Irish Roadtrip pt. 8 | Northern Ireland
Part eight of my Ultimate Coastal Irish Roadtrip crosses the border to Northern Ireland, similar in accent and name and nearly nothing else; prepare to switch over from kilometres to miles per hour and British Pounds instead of Euros as you enter the UK. Home to one of the world’s most unique landscapes and the lively city of Belfast, Northern Ireland is an easy addition to your Irish roadtrip if you don’t mind paying the toll to cross the border!
The landscape at the Giant’s Causeway
Royal Portrush Golf Club*
Drive time Londonderry to Royal Portrush: 1 hour
Approximate time there: 3-5 hours
Northern Ireland’s north coast is lined with links golf courses, the most notable in the area being Royal Portrush Golf Club. It has hosted three Open Championships, most recently, the 2025 British Open. If you’re willing to splurge, the Dunluce Links (championship course) is often rated amongst the top five courses in the UK and Ireland. However, if you’re hoping to spend less and still experience the British links style of play, consider checking out Castlerock or Portstewart Golf Club. Both are a short distance down the coast from Royal Portrush and a fair bit more affordable.
Dunluce Castle
Drive time Royal Portrush to Dunluce: 5 minutes
Approximate time there: 15-45 minutes
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan you might recognize Dunluce Castle, used as the location for Castle Pyke, the seat of House Greyjoy. Entry is cheap (under €10) and you can wander around the ruins where the McQuillan and MacDonnell clans lived (during separate points in time) during its glory.
Giant’s Causeway
Drive time Dunluce to Giant’s Causeway: 15 minutes
Approximate time there: 1-2 hours
The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s no wonder why. Easily one of the most incredible landscapes I’ve ever seen. The natural coastal stretch consists of about 40,000 interlocked basalt columns, a phenomenon that occurred due to ancient volcanic activities. Walking along these columns is such a unique experience, one I will never forget.
The Causeway itself is free if you’re willing to walk. The charge occurs when you park on site and get access to their “Visitor Experience,” similar to the Cliffs of Moher in County Mayo. This charge is per person.
Parking alternative? Park at The Causeway Hotel, it’s cheaper than the Visitor’s Centre, and you can use the cost as a voucher towards coffee or tea at the Hotel. We grabbed a couple of coffees to go before we left.
Tys crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Drive time Giant’s Causeway to Rope Bridge: 20 minutes
Approximate time there: 1-2 hours
Just a 15-minute drive from the Causeway is the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Quite possibly the thing Tys was most excited for! And it was worth the entry fee. After following along a 2.5-kilometre (1.6 mi.) path, you arrive at the rope bridge, which leads across to the old fishing island. The bridge does sway a little on crossing, so if you have a strong fear of heights, this may not be the stop for you.
Allow about two hours for your visit. It’s about a 45-minute walk each way, and you’ll want at least 30 minutes to explore the small island and enjoy the views. During our time there, we saw a pod of dolphins jumping in the nearby water that kept us entertained for a while.
The Dark Hedges*
Drive time Rope Bridge to Dark Hedges: 20 minutes
Approximate time there: 15-30 minutes
Another Game of Thrones filming location, though you don’t need to know anything about Westeros to appreciate this stop. The narrow lane is lined with mature beech trees, creating a natural tunnel that feels straight out of a fairytale. An easy stop to make on your way down to the capital city!
Belfast and the Titanic Experience
Drive time: 1 hour
Approximate time there: 4 hours (or stay the night)
The Capital of Northern Ireland, and the first port of the Titanic. Today, the city is lively — full of great restaurants and bars — but it also pays a beautiful homage to the lives that were lost when the Titanic went down. The Titanic Belfast Museum, located where the ship first departed in 1911, is organized so impressively. I highly recommend visiting and taking the time to learn the stories of the people who were lost.
Silent Valley Reservoir
Drive time: 1.25 hours
Approximate time there: 2 hours
Nestled in the Mourne Mountains, you’ll find the Silent Valley Reservoir. The reservoir provides water to a large portion of Northern Ireland, and has some beautiful paths running through its surrounding area. Check the hours before arriving to be sure you have enough time to explore the grounds.
We also considered Kodak Corner, a walk known for its spectacular mountain views, but with the low visibility we had that day, seeing peaks wasn’t exactly a contributing factor.
