4 Days In Ireland From Belfast (‘Slow-Trip’ For Those Using A Car + Low Fitness)

Planning a 4-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 4-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 your own car/a rental
• Looking to explore at a slow 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 4-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 three nights in Belfast, and there are plenty of great hotels and guest houses to choose from. 

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) 

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, so there’s no need to take the car if you don’t want to. If you do prefer to drive, it’ll take about 10 minutes or so and you can normally find street parking opposite or on a nearby side street.

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: 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 the Jury Inn on Victoria Road, which is about a 23-minute walk from Crumlin Road Gaol.

If you’re driving, it’ll take about 7 minutes to reach Weaver’s Cross Value Car Park on Grosvenor Road. This is just a 2-minute walk to the pickup point.

Stop 4: 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.

Of course, the highlight is the epic Giant’s Causeway, which you’ll get the chance to see up close and personal before heading back to Belfast for dinner and entertainment. But first…

You’ve got an action-packed day ahead of you, so it’s a good idea to get a hearty breakfast in you before you start! Grab a full Irish or buffet breakfast at your accommodation, or head into town to check out one of the many superb cafes.

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 a 23-minute drive from Belfast City Centre, making it an ideal first stop on your way to the Causeway Coast.

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. The guided tour is well worth the ticket fee, although, with numerous information boards and displays, you can also enjoy a self-guided tour at your own pace.

There’s a large car park right next to the castle and the harbour. It’s free to use, has public toilets, and it’s just a short walk to the castle gates. If you fancy a little pick-me-up before you jump back in the car, NACS coffee shop is also nearby and they serve up a superb cup of coffee as well as cakes and snacks.

Stop 2: Chaine Memorial Tower

Our next stop is the Chaine Memorial Tower, around 26 minutes away from Carrickfergus Castle. Known locally as “The Pencil”, it’s an impressive beacon tower made from Irish Granite. It stands 27 metres tall in memory of the late James Chaine of Ballycraigy and Cairncastle. James Chaine represented Ireland in the Imperial Parliament of Great Britain and Ireland from 1874 until 1885 and founded the sea route from Larne to mainland Scotland.

Well-loved by the community, the tower and the road up to it were erected in his honour. In the following years, it was converted into a lighthouse. There’s a nice, short, flat walk that’ll take you up to it, boasting breathtaking views out to sea.

Stop 3: The Black Arch

The epic Black Arch isn’t really a stop in itself. It’s actually just a short tunnel that you’ll drive through as you cruise along the Antrim Coast Road. The road clings to the sea, with cliffs looming up on the other side.

As you approach Larne, about a 23-minute drive from Chaine Memorial Tower, the craggy cliffs cross over the road, which tunnels through. It’s only short, but it looks pretty cool and is a popular spot for photographers.

Stop 4: Cushendun Beach

The coast road is absolutely stunning between the Black Arch and your next stop, Cushendun Beach. This lovely sandy bay is a fantastic place to relax and gaze out across the sea.

On a clear day, you might even see the Scottish Coast. If you fancy stretching your legs, it’s worth walking to the nearby Cushendun Caves, which are famous for appearing in the Game of Thrones series. Alternatively, there’s a 2km looped walk around the beach and village.

It’ll take about 48 minutes to reach Cushendun Beach from the Black Arch, and there’s plenty of free parking to be found, as well as public toilets.

Stop 5: Lunch in Ballycastle

After a short 22-minute drive from Cushendun Beach, you’ll arrive in the bustling seaside town of Ballycastle. The town boasts a gorgeous location, surrounded by sea, sand, mountains, and forests, and is ideally placed on the Antrim Coastal Route. The former Viking settlement is a top spot for a bit of lunch too.

Morton’s Fish and Chips is our favourite place for a bite to eat. It’s right on the harbour, with a small car park next to it. The food is great, and on a fine day, there are few things better than sitting on the harbour wall watching the boats go by with a nice hot bag of fish and chips. If you’re looking for something other than chipper food, check out the Central Bar. Their menu boasts a fine selection of fresh seafood, steaks, and much more.

After lunch, there’s plenty to see and do in Ballycastle, including various craft shops, the beach, or simply wandering about town. If you’re there on the last Tuesday in August, you can also check out the Old Lammas Fair.

Stop 6: Carrick-a-Rede

The next stop is just 11 minutes outside of Ballycastle. Carrick-a-Rede is a small island just off the Causeway Coast. It’s attached to the mainland by an old rope bridge and was once a top spot for salmon fishing. Nowadays, you can enjoy a short coastal walk that culminates in crossing the bridge.

Swinging 25 feet above the sea as it crashes against the rocks below, it’s not great for those with a fear of heights! The entire walk will typically take an hour or so in total and offers spectacular views and a thrilling experience. We recommend checking the bridge out in the off-season rather than the height of summer, as it does get busy.

Stop 7: Giants Causeway

After the dizzying heights of Carrick-a-Rede, you’ll arrive at the epic Giant’s Causeway in about 18 minutes. This legendary landscape 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. Now, parking at the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre is the most convenient but also extremely expensive. A more affordable alternative is to park at the nearby Causeway Coast Way Car Park and walk down.

You can easily spend a couple of hours at the Giant’s Causeway, especially if you do decide to check out the visitor centre. Just be advised it can be crazy busy on weekends and during the high season.

Stop 8: Bushmills

Once you’ve finished exploring the Giant’s Causeway, your next stop is just a quick 9-minute drive away. The small, riverside town of Bushmills is home to some great pubs and shops, and it’s a nice place to wander around.

