth a stop even if it is for photos.
Ireland may be famous for their good old Guinness but NI has its own local drink, whisky! Bushmills is a town not far from the coast that is famous for this orange poison. You can actually do a tour and a few tastings at this active distillery. Due to time constraints and having to drive, I skipped this but stopped by Bushmills Inn for a delicious meal of seafood and soup! The inn is a a proper old school building and being so close to the waters means super fresh seafood!
Probably the most famous NI heritage is the Giants Causeway. This completely natural creation is an area filled with around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. The creation is from a volcanic eruption 3 miles away apparently 50-60 million years ago!
The effects are stunning and looks literally like a giant having placed column after column against each other (hence the name). It is one of those things you won’t believe until you see it. A truly incredible natural sight. Top tip is to bring a pair of hiking boots as there is a bit of walking to get to the spot and it can get a little slippery by the waters.
For a bit of a chill head to this quaint seaside harbor. The drive down the hill is exciting and reveals a really cute little harbor by the waters. If you can catch a bit of the sun coming down then it’s an added plus! The cottage building nearby makes it so scenic!
The final stop of the day is at this extremely isolated rope bridge. I had left the intense mini hike to the end of the day! It is a good 30 minute walk on the coast cliff edge with regular ups and downs. The walk isn’t hard but do dress accordingly as the weather can change so quickly. It is a nice little stroll with some incredible coastline views.
At the end of the trail there is a little rope bridge that connects free hanging to this mini island. Due to the heavy wind, the bridge was closed but the views from the bridge entrance was really incredible!
Belfast in 2 days is doable and it is a very relax trip too. You get to see some amazing nature, some history of the Titanic and a great little city with super friendly locals. It’s literally a perfect weekend away!
Also published on Medium.
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