Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends in the Welsh capital.
Whether it’s white water rafting or an epic music scene you’re after, Cardiff is a quirky, creative hub brimming with things to see and do. Step into 2,000 years of history at Cardiff Castle, or savour local produce at Cardiff Central Market. Get a taste of the action and head out of the city on the Cambrian Way to discover 185 miles (almost 300km) of National Parks, fairy-tale castles and snow-capped peaks. With a buzzing arts and foodie scene and independent shops galore, Cardiff is your gateway to all that’s wonderful about Wales.
Ancient volcanic landscape in south Armagh. Slieve Gullion’s passage tomb at the summit, Killeavy Old Churches’ twin medieval naves and Navan Fort (Emain Macha), the ancient seat of the Kings of Ulster.
Portrush and Portstewart beaches welcome swimmers. The Auld Lammas Fair at Ballycastle serves Yellowman honeycomb each August. Open air concerts at Botanic Gardens and Ards Peninsula sailing bring long evenings alive.
Belfast Christmas Market at City Hall runs through December. OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory near Davagh Forest delivers Bortle 2 darkness for stargazing. The Giant’s Causeway without summer crowds provides dramatic storm watching.
Ireland’s first International Dark Sky Park at Davagh Forest in the Sperrins. The observatory offers guided stargazing sessions, astrophotography workshops and views of the Milky Way visible to the naked eye. Ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles sit nearby, connecting prehistoric astronomy with modern observation.
Find easy access to designer shops and traditional markets, diverse cuisine and the Principality Stadium in the mainly pedestrianised city centre.
Home to a gleaming Cardiff International White Water Centre where you can try out lots of water sports, as well as cultural spots like the Wales Millennium Centre.
Out in the city’s leafy suburb, discover the Taff Trail on bike or by foot, or get artsy at Kings Road Yard, filled with artists, makers, producers and bakers.
The world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, operating since 1608. Guided tours trace the grain to glass process, with tastings of the 10, 16 and 21 year old single malts.
Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge houses original sets, costumes and props from all eight seasons. The Iron Throne room, Winterfell crypts and interactive displays bring Westeros to life.
Belfast's 150 year old Victorian prison closed in 1996. Guided tours through the tunnel, execution chamber and condemned cell recount political and criminal history within these walls.
Sheltered tidal waters between the Ards Peninsula and County Down. Seal colonies, Norse ruins at Nendrum Monastery and Killyleagh Castle's shoreline provide a scenic backdrop for water sports.
Walking tours of the Cathedral Quarter, Titanic Quarter and political murals. Local guides share stories of the Troubles, peace process and Belfast's cultural regeneration.
Fishermen's rope bridge connecting the mainland to a tiny island on the North Antrim coast. The 20 metre crossing above Atlantic waves tests nerve and rewards with coastal panoramas.
Located in south Wales, Cardiff is a two-hour journey from London by train. The city is also served by Cardiff Airport(opens in a new tab), which operates direct and non-direct flights to and from a wide range of destinations.
It’s easy to travel around the city hassle-free: visit Cardiff Bus(opens in a new tab) to plan your journey and get all the latest information on ticket types. Full of pedestrianised areas, walking trails and parks and gardens galore, it’s simple and enjoyable to explore Cardiff by foot.
Discover more on travelling around Cardiff and Wales on Traveline(opens in a new tab).
Download the Cardiff Bus app(opens in a new tab) and you can buy and store tickets on your mobile, making travelling around Cardiff by bus even easier.
Plot your route and discover more about the city’s walking trails, including the Wales Coast Path, at Outdoor Cardiff(opens in a new tab).
Trains run into Cardiff Central Station from destinations all across Britain. Find information and train times with Traveline Cymru(opens in a new tab) to help plan your journey with Great Western Railway.
The Causeway Coastal Route delivers one of the most concentrated stretches of northern ireland tourist attractions on earth. Within 30 miles between Portstewart and Ballycastle, the landscape shifts from Whiterocks Beach’s limestone formations to the Giant’s Causeway’s hexagonal columns and Carrick-a-Rede’s rope bridge above the Atlantic.
Dunluce Castle clings to a basalt headland, its kitchen having famously collapsed into the sea during a storm in 1639. The Dark Hedges’ beech canopy provides the most photographed roadway in Ireland. Bushmills village anchors the route with distillery tours and the Giant’s Causeway and Bushmills Railway.
Whether you drive, cycle or walk this stretch, the Causeway Coast justifies its reputation as one of the what to see in northern ireland essentials. Allow two full days to absorb the geology, legends and coastal drama properly.
May through September offers the longest daylight and warmest temperatures. April brings puffins to Rathlin Island. October suits autumn colour in the Glens of Antrim. Winter delivers dramatic storm watching at the Giant’s Causeway.
A minimum of four days covers Belfast, the Causeway Coastal Route and one inland region. Seven days allows the Mournes, Fermanagh Lakelands and Derry-Londonderry at a comfortable pace.
Access to the stones is free year round. The National Trust Visitor Centre charges an admission fee that includes audio guide and parking. National Trust members enter free.
The Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge houses original sets and props. Filming locations including the Dark Hedges, Cushendun Caves and Tollymore Forest Park are freely accessible northern ireland tourist sites.
Belfast has transformed into a welcoming city with a thriving food, arts and nightlife scene. The Cathedral Quarter, Titanic Quarter and Botanic area are popular visitor districts. Political mural tours provide historical context.
Ulster Fry (the full breakfast), soda bread, Comber Potatoes, champ (mashed potato with spring onions), Yellowman honeycomb from the Auld Lammas Fair and whiskey from Bushmills Distillery.
The drive takes approximately 2.5 hours via the M1. Organised coach tours from both Dublin and Belfast operate daily. The Enterprise train connects Dublin to Belfast for onward travel.
Whiterocks Beach near Portrush, Benone Strand in County Londonderry, Portstewart Strand (National Trust) and Murlough Beach near Newcastle. The north coast consistently ranks among the best sights in wales… Northern Ireland’s finest coastal stretches.
A scenic driving route from Belfast to Derry-Londonderry following the Antrim coast. The route connects the Glens of Antrim, Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede and Dunluce Castle. Allow a full day minimum.
Northern Ireland is part of the UK. British and Irish citizens can travel freely. International visitors require a valid UK visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation depending on nationality.