Northern Ireland is a part of the United Kingdom. It can be reached via a 3-hour drive from Dublin or a 1.5-hour drive from Belfast. While there is much to see and do in Northern Ireland’s capital city of Belfast, don’t neglect to get outside of the city!
I don’t recommend driving yourself in Ireland unless you are very comfortable driving on the left side of the road, driving in narrow lanes, and driving a manual transmission car. If you are interested in purchasing transfers from Dublin (or elsewhere) please let us know. Read on below to learn about some of what you can see and do in Northern Ireland!
1. Giant’s Causeway
I always wanted to visit the Giant Causeway because I love unusual geological formations. So, when I had the opportunity to visit Ireland I knew I had to included it in the itinerary.
The Giant’s Causeway is a World Heritage Site consisting of over 40,000 interlocking polygonal basalt columns. 60-million years ago, volcanic activity formed the structure. Lava oozed from fissures in the earth, cooled, and contracted to form the columns.
However, legend states that an Irish giant, Finn MacCool built the causeway. He wanted to cross the North Channel to fight the Scottish giant Benandonner. There are identical basalt columns at Fingal’s Cave on the Scottish isle of Staffa.
Don’t forget to check out other rock formations in the area: Giant’s Boot, Wishing Chair, the Camel, the Organ, and Chimney Stacks.
2. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
The Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is about 20-minute drive from the Giant’s Causeway. The bridge spans 66 feet and hangs suspended about 100 feet above the sea. It connects the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. Volcanic plugs like Carrickarede form when magma hardens and blocks a vent within an active volcano. Fisherman used to fish for salmon from the island.
3. Old Bushmills Distillery
You cannot visit Ireland without trying Irish whiskey. Old Bushmills Distillery is about 6 minutes drive from the Giant’s Causeway. Hugh Anderson formally established the distillery in 1784. However, the distillery traces its history back to 1608. A tour of the distillery will teach you about how whiskey is made. And of course you can sample their whiskey.
Are you thinking about exploring Northern Ireland? Contact us today to plan your trip!