When people talk about traveling to Ireland, I usually only hear about the Republic of Ireland. But the island has a hidden gem: Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK. Unpopular opinion, but I actually think Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is more worth visiting than the Cliffs of Moher across the border. If you’re planning your first trip to Northern Ireland, here’s everything you need to know.

Getting There and Getting Around

On your first trip to Northern Ireland, you’ll likely fly into Dublin, rent a car, and head two hours north to Belfast, the capital and largest city. Make sure someone on the trip knows how to drive on the left side of the road — that was my husband and my dad on this trip. We would not have made it out of the rental car lot if I’d been driving. Also make sure everyone’s comfortable with roundabouts. There are a lot of them, and I hate roundabouts, especially the multi-lane ones.

Where to Eat and Drink in Belfast

When you first arrive, head to White’s Bar, the oldest tavern in Belfast, and grab yourself a Guinness to cheers with! If you really want to dive into the Guinness, order a Guinness stew there too; they even have a vegan version. Another popular spot is the Crown Saloon. There’s a dining area upstairs (the food is average), but the real magic is on the first floor, where the bar is. Like many Irish pubs, it has snugs: small, semi-enclosed booths near the main bar. Make a reservation in advance if you want one here or at other locations, since they go fast.

Also check out Cathedral Quarter’s Commercial Court, widely regarded as Belfast’s trendiest and most photographed street.

Don’t Miss the Titanic Museum

If you only have time for one attraction in Belfast, make it the Titanic Museum. It’s a fascinating, deep dive into the ship and its journey before disaster, and the museum stands on the exact site where the RMS Titanic was designed, built, and launched.

Getting Around Belfast on the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

If you only have a day in the city, the hop-on hop-off bus is a great way to see a lot of Belfast without doing much planning. The main route has 19 stops and takes about 90 minutes if you ride it start to finish, with buses running roughly every 20-30 minutes. You can join at any stop, but most people start at Donegall Square West, right beside Belfast City Hall.

The route covers a lot of ground: Titanic Belfast and the Titanic Quarter (including HMS Caroline and the SS Nomadic), St. George’s Market, the Grand Opera House and Great Victoria Street, Queen’s University and the Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens, and the Cathedral Quarter near St. Anne’s Cathedral. It also stops through West Belfast at the Falls Road, Shankill Road, the International Wall Murals, and the Peace Walls, with live commentary that gives real context to the murals and the city’s history.

Even if you don’t hop off anywhere, it’s a good way to get your bearings on your first trip to Northern Ireland before deciding where to spend more of your time.

Belfast Castle and Cave Hill

If you have time for one more stop before leaving the city, head up to Belfast Castle. It’s a 19th-century Scottish Baronial-style castle built in 1870, set on the slopes of Cave Hill overlooking Belfast Lough, and it’s free to visit. The grounds and gardens are worth wandering on their own.

From the castle, you can pick up walking trails up Cave Hill itself, ranging from a short stroll through the gardens to a longer 4.5-mile loop. If you’re up for the hike, the trail to Napoleon’s Nose (the cliff face believed to have inspired Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels) and McArt’s Fort rewards you with sweeping views over the whole city — one of the best views you’ll get on your first trip to Northern Ireland.

Driving the Causeway Coastal Route

After exploring Belfast, start the drive up the Northern Coast along the Causeway Coastal Route. There are many stops along the way, but here are a few worth making time for on your first trip to Northern Ireland:

Carrickfergus Castle – A 12th-century Norman castle located right on the water.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – Worth crossing or even just seeing. You’ll need to hike a short way to reach it, and there’s a ticket required to cross, which you buy at the entrance. We were low on time and ended up doing more of a trail run just to see it — we told the entrance staff we weren’t crossing, so we didn’t need a ticket.

The Dark Hedges – Even if it’s just a quick stop, the Dark Hedges are worth the detour. It’s a little bit of a walk to the hedges, but worth it for the views and photo ops beneath the intertwining beech trees.

The Giant’s Causeway

The main event is the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll get an audio guide and walk along a path learning about the Irish folklore tied to the landscape — it’s a genuinely interesting and whimsical way to learn about the geological origins of the polygonal stone columns. There’s a bus available if you’d rather not walk, but the walk is recommended if you’re able. We went at sunset, which was stunning, though next time I’d do the route in reverse: hit Giant’s Causeway first so you’re not rushed, then work your way back to Belfast, stopping at as many places along the Causeway Coastal Route as you have time for.

If You Have Extra Time: Portrush

If you have extra time, or you’re a golfer, consider traveling a little further to Portrush. The Royal Portrush Golf Club is there and has hosted the Open Championship on its famous Dunluce Links.