Planning a 3-day Ireland itinerary can be a pain in the backside… So, we’ve done all of the hard work for you!
We’ve spent 25+ years travelling around Ireland and the itinerary below leans on that experience and the many mistakes we made along the way!
In a nutshell, this 3-day itinerary:
- Starts and ends in Belfast City
- Has been meticulously planned
- Has an hour-by-hour itinerary for each day to save you time/hassle
- Follows logical routes that take you to hidden gems, tourist favourites and great pubs and restaurants
Who this itinerary will suit
Now, before you scroll down, take 10 seconds to look at the graphic above – each of our road trip itineraries have been tailored to specific needs.
This road trip is specifically for those of you:
- Starting in/near Belfast City
- Using public transport and organised tours
- Looking to explore at a fast pace
- With a low level of fitness (i.e. it avoids long walks and hikes)
- Remember, we have hundreds of different itineraries here if this one doesn’t suit you
An overview of this itinerary
The map above gives you a very high-level overview of where this route will take you.
It uses several bases (e.g. Cork for 3 nights) and provides you with day-long road trips you can head off on, so you avoid having to change accommodation constantly.
Now, I’ll stop rambling on – here’s a day-by-day insight into each of the days below!
Day 1: Discovering Belfast City: Northern Ireland’s Capital
It’s day one, so welcome to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland and the start point of your epic 3-day tour of Ireland!
For today, we’re going to assume that you’ve arrived in the city in the early afternoon, giving you ample time to grab lunch and take in a couple of attractions.
First of all, you’ll probably want to check into your accommodation. You’ll be spending two nights in Belfast, and there are plenty of great hotels and guest houses to choose from. Below, we’ve listed some of our top choices for every budget.
Our Belfast accommodation recommendations
- Budget: Vagabonds Hostel(in the city centre with top reviews) and Amica Guesthouse (short bus/drive from the city centre with great reviews)
- Mid-range: Ten Square Hotel and Maldron Hotel Belfast City (both are super central with exceptional reviews)
- Luxury: The Fitzwilliam and The Merchant (both gorgeous, high-end hotels at the heart of the action)
Getting from the airport to the city
With accommodation booked, you’ll need to know the best way into the city from the airport.
That all depends on which airport you’re flying to. George Best Belfast City Airport is much closer but also much smaller and typically only handles domestic flights from the UK and Ireland.
Belfast International Airport (BFS) is approximately 20 miles from Belfast city centre and handles both international and domestic flights.
Here are your options for both.
From George Best Belfast City Airport
Getting to Belfast from the city airport using public transport is quick, easy, and affordable. We’ve outlined three options below.
Option 1: Bus
The Airport Express 600 Service operates from right outside the main doors of the airport to the Europa Bus Terminal in Belfast. It operates every 30 minutes, 7 days a week and takes around 10 minutes to get to the city centre. You can buy the ticket from the driver or at the tourist information desk at the airport, and they cost £2.60 (€3.00) one way.
The bus is definitely the cheapest and most convenient option, but you may need an additional mode of transport to get you to your accommodation.
Option 2: Train
There is a NI Railways train (line 1) that will take you from the airport’s Sydenham train station to the city every hour. It’s a very quick 10 to 20-minute journey depending on the station you jump off at and is reasonably priced. The train terminates at Great Victoria Street Station, which is very central, or you can jump off earlier at Lanyon Place (Belfast Central Station), close to St. George’s Market and the town centre.
However, wait times can be long, and you’ll need to walk 15 minutes to get to the station. Like the bus, you may still need an additional mode of transport to get you to your accommodation.
Option 3: Taxi
You can hire a taxi at the airport to take you to the city. It takes around 10 minutes and costs around £38 depending on where you’re going exactly. Unlike the other options, you can get straight to your accommodation, so if you’re carrying a lot of luggage, it could be worth the extra cost.
From Belfast International Airport (BFS)
Getting to Belfast from the international airport using public transport is also easy and affordable. By far the best option is the Airport Express.
The Airport Express
The Airport Express 300/300a Service operates from right outside the main doors of the airport and goes to the Europa Bus Terminal in the centre of Belfast. It operates every 15 to 20 minutes or so, 7 days a week and takes around 45 minutes to get to the city centre.
