DERRY to BELFAST
HIGHLIGHTS
- Giant’s Causeway. Worth the trip but you need time to explore them properly, ideally stopping for a night to allow you to see the daylight reflect on the basalt columns.
- Mussenden Temple, Castlerock. In the Derry’s Archbishop library, a door and three windows at each of the four points Cardinal offer an amazing view of the beach and sea.
- Rathlin Island. The only inhabited island off the Antrim Coast is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. You can sleep in huts by the sea.
- The Causeway Coast Way. 52 kilometers, from Portstewart to Ballycastle, to explore on foot in several days leaving time for visits to such places as Bushmills Distillery.
- Belfast Food Tour. Northern Ireland local food, from seaweed to cheese, from oysters to craft beers, on a tour that leaves from St George’s Market.
- Ox, Belfast. Stephen Toman’s restaurant is Michelin starred but affordable, set in a Victorian brick building, overlooking the Lagan River.
- Causeway Hotel, Bushmills. Next to the Visitor Center, it allows you to explore the Giant’s Causeway in the loneliness of sunrise and sunset.
- Portbradden. Remote village at the foot of the cliffs, former site of an old salmon fishing station. You can sleep in a fisherman’s cottage.
- Binevenagh. The basaltic plateau offers stunning views of the Antrim coast and the Donegal mountains. On foot but also by car.
- Carrick-a-rede, Ballintoy. A rope bridge 30 meters above the Atlantic allows you to reach the ancient salmon fishing station, now deserted.
AUTHOR’S TIPS
The Point Bar, Limavady.
On the ferry dock for Greencastle, a pub/restaurant in the dunes, overlooking Lough Foyle and Donegal.
Mussenden Temple, Castlerock, Colareaine.
A door and three windows with terrific views open to the four cardinal points of the library of the Archbishop of Derry.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/mussenden-temple-and-downhill-demesne
Burrenmore Nest, Castlerock, Coleraine.
In a forest just a stone's throw from Benone Strand, three lodges with transparent walls suspended between the branches.
https://www.burrenmore-nest.com/
Catch and Sea, Portstewart.
You sail on a fishing boat that casts and collects the nets, eating what you have caught.
https://causewaycoastfoodietours.com/catch-and-sea/
Harry's Shack, Portstewart.
Restaurant with tables on the beach with fish from local fishermen and products from the owner's farm.
https://discovernorthernireland.com/food-and-drink/harrys-shack-p709691
Babuska Kitchen Cafe, Portrush.
The ingredients are local and sustainable, the atmosphere eclectic and casual in the café at South Pier.
https://www.babushkakitchencafe.co.uk/
Portrush Surf School, Portrush.
To try riding the waves of the Altantic ocean with a surfboard or bodyboard.
Bushmills Inn, Bushmills.
An old stagecoach inn: fireplace with peat fire, Victorian pub and new Irish cuisine.
Giant's Causeway, Bushmills.
You should explore them at your leisure, to see the hourly changing light on the basalt columns
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/giants-causeway
Causeway Hotel, Bushmills.
Next to the Visitor Centre, it allows you to explore the Giant's Causeway in the solitude of sunrise and sunset.
Portbradden Cottage, Bushmills.
Remote village at the foot of the cliff, former fishing station. You can sleep in a fisherman's cottage.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays/northern-ireland/portbraddan-cottage
Carrick-a-rede, Ballintoy.
A walkway suspended 30 meters above the Atlantic allows you to reach the old salmon fishing station, now deserted.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/carrick-a-rede
The Fullerton Arms, Ballintoy.
One of the famous gateways to The Games of Thrones, you will find in this inn with cozy rooms, good craic and good Irish food.
https://www.fullerton-arms.com/
Whitepark House, Ballintoy.
A beautiful country house from 1735 with only three large rooms. On a clear day, views of the Scottish islands.
Rathlin Glamping Pods, Rathlin Island.
On Rathlin island, an ornithological paradise, you sleep in huts by the sea, lulled by the waves.
https://rathlinglamping.co.uk/
Rathlin West Lighthouse
The most spectacular of Rathlin Island's three lighthouses.
https://www.greatlighthouses.com/lighthouses/rathlin-west-light/
Mary McBride's Pub, Cushendun.
The small pub has one of the 10 doors inspired by a scene from The Games of Thrones, carved out of the felled trees of The Dark Hedges.
https://discovernorthernireland.com/food-and-drink/mary-mcbrides-p682531
Londonderry Arms Hotel, Carnlough.
Overlooking the sea, it is a historic hotel dating back to 1847. Sir Winston Churchill was one of its owners.
https://londonderryarmshotel.com/
Glenarm Castle Walled Garden, Glenarm.
One of Ireland's oldest walled gardens, blooming in all seasons. Also glamping.
Blackhead Lightkeeper's House, Carrickfergus.
On the headland that encloses Belfats Lough, you sleep in the lighthouse keeper's cottage.
https://irishlandmark.com/properties/blackhead-lightkeepers-house-1/
Belfast Traditional Music Trail.
Led by two musicians is the tour of the clubs to discover the Belfast music scene.
Ox, Belfast.
Michelin-starred but affordable is Stephen Toman's restaurant, in a Victorian-era brick building overlooking the Lagan River.
Belfast Food Tour, Belfast.
Local specialties, from seaweed to cheeses, oysters to craft beers, on a tour that departs from St George's Market.
