With the UK Travel List being updated today, summer holiday plans are uncertain and constantly changing for everyone.
For that reason, we’ve decided to compile a short list of our favourite places near us on Northern Ireland’s beautiful North Coast that you can visit if you’re planning a Staycation or a day out.
- The Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills
Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist destination needs no introduction! This large stretch of staircase-shaped rocks is the result of cooled lava from volcanic eruptions that took place over 65 million years ago. Legend has it that it was built by giant Finn MacCool so he could cross the sea to fight Scottish giant Benandonner… An iconic story in Irish folklore and a stunning spot for a day out.
2. The Dark Hedges, Ballymoney
Recognise this one, Game of Thrones fans? It was featured in a scene in the first episode of Season 2 after Arya Stark escaped from King’s Landing.
This beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century just outside Ballymoney as way of impressing visitors as they approached the entrance to their mansion. Over 200 years later, the trees remain a whimsical sight and have became one of the most photographed natural sites in Northern Ireland.
3. Dunluce Castle, Portrush
Dunluce Castle is a now-ruined medieval castle between Portballintrae and Portrush and a history dating back to the 13th century. It is located on the edge of a basalt outcropping and is surrounded by extremely steep drops on either side and provides daring trekkers with breathtaking, panoramic views of the North Channel.
4. Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, Ballintoy
The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is one of the top things to see and do on the North Coast. One of Northern Ireland’s top visitor attractions, add this exhilarating rope bridge crossing experience to your bucket list and be rewarded for braving the heights with epic, (and Insta-worthy) views of the North Coast.
5. Fairhead, Ballycastle
Recognised as Northern Ireland’s tallest cliff face, the iconic and intimidating Fairhead rises 600 feet above sea level to offer breath-taking views from the cliff edge over Murlough Bay and towards Rathlin Island. Highly regarded as an outstanding rock-climbing location, it’s believed to be the biggest expanse of climbable rock in Britain or Ireland.
Another one for the GoT fans, Fairhead was the setting for the Dragonstone Cliffs and the meeting point between Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow as they plotted to defeat the White Walkers.
This is by no means an extensive list and there are many other stunning areas to visit on the North Coast, these just happen to be a few of our favourites.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack a picnic, load the camper with an Arbarr Power Silo to keep you powered and get exploring!