The Best Road Trips in Northern Ireland

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Not-To-Be-Missed Routes on Your Northern Irish Adventure

This Northern Ireland travel guide highlights some of the region's best driving routes, helping visitors make the most of a self-drive adventure. There is a route to suit every style of traveller, with coastal scenery, mountain landscapes, and historic sites. Travelling via a ferry to Northern Ireland allows you to start your trip the right way, unhurried, relaxed, and ready for the incredible drive ahead.

Along the way, there will be plenty of things to do in Northern Ireland, including visiting castles, beaches, exploring walking trails, and more.

Travelling with P&O Ferries makes planning a trip to Northern Ireland even easier, allowing you to bring your own vehicle and begin exploring as soon as you arrive.

The Most Popular Road Trip in Northern Ireland: Causeway Coastal Route

Often regarded as the most famous driving route in the region, the Causeway Coastal Route stretches between Belfast and Derry/Londonderry. Along the way, drivers encounter breathtaking cliffs, beaches, castles, and iconic attractions, including the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dunluce Castle, and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, or you can pass by the Torr Head Scenic Route, if you have time.

Scenic Drives in Northern Ireland: Coastal Causeway and Glens Route

If you choose to take the Torr Head route, it will bring you to Carnlough, a harbour village set at the foothills of Glencoy, one of the nine Glens of Antrim. Drivers can enjoy sweeping sea views alongside quiet valleys, traditional villages, and various viewpoints that showcase Northern Ireland's natural beauty. Once you are done with Carnlough, you can take a quick trip to Glenariff Forest Park, a lush woodland with waterfalls, rivers, and rich wildlife.

Hidden Gems and Underrated Drives in Northern Ireland

While the Causeway Coast attracts most visitors, a number of lesser-known routes reward travellers willing to venture off the main tourist trail. Areas around the Sperrin Mountains, County Fermanagh, and the Ring of Gullion offer quieter roads, panoramic viewpoints, and a slower pace of travel. These routes let you experience a different side of Northern Ireland, where peaceful countryside, historic sites, and local character take centre stage. For travellers looking to venture beyond the best-known attractions, these hidden gems can be some of the most rewarding parts of a Northern Ireland road trip.

Man looking for Hidden Gems in Northern Ireland

The Most Beautiful Drives in Northern Ireland: Sperrins Drive

Formally designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Sperrin Mountains provide a quieter alternative to the more famous coastal routes. You have four equally beautiful drives to choose from: east, west, north, or south. Rolling hills, open countryside, and historic sites create a peaceful drive through one of Northern Ireland's least populated regions. Some of the top attractions include the Millennium Sculpture, the Sion Mills Heritage Trail, Lough Ash Wedge Tomb, and Donemana Village, just to name a few.

Mountain Adventure: The Mourne Mountains Loop

For travellers seeking mountain scenery, the Mourne Mountains Loop in County Down is one of the best places to visit in Northern Ireland. This route showcases the granite peaks of the Mournes, an area that inspired many literary works and remains one of Northern Ireland's most celebrated landscapes.

Tollymore Forest Park is a major highlight along the route and is recognised by many visitors as a filming location from Game of Thrones. The drive also includes views across Strangford Lough, picturesque villages, and numerous walking trails. The complete loop can comfortably be explored over one or two days, allowing time to enjoy both the scenery and local attractions.

Relaxing Road Trip: Fermanagh Lakelands & St. Patrick's Trail

Travellers looking for a slower-paced experience may prefer the Fermanagh Lakelands and St. Patrick's Trail. This route combines tranquil waterways with some of the most important sites connected to Ireland's Christian heritage.

Lough Erne forms the centrepiece of the journey, offering beautiful lakeside scenery and opportunities for leisurely exploration. Nearby, the Marble Arch Caves provide a fascinating underground experience. The route also follows sections of St. Patrick's Trail, linking historic religious sites across the region. Most visitors complete this road trip over one or two days.

Day Trip to Northern Ireland: Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula

If you are wondering where to go in Northern Ireland for an easy day trip, the Strangford Lough and the Ards Peninsula route is considered a comfortable option, within driving distance of Larne. The roads are easy to navigate and provide regular opportunities to stop and explore.

Highlights include Mount Stewart, known for its celebrated gardens and historic house, alongside Castle Ward, another location associated with Game of Thrones. Families may also enjoy a visit to Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry.

