Around 40,000 regularly shaped basalt columns form a paved surface at the Giant’s Causeway. Their uniform shapes make this rocky expanse a striking starting point for a journey through Northern Ireland. Footpaths lead to the coast, and the cliffs offer views across the coastal landscape. Most of the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast protected area is designated as a National Nature Reserve.
Coasts, waterfalls and protected areas
At Glenariff Nature Reserve, the waterfalls and access to them are the main focus: boardwalks, paths and footbridges make it easier to get around. A visitor centre and waymarked trails help visitors find their way. Northern Ireland offers a range of natural settings: basalt columns and coastal views at the Giant’s Causeway, and waterfalls and varied trail features at Glenariff.
Strangford Lough is one of only three designated Marine Nature Reserves in the United Kingdom. In County Down, the Mourne Mountains form a dramatic landscape with twelve peaks over 2,000 feet high. Alongside coastal and waterside scenery, the region therefore offers a designated marine reserve and a striking mountain landscape.
Manor houses and trails with their own character
At Mount Stewart, art, architecture and landscape come together. The manor house dates from the 19th century and has a world-class art collection, as well as other internationally significant objects. Ten miles of walking trails cross woodland and mixed farmland on the demesne. The Mount Stewart Lake Walk follows the shore of a seven-acre lake.
The Temple of the Winds at Mount Stewart offers an architectural contrast: the octagonal listed building dates from the 18th century, is Grade 1 listed and stands on a hill overlooking Strangford Lough. During a visit, you can shift your attention between the art collection, historic building and landscape, each with its own character.
Castle Ward also offers striking contrasts. The 18th-century manor house is Gothic Revival on one side and classically Palladian on the other. The estate has a total of 21 miles of trails for walking, wheelchair use, cycling and horse riding. The challenging eight-mile Castle Ward Boundary Trail leads from Audley’s Castle to Deer Park. The Castle Ward Hoof Trail is a 7.5-mile horse-riding route through woodland and along the shore of Strangford Lough. The short, accessible Castle Ward Shore Trail is 1.2 miles long and designed for walking and cycling. These details can help you choose: a challenging walk, a shorter accessible trail and a horse-riding route each offer something different. The estate’s outdoor play parks are open daily.
City history and experiences
Titanic Belfast tells the story of the RMS Titanic across six floors of interactive galleries. In the Titanic Quarter, you can also take a sea safari or a boat tour with views of the River Lagan. Choose between an exhibition about the ship’s history and an experience on the water as two different ways to explore the city.
In Derry-Londonderry, you can explore the 400-year-old walls on foot. Another way to get to know the city is a one-hour-and-30-minute storytelling experience at a brewery, including a tasting of beers brewed on site and local artisan snacks. Marble Arch Caves offers a guided cave tour. For boat trips, the cave tour and the storytelling experience, it is advisable to check dates or availability in advance.
Routes and practical information
The Causeway Coastal Route runs from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry. Belfast is connected to the rest of Northern Ireland by road, rail and bus. If you plan to travel as part of your trip, it is worth checking the latest timetables.
Discover more destinations
Lisburn and Castlereagh, Armagh, Ards, Belfast, Antrim, Ballymena, Down, Fermanagh, Dungannon, Craigavon, Lisburn, Cookstown, Limavady, Derry, Coleraine, Carrickfergus, Tyrone, Newtownabbey, Newry, Londonderry, Moyle, Ballymoney, Magherafelt, Dungannon And South Tyrone, Banbridge
For the main travel overview: Great Britain.
