If you happen to’re searching for a weekend break within the UK that’s not removed from dwelling however appears like one million miles away out of your regular routine, then I can’t suggest Northern Eire sufficient!
Northern Eire is a kind of locations that’s so shut however up to now. It’s only a hop, skip and a leap throughout the Irish Sea however it’s a kind of locations we are likely to say we’ll recover from to ‘at some point’.
As a journey blogger who takes plenty of weekend breaks across the UK and Europe, I knew it was time for me to lastly recover from to Northern Eire! Admittedly, the filming of Sport of Thrones in elements of Northern Eire had actually sparked my curiosity within the space and after plenty of Google picture looking out I used to be already beginning to fall in love with this beautiful place.
Right here’s what I acquired as much as throughout my weekend in Northern Eire. Our itinerary had a baby-friendly vibe and was put collectively by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
I’ve documented our entire itinerary as a result of it was simply so good and I hope it makes it simpler for anybody planning their very own weekend break to Northern Eire. Severely, I’d simply copy precisely what we did as a result of it was all nice!
My weekend in Northern Eire
I flew over to Northern Eire in Could with my accomplice, Sam, and our little boy, George who was 14 months outdated on the time. We employed a automotive so we might see every part at our personal tempo and squeeze in as a lot or as little as we wished to. That is one of the simplest ways to journey with a toddler because it’s stress free and you’ll plan your days round meal instances and nap instances with out worrying about anybody or anything. Automotive rent is dear however I feel it’s value it’s value the additional value for that freedom and adaptability.
Friday – Day 1 of our weekend in Northern Eire
10am – Fly from Liverpool to Belfast with easyJet
The flight takes 50 minutes so that you’re touchdown nearly as quickly as you are taking off.
11.30am – Decide up rent automotive and depart airport
Noon – Drive to The Darkish Hedges
The Darkish Hedges had been one of many filming places for Sport of Thrones and it’s a protracted and dramatic highway lined with creepy wanting bushes that type a spooky tunnel. Even should you’re not a GoTs fan I’d nonetheless suggest stopping right here because it’s a spectacular sight and a terrific photograph alternative.
Notice: There’s the likelihood {that a} tour bus will flip up and smash the views. I’d suggest simply being affected person and ready till the crowds go.
Sat Nav tackle: Bregagh Rd, Ballymoney BT53 8TP
(It’s nicely signal posted)
1.30pm – Lunch in Ballycastle
Ballycastle is a extremely cute little city with a seaside vibe, vibrant homes and delightful views throughout the coast. We discovered slightly café/bakery serving pies and pasties, sandwiches and sizzling meals.
2.30pm – Sea safari with Aquaholics
Northern Eire’s coast is completely beautiful and there’s no higher approach to see it than from the ocean. I didn’t realise simply how beautiful it was till we had been on the Aquaholics boat and I felt so fortunate to see it from this vantage level.
The little boat skimmed throughout the water as we took within the golden seashores, rugged cliff tops, dramatic mountains and craggy peaks. Our skipper had a unbelievable eye for recognizing birds so I caught near him once we arrived at Rathin Island Chicken Sanctuary. The island is dwelling to Northern Eire’s largest seabird inhabitants and we noticed gannets, gulls and puffins. My eyesight is horrible however I liked bobbing about on the ocean, feeling the contemporary sea breeze and watching the birds swooping overhead.
Prime Tip: This was one of many highlights from our journey and I actually, actually suggest it. The ocean safaris are actually inexpensive and appropriate for all ages.
5.30pm – Dinner at Ramore Wine Bar, Portrush (good for households)
Each time doable, I keep away from family-friendly eating places just like the plague however Ramore Wine Bar is totally different. It was bustling and noisy (which is definitely what you need with children so nobody can inform how noisy your baby is!) however it was additionally trendy and enjoyable with a terrific menu, pleasant employees, scrumptious meals and lovely views.