You can buy the ticket onboard from the driver, at the airport from the Translink Ticket Vending Machine, or from the Visit Belfast information desk. Tickets cost £8 (€10.00) one way.
Stop 1: Lunch
You’ll probably have a mighty hunger after all that travelling. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of stunning places to eat out, especially in the city centre. So, first things first, head to the heart of town. Once you’re there, you’ll find no end of cafes, restaurants, and pubs that are sure to satisfy your hunger.
Almost any good pub will do traditional Irish fayre, so if you’re looking for gorgeous soda bread, seafood, stews, and much more, you’ll have plenty of choices. Burger fans should definitely check out Bunsen on Hill Street. With a small, carefully curated menu, you can’t go wrong. Blu is another great choice, with a sleek and modern menu that caters to everyone, although for us, it’s hard to resist the steaks!
Stop 2: Crumlin Road Gaol
After a good feed, it’s time to take in some local attractions. Crumlin Road Gaol is a leisurely 16-minute walk away from the city centre. The self-guided tour takes you on a 70-minute journey through the tunnels and corridors that make up the 150-year-old prison. Complete with information boards and videos, you’ll get to see various parts of the old gaol, including the holding cells, execution chamber, and the prison graveyard.
Stop 3: St. Anne’s Cathedral
St Anne’s Cathedral is the focal point to the Cathedral Quarter and is unusual because it serves two separate dioceses (an ecclesiastical district under the jurisdiction of a bishop) and therefore has two bishop’s seats.
Dating back to 1899, the cathedral is popular both as a place of worship and with tourists. Built in the Romanesque style, it’s characterised by its semi-circular arches and attracts its fair share of visitors thanks to its wealth of interesting features, such as the Spire of Hope, the Titanic Pall and the Tomb of Lord Carson.
It’s a 14-minute walk back into town from Crumlin Road Gaol. You can shave a bit of the walking time off by hopping on a bus at Carlisle Circus Antrim Road station and jumping off at Central Library. Translink routes 12a and 1c both stop at these stations.
Stop 4: Belfast Black Cab Tour
The Belfast Black Cab tour offers an incredible experience that shouldn’t be missed. Each of the tour guides lived through the Troubles, lending real-life experience to the tours. You’ll pass through various parts of Belfast that you might not feel comfortable visiting by yourself. All the while, your guide will regale you with stories and first-hand accounts of the history behind each place.
You’ll also see a lot of fantastic murals and other sights, like the iconic Belfast Peace Wall. It’s a great way to learn more about Belfast’s long, rich, and sometimes sad history. Tours depart from Jurys Inn on Victoria Road, which is about a 12-minute walk from St Anne’s Cathedral.
Stop 5: Dinner, drinks and live music
At the end of the Black Cab Tour, you’ll be dropped off back in the Cathedral Quarter, in the heart of the city.
You’ll find tons of options for food, drink, entertainment, and plenty of live music here, so whether you go back to your accommodation to freshen up first or head straight out is up to you.
Our Belfast food recommendations
There’s some outstanding restaurants in Belfast City. First up, Deanes is a Belfast institution and a must-visit while you’re in the city. There are three venues to choose from, each focusing on something different; Deanes Meat Locker, Deanes Love Fish, and Deanes at Queens.
Whichever you choose, you’re in for a fine feed. EDO is another favourite of ours, a stunning tapas and cocktail bar with incredible sharing platters.
Or, for a fancy first meal in Ireland, head to The Ginger Bistro, near the Belfast Opera House. Their menu is out of this world, though that’s no surprise when you consider it was voted the best restaurant in Northern Ireland.
Our Belfast pub recommendations
There are countless incredible pubs and bars in Belfast for a tasty after-dinner tipple. Check out traditional options like the unmistakable Bittles Bar, with its stunning range of local beer and Irish whisky.
The Duke of York is another old-school boozer, walls adorned with knick-knacks from yesteryear and serving up a fine pint of Guinness.
