One of the best bits about visiting Northern Ireland is how there are so many different activities to do and sights to see! When you visit Belfast, you’re always within touching distance of something new, unique and beautiful – it’s just a matter of knowing where to look!
To help both residents and visitors alike, we’ve compiled this list of some of the best day trips from Belfast, including informative tours, natural beauty and exciting activities. With any luck, this will help you make the most of your time in Belfast and experience all that you can from this incredible city.
The Giant’s Causeway Tour
The Giant’s Causeway tour departs from Great Victoria Street every day at 9 am and is a must when you visit Belfast! The Giant’s Causeway itself is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO world heritage site and it is a completely unique natural wonder. Made up of 40,000 basalt pillars and steeped in Irish legend, the coastal marvel has inspired everyone from artists and musicians to storytellers.
As well as the Giant’s Causeway itself, the tour also visits other coastal curiosities of note, from the iconic Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge to the atmospheric ruins of Dunluce Castle. This is the day tour from Belfast that has a little something for everybody, and, as an added highlight, ours is one of the only tours taking visitors to the Giant’s Causeway first thing in the morning, enabling you to experience it uncrowded and quiet.
If you’d like to find out more about the Giant’s Causeway tour, click here.
Lough Neagh
As the largest lake in the British Isles, Lough Neagh is home to all sorts of different flora, fauna and legend, from stories of underwater cities to giants prowling the area. Lough Neagh is recognised worldwide for its unique combination of wildlife and myth, featuring rare plants, insects, birds and fish, as well as one of the world’s best-preserved natural wetlands.
The lake itself is 113 miles all the way around but there are many smaller walking circuits that will take you through the natural countryside in the area. It’s common for visitors to bring a packed lunch, go for a leisurely stroll and settle in a quiet spot to eat, with the hopes of glimpsing some interesting wildlife whilst there.
Located only 50 minutes away from Belfast, if you’re interested in discovering all that nature has to offer with sprinkles of local legend on top, Lough Neagh is the perfect day trip from Belfast.
Carnlough
Situated an hour north of Belfast, Carnlough is a beautifully quaint village situated on the Antrim Coast. The main attraction of the area is Cranny Falls, a scenic natural waterfall that can be reached by foot through the exceptional Northern Irish countryside. If this wasn’t enough, there are also some great boat tours throughout the local bay, guiding you towards some seal watching and brilliant wildlife.
If you need a quiet, one-day getaway, Carnlough is a brilliant option.
Bangor
The fairly large coastal town of Bangor is great for the traditional seaside experience – and is not to be confused with the Welsh city of the same name! An incredible pier supplies the views, whilst the town itself offers a variety of more cultural activities including the North Down Museum, Bangor Castle and Bangor Abbey. Bangor is steeped in history – the North Down Museum features bronze age items in its collection, Bangor Abbey was founded in 558 AD and Bangor Castle was built in 1852.
If you’re a history buff or simply fancy a stroll by the sea, then Bangor is a brilliant spot (and it’s only half an hour away from Belfast itself).
Carrickfergus
Another coastal town, Carrickfergus boasts the incredible title of being the oldest town in County Antrim, as well as being one of the oldest in the country. This historical legacy has left Carrickfergus full of attractions and experiences, making it more than worthy of a day trip from Belfast.
By far the town’s most famous attraction is Carrickfergus Castle, an 800-year-old stone monument to an era long past. Until 90 years ago, it was still in use as a military fortification. Nowadays, the castle is home to a museum and gallery, housing displays and cannons from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
That’s not all Carrickfergus has to offer, though. Overlooking the sea are the town’s Marine Gardens, dotted with imposing cannons, a children’s play park and a local war memorial. Furthermore, a little outside of town is the Knockagh Monument, a larger war memorial that offers some incredible panoramic views of Belfast.
For a walk through more recent history and some incredible views along the way, Carrickfergus is a great option for your next day out.
Colin Glen Forest Park
Barely fifteen minutes from the centre of Belfast, Colin Glen Forest Park is home to a brilliant adventure park suitable for all ages. Hosting all sorts of different activities, ranging from Bubble Football to Aerial Challenges, if you’re looking to burn some energy and have fun at the same time, this is the place for you.
The park regularly organises special events and offers, so make sure to check their website before you go.
Exploris Aquarium
Finally, learn a little more about the natural world with an informative trip to Exploris Aquarium. As Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal rehabilitation centre, you’re unlikely to find an experience like this anywhere else.
Situated only an hour outside of Belfast and home to all sorts of aquatic animals, from sharks to crocodiles to clownfish, you’re sure to see something completely new. The aquarium also organises special events where a member of staff will guide you through the different displays and animals, explaining their history and unique traits along the way. If you want an experience that combines education with enjoyment, then this is a great option for you.
With so many different choices available, you really are spoiled for choice! Just a short hop out of Belfast can take you to all of these wonderful places – and many more besides – so you’ll never be short of something to do!
