The Best Day Trips in Northern Ireland

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.

Why stick to just one activity when you can merge two into the same day? Near the town of Ballycastle, just over an hour from Belfast, sit two of the country’s most interesting historical sites. Carrick-a-Rede is an ancient rope bridge that takes you to a tiny island, for a thrilling (but entirely safe) experience. Then, just a few miles away, go and explore the ruins of Kinbane Castle for even more coastal history.

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.

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.

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.

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.