We're going to explore Northern Ireland by including the locations where Game of Thrones was filmed, one of HBO's biggest shows. You'll also find answers to all your questions like how to get from London to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, and where to stay. I'll help you get the best price on your trip while telling you all this.
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom, so you can travel with a UK visa or BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) card. From London, you can fly to Belfast in about an hour and a half. In spite of the short distance, you should plan at least one night's stay since there's so much to see. First let's figure out tickets, accommodations, and transportation.
Here's my Northern Ireland video on Youtube:
Where can I find cheap flights to Northern Ireland?
Let's agree on this, if you leave your vacation plan until the last minute, you'll pay a lot more. However, if you follow a plan, you'll be able to cut your expenses in half. So plan your trip at least two months in advance.
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, has two airports: George Best Belfast City Airport, which has domestic flights, and Belfast International Airport, which has international flights. The flights from London to Belfast are all domestic, since they're within the United Kingdom. If you consider the time and cost of travel, City Airport will be the best option for you. In London, you'll need Gatwick Airport. You can also fly from Luton, but only every other day)
Despite British Airways' tariffs, Easy Jet has the cheapest flights. It's about 50 pounds for a round-trip flight if you act early.
How to Get to the City Center from the Airport in Northern Ireland?
Depending on traffic, it can take 15-30 minutes to get to Belfast City Airport from the city center. Take bus number 600 to the city center if you want to go by bus. There's a bus every half hour. You can buy your ticket at the Visit Belfast booth inside the airport or directly from the bus driver. You can pay with a contactless credit card. Make sure you check ahead which stop you need to get off at based on where you want to go, because there are exactly 7 stops.(The last stop, Europa Buscentre, is called the city center.) Tickets are 2.20 pounds.
If you're getting off at Belfast International Airport, you can still get to the city center by bus. You'll be there in about an hour. You'll have to take bus 300. There are 8 stops on this bus, and the last one is again "Europa Buscentre". Tickets are 8.50 pounds.
Here's the bus schedule.
Where to stay in Northern Ireland?
There are so many places to stay in Belfast city centre. On Booking.com, you will surely find a place within your budget if you filter hotels close to the city center. Using this method, you'll be able to explore the city center on foot very easily on the second day.
For a single night, 3-4 star hotels can cost between 100 and 200 pounds. The city center also offers luxury accommodation options.
Is it a good idea to rent a car in Northern Ireland?
Renting a car isn't necessary if you're flying to Belfast and just spending time in the city center, but don't spend all your time there. You can get to the northernmost or southernmost point in one and a half to two hours from the center. Explore the island as much as you can. Taking public transport while doing this can be hard. I recommend renting a car for that reason.
We rented a car from Hertz. We took it from the airport and dropped it at the airport when we got back. We had an average vehicle that wasn't in the luxury segment, and it's possible to rent this type of vehicle for around 100 pounds a day. (If you wait until the last minute, the price can go up to 300 pounds.) We drove everywhere for two days and paid 50 pounds for fuel.
Comparing prices between companies like Avis, Europcar, Sixt and Hertz will help you find a car that fits your budget.
How to travel without a car in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland can be explored without a car. In addition to walking around the city, you can take an Uber to places like Titanic Belfast and Belfast Castle at a much lower cost than a taxi.
Tours are available to explore Northern Ireland's coastline and other attractions. Check out the Get Your Guide page, where I've purchased tours many times and trust the most.
You can take a Game of Thrones tour that covers the route I took and more.
You should definitely consider the comments made by people, the number of comments, and the score when choosing a tour. You'll get an idea of how good a tour is based on these criteria.
Where to eat and drink in Northern Ireland?
There's a lot of pub culture in Northern Ireland. World-famous drinks include Guinness (a "stout" type of black beer with creamy dense foam) and Bushmills, Jameson, Tullamore D.E.W. Whiskeys made with their brands stand out. Another famous drink is "Irish Coffee", which is a mix of Irish whiskey, coffee, and sugar.
