Why This 4-Day Northern Ireland Itinerary is Your Perfect Adventure
Four days is the ideal amount of time to experience the compact beauty and profound history of Northern Ireland. This Northern Ireland 4-day itinerary is designed as a circular road trip, starting and ending in Belfast, that covers the country's most iconic experiences.
This plan balances the vibrant city life of Belfast and Derry with the world-famous scenery of the Causeway Coastal Route. Our AI planner has structured a logical route that maximizes your time and creates a seamless, memorable journey.
Your Complete Northern Ireland 4-Day Itinerary
This travel guide provides a perfectly balanced road trip plan for your 4 days in Northern Ireland.
Day 1: Arrival in Belfast & Titanic Quarter
Begin your Northern Ireland 4-day itinerary in the revitalized capital. Today is about exploring the city's proud industrial heritage, centered around the world's most famous ship.
Titanic Belfast
The World's Leading Tourist Attraction
An award-winning, state-of-the-art museum located on the very site where the RMS Titanic was designed, built, and launched.
Why You Should Visit:
It's an immersive experience that tells the story of the Titanic from its conception to its tragic end. The interactive galleries are brilliantly done.
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Walk/Bus from City Centre
3-4 hours
How to Reach:
A 25-minute walk from the City Hall or a short bus ride. Ample parking is available.
Insider Travel Tip:
Book your tickets online for a specific time slot, as it gets very busy. Allow at least 3 hours to see everything properly.
Belfast City Hall
The Civic Heart of Belfast
A magnificent Edwardian Baroque building that dominates the city center with its striking dome and grand architecture.
Why You Should Visit:
The grounds are beautiful, and the free public tours of the interior reveal opulent rooms and a fascinating history of the city.
Tours at 11am, 2pm, 3pm
Walk
1 hour
How to Reach:
Located in Donegall Square, the very center of Belfast.
Insider Travel Tip:
The Titanic Memorial Garden on the east side of the City Hall grounds is a poignant and often-missed spot.
Day 1 Dining: A Taste of Belfast
Belfast's food scene is thriving. Enjoy a meal in the historic Cathedral Quarter.
The Dirty Onion and Yardbird
Housed in one of Belfast's oldest buildings, offering rotisserie chicken and live traditional music.
Mourne Seafood Bar
For some of the freshest local seafood, including oysters and mussels, in a relaxed setting.
Day 2: The Causeway Coastal Route
Today is the centerpiece of your Northern Ireland 4-day itinerary: a drive along one of the world's most spectacular coastal routes.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
A Thrilling Coastal Crossing
A famous rope bridge that connects the mainland to the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede, suspended almost 100 ft above the sea.
Why You Should Visit:
The thrill of crossing the wobbly bridge is matched by the stunning coastal views of Rathlin Island and even Scotland on a clear day.
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Car (1-hour drive)
2 hours
How to Reach:
Drive north from Belfast along the A2. The site is well-signposted.
Insider Travel Tip:
You must book a timed ticket online in advance as capacity is limited and it sells out quickly. It's a 1km walk from the car park to the bridge.
Giant's Causeway
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
An area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption—or a causeway built by giants, according to legend.
Why You Should Visit:
It's a geological marvel and one of the most unique landscapes on Earth. Climbing over the hexagonal stones is an unforgettable experience.
Dawn till dusk
Car (10-min drive)
2-3 hours
How to Reach:
A short drive west from the rope bridge. Park at the visitor centre.
Insider Travel Tip:
To save money, you can park in the nearby village of Bushmills and walk the scenic 2-mile coastal path to the Causeway for free.
Dunluce Castle
The Ruined Cliffside Fortress
The romantic and dramatic ruins of a medieval castle perched on the edge of a basalt cliff, said to be the inspiration for Castle Greyjoy in Game of Thrones.
Why You Should Visit:
The setting is breathtakingly dramatic, especially at sunset. It's one of the most photogenic spots in Northern Ireland.
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Car (5-min drive)
1 hour
How to Reach:
Located just west of the Giant's Causeway, directly on the coastal route.
Insider Travel Tip:
The best photo of the castle is not from the site itself, but from the viewpoint on the main road just before you reach it.
Day 2 Dining: A Coastal Pub Meal
The coastal towns near the Causeway are full of cozy pubs.
The Bushmills Inn
A historic inn with gaslights and peat fires, offering excellent food and a famous whiskey selection.
The Harbour Bar, Portrush
A classic, lively pub serving great Guinness and simple, delicious food.
Day 3: The Walled City of Derry/Londonderry
Drive to Northern Ireland's second city, a place with a rich and complex history, famous for its intact 17th-century city walls.
The City Walls
A Walk Through History
Derry/Londonderry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland. The walls, built in the 17th century, stretch for a mile.
Why You Should Visit:
Walking the walls provides a unique perspective on the city's layout and its history. The views over the Bogside and the murals are particularly powerful.
24/7
Walk
1.5 hours
How to Reach:
Drive from the coast (approx. 1 hour). Park and access the walls via one of the many gates.
Insider Travel Tip:
Take a guided walking tour. The local guides provide incredible insight into the city's complex past and the meaning of the murals.
The Bogside Murals & Free Derry Corner
A Political Art Gallery
The Bogside is a neighborhood just outside the city walls, famous for its large-scale murals depicting key events of 'The Troubles.'
Why You Should Visit:
It's a powerful and moving outdoor gallery that tells the story of the city's recent history from the perspective of the community.
24/7
Walk
1 hour
How to Reach:
Located directly below the city walls. Easily accessible on foot.
Insider Travel Tip:
Visit the Museum of Free Derry in the Bogside for essential context before or after viewing the murals.
Day 3 Dining: Derry's Culinary Scene
Derry has a vibrant and growing food scene.
Browns Bonds Hill
One of the city's top fine-dining restaurants, offering modern Irish cuisine.
Peadar O'Donnell's
A famous, lively pub in the city center known for its traditional live music sessions every night.
Day 4: Return to Belfast & Departure
On the final day of your Northern Ireland 4-day itinerary, take a leisurely drive back to Belfast, perhaps stopping at one more historic site before your flight home.
Black Cab Tour of Belfast
A Living History Lesson
If you have a morning spare, take a famous Black Cab tour to see Belfast's political murals on the Shankill and Falls Roads.
Why You Should Visit:
The drivers, who lived through The Troubles, provide an unbiased and deeply personal account of the city's history. It's an eye-opening experience.
Tours last 90 mins
Taxi Tour
2 hours
How to Reach:
Tours can pick you up from your hotel or a central location.
Insider Travel Tip:
Ask plenty of questions. The drivers are incredible storytellers and are happy to share their experiences.
Day 4 Dining: A Final Ulster Fry
Before you leave, you must try a classic Ulster Fry, Northern Ireland's signature breakfast.
St. George's Market
On a weekend, the market is the best place to find a delicious, locally-sourced Ulster Fry.
Maggie Mays
A local institution, famous for its massive, no-frills, and delicious Ulster Fry breakfasts.