Belfast City & The Giants Causeway

For those looking for adventure, Ireland is the place to visit. It offers numerous options for those who enjoy backpacking and hiking. One of the best places to go backpacking in Ireland is County Antrim, and Belfast city and Giant’s Causeway are two of the most popular places in the county.

Belfast City

To experience a sense of excitement, fun and liveliness when you are in County Antrim, head to Belfast City. It has much to be proud of, and one of the key reasons is the fact that it was the place where the RMS Titanic was put together. With impressive structures that form its skyline, and historic sites that have been preserved well, the city draws lots of tourists. This can be a haven for backpackers who want to do more than take in the scenic beauty that Ireland and its regions are famed for. The places to visit in the city can be categorized as those in the central, northern, southern, eastern and western regions.

All establishments in the central region of Belfast city predominantly surround Donegall Square. Travelling to this part of the city is quite easy as most of the city bus routes meet here. City Hall, which opened its doors in 1906, features the architectural excellence from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Spend a few quiet hours browsing through the exhibits at The Place, a small shop run by the Royal Society of Ulster Architects. To get a taste of the cultural richness in this region, go to Saint Anne’s Cathedral. The Titanic Boat Tour, Belfast Central Library and Belfast Print Workshop and Gallery are a few other interesting places to visit.

The south of Belfast City is relatively quiet when compared to other parts. It has the Queens Film Theatre, which is a repertory and art house where the Belfast Film Festival, an annual event, takes place. The splendid Botanical Gardens and Tropical Ravine are two places that backpackers should visit when they are in Belfast City. For a complete experience of the art and theatrical offerings that the city has, go to the Lyric Theatre and Ulster Museum. Two attractions to visit when you go to the north of the city are Belfast Castle and Belfast Zoo. Backpack to Falls Park and Casement Park when you go to the western region of Belfast City, and Ulster Folk and Transport Museum when you are in the east.

Giant’s Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most spectacular sights in the world. The basalt columns that were formed by the volcanic eruption which took place centuries ago attract visitors from all over the world. This natural wonder, situated in County Antrim along the north east coast of north Ireland, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. A year later, the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland named it a National Nature Reserve. Depending on the season, a number of sea bird varieties too visit the causeway.

Redshank, razorbill, cormorant, shag, fulmar, petrel and guillemot are some of the sea birds that migrate to the causeway, or make it their home. Some of the unusual flora that you will find here are, sea spleenwort, sea fescue, frog orchid and hare’s foot trefoil.

The rock formations at the Giant’s Causeway are not unique – several such can be found in various places across the world. However, they are magnificent in terms of their size and beauty. This is a great place where you can spend a few quiet hours just walking around and taking in the vast expanse of natural formations. You can take the coastal walkway that leads to Carrick-a-Rede. You can even go on a two mile long walk along Runkerry Head located close to Giant’s Causeway. The location has a few eateries like Thyme and Co, located just ahead on the road away from the causeway.