7-Day Northern Ireland Grand Tour

This is the definitive Northern Ireland itinerary - a complete week exploring all six counties, from Belfast's Titanic heritage to the Giant's Causeway, from Derry's historic walls to the Fermanagh Lakelands, from the Mourne Mountains to Game of Thrones filming locations. This itinerary perfectly balances history, nature, culture, and food, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Northern Ireland.

Seven days is the ideal timeframe to see Northern Ireland properly without feeling rushed. You'll experience the highlights while also discovering lesser-known gems, eat in both Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional pubs, and leave with a deep appreciation for this beautiful corner of Ireland.

Morning: Arrival & Orientation

Arrive in Belfast, collect rental car, check into city center accommodation. Start with a walking tour of the city center:

• Belfast City Hall - Free guided tours show this stunning Edwardian building
• Cathedral Quarter - Cobblestone streets, street art, independent shops
• Victoria Square - Shopping center with free 360° viewing dome

Afternoon: St. George's Market (if weekend) or Ulster Museum

If arriving Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, visit St. George's Market for lunch and local atmosphere. Otherwise, spend time at the excellent (free) Ulster Museum covering art, history, and natural sciences.

Evening: Black Taxi Tour & Murals

Take a black taxi tour (£12-15pp, 90 minutes) to see the political murals and learn about the Troubles. This provides essential context for understanding Belfast's history.

Dinner: Cathedral Quarter

Dine at Mourne Seafood Bar, The Muddlers Club (Michelin star), or Holohan's. End with traditional music at The Duke of York or Kelly's Cellars.

Morning: Titanic Belfast

Spend 3 hours at Titanic Belfast (book tickets online). This world-class museum tells the complete Titanic story on the site where she was built. Add on the SS Nomadic tour (Titanic's tender ship).

Lunch: Titanic Quarter or return to city center

Afternoon: Choose Your Adventure

Option A - History: Crumlin Road Gaol (Victorian prison with Troubles history)

Option B - Nature: Botanic Gardens and Palm House (beautiful Victorian glasshouse)

Option C - Culture: Queen's Quarter - university area with bookshops, cafes, historic buildings

Evening: Casual Dining & Drinks

Explore the Ormeau Road or Holyland restaurant scene. Try The Barking Dog, Deanes at Queens, or Molly's Yard.

Full day coastal drive (depart Belfast 8 AM, return ~8 PM)

Route: Belfast → Carrickfergus → Coastal A2 → Giant's Causeway → Return

Key stops (in order):

• 9:00 AM - Carrickfergus Castle (30 min) - Norman fortress by the sea
• 10:00 AM - Glenarm/Carnlough (photo stop) - Pretty Glens of Antrim villages
• 12:00 PM - Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (90 min) - Thrilling bridge crossing over Atlantic
• 1:30 PM - Lunch in Ballintoy or Ballycastle
• 2:30 PM - Giant's Causeway (2.5 hours) - 40,000 basalt columns, UNESCO site
• 5:30 PM - Dark Hedges (20 min) - Famous Game of Thrones tree tunnel
• 6:00 PM - Dunluce Castle (30 min) - Dramatic clifftop ruins

Evening: Return to Belfast or stay on coast

Either drive back to Belfast (90 min) or stay overnight in Portrush/Bushmills area to break up driving.

Morning: Drive to Derry & Wall Walk

Drive from Belfast (90 min) or from Causeway Coast (45 min) to Derry-Londonderry.

Walk the complete circuit of the historic city walls (1.5km, 400 years old). The only fully intact walled city in Ireland, with stunning views over the Foyle River.

Midday: Museum of Free Derry & Bogside Murals

Visit the Museum of Free Derry to understand Bloody Sunday and the civil rights movement. Walk the Bogside to see powerful political murals including "You Are Now Entering Free Derry."

Lunch: Walled City

Try Pyke 'n' Pommes, Browns Restaurant, or The Sooty Olive.

