If you also have the dream of experiencing the most beautiful and impressive attractions in Northern Ireland, you might find some inspiration in this overview of our 3 day road trip.
With only a short amount of time available, we wanted our first encounter with Ireland and Northern Ireland to be filled with experiences – and it was! Read along and learn more about our busy, but still manageable, day to day program.
Day 1: Dublin airport to Slane Village
We arrived at Dublin airport late in the afternoon and were picked up by our driver. Phil told us a lot along the way, and we got the possibility to stretch our legs at Trim Castle before arriving at the charming village of Slane.
Day 2: Slane Village to Cushendun
After a good nights sleep at our B&B, we were picked up by our driver Bobby, who was to take us on our tour around Northern Ireland. The first stop of the day was Newgrange Megalith Tomb. Here, we had a tour of the tomb and were told the informative story about this amazing construction, that is actually older than the pyramids…
After a journey waaay back in time, the next stop of the day was at the beautiful Hillsborough Castle, where we took a walk around the park. It is said that this is where the Queen stays when she pays Nortehrn Ireland a visit, but as Bobby said; She never does…
After a quick lunch stop in Belfast, we headed towards Glenariff Forest Park, where we had time to go for a short hike and enjoy the amazing surroundings. A lot of families had picnics here with a great view, and we walked past green hills, lush forest and beautiful waterfalls. Just the kind of activity such a bunch of nature enthusiasts love!
The day ended in the small village of Cushendun, where we first got a glimpse of Caves of Cushendun, where scenes from Game of Thrones were shot. After this we were dropped off at our B&B, where we stayed with what I must call the most amazing view I have ever stayed with!
Day 3: Cushendun to Dublin city center
The last day of our road trip started with a solid breakfast cooked by our sweet hostes, Maggie, and then we left for the most northern of Northern Ireland. On our way we had a few stops at the ruins Bonamargy Friary, a look out to the famous Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, and a look out of White Park Bay, where the cows come down to the beach to cool off on a warm summer day.
It was still before noon as we arrived at my favorite attraction on the entire trip: Giant’s Causeway! Wow! A really fantastic and almost unreal place that I already dream to visit again some day…
(Psst – you can read my 5 tips for visiting Giant’s Causeway right here)
After spending a couple of hours admiring the landscape at Giant’s Causeway, we proceeded to Bushmill Whiskey Distillery. Here, we visited their bar, where you can buy a mini whiskey tasting. I must admit that I am still not convinced that whiskey is my thing 😉
Time for a late lunch, and Bobby knew just how to enjoy it. We bought a sandwich in Bushmill town, and then headed for a picnic area with a view to the ruins of Dunluce Castle – another place I had dreamed to see with my own eyes.
Our adventures in Northern Ireland had now come to an end, and we started our journey back to Dublin. On the way we stopped at Dark Hedges, also known from Game of Thrones. Even though Bobby warned us that this wasn’t anything special to see during summer time, we are happy that we made a stop here.
The trip back to Dublin was long, but as a last stop we visited the famous Fitzpatrick’s Bar & Restaurant for an early dinner.
Our journey with Bobby ended outside the aparthotel we had booked ourselves in Dublin.
All in all, this was a fantastic and eventful road trip that can be highly recommended! We never felt like we had to hurry or that we missed something, but we still got to see all we wanted to see – and even more than that.
If you have a dream of exploring Northern Ireland I can only say: What are you waiting for? 🙂
Would you like to know more about how we planned this trip? Read more in my post about planning and practicalities.
Visited in July 2017
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