Northern Ireland - Belfast & the Giant's Causeway
Northern Ireland and its award-winning Causeway Coast have an amazing combination of history, culture and breathtaking scenery. From basalt columns to Game of Thrones filming locations to the rejuvenated streets of Belfast and Derry, Northern Ireland is a fascinating place.
Northern Ireland’s beauty is intertwined with tragic history, rich culture and the renowned friendliness of its people. The wild craggy mountains, splendid lakes and sweeping coastline make it an ideal playground for cyclists, hikers, rock climbers and sea kayakers.
Made up of 6 counties, Northern Ireland may have had a troubled history in the day, but lately, Northern Ireland and its capital Belfast have become a hip and cultural place to visit. Its stunning coastal scenery, mountains and coastal villages are enough to tempt outdoor lovers to visit this underrated region.
What to see and do in Northern Ireland:
- UNESCO World Heritage site the Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s most famous site. 40,000 interlocking basalt columns (formed by warring giants according to local legend!) jut out into the sea to form one of Ireland’s strangest and most jaw-dropping geological features.
- The Causeway Coast, a 50-odd mile stretch of enchanting coastline encompassing the Giant’s Causeway, Ballintoy Harbour, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the cliff-top Dunluce Castle, and more, was voted as a top destination to visit by Lonely Planet.
- Belfast, capital of Northern Ireland, has a troubled history but in recent days, its making headlines as a foodie hotspot with dozens of small and delicious restaurants opening their doors and tickling the tastebuds of any who eat there! Recognised too for its connection to the Titanic, the most famous doomed ship in the world.
- Game of Thrones filming locations abound in this magical land – read more about them here.
- The Mourne Mountains, traversed by the strange and lonely Mourne Wall, are a mystical range of mountains sweeping down to the sea, inspirational to fantasy giants such as CS Lewis (author of Narnia) and Game of Thrones filming scouts.
- The Glens of Antrim are a magical place and a lovely place to hike.