In late 2012, was living in the UK and knew I’d be moving back to the USA by the end of the year. I did also knew that there were 2 things I HAD to do before leaving Europe: Visit Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland and go to the Christmas Markets in Germany. I scheduled both of these as solo trips as I wanted to make sure I got to do everything I wanted and go completely at my own pace, which can be super slow when I have my camera with me. For my first trip, I spent a weekend in Belfast; a perfect spot for a solo traveler.
It was November 2012, I was recovering from a nasty cold, but the weather held out for me. I spent a long weekend in the nation’s capital and made the most of the two full days I had in-country. One day I took the Giant’s Causeway and Antrim Coast tour with Belfast City Sightseeing, which included a stop at Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, the Bushmills Whiskey Distillery (for lunch only), and made a few other short stops. As a solo traveler, without a car, I was very happy with my tour. The guide was friendly and we had ample time at each location. My ONLY suggestion would be that, especially if you go in Autumn/Winter, that you choose a tour that hits Giant’s Causeway in the late-morning / early-afternoon. We arrived late-afternoon and I had to run down to the site to have a mere 30min taking photos before we lost the light completely. The site was absolutely stunning and I highly recommend paying this natural wonder a visit. Here are a few shots from the day:
My second day included a full-day Big Red Bus tour – Belfast City Sightseeing Tour. This tour is definitely worth the money, especially on a beautiful day like I had, and I happily traveled around the city, seeing a lot of historical sights, including the Shankhill area. I did not get to spend enough time in that area and decided I’d head back the next morning, before my flight home. I did, however, get to see the Stormont and Parliament Buildings, The Belfast Peace Wall and even the lamppost that was the inspiration the one featured in The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.
Before catching my flight home, I went back to the Shankhill area and walked among the amazing street art, taking the time to absorb as much magnificence as I possibly could. I would definitely visit the area again and although I was alone (and walking around with a couple thousand dollars worth of camera equipment), I never felt any concern for my safety.
I stayed at the budget friendly ibis Belfast City Center hotel and had many satisfying meals in their restaurant. No trip to Ireland (Northern or Southern) is complete without a trip to the Avoca Cafe. I spent a glorious afternoon in their Belfast cafe and did a bit of shopping at the local street market.
Belfast, and the surrounding areas is a great place for a long weekend or holiday. I had a lovely time on my trip and highly recommend this wonderful city!
Lovely post and beautiful photographs. Although I frequent UK a lot, i have never crossed over to Ireland but always wanted to. I have heard only good things about the place and Belfast is definitely one of the must see cities of the world. Look forward to using the information soon.
Thanks very much for reading ^^ I hope you can make it over there someday – absolutely worth the trip 🙂
Belfast sounds and looks like a wonderful place. I think the Giant’s Causeway itself is reason enough to go. I’m convinced.
Giant’s Causeway is what prompted my trip and it did not disappoint 🙂
I visited Belfast years ago and would love to return. I’m also a big fan of city tour buses – I think they’re such a great way to get a feel for a place, particularly if you don’t have a huge amount of time. Thanks for the tips!
So glad you agree! City Bus tours only let me down once (well it wasn’t with the same company) and that was in Seoul – I’ve always found them to be worth it. Thanks for reading 🙂
Love this post so much…really brought us back to Northern Ireland. Totally agree on Giants Causeway tip as well, we lost the light a bit, but still magical place. And how about those painted signs about the troubles….moving eh?
Losing the light was really sad – if I can make it back there, I think I will hire a car so I can spend more time. Yeah, I was moved several times over that trip – I’m really glad I got to take it all in. Thanks for reading!
Your photos are wonderful, especially Giant’s Causeway, what a magnifecent place.
Thank you for reading 🙂
This is a great guide! Thanks for all the advice about traveling by myself. Also I love your photos!
Thank you for reading!
How awesome to see the Lion Witch & the Wardrobe lamppost! Northern Ireland sounds beautiful, and the landscape + architecture looks amazing too from your photos. So interesting looking at the street art.
Thanks so much for reading – the street art was absolutely amazing 🙂
Loved this article and wish to visit Belfast soon. I also loved your painted rocks in the banner photo of your blog site. Did you make those? Its lovely!
Thanks so much!! I actually saw them in a German Village in South Korea of all places. I stumbled across them and just loved them so much!
I have never been but I would like to check out the hotel you mentioned and some of the other places. I want to see the lamp post!
It was such a cool trip – hope you can make it some day 🙂
Your photos have a lot of valuable information. The guide can be used as a very resourceful resort.