Like an irritable leprechaun, Northern Ireland should not be overlooked or written-off simply because of its size.
More than just a one-city destination, Northern Ireland is a compact and manageable destination that offers travellers scenic, historical and cultural treasures much greater than its small physical size. Northern Ireland is a country with a history as rich and colourful as its emerald green glens.
Known worldwide for the deep-seated political and religious violence that reached a fever-pitch in the 1970’s, today wounds have slowly begun to heal, and antagonism has all but ceased in this conflicted and fascinating corner of Great Britain.
If you only have time to visit Belfast, make sure to check out our article on Belfast’s rebirth after decades of political and religious strife: Belfast towers of the Troubles: Discover the new Belfast. Otherwise, read on to discover 3 of the top sights and experiences in Northern Ireland, also great side-trips from Belfast.
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Go Green along the Antrim Coast and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
As Northern Ireland is only slightly smaller than Connecticut in total area, all corners of the country are accessible from Belfast in but a few hours. Great guided bus tours up the coast of Antrim to the Giants Causeway can be had for 20 to 30 Pounds and are well worth it.
For those who love scenery and have the nerves to handle heights, a visit to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge on the coast of County Antrim is a must. This rickety (but perfectly safe) rope and wood suspension bridge extends some 20 metres over a shear drop to the jagged rocks and salty sea below. The Antrim coast is perfect those who love a good hike, offering miles and miles of seaside trails that offer breathtaking views out over the Irish Sea.
Conquer The Giants Causeway
The highlight of the bus tours was a visit to The UNESCO World-Heritage recognized Giants Causeway. The most popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland, it can be easily reached from Belfast in an hour and half by car or bus. The Giants Causeway consists of over 40,000 interlocking hexagonal charcoal-coloured Basalt Columns. The result of a volcanic explosion some 60 million years ago, these columns extend up to 12 metres in height and the cover a total area of almost 1 square kilometre of pristine Irish coastline.
Legend has it that Irish giant/warrior Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) built the causeway so he could walk across to Scotland and fight his rival Benandonner. Regardless of its true origins, the Giants Causeway is truly an amazing geological anomaly and a great photo opportunity.
Soak up the Water of Life at Bushmills Irish Whiskey Distillery
All those rocks had me thinking about a low-ball glass filled with whiskey and fortuitously enough the World’s oldest working distillery sat but 3 kilometres away in the town of Bushmill. First registered in 1784, the distillery today attracts over 100,000 visitors annually for guided tours and tastings. Irish whiskey (spelled with an extra ‘e’ unlike Scotch and Canadian rye whisky) is generally smoother as a result of a triple-distillation process and without the smoky, earthy overtones often associated with peat-dried Scotch whisky.
After receiving a tip from our driver that a few members of each group would be selected to take part in an extended sampling session for marketing purposes, I decided to suck up as much as I could to our curmudgeonly tour guide. Much to my surprise I was selected to sample the entire range of Bushmills products, with the blended, sherry-cask matured Black Bush emerging as my favourite.
After being awarded a certificate that designated me a “Certified Irish Whiskey Expert” it was back onto the bus, where I’d soon pass out with my head flush against the glass. After all, it had been a long and rewarding day of sightseeing! It was then back to Belfast to explore the charms of Northern Ireland’s capital city.