Scenic Drives in Northern Ireland: The Ring of Gullion

Among the most scenic drives in Northern Ireland, the Ring of Gullion offers a memorable journey through County Armagh, often called the Orchard County. Shaped by ancient volcanic activity, the area forms one of Ireland's most distinctive landscapes and has been recognised as part of a UNESCO Global Geopark.

The route passes Slieve Gullion Forest Park, prehistoric burial cairns, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding countryside. The drive can be completed in half a day, making it a convenient option for visitors looking to experience some of the region's most impressive scenery. Your visit to Northern Ireland simply would not be complete without it.

Road Trips in Northern Ireland and Beyond

Northern Ireland can also serve as the starting point for wider adventures across Britain and Ireland. Travellers arriving through the Cairnryan to Larne route can easily connect to other mesmerising journeys.

Road Trips to Northern Ireland and Beyond

A Scenic Drive Beyond Northern Ireland: The Argyll Coastal Route, Scotland

After arriving in Scotland via the Larne to Cairnryan route, drivers can easily continue their adventure along Scotland's Argyll Coastal Route. Stretching between Tarbet and Fort William, the route winds past sea lochs, mountain landscapes, historic castles, and picturesque coastal towns along Scotland's west coast.

South West Coastal 300 (SWC300)

The South West Coastal 300 showcases some of southern Scotland's finest scenery. The route includes dramatic coastlines, forests, historic sites, and attractive market towns, offering a quieter alternative to the North Coast 500.

Ireland's Ancient East

Travelling south opens access to Ireland's Ancient East, including destinations such as Carlingford and the Boyne Valley. Historic monuments, medieval sites, and beautiful countryside combine to create a rewarding extension to any trip to Northern Ireland.

Tips for a Comfortable Road Trip in Northern Ireland

A little preparation can make your road trip smoother and more enjoyable.

Plan accommodation in advance during busy travel periods.
Check weather forecasts before setting out each day.
Keep fuel levels topped up when travelling through rural areas.
Allow extra time for scenic stops and viewpoints.
Carry suitable clothing for changing weather conditions.
Download maps in advance in areas with weaker mobile coverage.
Take regular breaks to fully enjoy the scenery and attractions.

Comfortable Road Trip in Northern Ireland

Travelling with P&O Ferries on Your Northern Irish Road Trip

Travelling with P&O Ferries allows you to start your holiday with your own vehicle and everything you need for the journey. Here is an example of how a Northern Ireland road trip could unfold.

Road Trips in Northern Ireland Day 1 Itinerary

A sample itinerary could begin with an arrival in Larne via the Cairnryan-Larne route, followed by a drive along the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route. Stops at Carnlough, Glenariff Forest Park, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the Giant's Causeway provide an excellent introduction to Northern Ireland's coastline and natural beauty.

Road Trips in Northern Ireland Day 2 Itinerary

The following day could be spent exploring the Mourne Mountains Loop, taking in Tollymore Forest Park, Strangford Lough, and the surrounding villages. Travellers with more time may then continue to the Fermanagh Lakelands, Marble Arch Caves, or the Ring of Gullion, experiencing a different side of Northern Ireland's landscapes and heritage. This flexible approach lets you take in coastal scenery, mountain views, and historic attractions without rushing between destinations.

A road trip through Northern Ireland combines dramatic scenery, fascinating history, and memorable driving routes, all within relatively close proximity.

Book your journey with P&O Ferries and enjoy a comfortable crossing before setting off to begin your unforgettable Northern Irish road trip.

The Best Road Trips in Northern Ireland

1 How many days do I need to drive around Northern Ireland?

Most travellers find that three to five days provides enough time to experience the major highlights. A longer stay allows for additional breathtaking routes and more time in smaller towns and villages.

2 What is the most beautiful road trip in Northern Ireland?

Many consider the Causeway Coastal Route the most beautiful road trip in Northern Ireland, thanks to its combination of coastal scenery, historic landmarks, dramatic cliffs, and famous attractions such as the Giant's Causeway.

3 What is the famous road in Northern Ireland?

The most famous road in Northern Ireland is the Causeway Coastal Route, which stretches between Belfast and Derry/Londonderry. It is one of the region's best-known touring routes and connects many of Northern Ireland's most visited attractions, including Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the Giant's Causeway.

The Best Road Trips in Northern Ireland

A Northern Ireland road trip is one of the most rewarding adventures in Europe. Expect sweeping coastlines, rugged mountains, ancient castles, and iconic landscapes.

The Best Road Trips in Northern Ireland