Belfast and the Causeway Coast
The north is the part of the island most first time visitors skip, and it is a mistake. Belfast has become one of the most interesting cities to visit, the Causeway Coast is arguably the best coastal drive in Ireland, and Bushmills has been legally distilling whiskey since 1608.
what to see in belfast
Things to do in Belfast
- Titanic Belfast, in the shipyard where she was built, and a genuinely excellent museum
- McConnell's Distillery, whiskey making returned to Belfast after a century away
- The political murals and a black taxi tour, which is history told by people who lived it
- The Cathedral Quarter for food, bars and live music
- Crumlin Road Gaol and the Victorian city centre
The Causeway Coast
- The Giant's Causeway, forty thousand basalt columns and a very good story about why
- Old Bushmills Distillery, the world's oldest licensed distillery, dating to 1608
- Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, for those with the nerve
- Dunluce Castle, a ruin on a cliff edge that looks invented
- The Dark Hedges, the beech avenue made famous by television
- Ballintoy, Whitepark Bay and a coast road that deserves to be driven slowly
Plan Your Trip to Northern Ireland
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THE MOST COMMON
QUESTIONS
Do you need a passport to visit Northern Ireland from Dublin?
There is no border checkpoint between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and the crossing is simple, though Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, so carry your passport as identification and be aware the currency changes to pounds sterling.
How far is the Giant's Causeway from Dublin?
Around three hours each way, or about an hour and a quarter from Belfast. Most travelers pair it with Belfast in one long private day or, better, stay a night on the north coast.
Is Bushmills the oldest distillery in the world?
Old Bushmills holds the oldest licence to distil, granted in 1608, which is the basis of the claim. Distilling on the site as it exists today came later, and other distilleries make competing claims. It is a very old distillery either way and worth the visit.
Is Belfast worth visiting?
Yes. It is compact, welcoming, seriously good for food and music, and the recent history is told better here than anywhere. Guests who add Belfast to a trip almost always name it as a highlight.
If your question is not here, call us. USA toll free 1-844-204-7470, Ireland +353 87 708 5947, or email info@irelandwhiskeytours.com.