Afternoon: Cultural Derry

• Guildhall - Neo-Gothic building with stained glass
• Peace Bridge - Modern footbridge symbolizing reconciliation
• Tower Museum - City history and Spanish Armada shipwreck
• St. Columb's Cathedral - 17th-century Protestant cathedral

Evening: Derry's Nightlife

Derry has excellent pubs with traditional music. Try Peadar O'Donnell's, The Gweedore Bar, or Sandino's. The city has a younger, more bohemian vibe than Belfast.

Accommodation: Stay overnight in Derry

Morning: Drive to Enniskillen via Marble Arch Caves

Drive from Derry to Marble Arch Caves (75 min). Take the underground boat and walking tour through spectacular limestone caves (book ahead, £12). Allow 90 minutes.

Midday: Enniskillen Town

Lunch in Enniskillen, County Fermanagh's lakeside town. Visit Enniskillen Castle and museums.

Afternoon: Lower Lough Erne Exploration

Devenish Island - Take ferry to this monastic site with 12th-century round tower and medieval ruins. One of Ireland's best-preserved early Christian settlements.

Castle Archdale - Forest park with walking trails and WWII flying boat museum

Tully Castle - Plantation-era fortified house ruins

Alternative Afternoon: Kayaking or Boat Tour

Lough Erne is perfect for water activities. Book kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or take a cruise from Enniskillen or Killadeas.

Evening: Relax in Rural Fermanagh

Stay in Enniskillen or at a lakeside B&B. Fermanagh's pace is slower - enjoy the tranquility. Dinner at The Jolly Sandwich, Catalina's, or Dollakis.

Morning: Drive to Mourne Mountains

Drive from Fermanagh to Newcastle (90 min). The Mourne Mountains inspired C.S. Lewis's Narnia.

Activity Options (choose based on fitness):

Option A - Serious Hikers: Slieve Donard summit (850m, 5-7 hours, strenuous)

Option B - Moderate Hikers: Tollymore Forest Park trails (2-4 hours, easy-moderate, Game of Thrones filming location)

Option C - Scenic Driving: Drive the Mourne Coastal Route, visit Silent Valley Reservoir (£5 entry, stunning dam and mountain views), stop at viewpoints

Afternoon/Evening: Newcastle Town

Return to Newcastle for late lunch/early dinner. Walk the beach promenade with mountains as backdrop - one of Northern Ireland's most iconic views.

Fish & Chips: Get takeaway from Mourne Seafood Bar and eat on the beach at sunset.

Accommodation: Stay in Newcastle or nearby, or drive to Belfast (45 min)

Morning: Game of Thrones Tour

Visit major GoT filming locations (self-drive or join organized tour from Belfast):

• Castle Ward (County Down) - Winterfell scenes, archery lessons available
• Inch Abbey (County Down) - Robb Stark's camp
• Ballintoy Harbor (County Antrim) - Iron Islands harbor
• Cushendun Caves (County Antrim) - Where Melisandre gave birth to shadow creature

Afternoon: Armagh City - Ireland's Ecclesiastical Capital

Drive to Armagh city (60 min from Newcastle). The religious capital of Ireland with two cathedrals both named St. Patrick's:

• St. Patrick's Cathedral (Church of Ireland) - Hilltop medieval cathedral
• St. Patrick's Cathedral (Catholic) - Victorian Gothic twin domes
• Armagh Public Library - One of Ireland's oldest libraries
• Navan Fort - Ancient royal site, capital of Ulster in legend

Evening: Return to Belfast

Drive back to Belfast (45 min) for your final night. Celebrate your week with a special dinner:

• OX (Michelin star) - Book weeks ahead
• Eipic (Michelin star) - Modern Irish cuisine
• The Muddlers Club (Michelin star) - Cathedral Quarter
• Or keep it casual with fish & chips and a final pub session

Practical Planning Information

Accommodation Strategy

You have two main options:

Option 1: Move Every 1-2 Nights (More Authentic Experience)

• Night 1-2: Belfast
• Night 3: Portrush or Bushmills (Causeway Coast)
• Night 4: Derry
• Night 5: Enniskillen or lakeside B&B
• Night 6: Newcastle (Mournes) or Belfast
• Night 7: Belfast

