Northern Ireland Road Trip! From Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway + Map 🚗

Ready for a road trip that serves up jaw-dropping coastline, ancient legends, crumbling castles, and enough film locations to keep even the nerdiest Game of Thrones fan grinning? This circular loop kicks off in buzzing Belfast and winds through coastal wonders, sleepy villages, and wild, dramatic landscapes that feel straight out of a fantasy novel. Bring your sense of adventure and maybe a raincoat — this is Northern Ireland, after all.

📍 Belfast – Start things off with the capital’s cool, creative energy. Tour the world-famous Titanic Belfast museum, stroll through the Cathedral Quarter’s street art and cosy pubs, or take a black cab tour to explore the city’s complex history from a local’s perspective. There’s depth and edge here — with great coffee.

📍 Carrickfergus Castle – Just up the coast, this Norman castle has been guarding Belfast Lough for over 800 years. It’s one of the best-preserved medieval structures in Ireland — dramatic, moody, and made for history lovers (and moody Instagram shots).

📍 The Gobbins Cliff Path – Not your average coastal walk. This adrenaline-tinged path hugs dramatic cliffs with suspension bridges, caves, and crashing waves beneath your feet. It’s a must-do for thrill-seekers and fans of “wait, we’re walking where?”

📍 Glenarm & the Glens of Antrim – A charming coastal village with a castle (because of course), Glenarm is the gateway to the dreamy Glens of Antrim. Think rolling hills, hidden waterfalls, and winding country roads where you half-expect a hobbit to pop out.

📍 Cushendun Caves – Quick pit stop for GoT fans: these eerie caves starred in that Melisandre shadow baby scene. Even if you don’t speak Thrones, they’re still pretty cool to explore — rugged, remote, and atmospheric AF.

📍 Torr Head Scenic Route – This one’s for the drivers. A narrow, often hair-raising route that hugs the coast and serves up outrageous views across to Scotland on a clear day. Pull over lots, go slow, and thank yourself later.

📍 Ballycastle – A lovely seaside town and your gateway to Rathlin Island. Pick up local fudge, hit the beach, or hop on a ferry for puffin-spotting. There’s also a great market vibe in summer.

📍 Dark Hedges – This tunnel of beech trees looks like something out of a gothic fairytale (or, y’know, Game of Thrones). Go early in the morning or late in the evening for the full eerie vibe — and fewer people photobombing your shot.

📍 Ballintoy Harbour – A tiny, rugged harbour that’s impossibly picturesque. Another GoT location (Iron Islands), but it’s also just a gorgeous stop with sea stacks, crashing waves, and epic sunsets.

📍 Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – Brave the swaying rope bridge high above the Atlantic Ocean to reach a tiny island. Not for those with wobbly knees, but the views are ridiculous. Bonus: seabirds, sea spray, and lots of “OMG are we really doing this?” moments.

📍 Giant’s Causeway – The crown jewel of the Antrim Coast. These crazy hexagonal basalt columns were formed by lava — or, according to legend, a giant named Finn. Either way, they’re epic. Scramble around, take a zillion photos, and soak up the drama.

📍 Bushmills – Home of the Old Bushmills Distillery — the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world. Take a tour, sip a dram, and feel extremely fancy. The village itself is sweet and worth a wander too.

📍 Dunluce Castle – Perched on a clifftop like something from a fantasy book, this ruined castle is hands-down one of the most atmospheric in the UK. Windy, wild, and wonderfully dramatic.

📍 Portstewart Strand – Time to chill. This long, golden beach is perfect for a paddle, a sunset stroll, or a picnic in the dunes. It’s Blue Flag certified, and you can even drive onto the sand. Bonus points if you spot dolphins offshore.

📍 Derry~Londonderry – Wrap things up in this vibrant walled city. Walk the 17th-century walls, explore the powerful murals in the Bogside, and check out the Peace Bridge. History, culture, and great food all wrapped into one buzzing stop.

🚗 Total Distance: Approx. 220 miles (350 km)
🕰️ Recommended Time: 3 to 5 days — take your time, soak up the scenery, and don’t rush the rope bridge!
📸 Perfect For: Castle lovers, coastal wanderers, GoT fans, whiskey sippers, adrenaline junkies, and anyone who loves a bit of rugged drama with their road trip.