Summer is over here in Northern Ireland. Trees starting to change colours, crisps in the air, chilly mornings  and cozy weekend nights. Autumn is definitely here!

I am not ready to let the summer go yet! So let me tell you how we spent our long Bank holiday weekend up in the North Coast.

CastleRock

We took the NI train from Botanic to CastleRock station. The train is packed because of "The Open" - a golf event hosted by Northern Ireland this year and the kick off happens to be on the same day we headed North. Not complaining - we still had comfortable and a nice window seat.


It was sunny but very windy when we arrived. Castlerock is a very small coastal town and it is very easy to get around. Just a few steps from the train station on the main road we found our lovely Airbnb. A 3 story detached house, the entrance is on the main street opposite the convenience shop and the coffee hut. We checked in to our massive en-suite bedroom with sea view of the Castlerock Beach and the overlooking of Donegal, Republic of Ireland. It was worth the price!

As soon as we are settled we went out to grab some lunch and hit the beach! We just spent the whole afternoon walking along the beach and exploring the wee town. We attempted to go to the Temple but we dont know which way to go and it was kinda getting late and decided to just go back early morning so we dont need to rush.



The next day, woke up very early and hike our way to the Downhill House and Mussenden Temple.

How to get here

From the beach there is a black stoned gate leading up to the caravan site. Walk straight up to the end of the caravan site. There is a grassy pathway - follow that (We had some troubles finding this path, luckily a very nice fella from the caravan home showed us the way).

surprise surprise. It's on the other side.

The walk continues around the headland and then drop a slope towards a lake. The view is absolutely stunning.

the  Downhill House facade

It was a very nice  morning hike. When we reached the place, I imagined that it will be full of tourist but to our surprise, there's none. We have the house all to our selves.

This is what the inside looks like. It goes straight up to the temple.

There were no other tourists, we've seen some hikers and runners about. The down part is that the temple is closed. We didn't mind because the view is absolutely gorgeous! And and it was a very nice weather.


 

TIP: I knew there is a small admission fee if you go on the entrance but because we hike our way up and came from the other side we didn't pay for anything. If you go this way make sure you have a proper shoes and dress accordingly (not like my dressy dress!!) because there are sharp bushes especially down the slope towards the lake.

Portrush

After the hike we catch the train to Portrush. It wasnt that far and should have direct trains but due to "The Open" we were re-routed and needed to change trains in Coleraine. There were far too many people.



It was my second time in this town but it has never been this beautiful. So warm and sunny. There are actual people sunning them selves on the beach! I couldnt believe my eyes, some are even swimming! Imagine how cold the water is but to these people this is what summer feels like.

Where to eat

Ramore Wine Bar has been my go to place. Good food, good service, and oh the deserts are amazing! It's a very busy place but it was all worth it. We were seated at a nice table overlooking the harbour.
I had a slow cooked beef and bebe had fish and chips. This beef melts in the mouth. Oh it was so good. I ate the whole thing.

 

After our delicious lunch, we walked to the east strand. We planned to go on the sandy beach but it was so so busy. Instead we had ice cream and just chill on one of the benches along the coast. I actually had a nap. lol

Portstewart

Portstewart was the highlight of our trip. I fell in love instantly. I think it's the combination of the perfect weather, the beach and the people. It was just so beautiful.

Portstewart was not even part of our plan. The initial plan was to go to Derry-Londonderry. I heard so much about this small town and I needed to see it. I clearly made the right choice. I mean look at that! My photo doesn't even do justice.



 

We grabbed some drinks and lunch at the Harry Shack. Loved the salmon salad!

 

We had a very small time and was not able to explore the town centre. We rather spent the day by the beach with a pint of beer. It was an absolutely amazing mini getaway!

Drop me a comment if you have questions. :)

I’ve been to this City in 2 separate occasions. The first time the journey is long and wasn’t pleasant. From Belfast we took the Stena Line to Scotland, and a direct bus from the port to Edinburgh. It was a long exhausting journey. Took us our entire day. Don't get me wrong, the ship and bus were comfortable, scenery is fantastic, if time is not the issue this would be a cheap option if you’re travelling from Belfast.
Second time we rode the train from York to Waverley Station on our England – Scotland holiday. Railways are fantastic! Fast and efficient way to travel across the UK.

