Northern Ireland

Embark on a cultural journey of Northern Ireland to discover its rich history and natural beauty, from castles to country parks, the launch place of the Titanic's maiden voyage, the iconic natural wonder of the Giant's Causeway, and historic Belfast.

Belfast City

Northern Ireland

With a ferry port, airport, Belfast Central and Great Victoria Street Stations, Belfast offers a range of transport links to and from the city centre. Belfast is bursting with energy and has myriad of attractions to suit all interests and ages. Discover two of the city's retail hotspots: Victoria Square & Castlecourt Shopping Centres, admire the beautiful Albert Clock landmark, or peruse the Botanic Gardens, offering just a taste of what's on offer. For food and drink, 21 Social restaurant is nestled in the cathedral quarter among the cobbled streets and 'chic' businesses, or The Ginger Bistro offers excellent fine dining, highly rated by locals. Explore more Belfast attractions at: https://www.jurysinns.com/hotels/belfast/city-guide

Dark Hedges

Northern Ireland

Offering over 200 years of natural magnificence, The Dark Hedges is a popular attraction. Planted by the Stuart family, this beautiful avenue of beech trees was intended as a compelling landscape feature to impress visitors. Two centuries later, the trees remain a unique natural sight and have become known as the Dark Hedges. Learn more at: https://discovernorthernireland.com/The-Dark-Hedges-Stranocum-Ballymoney-P27502/

 

Castle Ward

Northern Ireland

See the gothic and classical collide at Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th-century mansion resting on a rolling hillside and looking out over the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough in County Down. Read more and plan a visit at: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-ward/

Carrickfergus Castle

Northern Ireland

For more than 800 years, Carrickfergus Castle has been an imposing monument on the Northern Ireland landscape. The castle now houses historical displays of its interesting journey, as well as cannons from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Learn more at: http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Carrickfergus-Castle-Carrickfergus-P2814

Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park

Northern Ireland

Covering more than 128 acres, the park is made up of rolling meadows, copses, woodland and gardens and is home to a wide range of plants and animals. It also contains international camellia trials, a walled garden, and a Japanese-style garden with water features. Read more information at : http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/leisure/parks-openspaces/Park-6811.aspx

Giant's Causeway

Northern Ireland

Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, for centuries the Giant's Causeway has inspired artists, stirred scientific debate and captured the imagination of all who see it. Read more at: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway/

©National Trust Images/Joe Cornish

Titanic Belfast

Northern Ireland

Titanic Belfast® extends over nine galleries, drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions, and more, to tell the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way. Explore the shipyard, travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true legend of Titanic, in the city where it all began. Plan a visit at: https://www.titanicbelfast.com/

Belfast Castle & Cave Hill

Northern Ireland

Explore Belfast's famous Cave Hill Country Park. Offering one of the highest spots in Belfast (Cave Hill), the country park and castle estate is home to a range of natural, archaeological, and historical features. Learn more and plan a visit at: http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tourism-venues/belfastcastle/bcabout.aspx

Crumlin Road Gaol

Northern Ireland

Dating back to 1845, Crumlin Road Gaol is bursting at the seams with Irish history. Guided tours around the site embark on a historical journey of political segregation and loyalist prisoners. Plan a trip at: http://www.crumlinroadgaol.com

Staying in the area

Our Belfast hotel sits central to many of the attractions in the Northern Ireland staycation, providing a convenient base to explore all the locations on offer. Start preparing your perfect staycation by browsing the below distances and approximate travel times to each attraction from Belfast city centre. We've also included a rough guide on how much time you might expect to spend at each location to make planning your trip that little bit easier!

AttractionsAprx TimeAprx DistanceAttraction Duration (excl travel time)
Belfast City0 hrs0 miles1 day
Dark Hedges1hr49 miles1 hour
Castle Ward1 hrs34 miles2 hours
Carrickfergus Castleup to 0.5 hrs10 miles2 hours
Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Parkup to 0.5 hrs5 miles1 hours
Belfast Castle & Cave Hill5 miles5 miles3 hours
Crumlin Road Gaolup to 0.5 hrs1 mile2 hours
Giant's Causeway1hr60 miles1 hour
Titanic Belfastup to 0.5 hrs2 miles1 hours