Belfast - Day Trip from Dublin

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If you only have a day to spare in Dublin, you should consider going to Belfast on a day trip.  There are many ways to do this and it is a full day, usually about 13 hours round trip, but it is well worth the time.  Besides being a part of the United Kingdom, Belfast is also a part of Ireland and its incredible history.  To miss out on Belfast is a bit of a shame but with all of the amazing things to see and do in the Republic of Ireland, it is understandable to not have the time to spare for Belfast.  Another consideration is the confusion surrounding “Brexit” and what that will mean to the border between Northern Ireland (part of the United Kingdom) and the Republic of Ireland.  Time will only tell regarding the border and what effect that will have on tourism into Northern Ireland from the rest of the island.

 

There are some pretty amazing things to see and do in Belfast should you get the opportunity.  Here are a few of the highlights that can be included in a day trip to Belfast from Dublin.  It will depend on where and how you book your day trip and what is included but this might help you make up your mind.

 

Titanic Museum:

 

The city of Belfast has long been associated with shipbuilding and the Titanic was built in Belfast.  For this reason, they have an amazing museum that is more of an experience and if you have the time it will be time well spent.  The exhibits are meant to be seen from the top floor down to the bottom floor.  Part of the exhibit is a ride that takes you through the building process from the perspective of those building the ship.  The building itself is in the shape of the White Star Line logo.  The whole presentation is wonderfully done and has something for everyone.

 

Black Taxi Tour:

 

If you want to get into the “Troubles” (the term used by all the Irish to describe the conflict that erupted between the Catholic and Protestant citizens of Belfast, then this Black Taxi Tour option is for you.  The taxis themselves are not literally black, but that is the term used.  The taxi drivers will be your tour guide and they will take you through the walled sections of the city and try to help you understand from a very personal point of view, the troubles and how they still affect the city today.  If you are interested in history, politics, and religious conflicts then this tour is for you.  It is fascinating and helps bring home the difficulties facing this interesting part of the world.

 

Giants Causeway:

 

This area of Northern Ireland is a fascinating part of the world.  It is one of those places that you have to see to believe.  Formed from a volcanic fissure eruption that occurred millennia ago.  This eruption created about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns.  They appear to be uniform and hexagonal in shape.  They tend to break in sections that fit together with one end being concave and the other convex.  It is truly amazing and quite fun to explore.  The area where the sea crashes against them can be quite spectacular, just mind your step, they can be slick.

 

Rope Bridge:

 

Northern Ireland also has a rope bridge – National Trust Carrick-a-Rede that connects the mainland to a small island, Carrick-a-Rede.  The bridge is mainly a tourist attraction and a great way to test your nerve.  There is nothing else there to see but it is a fun little activity.  The bridge is about 20 meters long and is about 30 meters above the rocky shores below.  It is secure but still a rope bridge and does move.  For this reason, it is weather dependent.  If there are high winds in the area, they will close the bridge. 

 

 

Dunluce Castle:

 

This wasn’t originally on the itinerary but when the rope bridge was closed, we had the amazing experience to go see Dunluce Castle.  This is a medieval castle that is now in ruin but is still a sight to see.  The castle itself is located on an outcropping of basalt.  The kitchen area has fallen into the sea but the rest of the ruins are still there and it is quite fun to wander through the remains and envision what life must have been like.  I have a soft spot for castles so that might explain my fascination.  If Dunluce Castle doesn’t interest you, the scenery will.  This is a stunningly beautiful area and is only about 10 minutes from Giants Causeway.  Worth the stop if you are in the area.

 

If you are planning a trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland, contact us, your premiere Boise Travel Agency and Ireland experts.  We can help you plan your perfect trip to Ireland.

 

Contact: 208-996-3269 or Email: cal.lindsay@cruiseplanners.com