The perfect holiday in Northern Ireland, the UK's most underrated natural beauty
This is a place of exceptional natural beauty, where the striking coastline reveals historic cliff paths and jagged caves, and a region of calm lakes is dotted with tiny islands. It's also home to a vibrant dining scene, with beachside seafood shacks and Michelin-starred restaurants, and one of the oldest food markets in the world.
And of course, the Northern Irish aren't shy of a spot of nightlife. In Belfast and all over the country, there are quintessential pubs where there's always some craic to be found, along with traditional music and a bar stocked with locally distilled whiskeys and craft gins. So forget everything you thought you knew about Northern Ireland, and open yourself up to what's happening right now.
For further inspiration, explore our guides to Northern Ireland's best hotels, things to do, restaurants, nightlife and beaches.
In this guide:
How to spend the perfect day in Northern Ireland
Morning
Kick off your trip by renting a car in Belfast and setting off to explore the Causeway Coast, a 120-mile route that snakes from the capital along the shoreline over to Derry-Londonderry. While you could technically tick off the entire route in one (long) day, there are dozens of reasons to take it at a slower pace.
Your first pit stop is barely 30 minutes out of the city, at the Victorian cliffside walk, The Gobbins. On this guided experience (which can close due to rockfalls; check the website for more information), you'll pass through dark caves and over arched metal bridges that cling to the edge of the cliffs as the waves crash below.
Afterwards, drive up to Ballycastle and have an early lunch in the Ursa Minor Bakehouse, the bakery where top Northern Ireland restaurants source their sourdough – try it topped with eggs and a drizzle of chilli oil.
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