Northern Ireland has it all – from busy towns to peaceful country-sides, green forests and cliffs and bays, beautiful beaches and castles et al.
Driving is the best way to explore Northern Ireland. We reached Larne by a ferry from Scotland with our rental car, though the most convenient way is to drive northwards from Belfast along the coast and then take the western route. As we landed in Larne, we had to first drive southwards and start on the Causeway Coastal Route which is well-marked with maps and signboards. You could do it in anything from a rushed 2 days to a relaxed 6 days depending on whether you want to spend a little more time looking around in the places of your interest. Or even driving a bit inwards away from the coastal route.
The main highlights of the East Coast drive that we really enjoyed and you do not want to miss are:
Carrickfergus Castle – a Norman castle located on the northern shore of Belfast, a real fortress with a wealth of history behind it. You could easily spend about an hour or more here. Go up to the roof level, take in the views across the bay and back over Carrickfergus town. You could also wander around Carrickfergus itself – there’s an excellent free museum about the history of the city, nice churches – and you can also see a few remaining parts of the old city wall. There are some good cafes and restaurants where you could stop for lunch.
Gleno waterfall – a charming place and a hidden gem. Most people do not know its existence. It is not mentioned in the causeway route maps. It is a leisurely drive from the main road in Larne and the waterfall is easily accessible without any strenuous hikes. The walk up the narrow path through the glen is superb – although you will definitely need good shoes and moderate fitness. Do stop here to stroll over to the waterfall – a short level path – and take some good pictures. A tranquil relaxing place.
Islandmagee – another place that is mostly missed by tourists. It is a beautiful drive, looping off the Causeway Coastal route at White head to Brown’s bay and then Portmuch’s beautiful harbour and beach – lovely walks here with views of Muck island.
Carnfunnock Country Park – An excellent place for a family outing, packed full of exciting and unusual attractions, in an amazing setting overlooking the Antrim Coast. Highlights include an outdoor adventure playground, nine-hole golf course, walking trails, walled garden and a visitor centre-cum-café. The walled garden has interesting sundials and wooden sculptures.
Torr Head – One of the most challenging sections is to drive on a largely single-track road to Torr Head. A bit of a detour from the main route, but it takes you closer to the coast itself and is well worth taking provided you do not have a big car!
We very much enjoyed this route – the views were beautiful, and the short hike up to the top of Torr Head was a nice opportunity to stretch our legs and get a look at the incredible coastline here. If you don’t mind driving on winding narrow roads, this detour is worth adding to your to-do list.
The second part of this drive is Northern Ireland – North Coast. Click here to view.
What a great tip about the Gleno waterfall – it’s those little hidden treasures that make a trip exciting! Such a beautiful landscape.
I’ve always loved the landscape of rolling green hills in Ireland. Such a beautiful country and exploring by road trip makes so much sense to make the most of it. Thanks for sharing your itinerary!
I visited Ireland last April but only had a week so focused on the Southern loop from Dublin. I really hope to go back someday soon and see the Northern part, especially Belfast, but that East Coast route looks great too. Love the idea of taking the ferry from Scotland.
Wow this is spectacular. I am visiting UK this year but didn’t have northern ireland in our initial plan. Now I feel like going there.
Sounds like it’s well worth renting a smaller car just so you can take those coastal routes. Ireland sounds like it’s full of diversity With plenty to see and explore
I just love the nature in Ireland, cant wait to see more 🙂
Amazing landscapes, definitely a worthwhile road trip. Thanks for sharing.
I did a driving tour of Ireland/N. Ireland with my mom many years ago, and I’d love to return for another visit. I agree that self-driving is the best way to do it! It’s nice to have time to poke around at your own pace instead of rushing to keep to a tour group schedule. When I go back, I’m definitely putting Gleno waterfall and Torr Head on my list of must-sees. Thanks for the tips!
What a spectacular countryside! Sounds like it has everything worth driving for, mostly off-the-tourist-track, and so much green! Just beautiful, definitely worth driving for. Bookmarking it for my future travels. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Such beautiful photos, really makes you want to visit. Great tips, thanks for sharing.
I’ve only visited Dublin but my partner is obsessed with Ireland, so this might be our next road trip!
Your photos are lovely. I can’t believe how green everything is in Ireland. I’ve never been before, but this country is definitely on my to do list.
What stunning scenery! I love road trips but never think of Ireland, but maybe I should. Lovely photos!
I love the lush green meadows with fluffy white sheep on it. Carrickfergus castle looks like a place I would spend more time in and enjoy. A road trip around the whole Irish island is long due on my list.
Thanks for sharing this! We visited Ireland, but didn’t have time to get to Northern Ireland. I’d love to go back and see these someday.
Ireland is always on my list due to lots of natural wonders here. I loved the photo of Carnfunnock country park – which really look like an excellent place for a family outing and that too overlooking stunning Antrim Coast. Thanks for sharing amazing place.
This is timely for me, as we are going to Ireland in May! My research has not uncovered any of these places. I’m most interested in Islandmagee. Pinning your post for travel planning!
What a beautiful route – the coastlines look so picturesque! I would love to come upon a super green field filled with sheep in Ireland – it seems so quintessential.
I’m always on the lookout for a great road-trip, and shamefully, I’ve only visited a tiny part of Ireland. The castles at Carrickfergus looks like a grat place to explore with a great tip of climbing up to the roof to get a pretty view of the town.
Ireland looks like a beautiful destination. The castles are really beautiful. It would be a great experience to see the sheeps as well. Thanks for sharing
Wow, this looks like an amazing drive! My husband has been to Ireland and loved it. Some day, we will make it there today. I love the pictures you provided it really made this story come to life. Thank you for sharing!!
Beautiful views! It looks like a wonderful place to visit!
Sounds like a great place to visit. Adding it to my Europe bucket list.
Wow! Ireland is such a beautiful country. Loved the pictures and I so wish I could travel there right now!
We know that one day we want to plan a long road trip to Ireland. So reading this post gave us a view of what we might see on the East Coast. I love that you have included spots like the Gleno Waterfall that most people don’t get to see. We would definitely detour and drive Torr Head.
I loved reading about your travels through this part of Ireland, the countryside looks so beautifully green and lush. The photos are amazing and it definitely makes me want to visit there. Thanks for sharing the highlights, they all sound so wonderful!
Ireland is so inviting! Thanks for the tips and destination ideas. Islandmagee sounds just my kind of place!
What a beautiful adventure…. I am glad you mention some of the lesser known parts of Ireland…the castles look magical!
Ireland is on my short list for places I want to visit, so definitely saving this for later! :] I’d love to check o ut the Carrickfergus Castle + the waterfall!