Northern Ireland Travel Guide from a local


Visit the Game of Thrones Site


Samson and Goliath Belfast
Northern Ireland has come a long way from the days of the “Troubles” and in fact, is one of the world’s leading tourist locations for sites such as the Titanic Exhibition, and of course the famous TV series Game of Thrones. Northern Ireland travel is perfectly safe and in such a small place you can drive across the country in around 2 hours.
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), since 1922, is comprised of four countries: England, Scotland, and Wales (which collectively make up Great Britain), as well as Northern Ireland. There are no border crossings between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland so you won’t have to get your passport stamped.
Northern Ireland is sometimes referred to as Ulster, although it includes only six of the nine counties which made up that historic Irish province. The six historic counties are Antrim, Down, Armagh, Tyrone, Londonderry and Fermanagh.


The capital is Belfast, a modern city whose historic centre was badly damaged by aerial bombardment during World War II. Once renowned for its shipyards—the Titanic was built there—Belfast lost much of its industrial base, but is now famous for its tourist attractions. The 6 largest Cities of Northern Ireland are Belfast, Bangor, Derry/Londonderry, Lisburn, Newry, and Armagh.
But remember it is a UK country which means it is not a member of the EU anymore and they use pounds/sterling so you will need that currency and not euros. It is also not a member of the Schengen Zone.
The capital of Northern Ireland is Belfast which is where you will find the Titanic Exhibit and dozens more fascinating sites. Don’t forget to visit the peace wall and take a Black Taxi tour to learn about the civil war that cost many lives.


Northern Ireland is famous for movies and films including Game of Thrones that really put the country on the map. Northern Ireland is of course a part of Great Britain and as such has a different government from the Republic of Ireland.
However, these days, if you have rented a car you would be hard-pressed to know if you have crossed the border from the North to the South unless you see the road signs changing to kilometres from miles. A tip here – make sure you have both currencies on you so if this does happen you will be able to purchase a coffee or snack when you come to a cafe or petrol station.
Travel to Northern Ireland
Visiting Northern Ireland is pretty easy these days you can either fly into Belfast from anywhere in the world. Or take a ferry from Scotland and the ferry also goes from Liverpool.
If you’re travelling by air, the easiest airport to fly into is Belfast International Airport (BFS). There are flights to over 70 destinations in the UK, Ireland, Europe and North America. From the airport, you can take a Translink Airport Express 300 bus to the city centre. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes and tickets cost £8 one-way or £11.50 return. The Airport Express 300 runs seven days a week with services every 15 minutes.


Getting to Northern Ireland by ferry
Taking the ferry is a good option if you’re travelling from Britain and want to take your car. There are crossings from England and Scotland, and the high-speed ferry from Scotland takes just one hour. The main ferry companies operating services to Northern Ireland include:
- P&O Cruises: from Cairnryan (Scotland)
- Stena Line: from Liverpool (England) and Cairnryan
- Kintyre Express: from Campbelltown (Scotland)
- Steam Packet Company: from Douglas (Isle of Man)
Dublin to Belfast by train
If you’re coming from the Republic of Ireland, you can take a TransLink cross-border train from Dublin to Belfast Central Station. It stops at all major towns including Louth, Dundalk, Newry and Portadown. The journey takes about 2.5 hours.
Driving
Driving in Northern Ireland is an easy way to get around and explore at your own pace. You can take your car on the ferry or hire one at an airport or town. The roads in Northern Ireland, particularly in more remote areas, can be narrow in places, so just keep this in mind.
Public transport
Translink is the main public transport service in Northern Ireland. If you’ll mostly be using the TransLink rail and bus networks to get around, you could benefit from buying a daily, weekly, monthly or multi-travel pass for cheaper travel rates.
When travelling in Belfast, you can buy a Belfast Visitor Pass for unlimited bus and rail travel for one, two or three consecutive days (note: this is only valid for travel within the Belfast Visitor Pass Zone).
Northern Ireland travel guides
Exploring Belfast
Belfast is a small but easy walkable city and it is full of fantastic attractions such as St. George’s Market the oldest covered market in the UK with great food and Irish treats. A top tourist attraction in Northern Ireland is Belfast Castle which is located in the Cave Hill area of north Belfast. It was built in the 1860s and is one of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Head to the Cathedral Quarter for some fun. A vibrant neighbourhood it’s full of hotels, clubs, superb restaurants and bars and often hosts festivals and artistic events. The Merchant Hotel is located here and even if you can’t afford to stay drop in for a superb cocktail and to check out the outstanding interiors. The district was named after St. Anne’s Cathedral, with a tall spire that the locals call “the rod to god”.


