Planning a trip to Northern Ireland? This guide provides the perfect Northern Ireland itinerary to explore its breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant cities. From the rugged beauty of the Giant’s Causeway to the cultural riches and attractions of Belfast, this 3-day journey will showcase the best places to visit in Northern Ireland. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or city explorer, this itinerary will ensure you don’t miss the highlights.
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Day 1: Exploring Belfast Attractions – A Northern Ireland Itinerary
Start your Northern Ireland adventure in Belfast, the region’s capital and a hub of culture and history. Known for its lively atmosphere and rich past, Belfast attractions are a must for any itinerary. You can get around via rental car or public transportation. However, we did the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus in Belfast and I highly recommend this for going from sight to sight.
Morning: Titanic Belfast
Kick off your trip with a visit to Titanic Belfast, a world-class museum dedicated to the ill-fated ocean liner built in this city. The interactive exhibits bring the ship’s history to life, making it a captivating experience for all ages.
Afternoon: City Hall and St. George’s Market
Afterward, head to Belfast City Hall for a guided tour. Its stunning architecture and fascinating history make it a top spot among Belfast attractions. For lunch, visit St. George’s Market to sample local delicacies like soda bread and seafood chowder.
Evening: Cathedral Quarter
Wrap up your day in the Cathedral Quarter, known for its vibrant pubs, street art, and live music. It’s the perfect spot to soak in Belfast’s energetic spirit before preparing for the next leg of your 3 days Northern Ireland itinerary.
Grand Central Hotel Belfast
A highly rated hotel that is in a great location in Belfast.
Day 2: The Giants Causeway Itinerary and Antrim Coast – A Northern Ireland Itinerary
The second day is all about the iconic Giant’s Causeway itinerary, along with the stunning sights of the Antrim Coast. This area is one of the best places to visit in Northern Ireland and promises unforgettable views. If you have your own car, this is definitely doable on your own. We, however, chose not to rent a car and took the tour below. I highly recommend this particular tour. It is on a smaller coach bus and our tour guide was excellent. His goal was to make it to the highlighted stops BEFORE the big tour buses showed up.
Morning: Giant’s Causeway
Drive along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route to the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its hexagonal basalt columns. Spend your morning exploring this natural wonder and learning about the myths of Finn McCool.
Afternoon: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle
Next, visit the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, where you can cross over to a small island with panoramic coastal views. Nearby, Dunluce Castle offers a glimpse into medieval history, perched dramatically on a cliff.
Evening: Ballycastle or Bushmills
End your day in the charming town of Ballycastle or the village of Bushmills, home to the famous Old Bushmills Distillery. A whiskey tasting here is the perfect way to wind down after exploring the Giant’s Causeway itinerary.
Day 3: Derry and the Best of Northern Ireland’s History – A Northern Ireland Itinerary
For the final day of your Northern Ireland itinerary, head west to the historic city of Derry (also known as Londonderry). Its rich heritage and vibrant culture make it one of the best places to visit in Northern Ireland.
Morning: Derry’s City Walls
Start your day with a walk along Derry’s City Walls, which date back to the 17th century. The views of the city and River Foyle are breathtaking, and the history lessons along the way are equally enriching.
Afternoon: Bogside Murals and Guildhall
Explore the Bogside murals, which depict the Troubles and Derry’s social history. Then, visit Guildhall, a neo-Gothic building with beautiful stained glass windows and exhibits on local history.
Evening: Return to Belfast
Return to Belfast to complete your journey. Depending on your departure time, you can revisit any Belfast attractions you missed or relax in one of the city’s cozy cafes.
Wondering how to pack for your Northern Ireland holiday? Here is a complete guide to packing for Northern Ireland.
Tips for Your 3 Days Northern Ireland Itinerary
- Transportation: Renting a car is the best way to follow this Northern Ireland itinerary and reach all the highlights comfortably.
- When to Go: The best time to visit is between May and September for mild weather and longer daylight hours.
- Packing Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, layers for unpredictable weather, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
With its mix of natural wonders, historical sites, and lively cities, Northern Ireland offers an unforgettable travel experience. Follow this 3 days Northern Ireland itinerary to explore the best places to visit in Northern Ireland, from the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway to the cultural gems of Belfast attractions. It’s a journey that will leave you with cherished memories and a longing to return.
