Northern Ireland is an absolutely breathtaking country for a road trip. This beautiful country is lined with a stunning coastline, many natural wonders and historical sights.
It has everything to suit your taste with attractions ranging from castles to beaches to beautiful coastlines.
We’ve created this guide to the best Northern Ireland natural attractions for your next trip.
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Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
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Best Time to Visit Northern Ireland
The weather in Northern Ireland is similar to the UK and the Republic of Ireland, which can be a little unpredictable.
Summers are mild, and winters are chilly in Northern Ireland. However, the winters aren’t too cold because of Gulf Stream but you can still get caught out in the rain at = anytime.
The seasons of spring and autumn are cool, windy, and wet. When it comes to the best time to visit Northern Ireland, it’s got to be the summer season. This is the time when the sun shines at its best and the beauty of the country as well.
The months from June to August are the time to plan a trip or explore the best beaches in Northern Ireland.
Important Tips to Travel Hassle-Free in Northern Ireland
To ensure that your time and stay in Northern Ireland is a memorable one, we’ve compiled a list of some important tips that you would want to keep in mind.
- Rent a Car – It’s a Great Option!
Northern Ireland is a small country that can be easily explored via car. If you aren’t arriving by car, it is always an excellent option to go for a rental car to get around which lets you explore places at your own speed, and you can also set your own itinerary. Just a tip here – do not drive in the bus lane. You’ll be easily tracked down and sent a fine.
- Go for Public Transportation
Public transportation is another good option for getting around in Northern Ireland.
There are buses that will take you almost anywhere and everywhere you want to go. Whether you’re on top sights to see in Northern Ireland tour or wish to visit any small village, the public transport here has got you covered.
- Don’t Worry About Locals
People in Northern Ireland are so much fun and we have always found them to be really friendly.
- You’re Safe
Many of you must be wondering about the safety in Northern Ireland. Well, don’t worry, it’s all safe. Back in the 80s, the country didn’t have a good image in terms of safety. Belfast was quite dangerous to visit. However, that’s not the case anymore. Today, Northern Ireland is one of the safest countries to visit in the world.
Top Natural Attractions in Northern Ireland
The Glens of Antrim
Located on the northeastern coast of Ireland, the Glens of Antrim, also known as “The Glens,” is the valleys that emit the Antrim Plateau. These 9 Glens of Antrim were also featured in many songs. These are Glenarm, Glencloy, Glenariff, Glenallyyeamon, Glencorp, Glenaan, Glendun, Glenshesk, and Glentaisie.
Of all these, Glenarm is touted as the Glen of the Army. All of these Glenns have a settlement located within their vicinity. There are beautiful walks and panoramic views awaiting to astound you. In general, the Glens of Antrim is one such popular tourist attraction that you cannot afford to miss while on your trip to Northern Ireland.
Giant’s Causeway
Giant’s Causeway is another big thing in Northern Ireland tourism. It can be best described as a spectacular rock formation that was created some 60 million years ago.
Today, Giant’s Causeway serves as the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. The landscape of this popular tourist site features a huge expanse of closely packed, hexagonal stone columns.
If we talk about the creation of these stone columns, well, there’s a myth and history associated with it. The myth says this stunning landscape was created by a giant named – Finn McCool, who used to live along the coast of North Antrim.
Whereas history says that these stones were created after an underwater volcano’s geological actions. Doesn’t matter which is true amongst both; what’s guaranteed is a fantastic experience here at Giant’s Causeway.
And to make your visit further memorable, there is even a Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience, located in a state-of-the-art building beautifully half-hidden in the hillside.
Lough Neagh
One of the most spectacular Northern Ireland landmarks, Lough Neah is engirdled by some of the most majestic islands of Ireland’s charming villages. Without a doubt, it is a haven for all nature lovers.
It has a vast expanse of water which makes it more like an ocean. In case you don’t know, Lough Neagh is the largest lake in Ireland and also a destination that oozes history, nature, heritage, and eternal beauty.