Take a hop on hop-off tour and learn the nicknames of the various street sculptures around the City. Such as the Big Fish as the Salmon of Knowledge is called or the Balls on the Falls as the Rise is called these are just a few of the 101 sites to see in Northern Ireland.
East from Belfast
Heading to the East coast of Northern Ireland you can stop at the gorgeous Helen’s Bay for a swim or head out to Bangor and watch the yachts and small sailing boats taking in the calm waters of Belfast Harbour.
Visit the beautiful Mount Stewart estate and gardens or travel County Down and hike the Mourne Mountains. For those who want a serious hike, The Gobbins is for you a 3-4 hour walk along the coastline on a Victorian walkway.


Head down the Ards Peninsula to see Grey Abbey a beautiful ruined Cistercian priory before heading down to Portavogie to try the world’s best prawns that are only fished here. You could follow the Game of Thrones route to several sites From here you can travel down to the ferry at Carlingford and cross over to the Republic to one of the prettiest villages in Ireland Carlingford.
Touring the Causeway Coast
The Causeway Coast has been made famous by a few things for example the Game of Thrones TV series that was filmed here. It made many locations famous including the Dark Hedges as the King’s Road. Dunluce Castle with a bit of CGI as Castle Greyjoy. The Carrick-a-rede rope bridge is where Balon Greyjoy, King of the Iron Islands, and his younger brother Euron battled.


Start your coastal tour at Carrickfergus Castle. Carrickfergus is an excellent starting point for any visitor exploring the beautiful Causeway Coast and Glens. The castle was built in the 12th Century by John de Courcy and is the oldest and best-preserved Norman Castle in Ireland.
The Causeway Coast includes the Giant’s Causeway which is a natural phenomenon with of course a tale of giants involved in its creation. Just down the road from the Giant’s Causeway is Dunluce Castle and you can stop in Ballygalley where you can stay at the Castle and view the Tour of Doors the famous GOT doors taken from the dark Hedges trees blown down in a major storm.


Take in a Whiskey Distillery visit at Bushmills from here you can head to the famous Rope Bridge then Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne. I have to say a word here about visiting the 9 Glens of Antrim which has some of the most outstanding views to be found in Ireland.
Before you head out to Mussenden though make a visit to Ballycastle and take the ferry to Rathlin Island where you can find Puffins nesting and learn about Robert the Bruce and his hiding place on Rathlin Island.
Visiting Derry and the western half of Northern Ireland
Now head over to Derry where you will learn more about the Troubles and start to understand the deep divides that Northern Ireland is slowly overcoming. On a lighter note get your Instagram picture done in front of the Derry Girls mural.


Stop by Omagh and visit the Ulster American Folk Village where you can follow the journey of the Irish diaspora travelling through time.
Near Cookstown in Co Tyrone, the Beaghmore stone circles were excavated from a blanket bog in 1965. This site is a complicated arrangement of Cairns, rows of stones and stone circles. These remains seem to be orientated towards the midsummer sunrise.
The Sperrin Mountains are Northern Ireland’s most extensive mountain range and can be found along the border of counties Tyrone and Derry The Sperrins span over 40 miles, and they are described in National Geographic’s list of the world’s 101 scenic drives. The Sperrins are wild, untouched and raw and there are four scenic driving routes through, around and over the Mountains to be enjoyed.
In Fermanagh, you will find the Stairway to Heaven one of the best walking spots in N. Ireland. The boardwalk raises up to the sky when standing at the beginning of it and so it got its name.