Prime Tip: I’d suggest arriving early and making time for a stroll round Portrush. It’s one other stunning city that’s to not be missed.
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Verify-in to Roe Park Resort
Roe Park Resort is a stupendous, 4* resort in Limavady. We had been fortunate sufficient to have one of many beautiful suites on the lodge and we couldn’t have been happier. If it hadn’t been in such a stunning space I feel we’d have spent all weekend in our suite!
We had been greeted with prosecco and candies which we loved whereas George had his first Jacuzzi tub.
Prime Tip: If you happen to’re travelling with younger youngsters it’s 100% value forking out on a collection, regardless of the place you keep – particularly in the event that they’re mild sleepers. We had been all drained after a busy day so it was nice to place George to mattress within the bed room whereas we relaxed in the lounge and didn’t want to fret about being quiet and tip toeing round him.
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Saturday – Day 2 of our weekend in Northern Eire
We had been up early and one of many first company on the breakfast buffet. We had a feast to set us up for a busy day.
9am – Our first cease was Roe Valley Nation Park
We had been shocked to seek out we had been just about the one folks within the nation park however loved the peaceable tranquility as we strolled alongside the river.
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12.30pm – Lunch on the Causeway Resort
We managed to stroll up an urge for food earlier than we headed to the Roe Park Resort for lunch. The lodge is a grand and chic lodge and restaurant simply subsequent to the Big’s Causeway. I used to be slightly nervous about taking a toddler right here because it was fairly fancy. I needn’t have worries because it had a stunning, relaxed and welcoming really feel and the employees had been all beautiful. We loved homely pies and fish and chips.
1.30pm – The Big’s Causeway
One other unbelievable spotlight of the journey was visiting The Big’s Causeway. You’ve in all probability see numerous images of this unbelievable place however it actually needs to be seen to be really appreciated.
Over 40,000 basalat columns interlock alongside the coast creating huge stepping stones alongside the coast. The scene was created by a volcanic eruption however I choose the legend that claims it was constructed by giants.
The Big’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site managed by the Nationwide Belief.
Prime Tip: As you’d count on, the Big’s Causeway is VERY busy. It’s possible you’ll wish to swap your go to to Roe Valley Nation Park with the Big’s Causeway and get there as early as you’ll be able to. There shall be crowds at any time of day however we had been informed it was quieter very first thing within the morning.
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3.30pm – Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
This well-known rope bridge was initially erected by fishermen fishing for Atlantic salmon over 350 years in the past. It has been restored and hyperlinks the mainland with the tiny island of Carrickarede It now gives a unbelievable photograph alternative and nail-biting stroll!
Prime Tip: As soon as once more, this bridge was very, very busy. It was really a bit too busy with a protracted queue and huge crowds. I’d go as early as doable and take a flask of espresso and a few munchies to maintain you entertained should you do find yourself queuing.
Dinner on the Lime Tree Restaurant
This beautiful little restaurant is a neighborhood treasure utilizing domestically sourced produce for the normal menu.
This is able to be a terrific place for a quiet, romantic meal however isn’t the place to be with a drained toddler. We loved our scrumptious meals however left pretty rapidly to have room service desert on the lodge the second George fell asleep!
Sunday – Day 3 of our weekend in Northern Eire
We headed to Belfast on our third day in Northern Eire. It was a stupendous, sunny day and there was a maritime competition within the Titanic Quarter.
Prime Tip: Belfast in stunning and nicely value a go searching however nothing opens till 1pm so don’t count on to do a lot purchasing earlier than your flight dwelling!
Different choices in your closing day embody:
- Go to Mussenden Temple and Dunluce Fortress
- Discover Binevenagh Mountain or Glenariff Forest Park
- Take pleasure in a drop of the world well-known whiskey on the The Previous Bushmills’ Distillery
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Huge because of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for organising our journey. We had such a good time and I totally suggest this space of Northern Eire for a weekend break.
