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Common Ground News

How many days do you need in Northern Ireland?

Author

Chloe Ramirez

Updated on February 22, 2026

How many days do you need in Northern Ireland?

It depends on how much of the rest of Ireland you want to see. I suggest "to do Ireland" you need 4 weeks, so either you try to see everything and don't success which is not recommended or you select: I would then suggest that you spend around 5 to 7 days in Northern Ireland and the rest on the west and southwest.

Correspondingly, how many days do you need in Belfast?

Known for its shipbuilding industry, Belfast is also full of historical attractions, ancient churches and major monuments. It's a long way to come for just 3 days, but if that's all you can spare, then this 3-day suggested itinerary will be very useful.

Beside above, how many days is enough in Ireland? Ten days

In this manner, how long would it take to drive around Northern Ireland?

Ireland is a very small but beautifully formed country. 280 km (175 miles) wide and 486 km (300 miles) long to be exact! This makes it about the size of South Carolina or Maine so you can cover a lot in 7 days. The best way to get around is to drive.

Is Belfast Ireland worth visiting?

Belfast is a vibrant city that's definitely worth at least a day or two of your time. But there's so much more to see in Northern Ireland, too. The now world-famous Giant's Causeway is just the first stop on the winding Causeway Coastal Route that will make you gasp several times over.

Is Belfast an expensive city?

Belfast itself isn't an expensive city to live in at all, and a big part of the attraction is the lower living cost compared to mainland Britain. Part of the lower cost is due to Northern Ireland maintaining the British pound as its currency, whereas the Republic of Ireland is part of the Eurozone.

What is the best area to stay in Belfast?

  • Belfast's 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in.
  • Central – Where to stay in Belfast first time.
  • Queens Quarter – Where to stay in Belfast on a budget.
  • Central – Best area to stay in Belfast for nightlife.
  • The Cathedral Quarter – Coolest place to stay in Belfast.
  • Titanic Quarter – Best neighbourhood in Belfast for families.

Is Belfast a walkable city?

Belfast is a highly walkable city with flat streets and wide sidewalks.

Should I go to Belfast or Dublin?

When it comes to affordability, Belfast is the winner hands-down. In the last decade, Dublin has become a hub of international business and this is reflected in the price tag of day-to-day goods. While Belfast is certainly also a city on the up, the cost of living is significantly cheaper than in Dublin.

How much spending money do I need for Belfast?

How much money will you need for your trip to Belfast? You should plan to spend around £106 ($145) per day on your vacation in Belfast, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, £40 ($55) on meals for one day and £11 ($16) on local transportation.

What should you not miss in Belfast?

Belfast: top 9 attractions
  • 1 TITANIC BELFAST. Built on the slipways where the ship itself was constructed over 100 years ago, Titanic Belfast isn't just a museum – it's an experience.
  • 2 ST GEORGE'S MARKET.
  • 3 BLACK TAXI TOUR.
  • 4 ULSTER MUSEUM.
  • 5 BOTANIC GARDENS.
  • 6 BELFAST CITY HALL.
  • 7 CRUMLIN ROAD GAOL.
  • 8 THE MAC.

How can I spend a day in Belfast?

Things to do in Belfast in ONE day; Your 1 day Belfast Itinerary
  1. St George's Market.
  2. Belfast City Hall.
  3. Political Black Taxi Tour.
  4. Titanic Quart, and the Titanic Museum.
  5. Northern Ireland's oldest bar.
  6. Ireland's highest bar.

How do I spend a weekend in Belfast?

2 Days in Belfast: A 48 Hour Belfast Itinerary
  1. The Waterfront Area.
  2. The MAC.
  3. Crumlin Road Gaol.
  4. Tours of Belfast. Belfast Street Art Tour. Belfast Black Cab Tour. Gin Tasting Tour of Belfast.
  5. Visit The Crown Bar.
  6. Titanic Museum.
  7. SS Nomadic.
  8. Titanic Dock & Pump House.

What's the best way to travel around Ireland?

Bus Travel in Ireland

Though by no means luxurious or glamorous, traveling by bus is probably the most convenient and budget-friendly method of transportation around Ireland. For long-haul travel, bus travel is very affordable and tickets can be purchased in advance through BusEireann.ie.

Where should I go on a road trip in Ireland?

10 Of Ireland's Best Road Trip Routes You Need To Do This Weekend
  1. Wexford to Waterford via Hook Head (95km)
  2. Dublin to Portlaoise via the Wicklow Mountains (138km)
  3. The Burren Loop (160km)
  4. Galway to Westport via the Doolough Valley (160km)
  5. Yeats County and Lough Gill Scenic Loop (185km)
  6. Boyne Valley Scenic Loop (190km)

What is the best time of the year to go to Ireland?

The best time to visit Ireland is between March and May, and September to November, when it's not as crowded as it is in summer, or as cold as it is in winter. That said, Ireland has a mild, temperate climate and although it's rainy at times, you can visit all year round.

How do I see Ireland in 5 days?

  1. 5 days in Ireland itinerary.
  2. Day 1 (Fermanagh and Sligo)
  3. Day 2 (Sligo and Donegal)
  4. Day 3 (Donegal) – Glenveagh National Park, Horn Head and LOTS more.
  5. Day 4 (Donegal + Derry) – Fanad Lighthouse, Lough Salt and Malin Head.
  6. Day 5 (Derry and Donegal) – Exploring Derry and Walking at Malin Head.

Is it safe to drive in Northern Ireland?

However there have been a number of incidences that have sparked universal concern and an elevated risk assessment in Northern Ireland. Despite this, Northern Ireland remains a relatively safe place for tourists, and there hasn't been any indication of foreigners or tourist areas being targeted by terrorists.