Also in Fermanagh, you can visit Boa Island which is located in Lower Lough Erne. The Lough is made up of 2 large lakes with Enniskillen sitting on an island that separates the upper and a lower lough that runs into the sea in Donegal through Ballyshannon. The Janus Stone on Boa Island predates Christianity and it is believed that it goes far back in time to pagan Ireland. The stone itself is over 2000 years old and is one of the most famous carved stones in Ireland today.
- Best Gardens of IrelandThe Most Beautiful Gardens of Ireland You Must Visit The gardens of Ireland are known… Read more: Best Gardens of Ireland
- 33 Must-Visit Islands of Ireland Guide33 Hidden Gems: The Ultimate Guide to Ireland’s Islands Scattered like emeralds across Ireland’s wild… Read more: 33 Must-Visit Islands of Ireland Guide
- Irish Cottages for Rent – Authentic Holiday StaysDiscover Charming Irish Cottages for Rent – Your Perfect Holiday Escape Imagine waking to the… Read more: Irish Cottages for Rent – Authentic Holiday Stays
- Where to see the puffins in Ireland?Where to see the puffins in Ireland? Ever since I was a kid reading Puffin… Read more: Where to see the puffins in Ireland?
- 14 Day Ireland Road Trip: Ultimate 2025/26 Itinerary & Planning Guide14 Day Ireland Road Trip: The Complete Guide to Ireland in Two Weeks After spending… Read more: 14 Day Ireland Road Trip: Ultimate 2025/26 Itinerary & Planning Guide
- Top Things to Do in Fermanagh | Castles, Caves & LakesThings to Do in Co Fermanagh, Northern Ireland: A Complete Guide Fermanagh, located in Northern… Read more: Top Things to Do in Fermanagh | Castles, Caves & Lakes
- Visit Tyrone, Ireland – Scenic Landscapes & Rich HistoryDiscover Tyrone: Scenic Beauty, Heritage & Adventure County Tyrone, located in Northern Ireland, is a… Read more: Visit Tyrone, Ireland – Scenic Landscapes & Rich History
- Renting a car in IrelandEverything you need to know about renting a car in Ireland Planning a trip to… Read more: Renting a car in Ireland
- Castle hotels IrelandUltimate castle hotels Ireland: the top 29 Irish castles I can’t think of anyone I… Read more: Castle hotels Ireland
- Traditional Irish BreakfastThe Great Traditional Full Irish Breakfast what is it? You will see the signs everywhere… Read more: Traditional Irish Breakfast
- Where to find Ogham Stones in IrelandWhere to find Ogham Stones in Ireland Ogham script is an ancient Irish (and British)… Read more: Where to find Ogham Stones in Ireland
- Northern Lights in IrelandNorthern Lights in Ireland when, where and how to see them Seeing the Northern Lights… Read more: Northern Lights in Ireland
- Game of Thrones Doors Northern IrelandWhere to see the 10 Game of Thrones Doors Northern Ireland Planning on visiting all… Read more: Game of Thrones Doors Northern Ireland
- Exploring County LondonderryAll the best Things to do in County Londonderry County Londonderry, located in Northern Ireland,… Read more: Exploring County Londonderry
- Scenic Coastal Drives in IrelandScenic Coastal Drives in Ireland the perfect guide Exploring Ireland by car is one of… Read more: Scenic Coastal Drives in Ireland
- Things to do in County DownAbsolute best guide to things to do in County Down In the northeastern corner of… Read more: Things to do in County Down
- National Parks of IrelandExploring the National Parks of Ireland: A Natural Heritage Ireland, known for its lush green… Read more: National Parks of Ireland
- Things to do in County Armagh20 Best things to do in Armagh Northern Ireland 2025 County Armagh, often referred to… Read more: Things to do in County Armagh
- Best Golf Courses in IrelandGolf Trip to Ireland? Everything you need to know about the golf courses My husband… Read more: Best Golf Courses in Ireland
- Best things to do in County AntrimBest things to do in County Antrim Northern Ireland 2025 Antrim is both a town… Read more: Best things to do in County Antrim
- Traditional Irish Music FestivalsIreland’s best traditional Irish music festivals and schools Ireland is renowned for its historic traditional… Read more: Traditional Irish Music Festivals
- Ancient Ireland historic sitesAncient Ireland historic sites 39 Sacred sites to visit Ancient Ireland is a land filled… Read more: Ancient Ireland historic sites
- The Best Hiking Trails in IrelandThe Best 26 Hiking Trails in Ireland for All Skill Levels Ireland is a paradise… Read more: The Best Hiking Trails in Ireland
