One Day in Northern Ireland: Giants, Castles & Culture
When most people think of a weekend getaway, the words "18-hour day" don't typically come to mind. But here’s the thing—sometimes the best adventures come with early alarms and packed schedules. That's exactly how our Northern Ireland day trip started.
We had spent the night in Dublin, where we caught an early 7 a.m. bus with Finn McCools Tours from the Dublin City Gallery to Belfast, crossing the border into Northern Ireland by 8:15 a.m. It was an early wake-up call (5 a.m. to be exact), but it set the stage for a fast-paced, history-laden journey through Northern Ireland’s most iconic landmarks. By the end of the day, we had covered centuries of history, breathtaking landscapes, and even a little pop culture. And though it was a long, exhausting day, every second was worth it.
Getting There
Start your day early with Finn McCools Tours. The bus departs from Dublin at 7 a.m., making it easy to jump on without a lot of hassle. By 8:15, you're across the border into Northern Ireland—a surreal moment, given the region’s turbulent history. Your guide will offer insightful tidbits along the way, explaining the complicated history of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Not long ago, there was a hard border with passport checks that could take hours. But with Brexit in the works, that border situation could change again in the near future.
What You'll See
📍 Stop 1: Belfast Drive-Through
By the time we hit Belfast at 9 a.m., the city was waking up, and so were we. Our guide filled us in on The Troubles, a 30-year conflict from the late 1960s to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, primarily between Catholics, who sought unification with the Republic of Ireland, and Protestants, who wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom. As we drove through, we saw the city’s streets, murals, and memorials that still bear the scars of that period. We passed the iconic Europa Hotel, which was bombed 36 times during The Troubles, making it the most bombed hotel in Europe. Despite the constant attacks, the hotel remained operational throughout the conflict, a testament to Belfast’s resilience. It was a place where political leaders, celebrities, and journalists frequently stayed, knowing the headlines it would generate.
📍 Stop 2: Dunluce Castle
From there, we made our way to Dunluce Castle, a hauntingly beautiful ruin perched on a cliff overlooking the wild Atlantic Ocean. From here, we could see both the Republic of Ireland and Scotland on a clear day. The castle’s dramatic position was so precarious that, at one point, the kitchen actually fell into the sea. The sight was so beautiful, it felt almost otherworldly.
📍 Stop 3: Giant’s Causeway
The next stop: the famous Giant’s Causeway. This is the kind of place you’ve seen in countless photos, but seeing it in person is an entirely different experience. With around 40,000 basalt columns rising out of the sea, it’s no wonder it’s called the "8th Wonder of the World." The myth of an Irish giant named Finn McCool building a bridge to Scotland is as captivating as the sight itself. We spent a couple of hours here, walking the stunning paths, marveling at the views, and snapping a few too many photos.
📍 Stop 4: The Dark Hedges
Next, we drove to the Dark Hedges, a mysterious avenue of trees that became famous after being featured on Game of Thrones as the Kingsroad. As we walked beneath the canopy of twisted branches, I couldn’t help but feel like I was in another world, caught between the present and centuries of history. Locals still use this road daily, so it’s a charming, working part of Northern Ireland’s landscape.
📍 Stop 5: Titanic Belfast Museum
After the Dark Hedges, we headed to the Titanic Museum, located on the very site where the Titanic was built. It’s a massive, five-story structure, and walking through it was like stepping back in time. The exhibits took us through the ship’s creation, its fateful journey, and its place in history and pop culture. The interactive experiences, including a simulation of being on the deck of the ship, were powerful reminders of the tragedy’s impact.
📍 Final Stop: Belfast City Center
Before heading back to Dublin, we had an hour to explore Belfast’s city center. We grabbed a quick bite and wandered through a few local shops. The city had an eclectic vibe, combining modern shops with historical streets, and we could feel the city’s energy as we strolled.
How Much Time You Need
This is an 18-hour day trip, starting at 7 a.m. and ending around 10 p.m. But don’t let that scare you off—it’s well worth it. You’ll be covering a lot of ground, from scenic views to deep history, and although it’s a long day, it’s a fast-paced one that keeps you moving.
If you find yourself in the area longer and have flexibility in your travel plans, you might want to spend the night. There are several hotel options in Belfast, including the historic Culloden Estate and Spa and The Merchant Hotel, where you can unwind after a full day of exploring.
Why You Should Go
Giant’s Causeway: Whether you believe in giants or science, the views are beyond spectacular.
Titanic Museum: Learn the history of the ship, and gain new insights on how it’s been mythologized in movies and culture.
Dark Hedges: Walk through one of the most famous filming locations from Game of Thrones.
Dunluce Castle: Experience a place straight out of a medieval fairytale, perched on the edge of the world.
An 18-hour travel day isn’t for the faint of heart, but sometimes the best experiences are the ones that leave you exhausted in the best way possible. If you're craving an adventure that gives you a crash course in Northern Ireland’s history, culture, and landscapes, this day trip is the perfect way to see it all in a short time.