However, the Bushmills Distillery is the highlight and well worth a visit. The oldest licensed distillery in the world, you don’t have to be a whiskey drinker to enjoy a tour of the facilities, though it doesn’t hurt if you do enjoy a wee dram every now and then!

Along the 40-minute tour, you’ll get a chance to see, smell, and hear how Irish whiskey is made in the company of a knowledgeable tour guide. The tours are a good laugh, culminating in a fantastic tasting session. Having said that, it’s better to take some samples with you if you’re driving.

Stop 9: Dunluce Castle

Our final stop for the day before returning to Belfast is the legendary Dunluce Castle. It’s just a 7-minute drive from Bushmills, and a wander around the castle ruins is well worth it. Dunluce 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.

You can enjoy a guided or self-guided tour of the grounds, or if you prefer not to go in, you can enjoy viewing it from afar at a nearby viewpoint.

Stop 10: Back to Belfast for the night

Taking a more direct route back will have you in Belfast in about an hour and 15 minutes or so. Once you’re there, you should have ample time to freshen up at your accommodation before hitting the town and getting some dinner and drinks in.

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: Exploring more of Belfast City

After a fantastic day exploring the countryside yesterday, today we’ll be enjoying more of Belfast City’s top attractions.

You’ll be driving to most of these, though some are within fairly short walking distance of one another if you prefer.

We’ve got quite a busy day lined up, so you’ll want to grab a hearty breakfast at your accommodation or in a nearby cafe. We’d recommend Established Coffee on Hill Street for a decent selection of cooked breakfasts, great coffee, and pastries. Alternatively, The Pocket on Upper Church Lane does a stunning full Irish fry-up and a bunch of veggie and vegan options.

Stop 1: Belfast Castle

Our first stop is the Disney-esque Belfast Castle, a 16-minute drive from the city centre. The gorgeous turreted castle dates back to 1862, although a castle has stood on this site since the 12th century. The current iteration is absolutely stunning inside and out, and it’s well worth taking a self-guided tour of the gorgeous grounds, gardens, and public rooms on the ground and first floors.

Be sure to head up to the second floor to check out the Cave Hill Visitor Centre too. It’s free to visit and has four rooms of exhibits and an 8-minute film about Cave Hill and Belfast Castle. In fact, there’s no fee at all to visit the castle, though you may want to take some cash for the cafe! There’s a large car park, though it can get busy on weekends, especially in summer.

Stop 2: Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens

We’re heading back into town now to visit the excellent Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens. It’s about 26 minutes away from the castle and while there’s no designated car park, you’ll often find plenty of street parking nearby. The Ulster Museum is located at the entrance to the Botanic Gardens, making it easy to visit both at the same time.

Free to enter, the museum boasts some stunning collections and exhibits, including dinosaurs and an Egyptian mummy. It’s a fascinating place to learn about the history of Northern Ireland, with a focus on both art and the natural sciences.

Meanwhile, the botanical gardens date back to 1828 and provide a gorgeously green environment to explore that’s home to a variety of stunning rare plants. Check out the glasshouses to see the tropical plants, or follow the lovely Botanic Gardens Walk.

Stop 3: Lunch in the Cathedral Quarter

The Cathedral Quarter is the beating heart of Belfast, and there are plenty of great places to grab lunch. From the Botanic Garden, it’s about a 15-minute drive, and you’ll find a number of handy pay and display car parks in the area, as well as paid street parking. Q-Park at Victoria Square is a good choice and is walking distance to a variety of cafes, shops, and pubs.

If you’re lucky enough to be in town on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, be sure to drop by St George’s Market. This vibrant marketplace boasts deliciously fresh produce and a wealth of arts and crafts. It’s also home to some great places to eat, serving up an array of dishes, from soup and seafood to foreign cuisine and pies. Alternatively check out The Lamppost Cafe for some comforting home-cooked dishes, including a number of vegan options.

Stop 4: SS Nomadic

After enjoying a tasty lunch, it’s a six-minute drive to our next stop; SS Nomadic. Or, if you don’t want to lose your parking spot, you can walk here from the Cathedral Quarter in around 20 minutes or so.

The SS Nomadic is moored at Hamilton Dock in the Titanic Quarter of Belfast, and is part of the Titanic Experience, our next stop. Admission to the SS Nomadic is included in your ticket to the Titanic Experience, though you can pay an additional £10 for a guided tour.

SS Nomadic has a long and interesting history. Launched in 1911, it was originally used to ferry passengers onto cruise liners, including the Titanic. During the war, it served as a minesweeper in France. It’s a fascinating ship to walk around, and there’s loads to see along the way.

Stop 5: Titanic Experience

Just a 5-minute walk from SS Nomadic, the Titanic Experience is one of Belfast’s most popular attractions.

Located right on the slipways where RMS Titanic was designed, built and launched, the enigmatic Titanic Museum tells the now-infamous story incredibly well. Visitors can expect exhibits, replica staterooms, photos, documents and 21st century technology. You’ll see, hear and even SMELL the shipbuilding process during your tour!

Stop 6: Dinner, drinks and live music

This will be your last night in the city for a while, so make sure to check out anything you’ve missed so far. It should take just under an hour to reach the city and your accommodation.

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 4: Belfast Airport and home

Today’s the day you fly home and leave Ireland behind. Before you head to the airport, enjoy one last full Irish breakfast—you’ll not find white pudding anywhere else—and if time allows, check out some of the Belfast attractions that you didn’t get around to yet. 

Cheers for joining us on this Irish Road Trip. We hope you had fun, made friends, and go home with fond memories of our humble island. May the road rise to meet you. 

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!