Finally, we couldn’t forget Madden’s Bar, a cosy, traditional pub complete with a roaring wood-burning stove and a friendly atmosphere. Somewhat overlooked, it’s a hidden gem, beloved by those in the know!
Traditional musicians from across Ireland come to play at Kelly’s Cellars every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Other fantastic options for music include Fibber Magees, another charmingly old-fashioned pub with a lively atmosphere, and the John Hewitt.
Day 2: The Causeway Coast
After a fantastic first day enjoying the sights of the city, it’s time to hit the road and check out the incredible Causeway Coastal Route.
There are a bunch of tours to choose from, including ones that bring you to the Game of Thrones locations. We’ve picked this one that just does a full-day trip to the Giants Causeway while taking in a clatter of attractions along the way.
Grab a bit of breakfast beforehand. We’d heartily recommend the Lamppost Cafe on Newtownards Road for a slap-up cooked Irish breakfast—they also have a cooked vegan breakfast. Alternatively, check out the Grapevine in the Cathedral Quarter for porridge, bagels, baps, and breakfast burritos.
Stop 1: Carrickfergus Castle
Carrickfergus Castle is one of the most well-known and best-preserved castles in Ireland. It’s just 25 minutes from Belfast City Centre, making it an ideal first stop on your way to the Causeway Coast. While you won’t be going in for the tour, you’ll get plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings and get some photos.
Dating back to the 12th Century, this epic fortress boasts huge walls that protect it from the sea, plus a number of mighty towers. It’s been the site of countless battles over the years, and it’s no surprise that it’s home to a ghost.
Stop 2: Cushendun Caves
The coast road is absolutely stunning between Carrickfergus Castle and your next stop, Cushendun Caves, with sights like the epic Black Arch along the way.
Formed over hundreds of millions of years, these days, the caves are most famous for appearing in the Game of Thrones series. The caves formed the backdrop for the Stormlands and were the setting for a couple of important scenes from the series in season 2 and again in season 8. This explains why you’ll find plenty of GoT fans heading out to explore this spot.
While the place is incredibly impressive to explore, it’s not an overly large area, and most people only spend about 15-20 minutes getting around them. It’s also completely free to visit, which makes it a nice stop on the Causeway Coastal Route.
Stop 3: Carnlough
The charming village of Carnlough is a top place to visit, and it’s located at the foothills of Glencloy. One of the 9 Glens of Antrim, it’s famed for its beautiful harbour, from which small fishing vessels and pleasure boats set out to sea.
The harbour was another Game of Thrones filming location and was used in several scenes in the show. If time allows, it’s worth strolling through the village and enjoying the gorgeous views from the waterfront.
Stop 4: Ballintoy for Lunch
The quirky Ballintoy Harbour is one of the more well-trodden stop-offs on the Causeway Coastal Route. Based in the picturesque village of the same name, Ballintoy Harbour is home to everything from sea stacks and rocky islands to amazing cliff tops and more. Of course, there’s a Ballintoy Harbour Game of Thrones link too! It was one of several filming locations and was used for the exterior Pyke shots and to stand in as the Iron Islands.
For lunch, you’ll be heading to the Fullerton Arms, where you’ll find a stunning menu that takes in a range of fresh seafood dishes, as well as steaks, pasta, burgers, pies, and much more. Whenever we visit, the Strangford Rope Mussels served with Irish wheaten bread are a must, available in a variety of sauces.
Stop 5: Giants Causeway
The legendary landscape of the Giants Causeway boasts more than 40,000 basalt pillars, jutting proudly out from the sea. In Irish folklore, the path was used by the hero Fionn Mac Cumhaill to get to Scotland, where he fought an enemy giant.
It was formed more than 60 million years ago and has been studied by geologists for more than 300 years, making it one of the most important and unique nature reserves on earth. You’ll spend some time climbing over the ancient stones while your guide regales you with the myths and legends that surround this world-famous attraction.
Stop 6: Dunluce Castle
Your next stop is the legendary Dunluce Castle. It’s a fantastic place to wander around, taking in the castle ruins and getting some nice photos. The castle dates back to the 1500s and is rich in history. Of course, there are several legends, most notably the Dunluce Banshee, whose wails and screams are said to haunt the Northeast Tower. It’s another top spot for Game of Thrones fans, too—the castle served as the Greyjoy fortress on the Iron Isles.
