Short on time but want to see the best of Northern Ireland? This 3-day itinerary is designed specifically for first-time visitors who want to experience the iconic highlights of Northern Ireland without feeling rushed. From the dramatic Giant's Causeway to the vibrant streets of Belfast, this route covers everything you absolutely cannot miss.
This itinerary focuses on Northern Ireland's most famous region - the stunning Causeway Coast and Belfast. It's the perfect introduction to what makes this corner of Ireland so special: dramatic coastal scenery, fascinating history, and warm hospitality.
Overview: What This Itinerary Covers
- Day 1: Causeway Coastal Route - Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle
- Day 2: Belfast - Titanic Belfast, Belfast Murals, City Center, St. George's Market
- Day 3: Glens of Antrim or Mourne Mountains (flexible based on weather and interests)
💡 Best Time to Visit
May through September offers the best weather and longest daylight hours. July and August are busiest but have the warmest temperatures. April and October can be quieter with mild weather but prepare for rain.
DAY 1 The Causeway Coastal Route
Base yourself in: Bushmills, Portrush, or Ballycastle for easy access to all day 1 attractions
Morning: Giant's Causeway (2-3 hours)
Start your Northern Ireland adventure at the crown jewel: the Giant's Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic eruptions. Arrive early (8-9am) to beat the crowds and enjoy the best light for photography.
What to do:
- Walk down to the causeway stones (1.5km downhill - easy walk)
- Explore the formations - try to spot the "Giant's Boot" and "Wishing Chair"
- Walk along the cliff path for stunning views (allow extra time)
- Visit the visitor center to learn the legend of Finn McCool
Admission: £13.50 adults (National Trust members free). Parking included. The causeway itself is free but you'll need to walk 2km from free parking or pay for the official car park with visitor center access.
Late Morning: Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (1.5 hours)
Just 15 minutes drive east, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge offers an adrenaline rush as you cross a rope bridge 30 meters above the Atlantic Ocean. The coastal walk to reach the bridge is spectacular even if you don't cross.
Important tips:
- Book tickets online in advance - they sell out in summer
- The walk to the bridge is 1km each way with some uphill
- Not suitable if you're afraid of heights
- Amazing photo opportunities from the cliff path
Lunch: Bushmills or Ballintoy
Stop for lunch either in the village of Bushmills (try the Bushmills Inn for traditional pub fare) or the charming Ballintoy Harbour where Game of Thrones was filmed.
Afternoon: Dark Hedges & Dunluce Castle
Visit the Dark Hedges, the iconic tree-lined road that appeared in Game of Thrones. This 18th-century beech avenue is one of Northern Ireland's most photographed locations. Best visited late afternoon when light filters through the branches.
End your day at Dunluce Castle, dramatic medieval ruins perched on clifftops. The sunset views from here are spectacular.
🍽️ Dinner Recommendation
If you're near Bushmills, book a table at the Bushmills Inn or try the Tartine at Distillers Arms. For Portrush, Ramore Wine Bar is excellent for seafood.
DAY 2 Belfast Exploration
Travel: Drive to Belfast (1.5 hours from Bushmills) or stay overnight in Belfast
Morning: Titanic Belfast (2-3 hours)
Start day 2 at Titanic Belfast, the world's largest Titanic exhibition. This award-winning museum is built on the exact site where the Titanic was constructed. The interactive exhibits bring the ship's story to life from construction to its tragic sinking.
Arrive when it opens (9am) to avoid crowds. Allow 2-3 hours to fully explore all nine galleries. The SS Nomadic tour is included in your ticket - don't miss it.
Lunch: Titanic Quarter or City Center
Grab lunch in the Titanic Quarter (Drawing Office Two restaurant in the museum) or head into Belfast city center for more options. St. George's Market (if it's Friday or Saturday) is perfect for lunch.
Afternoon: Belfast Murals Black Taxi Tour (2 hours)
Book a Black Taxi Tour to see the famous Belfast Murals and learn about the city's complex history. These tours are led by local drivers who lived through the Troubles and provide authentic, balanced perspectives you won't get elsewhere.