Getting around

On foot! For me, the best way to explore the city (or any city for that matter) is always on foot. Walk about and you will discover surprising corners and alleys. Participate on walking tours and you'll learn so much about the history of the City. There are free walking tours in Edinburgh just head over to the Royal mile and you'll find different tours they offer. There is a ghost and whiskey tour too if you're up for the challenge. 

The Market is open on weekends from 9am to 3pm. This will surely awaken the culinary and cultural soul inside you!

2. Queens University, Botanic Gardens, Ulster Museum

Hit 3 birds in 1 stone! If you are in following a strict itinerary and only staying for a few days. I suggest visiting these 3 altogether. Located at the University Quarter, start off by visiting Queens University. It is one of the oldest Universities in Belfast. I personally admire the buildings' façade.

From Queens you can access Botanic Park to right side towards the back. Spring could be the best season to visit! You can chill by the benches, have a wee picnic surrounded by flowerbeds filled with tulips.
The gardens' most notable feature is the glasshouse - Palm House Conservatory and Tropical Ravine House.

Just right at the Park Entrance you will see the Ulster Museum - Northern Ireland's treasure house of the past and the present, the Ulster Museum is home to a rich collection of art, history and natural sciences. The museum tells the story of the people of the north of Ireland from earliest times to the present day. Impressive galleries and interactive discovery zones bring history, science and art collections to life for visitors of all ages. When I went here there is an impressive tapestry of Game of Thrones!

The best part is....Admission is free!

3. Shopping

Everyone loves shopping! At least for us, girls! There are 2 major shopping malls Belfast City Center. Castle Court and Victoria Square.

Victoria Square is Belfast’s premier shopping centre, where you’ll find four fabulous floors of gorgeous glamour and stunning styles, topped by an iconic dome with panoramic views across the city.

If you're not a shopping mall fan, there are plenty of shops around City Centre. Zara, H&M, River Island, Marks and Spencers to name a few. 

4. Stroll around Cathedral Quarter

Whether your going for brunch, catching up friends for late lunch or pub-crawling. Cathedral quarter is always a good idea! There are so many excellent restaurants, cafes and pubs around the area, that the biggest problem might be choosing between them. Head over to Duke of York, grab a pint of Guinness for a taste of an Irish tradition!


The cobbled streets and outdoor seating makes it a perfect travel instagram photo.

5. Hop on Hop off Sightseeing Tour

It's all of the above! The greatest way to experience Belfast. The Belfast City Sightseeing Hop-on / Hop-off Open-top bus tour provides you with a comprehensive look at Belfast city and allows you to explore every area and district of this unique place.

Tours depart from Castle Place in Belfast city centre but you can join the tour from any stop along the route. The tour offers a multi-lingual service available in six languages including, English, French, Spanish, Italian, German and Mandarin.

The tour operates seven days per week and tickets are valid for 24 hours for one day pass holders or 48 hours if you purchase the two day ticket option. If you do not Hop-on / Hop-off the tour lasts approx 1 hour 30 minutes.

You can easily spot the lads on red jacket selling tickets, they are often located in front of the City Hall.

What else?

Money

Belfast is known as one of the cheapest City within the UK so you wouldn't worry much on your spending.
Just remember currency in Belfast Northern Ireland is Sterling Pound not Euro.

Getting Around 

Getting around the City is pretty easy. Public transportation is great! There are buses, trains and the newly introduced Glider around the City. Which i heard has free WiFi.

Take Metro Bus (pink bus) particularly if your going around Belfast.
Take Ulsterbus (blue one) or National Rail Services particularly if youre going outside Belfast.

I suggest to download the Translink App. You can buy your one way/return ticket in the app and just flash it to the driver when getting on. So convenient, plus it's cheaper.

• On IOS - Download Now
• On Android - Download Now

£3 - for all day ticket, valid for all metro buses. Regular is £2 one way.
There are also option such as weekly and monthly pass if youre planning to stay longer.

Weather

Never underestimate the weather in Northern Ireland! Always be ready with a waterproof coat and a good pair of boots. Even if you wake up one day and you're blinded by the sun. Trust me on this. I know what I'm taking about.


There you have it! I hope this mini guide to Belfast help you on your next adventure! Drop me a comment for any other questions you may have.