Open Travel Guide
Day trips from Northern Ireland

Best Day Trips from Northern Ireland 2026

The day trips from Northern Ireland that repay the journey — with transport, timing, and cost for each.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

This guide covers 8+ day trips in Northern Ireland — Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast, Derry~Londonderry City Day Trip and Mourne Mountains and Newcastle top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Northern Ireland is a land of dramatic contrasts — volcanic basalt coastlines, rolling green drumlins, and a capital city that has transformed itself from a divided post-industrial city into one of Europe's most vibrant short-break destinations. From the otherworldly columns of the Giant's Causeway to the Titanic Quarter's stainless-steel galleries, Northern Ireland rewards visitors who look beyond the obvious.

Top day trips

Handpicked excursions within easy reach.

90 km from Belfast (~1 hr 10 min drive)

Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast

Drive: A26 north to Coleraine then A29/B67. Public: Train to Coleraine (1h 20min from Belfast Central, £9/$11) + Rambler bus 172 (40 min, £5/$6)
115 km from Belfast (~1.5 hr drive)

Derry~Londonderry City Day Trip

Ulsterbus 212 from Europa Bus Centre, Belfast (every 30–60 min, return ~£12/$15). Drive via M2/A6.
50 km from Belfast (~1 hr drive)

Mourne Mountains and Newcastle

Ulsterbus 37X from Europa Bus Centre, Belfast (return ~£10/$13). Drive via A24.
60 km from Belfast (~1 hr drive)

Strangford Lough and Castleward

Self-drive via A20 to Downpatrick then A25 to Strangford. Bus to Downpatrick then taxi to Castle Ward estate (approx £10/$13).
20 km from Belfast (~25 min drive)

Carrickfergus and North Down Coast

Train from Belfast Central to Carrickfergus (30 min, ~£5/$6 return).
150 km from Belfast (~2 hr drive)

Marble Arch Caves and Fermanagh Lakelands

Ulsterbus 261 to Enniskillen (2.5 hrs, £14/$18) then taxi to caves (13 km, approx £20/$25). Self-drive strongly recommended.
90 km from Belfast to Ballycastle (~1.5 hr drive) + 30 min ferry

Rathlin Island Day Trip

Drive to Ballycastle. Return ferry from Ballycastle Harbour: adults £12 return, children £6 (~$15/$8). Book at rathlinballycastleferry.com. Buses also serve Ballycastle from Belfast.
165 km from Belfast (~2 hr drive)

Dublin Day Trip (Cross-Border)

Goldline Express Bus from Europa Bus Centre (return from ~£20/$25, runs hourly). Enterprise train from Belfast Central (~£30/$38 return, 8 trains daily — book at irishrail.ie).

Day trip tips

Make the most of your excursions.

Tip

Start early — most popular day-trip destinations get crowded by mid-morning.

Tip

Check return transport times before you leave — missing the last train or bus can be costly.

Tip

Carry water, snacks, and layers — weather and food options can be limited at smaller destinations.

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