From breathtaking coastlines and acres of lush green countryside to enchanting historical landmarks and unique gastronomical experiences, Northern Ireland offers something for everyone. In keeping with Ireland's rich history of myths and legends, the region has become an important destination for Game of Thrones fans. Northern Ireland's stunning landscapes were used as one of the three main filming locations.

There are a whole host of things to see in Northern Ireland, from lively Belfast to Armagh's apple orchards, stunning Giant's Causeway in County Antrim, to the film location for Winterfell's haunting woodlands. There is so much to discover in Northern Island that you may not have time to see it all in one trip!

The Causeway coastal route is considered to be one of the most famous road trips in the world and takes in all the very best of Northern Island in one round trip. Starting in bustling Belfast, you make your way north along the east coast, passing some stunning coastal landscapes, beautiful beaches and world-famous landmarks.

Belfast

'The Troubles' ended in the late 1990s, the capital of Northern Ireland has gone through quite a transformation. From its violent past, Belfast has emerged as a truly cosmopolitan city, bustling with hotels, vast shopping areas, food markets and nightlife.

St George's Market is one of Belfast's highlights and is a food-lovers paradise. This award-winning market is renowned for the freshest local produce and bustling atmosphere. You'll find everything here, from artisanal cheeses to freshly caught fish, locally-sourced organic vegetables and handmade crafts. While the best local musicians play traditional music in the background.

Another must-see is the Titanic Belfast, an interactive museum dedicated to the infamous, ill-fated cruise ship. Located at the top of the slipway from which the boat was initially launched, the museum charts the history of Belfast and the creation of the world's most famous ocean liner. The museaums has been curated using a mix of historical images, animated projections and audio soundtracks and the interactive experience includes a ride through a reconstruction of the city's shipyards, giving visitors an incredible impression of what it was like to be a passenger or dock worker at the time

The legendary Giant's Causeway

The Causeway coastal route is, without doubt, one of the most stunning stretches to drive independently by car, or with a tour and includes the world-famous Giant's Causeway. Located in County Antrim, this remarkable geological formation is made up of around 40,000 interlocking basalt rock columns. It is thought to have been formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. However – as with many landmarks in Northern Ireland – there is an accompanying myth which tells that it was actually formed by two warring giants! As the Causeway is so famous, it can get crowded at times, especially during the summer months, so if you're visiting around the peak of the season then expect large crowds.

Game of Thrones

With its authentic medieval buildings and mystical landscapes; it's not hard to see why Northern Island was chosen as a filming location for one of the biggest fantasy TV series of all time. The Causeway coastal route features famous landmarks from the series including Winterfell (located at Castle Ward, County Down), Robb Stark's camp (in Audley's Fields, County Antrim) and Dragonstone (Downhill Beach, Londonderry). So whether you're a fan of the TV series or not, visiting any of these incredible locations is well worth your time.

Ferries to Northern Ireland

Visit NetFerry and discover the ferry routes that serve Northern Ireland. The Netferry booking site allows you to save your quote and confirm the ticket a few days later. Netferry always helps you find the boat or ferry to best suit your needs. Rates, times and ports of departure and arrival are just a few clicks away with Netferry.

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