With a whole host of attractions, both in the city and in the surrounding area, you’ll never be stuck for something to do when in Belfast. We’ve sussed out the top 7 day trips, from visiting the zoo to navigating your way across a rope bridge from cliff face to cliff face! Read on for more.
Here are our top 7 suggestions:
Belfast Castle…
Standing on the slopes of Cave Hill, Belfast Castle boasts stunning views over Belfast City. Here you can learn about the castle’s rich history, dating back as far as the early Stone Age to modern times.
Belfast Castle is located just off the Antrim Road making it very accessible by car, and it’s well signposted. By public transport take the Metro 1 bus from the city centre - it’s about a 20-minute journey.
Belfast Zoo…
Belfast Zoo is located only about 5 minutes from Belfast Castle. It’s a perfect family day out. Within its enclosures you’ll find over 1,200 animals and 140 species that call Belfast Zoo home.
It’s situated about 9 miles from Belfast city centre, just 15 minutes by car. Take the M3 from Belfast, continue on the M2 and at the roundabout take the exit signposted for Newtownabbey. If you’re using public transport take the Metro 1 bus from the city centre. It’s about a 25-minute journey.
Stormont - Parliament Buildings…
Stormont is home to the Northern Ireland Assembly. Built in 1932 it’s steeped in history and considered one of Belfast’s top visitor attractions.
It’s about 4.5 miles from the city centre. Head east on the A20 and when you reach Upper Newtown Road turn left at Stormont. The Metro 4 bus will get you there from the city centre - it shouldn’t take any more than 25 minutes.
Belfast’s Botanic Gardens…
The Belfast Botanic Gardens are located just south of the city centre (around half a mile to be precise!) between Queen’s University and the River Lagan.
By car take the Bedford Road from the city until you reach Shaftesbury Square. Metro 8 will take you to Shaftesbury Square also.
Carrickfergus…
Carrickfergus is a charming and popular little town located just under half and hour from Belfast. Here you can visit the famous Carrickfergus Castle, dating back to 1180, a beautiful Elizabethan church, a museum examining the family history of Andrew Jackson the American President whose family originated from here and more.
To reach Carrickfergus by car, take the M2 to the M5, then the Carrickfergus exit.
The Giants Causeway…
The Giants Causeway is Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction. This world-renowned basalt formation is also a World Heritage site and National Nature Reserve.
It’s located 1 hour 20 minutes north of Belfast. To get here by car take the M5 from Belfast and continue onto the M2 passing through Ballymena, Ballymoney and Bushmills. At the Causeway road turn left to Giants Causeway.
Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge…
This is another famous landmark and popular tourist attraction in County Antrim. The Carrick-A-Rede Bridge is a rope suspension bridge that links the mainland to Rocky Island. Here you can take amazing coastal walks with breathtaking views.
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is located just over an hour from Belfast city. If you’re travelling by car head north on the M5, merge onto M2 and continue through Ballymena, Ballymoney and into Bushmills. From here the rope bridge is well signposted.
So if you have a day to spare and fancy a day trip hopefully our top 8 day tours will give you a few ideas.
Accommodation in Belfast:
Looking for somewhere to stay? Book hotels in Belfast city centre.
Public Transport:
For public transport in Belfast and the surrounding areas check out Translink.
Car Hire:
Need a car for your stay in Belfast. Book car hire in Belfast.
These are just our top suggestions. Maybe you’ve a favourite day trip from Belfast? We’d love to hear from you if you do.