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the UKExploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites: A Journey Through the United Kingdom The United Kingdom is… Read more: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the UK
- Haunted places in Northern IrelandMost haunted places for dark tourism across Northern Ireland Irish history is full of legends,… Read more: Haunted places in Northern Ireland
- Dunluce Castle Northern IrelandDunluce Castle Northern Ireland: A romantic ruin Dunluce Castle (Dún Libhse) has always been special… Read more: Dunluce Castle Northern Ireland
- Things to Do in Belfast Northern IrelandUltimate guide to things to do in Belfast Northern Ireland Belfast is the capital city… Read more: Things to Do in Belfast Northern Ireland
- Souvenirs from IrelandUnique Irish Gifts authentic traditional souvenirs of Ireland Do you have an Irish fan on… Read more: Souvenirs from Ireland
- How to hire a private driver in Ireland 2024/2025How to hire a private driver in Ireland 2024/2025 If you’re planning a trip to… Read more: How to hire a private driver in Ireland 2024/2025
- Best Museums in IrelandBest Museums in Ireland to visit in Dublin & Beyond Are you a Museum fan?… Read more: Best Museums in Ireland
- Ireland without a carGetting around Ireland without a car the best guide Ireland, the land of ancient castles… Read more: Ireland without a car
- Best festivals in Ireland51 of the top best festivals in Ireland throughout the year Ireland, both North and… Read more: Best festivals in Ireland
- Carrick-a-rede Rope BridgeUltimate guide to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge The famous Northern Ireland suspension bridge, Carrick-a-Rede rope… Read more: Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge
- How to visit Mussenden Temple and Downhill DemesneHow to visit Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne Mussenden Temple is perched precariously on the… Read more: How to visit Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne
- Irish culture and traditionsIreland’s culture and traditions from cuisine to customs The culture of Ireland is rich, and… Read more: Irish culture and traditions
- Spring in EuropeSpring in Europe 25 amazing places to visit Visiting Europe in spring (known as the… Read more: Spring in Europe
- The Best Day Trips from Belfast29 Best Day Trips from Belfast: Exploring Northern Ireland’s Gems At the request of one… Read more: The Best Day Trips from Belfast
- The Stunning 9 Glens of AntrimStunning 9 Glens of Antrim Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coast The Glens of Antrim, are known… Read more: The Stunning 9 Glens of Antrim
- Questions about travel to IrelandAnswers to frequently asked questions about travel to Ireland Traveling around Ireland is a dream… Read more: Questions about travel to Ireland
- Things to do in Belfast at ChristmasThings to do in Belfast at Christmas Originally published in House Sitting Magazine Belfast at… Read more: Things to do in Belfast at Christmas
- Irish Folklore and Irish Mythology: 35 Irish myths and legendsIrish Folklore and Irish Mythology: 35 Irish myths and legends Irish myths and legends are… Read more: Irish Folklore and Irish Mythology: 35 Irish myths and legends
- Ireland before you die! An Irish Bucket listIreland before you die! An Irish Bucket list My Irish bucket list is a comprehensive… Read more: Ireland before you die! An Irish Bucket list
- Discover Ulster-Scots Heritage: Northern IrelandDiscover Ulster-Scots Heritage: Northern Ireland For me, there has always been a curious disconnect between… Read more: Discover Ulster-Scots Heritage: Northern Ireland
- Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Stairway to Heaven IrelandUltimate Guide to Hiking the Stairway to Heaven, Ireland Everything you need to know before… Read more: Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Stairway to Heaven Ireland
- Game of Thrones filming locations Ireland33 Epic Game of Thrones filming locations Ireland to visit Updated May 2024 Northern Ireland… Read more: Game of Thrones filming locations Ireland
- The Perfect Ireland Road Trip ItineraryThe Perfect Ireland Road Trip Itinerary for two weeks It’s not easy to plan the… Read more: The Perfect Ireland Road Trip Itinerary
- Off the beaten path IrelandOff the beaten path Ireland not the usual tourist trail Ireland, known for its breathtaking… Read more: Off the beaten path Ireland
