You will find some of the most gorgeous landscapes throughout Ireland. And more specifically, Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is the perfect destination for a 3-day weekend! In this guide, you will receive the perfect itinerary. I will show you all the must-see sights, the best places to eat and top places to stay.
Getting around Northern Ireland is super easy. Rent a car and travel easily between stops. This also gives you the freedom of time. If you wish to stay longer in a certain area, no need to rush. Another great way is a guided tour. We took the Rabbies Northern Ireland tour. It is the perfect way to see all the major highlights and a little more through a local guide!
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If you plan on exploring any city in Ireland, I recommended bringing a comfortable walking shoe. They are great for the airport as well!
Day 1
Head northern from Dublin, to the city of Belfast. Keep in mind Belfast is located in the country of Northern Ireland. (Dublin is located in the Republic of Ireland). At this time there is no border control or any need to bring your passport as you cross the border. You will need to run by the bank as pounds are used as currency, rather than the euro.
The first thing you might notice in Belfast is the Peace wall. The Peace Walls are a series of barriers that were erected across the course of “The Troubles” which are still visible throughout Northern Ireland today. Another site in Belfast to visit is the Titanic Museum. The self-guided tour extends over nine interactive galleries where you discover the sights, sounds, smells ,and stories of the ship.
After you spend the morning in Belfast, keep heading north to Ballycastle. Here you can walk across the National Trust – Carrick-a-Rede. Or get a gorgeous photo of the coast at the Portaneevy Car Park & Viewpoint.
Travel to your next stop – Giant’s Causeway. Legend has it the Giant’s Causeway was built and partially destroyed in a battle between two giants, Irish Finn McCool and the Scottish Benandonner. After parking at the visitor center, the quickest way to the Causeway is the Blue Trail. Follow the curb stone footpath eastward. On your right will be the sheer dramatic cliff face, and on the left, the wild North Atlantic Ocean. You will turn a sharp corner called Windy Gap. From here the causeway stone outcrop will be visible in the distance beyond the bay. (There is also a shuttle if you do not feel up to the climb).
Antrim House Bed and Breakfast
Portrush is a small fishing village located on the north coast of County Antrim. It is the perfect first stop on your 3-day journey through Northern Ireland. Stroll the White Rock Beach and take in the sunset. Or explore the Royal Portrush Golf Club, the location of the 2019 US Open. For the full seaside getaway stay at the Antrim House Bed and Breakfast. Spacious rooms, delicious homemade Irish breakfast, and wonderful hospitality! $105 a night.
Cafe 55 Bistro
While you are exploring the wonderful fishing village of Portrush, you have to stop at Cafe 55 Bistro for a bite to eat! Take in the views of the water as you sip on fantastic cocktails in the summer. Or enjoy the peaceful scene of the beach in the winter. Dish to try: Seafood Chowder
Day 2
London Derry (or Derry as it is known in the Republic of Ireland) is the first stop today. The top attraction here in this city is The Derry Walls. These 17th-century enclosure circles the city. It has a total of 24 restored cannons and 7 gates. One most famously featured on Derry Girls.
The next stop of the day is the beautiful Glenveagh National Park. More specifically Glenveagh Castle. Glenveagh Castle is a 19th-century castellated mansion that was built between 1867 and 1873. Its construction in a remote mountain setting was inspired by the Victorian idyll of a romantic highland retreat. It was designed by John Townsend Trench, a cousin of its builder and first owner, John George Adair, with whom he had been raised in Co. Laois.
The designer appears to have imitated the style of earlier Irish Tower-houses adding an air of antiquity to the castle. The building stone chosen was granite, plentiful in Donegal but difficult to work and allowing for little detail. Admission to the Park is free. Charges only apply to services (shuttle services to the castle from the visitor center). The National Park is open to walkers all year around.
Eske Villa Bed and Breakfast
Donegal Town is a town at the mouth of the River Eske, in northwest Ireland. Home to Donegal Castle, originally built in the 15th century, has later additions from the Jacobean period. The building complex fell into ruin in the twentieth century but was brought back to its former glory in the 1990s. (Open 10-4 pm most days, 5 Euro entrance fee). Eske Villa Bed and Breakfast is the perfect walking distance from town. Unique rooms, another delicious Irish breakfast, and the sweetest hostess! 95 Euros a night.
The Olde Castle Bar
As you make your way back into the gorgeous town of Donegal, you will find this quaint pub. This was Donegal’s finest traditional Irish Bar since the 1700s, since 2007, the O’Toole family and their team have developed a very popular and successful award-winning Gastro Pub with the emphasis on Donegal’s fantastic Seafood, the finest in Europe. Dish to try: Homemade Fishcakes
Day 3
A visit to Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery is a perfect way to start day 3! It is the largest cemetery of megalithic tombs in Ireland. It lies just southwest of Sligo town, right at the heart of the Cúil Írra Peninsula. Packed together at Carrowmore are more than 30 stone tombs, many of which are still visible. Most are passage tombs and boulder circles. There are various forts and standing stones in the area too. The origins of these monuments reach far into prehistory – the most ancient among them is close to 6,000 years old. (Opens at 10 am for 5 euros).
Achill Island is a gorgeous spot to spend the afternoon. Marked by rugged mountains and peat bogs, the island is known for its tall sea cliffs and clean beaches. Its breezy shoreline makes it a popular spot for water sports. Check out the Slievemore Deserted Village along the slopes of Slievemore mountain.
Westport Coast Hotel
Westport is a town on the edge of an Atlantic inlet, on Ireland’s northwest coast. In the Georgian town center, stone bridges link the tree-lined promenade on the banks of the Carrowbeg River. Rockfleet Castle and Burrishoole Abbey, both to the northwest, have ties to the 16th-century pirate queen, Grace O’ Malley. Explore the Westport House – a Georgian-era estate with a gorgeous lake view! Stay at the Westport Coast Hotel for a relaxing getaway! Stunning water views, a restaurant with a delicious menu, and an amazing spa! $
The Helm
Located in the town of Westport, The Helm has one of the finest seafood restaurants on the Western Seaboard with all of the fish caught and bought locally from fishermen spanning from as far south as Rossaveal, County Galway to as far North as Ballina in North County Mayo. Dish to try: Fish and chips
From Westport, you can make your way back to Dublin or head south for more adventures!
Thank you for reading!
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