As well as these drinks, pubs serve a lot of hamburgers and fish & chips. The Crown Liquor Saloon is Belfast's most famous and historic pub. Plus, it's a national trust! In the Victorian era, this place was called Gin Palace. Make a reservation before you go because it's hard to find a place because it's so popular.
You can also try Scalini if you like Italian food. On the first day, we ate dinner here. The pizzas were great. (Daniele became my favorite) Prices are reasonable compared to London. Dinner for two cost us 50 pounds. (including dessert and drinks) You should book here again in advance.
Unlike London, Northern Ireland doesn't charge a service charge. You can tip 10% if you like the food and service.
The Best Places to Visit in Northern Ireland
1.Downhill Beach & Mussenden Temple
Downhill Beach is one of the longest beaches in Northern Ireland, measuring 7 miles long and is a blue flag beach. As soon as you see the sand, you'll know what I mean. There were people swimming in the sea even in April, I'm sure it's a popular spot in the summer.
Game of Thrones filmed important scenes here too. On this spot, Melisandre burns statues of the seven, declares Stannis Baratheon the Lord of Light, and prophecies that the dead will rise.
At the top of the beach is a temple called Mussenden Temple.A temple built in 1785 to serve as a library gives you a great view of the beach. (I haven't seen a better library!)
2. Dunluce Castle
There's no doubt that Dunluce Castle is one of the most photogenic places in Ireland. Castle ruins date from the 16th and 17th centuries. You'll have to pay 6 pounds to get in, but it's totally worth it. The view is amazing.
In the exterior filming of Pyke Castle, the Greyjoys' home, this castle was used.
3. Dark Hedges
Game of Thrones' tree-lined King's Road is actually called Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland. When her father Ned Stark dies, Arya Stark passes this road disguised as a boy. It's free to walk along the road. Leaving your car in the parking lot by the side of the road will cost you £4.
Trees make this place look enchanting when they're green.
4. Castle Ward
Within the Castle Ward lies Winterfell, the homeland of House Stark, guardian of the north.In the first season, the Starks' scenes were filmed here.In the Seven Kingdoms, this is also a crucial point.
You have to pay 12 pounds per person to get into Castle Ward.Northern Ireland's best views can be found around the castle, so you should definitely check it out.There are multiple hiking paths from 2km to 13km.We picked the 3 kilometer road and took a lot of pictures.Take a look inside the castle if you have time.You'll spend most of your time here, I promise.
5. Belfast City Hall
İThe second day was for sightseeing in Belfast city center. We'd already returned to London that night.
I don't think you need to spend a lot of time in Belfast city center. Don't forget the city hall (Belfast City Hall), one of the most spectacular buildings in the city. It's free to enter. Since we left early, the building wasn't open, but from the photos, the interior looks beautiful too, and you can tour it with a guide. In 1906, the building was listed as a building of historical significance in the United Kingdom.
6. Cathedral Quarter
There's a lot of street art (graffiti) in the city.You'll love the side streets around the Cathedral Quarter if you like murals.This area has a lot of cafes and restaurants.
7. Belfast Castle
We went to Belfast Castle after our tour of the city center. A short 10-15 minute drive from the center will get you there. If you're on a bus, you can take the 1a,1c,1d, 1e,1f, 1g, 1j from Belfast Upper Queen Street stop, which is five minutes walk from City Hall, to Newtownabbey Serpentine Road and then walk 10 minutes.)
Originally built by the Normans in the 12th century, Belfast Castle is much more beautiful outside than inside. Parking and entry to the castle are free.
8. Titanic Belfast
We finally made it to the Titanic Museum with plenty of time to spare before the plane took off. As a monument and tourist center, the museum was built in 2012 at the Titanic shipyard. There's a 25 pound admission fee. You might want to go if you're into maritime history, but we decided to examine the building instead of visiting the museum.
Titanic was the world's largest cruise ship with a length of 269 meters; she sailed from Southampton, England, to New York in 1912. However, on April 15, the fifth day of the trip, it crashes into an iceberg and sinks. In the accident, 1514 people died.
The 1997 movie Titanic announced the ship's name to the world. We'll never forget the tragic love story between Jack and Rose.
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