There is also off-beaten tracks that are packed with great bars and restaurants, beautiful walks, and exquisite scenery. Visiting Lough Neagh is indeed one of its kind experience that you must witness for an amazing time in Northern Ireland.
Rathlin Island
A rare and untouched beauty in Northern Ireland tourism is Rathlin Island. It is located amidst the rugged landscape; this beautiful island is a treat for all travellers and tourists vacationing in Northern Ireland.
The island has a tranquil vibe, and you can explore the unpredictable majestic beauty. Since Rathlin Island is six miles across the Sea of Moyle, you have to take a ferry ride to reach there.
This quaint little island has a population of around 150 people. You can talk a short walk from the harbour to Boathouse Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the rich history along with present-day island life. There are even some artifacts that take you into shipwrecks happened around the island.
Apart from that, you can also discover the variety of birdlife here on the island. From the island, you can also enjoy the stunning views of the Antrim Coastline, Mull of Kintyre, and the Scottish island of Islay.
Benone Beach
One of the most popular beaches on the Causeway Coast is Benone Beach. This is not just a popular tourist site amongst travellers, but locals as well. Sprawls over a stretch of 7 miles of golden sand, Benone Beach is a perfect hideout for a peaceful, quality time.
From the beach location, you can even capture the sights of Donegal and Benevenagh Mountain. Not just for nature, Benone Beach is also a popular location for an ultimate adventure in Northern Ireland. Therefore, you can expect to indulge in activities like jet skiing, surfing, swimming, and gliding. Besides, you can also do fishing, canoeing, swimming, and cycling throughout the year.
Before You Leave for Northern Ireland
Before you set off on your way to Northern Ireland, there are a number of things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best insurance for your trip. All of this is discussed in detail below.
How to Get to Northern Ireland
Getting to Northern Ireland is easier than you think! Whether you prefer flying or enjoy a scenic road trip, there are multiple options available. If you’re arriving from overseas, the most convenient way is by flying into Belfast International Airport or George Best Belfast City Airport. Both airports are well-connected with domestic and international flights. Another popular option is taking a ferry from various ports in the United Kingdom, such as Liverpool or Cairnryan, to Belfast or Larne. If you’re already in Ireland, you can opt for a train journey from Dublin to Belfast, offering picturesque views along the way. And for those who enjoy the freedom of the open road, there are excellent motorway connections from both the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, making driving into Northern Ireland a scenic and convenient choice.
Where to Stay in Northern Ireland
Explore Northern Ireland’s charming stays and choose your ideal hotel with the map below for an unforgettable adventure.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Northern Ireland
When it comes to packing for a trip to Northern Ireland, there is one item of clothing that you are going to need all year round: a waterproof coat. In Northern Ireland it rains more than 200 days a year, meaning that during your trip, you can expect rain at some point. Due to this, the number one item on your packing list is a good waterproof jacket (men’s / women’s).
Second to that, another item to not leave home without is a good pair of warm and, if possible, waterproof boots (men’s / women’s). A lot of the best sights in Northern Ireland can require a bit of walking to reach them and the conditions underfoot can become very muddy if it has been raining. You do not want to ruin a good pair of white trainers so pack some sturdy boots.
You will definitely need a hat and gloves during the winter months as the wind chill can be bitter.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see here, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
You can read what else we keep in our camera bag over here.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Northern Ireland
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, a your guide for the best attractions in Northern Ireland. If you are visiting this incredible country and have any other questions on what to expect, leave us a comment down below. We love to chat about this stuff! If you have already been, let us know how it was!
Also, remember to share this with your friends and family that you are going to share this amazing experience with. Sharing is caring and we want to ensure that everyone is fully prepared to maximise their experience completing this stunning road trip.
If you are planning an Ireland trip soon then check out our other Northern Ireland content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
Read Now:
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- Camping in Ireland – Best Campsites
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