What you'll see:
- Political murals in Falls Road and Shankill Road
- Peace walls between communities
- International solidarity murals
- First-hand stories from someone who experienced the Troubles
Late Afternoon: Belfast City Center
Spend your late afternoon exploring Belfast's city center:
- Belfast City Hall - beautiful building with free tours
- Victoria Square Shopping Centre - go to the dome for free city views
- Cathedral Quarter - trendy area with street art and cafes
- Crown Liquor Saloon - ornate Victorian pub (National Trust property)
🎭 Evening Entertainment
Belfast has a vibrant nightlife. Catch live traditional music at Kelly's Cellars or The Duke of York. For dinner, the Cathedral Quarter has excellent restaurants - try Mourne Seafood Bar or The Muddlers Club.
DAY 3 Flexible Day: Nature & Scenery
Your third day offers flexibility based on weather, interests, and energy levels. Here are two excellent options:
Option A: Glens of Antrim (Scenic Drive)
The Glens of Antrim offer nine stunning valleys running from the mountains to the sea. Drive the scenic coastal route stopping at viewpoints, waterfalls, and charming villages.
Highlights:
- Glenariff Forest Park - "Queen of the Glens" with waterfall trail
- Cushendun Caves - Game of Thrones filming location
- Torr Head - dramatic viewpoint where you can see Scotland
- Coastal villages like Cushendall and Waterfoot
Best for: Scenic drivers, photographers, those who want a relaxed day
Option B: Mourne Mountains (Active Day)
If you're feeling active, head south to the Mourne Mountains in County Down. Northern Ireland's highest peaks inspired C.S. Lewis's Narnia.
Activities:
- Hike to Slieve Donard summit (challenging - 5-6 hours)
- Walk part of the Mourne Wall (moderate)
- Easy walks around Tollymore Forest Park
- Visit Silent Valley Reservoir
Best for: Hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, clear weather days
Practical Planning Tips
Getting Around
Car rental is highly recommended. Public transport is limited along the Causeway Coast. Rent a car at Belfast International Airport or George Best Belfast City Airport. Book automatic transmission in advance if you're not comfortable with manual.
Driving tips:
- Drive on the left side of the road
- Roads are narrow and winding on the coast - take your time
- Download offline maps as phone signal can be patchy
- Fuel up in towns - petrol stations are sparse in rural areas
Where to Stay
Night 1: Bushmills, Portrush, or Ballycastle - choose based on budget and preferences. Bushmills has the famous inn, Portrush has more dining options, Ballycastle is quieter.
Nights 2-3: Stay in Belfast to avoid repacking. The city has excellent hotels and is the best base for day trips.
What to Pack
- Waterproof jacket: Essential year-round - weather changes quickly
- Layered clothing: Temperature varies throughout the day
- Comfortable walking shoes: You'll be doing lots of walking
- Camera: The scenery is incredible
- Reusable water bottle: Save money and plastic
Money-Saving Tips
- Join National Trust if visiting multiple paid attractions (Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede both included)
- Book accommodations and tickets online in advance for best prices
- Many of Belfast's best experiences are free (murals, City Hall, Cathedral Quarter)
- Lunch at pubs is usually better value than dinner
- Free parking is available at many attractions if you arrive early
Final Thoughts
This 3-day itinerary gives you a perfect introduction to Northern Ireland's most iconic sights. You'll experience dramatic coastal scenery, learn about complex history, and get a taste of warm Northern Irish hospitality.
The beauty of this itinerary is its flexibility - you can adjust timing based on weather, interests, and energy levels. Don't try to rush through attractions just to tick them off a list. Northern Ireland is best experienced at a relaxed pace, with time to soak in the scenery and chat with locals.
🕒 Want More Time?
If you have 4-5 days, consider adding: County Fermanagh's lakelands, Derry City and walls, or a day trip to the scenic Sperrins mountains. See our other travel guides for more itinerary ideas.
Have questions about this itinerary? Looking for specific recommendations? Our trip planning resources and accommodation guides can help you customize this itinerary to your preferences.
Safe travels, and enjoy your Northern Ireland adventure! Don't forget to try a pint of Guinness and some Irish soda bread along the way.
Connor has spent over half his life exploring Northern Ireland's rugged coastlines and wild landscapes. As a qualified hiking guide and water sports instructor based in Portstewart, he brings professional expertise and intimate local knowledge to his adventure writing. He's walked every major trail multiple times and knows the best spots along the Causeway Coast.