Belfast is a lively and vibrant city, but sometimes you just need a weekend away. Whether you live in the city or are merely visiting, we’ve rounded up the best nearby destinations for a short escape. Weekend breaks in Northern Ireland are great, as you can get just about anywhere within a few hours of driving. You could visit Derry, head deep into the mountains, or go and catch some rays at the beach. Here are the best Belfast getaways for a weekend or bank holiday.
1. Portrush and Portstewart
Let’s combine two of Northern Ireland’s most popular coastal towns in one of the best weekend breaks from Belfast. An hour-and-a-half drive from the bustling capital of Northern Ireland, these two seaside towns are perfect for a long weekend or mid-season getaway.
They feature picturesque cottages, stunning coastal paths and miles of sandy dunes. The town's seafront promenade, shaped like a crescent, is protected by rocky headlands, which provide a peaceful atmosphere and safe waters. The dunes at Portstewart Strand also served as a backdrop for an iconic scene in Game of Thrones, where Jaime Lannister and Bronn fought Dornish guards.
Things to do in Portrush and Portstewart:
-This is one of the best places to visit in May in the UK, as the towns come alive with the North West 200 motorcycle race. You’ll find plenty of fans drawn here, bustling streets, and live music. The starting grid and pit area are located on the coastal road between Portrush and Portstewart.
-Spend a day at the beach, of course! In Portrush, West Strand is popular for those looking to relax and swim, while East Strand is renowned for its water sports and surfing opportunities.
-Portstewart is a bustling town all year round, and you’ll find plenty to do here that doesn’t involve getting sand everywhere. Head to their boutique shops, art galleries, cosy pubs, and award-winning restaurants.
2. Mourne Mountains
One of the most beloved weekend breaks in Northern Ireland is heading to the majestic Mourne Mountains. A gem nestled in County Down, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is also recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
The Mourne Mountains are Northern Ireland’s highest peaks, and are best explored by bike or foot. You can follow the Mourne Wall over fifteen peaks of the mountain, which rivals Hadrian’s Wall for its impressive condition. While here, be sure to try the Catch of the Day in the Mourne Seafood Bar.
Things to do in the Mourne Mountains:
-Any Game of Thrones fans with you? You can take a tour through the numerous filming locations around here. Or head out by yourself to feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy world yourself. It’ll come as no surprise that parts of this region also served as inspiration for CS Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia.
-Grab your walking boots and spend a day hiking through the Silent Valley — don’t worry, you’re allowed to speak there, unlike a silent train carriage! You can walk the outline of the sparkling reservoir, explore the history of the workers who built it, or simply drink in the park’s namesake silence.
-This is a popular destination for cyclists, so bring your bike or rent one there to tackle the beloved Mourne Loop. This 45-mile route offers a mix of flat terrain, steady climbs and long descents. It can get quite chilly at the top, so tackle it in the summer, or bring warm clothing. Treat yourself to a pint afterwards, you deserve it!
3. Antrim Coast
An hour’s drive from Belfast, the Antrim Coast is ideal for short weekend breaks in Northern Ireland. You could even travel up for just one night away from the city, although we recommend staying longer given how much there is to do here.
This stunning stretch of coastline was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1988 and is considered to contain some of the most beautiful and varied scenery in all of Northern Ireland. While here, be sure to visit Glenariff and its magical waterfall.
Things to do on the Antrim Coast:
-The best way to soak up the Antrim Coast is through tackling the Gobbins Coastal Walk. This 3-mile path can be challenging at times, but it’ll never get dull, thanks to tubular and suspension bridges, caves, steps, and tunnels.
-Just off the Antrim Coast, you’ll find Rathlin Island. It’s a 40-minute boat trip to this bird sanctuary, which is filled with seabirds and puffins. Only 141 people live on this island, so you’ll find tranquillity like nowhere else in the UK.
-Drive further north one day to visit the Giant’s Causeway, one of the most famous landmarks in the country. Consisting of about 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns, Giant’s Causeway is the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption, although many claim witchcraft or giants were involved. It’s free to visit, and there are many great camping spots nearby.
4. Derry
Leave the capital for a weekend in Northern Ireland’s second-largest city, and the fifth-largest on the island of Ireland. Steeped in both culture and history, this is not a destination to miss during your time in Ireland. It’s officially the only walled city in Ireland (we’re not sure if there are unofficial ones too, but you never know).
It’s also one of the few walled cities in all of Europe, and considering the walls were built in 1613-1618 and used as a defence against early 17th-century settlers, they’re in remarkably good condition. Derry’s walls were never breached, earning it the nickname “the Maiden City.” We recommend taking at least two days in Derry to explore everything it has to offer.
Things to do in Derry:
-One of our favourite ways to explore a city is through a walking tour, and you’ll find plenty of options in Derry. You can take the Bloody Sunday and Bogside Murals tour to learn more about the violent past of Derry and how it has shaped the city today. If you’re a fan of the hit Netflix show, Derry Girls, you can take a tour around all of the filming locations and see the mural it inspired.
-Derry’s history has shaped the city it is today, so take the time to learn more about this difficult past. Visit the Museum of Free Derry, which recounts the turbulent history of the city between 1968 and 1972. Another unique attraction is the Doagh Famine Village, which shows you how the local community learned to adapt as society evolved from the 1840s to the present day.
-Walk across the majestic Peace Bridge into the old army parade ground, which has been converted into a lively area with bars and restaurants. This architectural masterpiece tells the story of triumph over adversity and connects the two sides of the River Foyle in a symbol of peace. Afterwards, you can head to the nearby Walled City Brewery for craft beers and international small plates.
5. Sperrin
We’re rounding off our list of Belfast getaways with Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This is considered to be one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets, and once you visit, you’ll be shocked that everyone isn’t discussing this gorgeous region all the time. Its anonymity will work in your favour, as you’re unlikely to encounter many others there, so you can feel like the only people in the world. It’s ideal for weekend breaks from Belfast as it’s only an hour and fifteen minutes drive, and you could always stop for lunch near the beautiful Lough Neagh.
Things to do in Sperrin:
-If you can climb to the highest peaks of the Sperrin Mountains, you’ll find it to be well worth the effort. The highest peaks of Sawel, Mullaclogher, and Mullaghaneany all exceed 2,000 feet and are capped with crystalline limestone. They’re also partly penetrated by glaciated glens and mainly covered in heather — what a sight!
-But walking isn’t the only way to explore this gorgeous region. This is a popular destination for cyclists, who embark on the many winding trails around this peat-bog country. Additionally, you can rent horses to see things from a higher-vantage point. Or, for a real birds-eye view, get your adrenaline pumping by parachuting or gliding above Magilligan Point.
-Stone Henge may be the most famous stone circle in the UK, but it's far from the only one. Over 90 sets of stone circles dating back to the Bronze Age have been found in Sperrin. The most famous are the Beaghmore Stone Circles. Over the centuries, their meaning has been lost, but they are aligned to the movement of the sun, moon, and stars. We recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset for the best view.
There you have it, five weekend breaks near Belfast to give you the reset and refresh you’re looking for. Whether you head into the culture and history of Derry, tackle the famous Gobbins Walk, or grab some seafood in Portstewart, you’re never more than a few hours of driving from Belfast. These are our favourite Belfast getaways that can easily be extended into a Northern Ireland road trip.
Now it’s time to hire a motorhome for your trip and pick the playlist for your journey.
