DAY 3
As Belfast is surrounded by beautiful countryside, it's worth hiring a car to drive along the coastal road which winds its way along rough, rocky beaches beside towering cliffs and through charming villages. Two sights make the trip particularly memorable: the village and distillery of Bushmills, and the Giant's Causeway.
Perched near the sea at the northern tip of Ireland, the historic village of Bushmills is the perfect place to have lunch—but first, visit the Old Bushmills Distillery. Having the distinction of being the oldest distillery in the world, it was founded in 1608 and celebrates its 400th birthday this year. Guided tours cover the history and technology of the famed whiskey and end with a sampling. A café inside the distillery offers light snacks and a gift shop sells souvenir bottles.
For a substantial lunch, try the Bushmills Inn, which serves traditional Irish dishes using local ingredients like peppered fillet cooked in Bushmills whiskey and cream.
 |
| Giant's Causeway |
Then drive on to the fantastic Giant's Causeway. This natural wonder is a World Heritage Site and the North's number one tourist attraction. Park and either walk or take the free shuttle bus down the one-mile path to the beach. The 38,000 hexagonal basalt columns are impressive—especially when exploring them by foot, so make sure you come armed with a camera. The Causeway Visitor Centre fully explains this extraordinary natural phenomenon.
Continue down the coast as the road twists and turns, offering stunning vistas (on a clear day you can see Scotland), bright green fields and rocky beaches. The picturesque villages of Ballycastle with its marina and Glenarm with marina and castle make good stops for afternoon tea or a snack.
Back in Belfast, if you have time, take a taxi to Belfast Castle, which was rebuilt in 1870 on a 12th-century site and offers superb views over Belfast Lough. There's a splendid café, antiques shop, and an excellent visitor center, which provides interesting information on the area and the surrounding Cave Hill country park.
Then head back into town to club the night away in this exciting and surprising city.
For more information, please visit the Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau at www.gotobelfast.com.