What is the best tour of Ireland?

The Best Tour Companies in Ireland
  1. Historical Walking Tours of Dublin.
  2. Paddywagon Tours.
  3. Shamrocker Adventures.
  4. Wolfhound Adventure Tours.
  5. Vagabond Tours.
  6. Extreme Ireland.
  7. Intrepid.

How many hours does it take to drive around Ireland?

Ireland is a small island. At its widest it's only 275km, so theoretically you could cut straight across from Dublin in the east to Galway in the west, in two hours. Except you wouldn't. You'd take the long way round and spend a week exploring.

Where should I go in Ireland for a week?

The ultimate Ireland itinerary for one week of exploring the Emerald Isle
  • Day 1 + 2: Dublin. Where to stay in Dublin:
  • Day 3 + 4: Wild Atlantic Way- Connemara + Galway.
  • Day 5: Burren Rocks, Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle.
  • Day 6: Dingle Peninsula.
  • Day 7: Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park and Limerick.

What is the most beautiful place in Ireland?

The Most Beautiful Places in Ireland
  • Getty. Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare. You might know them better as the Cliffs of Insanity from The Princess Bride, but this seaside wonder is actually located just south of Galway.
  • Getty. Cobh, Co. Cork.

Is Ireland an expensive place to visit?

So there you have it, Ireland has a reputation as one of the most expensive countries in Europe to visit but with a little research and planning it can actually be a very affordable place to take a vacation in!

What is the rainiest month in Ireland?

Rainfall is extremely common throughout Ireland. The wettest months, almost everywhere are December and January. April is the driest month generally but in many southern parts, June is the driest.

What city in Ireland is best to visit?

Best Places to Visit in Ireland
  • Dublin.
  • Galway.
  • Killarney.
  • Cork.
  • Aran Islands.
  • Kilkenny.
  • Limerick.
  • Cliffs of Moher.

What is the best day trip from Dublin?

So, if you'd like to go exploring, here are the best day trips from Dublin:
  • Wicklow Mountains.
  • Cliffs Of Moher.
  • Blarney Castle & Cork.
  • Kilkenny Castle & City.
  • Giant's Causeway & Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
  • Belfast Day Trip & Titanic Experience.
  • Connemara & Galway City.
  • 8. Kerry.

Do you tip waiters in Ireland?

Do I Tip in Irish Restaurants? It's normal to leave between 10-15% of your bill as a tip after dining in Irish restaurants, bistros, cafés or pubs. Leaving a tip higher than 15% of your bill after dining in Ireland is really only given for outstanding service.

Will my phone work in Ireland?

Contact your cellular provider and inquire about using your mobile phone in Ireland. Confirm that your device is compatible with GSM (Global System for Mobile) used in Europe, and then inquire about an International plan which includes both talk minutes and data.

How much does it cost for a trip to Ireland?

So how much does it cost to go to Ireland? My research estimates approximately $2,685 per person for one week including flights, accommodation, food, transportation and attractions, and some extra spending money.

Is it difficult to drive in Ireland?

Yes, it may be more expensive, but in the end, you also want to enjoy the drive around the remarkable countryside and not be constantly stressed out about driving on the left, tiny road, shifting and more. Make it as easy as possible for yourself, so you can enjoy your road trip around Ireland.

Why is Belfast famous?

Belfast is the capital and largest city in Northern Ireland, and there are so many things to do in Belfast! Belfast is probably best known for being where the RMS Titanic was built as well as for the violence and suffering here during The Troubles in the later part of the 20th century.

Is it safe in Belfast?

Belfast is a very safe city – especially in the central area of the city, which is home to great shopping destinations, hotels, bars and restaurants. The atmosphere will feel like a small village in a metropolis, and the people are traditionally friendly and helpful.

How safe is Belfast Ireland?

Northern Ireland is the safest region of the U.K., safer than Scotland, England, and Wales. Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is actually one of the safest cities in the U.K. A survey ranked Belfast as the second safest city in the entire U.K. to live in, just behind Birmingham.

Can you use euros in Northern Ireland?

In the Republic of Ireland, the official currency is the euro. In Northern Ireland, pound sterling is the local currency. One pound sterling consists of 100 pence.

Is Belfast expensive for a night out?

Belfast ranks as one of the least expensive major cities in the UK for a night-out, according to new data compiled by Treated.com. They found that London was the most expensive city to buy a pint of beer (£5.60), and the most expensive city to buy a glass of white wine (£5.71).

How do I get from Dublin to Belfast?

The best way to get from Dublin to Belfast is to train which takes 2h 12m and costs 16€ - 23€. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs 19€ - 25€ and takes 2h 20m.

Is it safe in Ireland?

Ireland is perfectly safe for solo travelers so long as they exercise normal precautions. There's plenty of room on this rural island to escape the bustling cities where most of the crime is concentrated, but even in urban areas, traveling alone is safe and common.

Is Derry Ireland worth visiting?

Derry might not be as popular as Belfast or the Giants Causeway, but it certainly shouldn't be overlooked on a visit to Northern Ireland. Although smaller than Belfast, Derry is rich in history, culture and possesses bucketloads of charm. There is a reason that it was named the first UK City of Culture in 2013.

What to know about visiting Ireland?

Top 10 Things To Know Before Visiting Ireland
  1. 1 Consider Renting A Car. If you're planning on visiting Dublin only, there's probably no need to rent a car.
  2. 2 You Might Hear Lots Of Swearing.
  3. 3 Stores Won't Always Be Opened.
  4. 4 Have At Least One Pub Meal.
  5. 5 Tipping Is Not Compulsory.
  6. 6 Don't Bypass The Rural Areas.
  7. 7 Irish People Are Really Friendly.
  8. 8 Bring Your Rain Gear.