Northern Ireland: Basalt Columns, Nature and Heritage

Northern Ireland can be explored through its varied landscapes, trails and historic sites. At the Giant’s Causeway, unusual geological formations shape the experience; elsewhere, the focus is on walking trails, manor houses or urban history.

Coastal scenery and nature reserves

Around 40,000 regularly shaped basalt columns form a pavement at the Giant’s Causeway. Footpaths provide access to the coast and offer views of the coastal landscape from the cliffs. Here, striking geology and sea views sit side by side. Most of the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast protected area is a National Nature Reserve.

At Glenariff Nature Reserve, boardwalks, paths and footbridges make it easier to reach the waterfalls. The reserve also has a visitor centre and signposted trails. Strangford Lough offers a different connection with nature: it is one of only three designated Marine Nature Reserves in the United Kingdom. In County Down, the Mourne Mountains shape a dramatic landscape, with twelve peaks rising above 2,000 feet.

Manor houses, architecture and trails

Mount Stewart combines a 19th-century manor house with a world-renowned painting collection and other objects of international significance. The demesne includes ten miles of walking trails through woodland and mixed farmland. A striking building on the estate is the Temple of the Winds: the 18th-century octagonal building is Grade 1 listed and stands on a rise overlooking Strangford Lough. The Mount Stewart Lake Walk follows the shore of a seven-acre lake. The architecture, collection and trails each offer a different focus for a visit.

Castle Ward also offers a distinctive architectural contrast: one side of the manor house is Gothic Revival, while the other is designed in the classical Palladian style. The estate has 21 miles of trails for walking, wheelchair use, cycling and horse riding. The named routes vary in length and use. The challenging eight-mile Castle Ward Boundary Trail runs from Audley’s Castle to the Deer Park. The 7.5-mile Hoof Trail is a horse-riding route through woodland and along the shore of Strangford Lough. The short, accessible Shore Trail is 1.2 miles long and intended for walking and cycling. Outdoor adventure playgrounds on the estate are open daily.

Urban history and guided experiences

In Belfast, Titanic Belfast tells the story of the RMS Titanic across six floors of interactive galleries. Sea safaris and boat trips with views of the River Lagan are offered in the Titanic Quarter. If you plan to take a tour, check the latest dates. In Derry-Londonderry, you can explore the 400-year-old walls on foot – a different way to experience the city’s history from Belfast’s interactive galleries.

The Marble Arch Caves offer a guided cave tour. Booking and operating details may change; check them before your trip. Derry-Londonderry also has a brewery storytelling experience lasting one hour and 30 minutes. It includes a tasting of beers brewed on site and locally made artisan snacks. If you’d like to include this experience in your plans, check availability in advance.

Routes and regional orientation

The Causeway Coastal Route runs from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry. Belfast is connected to the rest of Northern Ireland by road, rail and bus. If you plan to use rail or bus services for your trip, check the timetables for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Armagh, Ards, Belfast, Antrim, Ballymena, Down, Fermanagh, Dungannon, Craigavon, Lisburn, Cookstown, Limavady, Derry, Coleraine, Carrickfergus, Tyrone, Newtownabbey, Newry, Londonderry, Moyle, Ballymoney, Magherafelt, Dungannon And South Tyrone, Lisburn and Castlereagh, Banbridge

For the main travel overview: Great Britain.