Stop 7: The Dark Hedges
Your final stop before heading back to Belfast is the epic Dark Hedges. It’s here that you’ll find an avenue lined with 150 beech trees that has delighted photographers, painters and directors for many a year.
Once again, there’s a big aul Dark Hedges Game of Thrones link! If you’re a fan of the insanely successful HBO series, then you’ll probably recognise the Dark Hedges as ‘The Kings Road’. The avenue features in Season 2, Episode 1: ‘On the King’ s Road’. The Dark Hedges were featured during a scene where Arya Stark escaped from King’s Landing.
The hedges date to 1755 and were planted alongside the road running up to Gracehill House in an attempt to make the road up to the estate more formidable. Looks like it worked! Grab some photos, look out for the spooky Grey Lady, and then it’s back on the coach to Belfast for dinner and drinks.
Stop 8: Back to Belfast for the night
Taking a more direct route back will have you in Belfast in about an hour and 30 minutes or so.
You’ll find tons of options for food, drink, entertainment, and plenty of live music here, so whether you go back to your accommodation to freshen up first or head straight out is up to you.
Our Belfast food recommendations
There’s some outstanding restaurants in Belfast City. First up, Deanes is a Belfast institution and a must-visit while you’re in the city. There are three venues to choose from, each focusing on something different; Deanes Meat Locker, Deanes Love Fish, and Deanes at Queens.
Whichever you choose, you’re in for a fine feed. EDO is another favourite of ours, a stunning tapas and cocktail bar with incredible sharing platters.
Or, for a fancy meal, head to The Ginger Bistro, near the Belfast Opera House. Their menu is out of this world, though that’s no surprise when you consider it was voted the best restaurant in Northern Ireland.
Our Belfast pub recommendations
There are countless incredible pubs and bars in Belfast for a tasty after-dinner tipple. Check out traditional options like the unmistakable Bittles Bar, with its stunning range of local beer and Irish whisky.
The Duke of York is another old-school boozer, walls adorned with knick-knacks from yesteryear and serving up a fine pint of Guinness.
Finally, we couldn’t forget Madden’s Bar, a cosy, traditional pub complete with a roaring wood-burning stove and a friendly atmosphere. Somewhat overlooked, it’s a hidden gem, beloved by those in the know!
Traditional musicians from across Ireland come to play at Kelly’s Cellars every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
Other fantastic options for music include Fibber Magees, another charmingly old-fashioned pub with a lively atmosphere, and the John Hewitt.
Day 3: Belfast Airport and home
We hope you’ve enjoyed your stay in Belfast. You’ve already done this trip once before but we’ve included all the information below to help you get back to your airport and catch your flight.
Option 1: Bus
The Airport Express 600 Service operates from Europa Bus Terminal in Belfast to right outside the main doors of the airport. It operates every 30 minutes, 7 days a week and takes around 10 minutes to get to the city centre. You can buy the ticket from the driver or at the tourist information desk at the airport, and they cost £2.60 (€3.00) one way.
The bus is definitely the cheapest and most convenient option, but you may need an additional mode of transport to get you to your accommodation.
Option 2: Train
There is a NI Railways train (line 1) that will take you to the airport’s Sydenham train station from the city every hour. It’s a very quick 10 to 20-minute journey depending on the station you jump on at, and is reasonably priced. You can catch the train at Great Victoria Street Station, which is very central, or at Lanyon Place (Belfast Central Station), close to St. George’s Market and the town centre.
However, wait times can be long, and you’ll need to walk 15 minutes from the station to the airport.
Option 3: Taxi
You can hire a taxi to the airport. It takes around 10 minutes and costs around £38 depending on where you’re leaving from.
And that’s a wrap on this road trip
We hope you found the above road trip guide useful. If you have any questions, ask in the comments below and we’ll do our best to help.
Or, if you’d like to browse our other Irish Road Trip itineraries, visit our Road Trip Hub – cheers!
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.