- Best Viking sites in the British Isles to visitBest Viking sites in the British Isles to visit The world has been obsessed with… Read more: Best Viking sites in the British Isles to visit
- Carrickfergus CastleCarrickfergus Castle Northern Ireland a tale of ghosts, pirates, & Normans Carrickfergus Castle is an… Read more: Carrickfergus Castle
- 101 Landmarks in Northern Ireland101 Landmarks in Northern Ireland all the best attractions I was born in Northern Ireland… Read more: 101 Landmarks in Northern Ireland
- Irish Celtic Crosses– 16 Important Celtic Cross sites in IrelandIrish Celtic Crosses– 16 Important Celtic Cross sites in Ireland The Irish Celtic Cross (sometimes… Read more: Irish Celtic Crosses– 16 Important Celtic Cross sites in Ireland
- Ultimate 22 things to do on Rathlin IslandUltimate 22 things to do on Rathlin Island Across the windswept waters of the Sea… Read more: Ultimate 22 things to do on Rathlin Island
- Causeway Coastal Route ItineraryHow to plan your Causeway Coastal Route Northern Ireland Driving the Causeway Coast Route in… Read more: Causeway Coastal Route Itinerary
- Things to do in Derry the ultimate guideThings to do in Derry the ultimate guide Visiting Derry or Londonderry Northern Ireland as… Read more: Things to do in Derry the ultimate guide
- Boa Island and the mystery of the Caldragh Janus HeadBoa Island Fermanagh and the Caldragh Cemetary Janus Head Boa Island is located in Lower… Read more: Boa Island and the mystery of the Caldragh Janus Head
- The Ultimate Tour of the Giant’s Causeway Choosing the Ultimate Giant’s Causeway Tour When you visit one of the highlights of Northern Ireland,… Read more: The Ultimate Tour of the Giant’s Causeway
- Best time to visit Scotland and Ireland: The Ultimate GuideBest time to visit Scotland and Ireland: The Ultimate Guide Planning a trip to Ireland… Read more: Best time to visit Scotland and Ireland: The Ultimate Guide
- 15 Celtic Symbols and meanings15 Celtic symbols and meanings Celtic symbols hold a special place in Irish culture, carrying… Read more: 15 Celtic Symbols and meanings
- Trip to the UK and Ireland for 3 weeksUltimate guide to planning a trip to the UK and Ireland Are you dreaming of… Read more: Trip to the UK and Ireland for 3 weeks
- Castle ruins in IrelandCastle ruins in Ireland: Abandoned castles and ruins Castle ruins are a testament to Ireland’s… Read more: Castle ruins in Ireland
- Best castles in IrelandBest castles in Ireland from hotels to haunted Ireland boasts a rich history, and scattered… Read more: Best castles in Ireland
- Camping in Ireland: 30 Best camping and wild camping spotsCamping in Ireland: 30 Best camping and wild camping spots Camping in Ireland is something… Read more: Camping in Ireland: 30 Best camping and wild camping spots
- Awe-inspiring Stone Circles in IrelandAwe-inspiring Stone Circles in Ireland Stone Circles in Ireland are much easier to find these… Read more: Awe-inspiring Stone Circles in Ireland
- The Best Glamping in Ireland42 best places to go glamping in Ireland Glamping in Ireland can be anything from… Read more: The Best Glamping in Ireland
- Best Surfing Beaches in the UKBest Surfing Beaches in the UK The sound of crashing waves, the salty sea breeze,… Read more: Best Surfing Beaches in the UK
- 68 Of the Best Tourist Attractions in Northern Ireland68 Of the Best Tourist Attractions in Northern Ireland Visiting Northern Ireland and looking… Read more: 68 Of the Best Tourist Attractions in Northern Ireland
- 12 Ancient Ring forts in Ireland to visit12 Ancient Ring Forts in Ireland to visit How many ring forts in Ireland? At… Read more: 12 Ancient Ring forts in Ireland to visit
- 19 Most beautiful waterfalls in Ireland19 Most beautiful waterfalls in Ireland Waterfalls in Ireland offer a unique and beautiful experience… Read more: 19 Most beautiful waterfalls in Ireland
- The Magnificent Game of Thrones Tapestry BelfastThe Magnificent Game of Thrones Tapestry Belfast Updated February 2023 The Game of Thrones Tapestry… Read more: The Magnificent Game of Thrones Tapestry Belfast
- Ulster American Folk Park Omagh: A step back in timeUlster American Folk Park Omagh – a step back in time What is the Ulster… Read more: Ulster American Folk Park Omagh: A step back in time
- Grey Abbey an evocative ruin in Northern IrelandGrey Abbey an evocative ruin in Northern Ireland The Greyabbey, or Grey Abbey can be… Read more: Grey Abbey an evocative ruin in Northern Ireland