If you are thinking of traveling to Ireland, I suggest you visit Northern Ireland. You will only need 2 or 3 days to get to know some of the most beautiful places on the island. In addition to Belfast, the capital, Northern Ireland has landscapes that take your breath away.
In this post I talk about 6 essential places to see in Northern Ireland and if you still do not have a clear route to follow in Ireland, here is the best itinerary for Ireland and Northern Ireland.
6 ESSENTIAL PLACES TO SEE IN NORTHERN IRELAND
1. Belfast, essential to learn about the history of Northern Ireland
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a city full of history and with many interesting places to visit. Northern Ireland is part of the UK, so you'll pay in pounds and see road signs in miles.
Belfast City Hall is one of the most remarkable places in the city with its beautiful neo-baroque façade. Don't miss visiting the Titanic museum, St. George's Market, the SS Nomadic, the Albert Memorial Clock, Belfast Castle, the old Crumlin Road Gaol, Carrickfergus Castle, the Botanical Gardens, the cathedral...
Belfast articles you may be interested in:
2. The Giant's Causeway, the most beautiful place to see in Northern Ireland
The Giants Causeway is one of the most beautiful natural places in Europe. The landscape is spectacular, you will find the rock formations, with the emerald green of the mountains behind and the wild sea breaking against the rocks.
The Giants Causeway are geological formations made up of 40,000 basaltic rocks and more than 60 million years old. Despite popular belief, not all rocks are hexagonal in shape and there are some rocks with more faces. Geologists agree that the area had intense volcanic activity and this landscape would be the result of the lava expelled by the volcano. When the lava comes out and cools quickly, the lava solidifies, turning into rocks with curious geometric shapes.
The local population has another theory. Legend has it that two giants with a very bad temper lived on the coasts of Ireland and Scotland. Apparently, they were constantly throwing stones at each other and, as a consequence, they created the famous Giant's Causeway. One fine day, the biggest Scottish giant decided to go in search of Finn, the Irish giant. Finn's wife decided to dress him as a boy and in this way, the other giant thought that, if that was the boy, the father would be much older and decided to give up and run away.
3. The Carrick-A-Ride Suspension Bridge
This suspension bridge has become one of the main attractions to see in Northern Ireland. It is a suspension bridge about 30 meters long that connects with Carrick Island.
It was created in 1755 by a salmon fisherman so as not to depend on a boat to reach the island. To cross the bridge you will have to pay £9.
4. Dark Hedges, a very magical road to see in Northern Ireland
This beautiful road is surrounded by beech trees with trunks in impossible positions. It is a really beautiful landscape. If you travel in high season you may find a lot of people here, but if you travel in low season, you will find the road to yourself and you can enjoy it. I recommend you visit it at dawn or dusk, when the lights are counted and they create a very magical effect.
5. Visit the city of Londonderry/Derry
The city of Derry is divided into neighborhoods that are Catholic or (Republican), supporters of Northern Ireland independence, and Protestant or Loyalist, in favor of membership of the United Kingdom. Traces of the political conflicts experienced during The Troubles (war conflict between 1968 and 1998) can be seen in the city.
Visit the Bogside district, walk the walls, gates and bastions, don't miss St. Columb's Cathedral, cross the Peace Bridge, visit the Town Hall...
6. Dunluce Castle
You can't leave Northern Ireland without visiting Dunluce Castle. It is located right next to the Giant's Causeway and has become famous for appearing in Game of Thrones.
Its location, hanging from a cliff, is spectacular. It dates from the year 1500, although it has deteriorated considerably over the years.
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Northern Ireland very much and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!