Pros: Less driving each day, experience different regions, more authentic
Cons: Packing/unpacking every 1-2 days

Option 2: Two Bases (Less Packing)

• Nights 1-4: Belfast (central location, long day trips)
• Nights 5-6: Enniskillen or Derry
• Night 7: Belfast

Pros: Less packing, easier logistics
Cons: More driving, especially Days 3-4

Transportation

Car rental essential - Book for full 7 days:

• Economy car: £250-350 for week
• Fuel: ~£80-100 total
• Parking: Mostly free outside Belfast; £5-15/day in city center
• Book automatic transmission if you're not comfortable with manual

Budget Breakdown (Per Person, based on 2 people sharing)

• Accommodation (7 nights): £350-600 (£50-85/night average)
• Car rental: £175 (£350 split by 2)
• Fuel: £45 (£90 split by 2)
• Attractions: £80-120
  • Titanic Belfast £22
  • Giant's Causeway £14
  • Carrick-a-Rede £9
  • Crumlin Road Gaol £11
  • Marble Arch Caves £12
  • Castle Ward £8
  • Plus smaller sites
• Food & Drink: £280-400 (£40-60/day)
  • Budget: £25-35/day (pub meals, self-catering)
  • Mid-range: £40-60/day (mix of cafes and restaurants)
  • Splurge: £70+/day (include Michelin dining)
• Tours & Extras: £40-80 (black taxi tour, boat tours, etc.)

Total Estimated Cost: £970-1,445 per person

Budget travelers: £970-1,100 | Mid-range: £1,100-1,300 | Comfortable: £1,300-1,450+

Best Time for This Itinerary

• Late Spring (May-June): Long daylight, mild weather, fewer crowds than summer
• Summer (July-August): Warmest, longest days, but busiest and most expensive
• Early Autumn (September-early Oct): Beautiful colors, good weather, moderate crowds
• Avoid Winter (Nov-Feb): Very short days (4pm sunset), cold, rain, some attractions closed

What's NOT Included (but worth considering if you have more time)

• County Tyrone: Ulster American Folk Park, Sperrin Mountains, Beaghmore Stone Circles
• Strangford Lough: Coastal villages, seal watching, Castle Ward estate
• Bushmills Distillery: World's oldest licensed whiskey distillery tour
• Rathlin Island: Island ferry trip with puffins (seasonal), rugged beauty
• Derry to Donegal: Easy day trip to Republic of Ireland's northwest

Customization Options

If You Have More Time (8-10 Days)

Add extra days to explore:

• Rathlin Island: Full day trip from Ballycastle
• Sperrin Mountains & County Tyrone: Ulster American Folk Park, gold panning, remote hiking
• Strangford Lough & Lecale Peninsula: Coastal villages, Downpatrick (St. Patrick's burial site), seafood
• Day trip to Donegal: Cross into Republic of Ireland for Slieve League cliffs

Theme Variations

History & Heritage Focus:

• Add: Ulster Museum, Hillsborough Castle, Ulster Folk Museum
• More time in: Derry walls, Navan Fort, Armagh

Outdoor Adventure Focus:

• Add: Mountain biking (Rostrevor, Castlewellan), kayaking Lough Erne, surfing Portrush
• More time in: Mournes hiking, Causeway coastal walks

Food & Drink Focus:

• Add: Bushmills Distillery, Echlinville Distillery, food markets, cooking classes
• Book: Multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, food tours

Final Thoughts

This 7-day grand tour provides the perfect balance of Northern Ireland's major highlights and hidden gems. You'll cover all six counties, experience diverse landscapes from mountains to lakes to coastlines, understand the region's complex history, taste excellent food, and meet welcoming people.

Northern Ireland is small in size but enormous in experiences. In one week, you'll understand why this place captures hearts - its dramatic beauty, resilient spirit, dark history and bright future, and the genuine warmth of its people.

Many visitors arrive expecting a quick stopover and leave planning their return trip. Seven days is enough to see Northern Ireland properly, but it's also enough to make you want to come back and explore deeper.

Welcome to Northern Ireland. Enjoy every moment of your grand tour.