The Best Day Trips In Northern Ireland

Though it may be small, Northern Ireland is packed with culture, beautiful scenery, and all sorts of places to see and explore. From castles to mountains, visitors really are spoilt for choice when looking for the ideal day out. Here are Culture Trip’s top six recommended day trips in Northern Ireland.

Mourne Mountains

One of the highest points anywhere on the island of Ireland, the Mourne Mountains are a joy for casual and experienced walkers alike. Setting off from the town of Kilkeel (70 minutes by car from Belfast) offers plenty of different routes. Among the best is Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in Northern Ireland. A bit of a challenge, yes, but the rewards for those who reach the 850-metre (2,789-foot) summit make it well worth it.

Carrick-a-Rede Bridge and Kinbane Castle

Marble Arch Caves

Not to be confused with the Marble Arch tube station in London, the Marble Arch Caves are an underground network of rivers and lakes. They became a Geopark in 2001, and since then, guides have been taking visitors on boat tours through the winding tunnels. There are plenty of nearby walking routes too, and although it takes almost two hours to drive there from Belfast (similar for Derry-Londonderry), it’s well worth the trip.

The Old Bushmills Distillery

While Scotland might get more brand recognition when it comes to whiskey, Northern Ireland isn’t far behind. Bushmills is a household name and also has claim to the oldest working distillery on the planet. Located near Portrush, about an hour north of Belfast, the distillery lets you see the 400-year-old handcrafting process in action – and try some whiskey straight out of the cask.

Navan Fort

For some really ancient history, Navan Fort is a great destination. It was the royal seat of the King of Ulster, with history dating back almost 6,000 years. Now, there is a visitor’s centre with reconstructed houses, ancient artefacts and even an archaeology experience for kids. If you’re a bit less interested in that, the woodlands routes around the area are to die for. Navan Fort is just an hour west of Belfast.

Ulster American Folk Park

The story of Irish emigration to America comes to life at this vast open-air museum in Couonty Tyrone, just 45 minutes south of Derry-Londonderry. The 30 different exhibit buildings demonstrate the work done by Irish emigrants who travelled to America in the 18th and 19th centuries. You can even look around a full-sized replica of one of the ships that took them across, and staff members demonstrate things like wax candle-making. It’s also worth noting that many of the buildings are 100% authentic, painstakingly dismantled and taken from the States back to Ireland.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.