Top 12 Sights You Can’t Miss in Northern Ireland

northern ireland
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In a land enchanted by the ruins of Medieval castles and folk tales that date back to the dawn of time, how could anyone overlook Northern Ireland? Here, you’ll learn about ancient warriors who fiercely defended their lands from invaders and lovestruck giants who built causeways across the Irish Sea to be with their lovers. Let’s take a tour of 12 of the most enhancing sights to see, with a temporary dip into the neighboring Republic of Ireland. We promise you’ll leave here feeling utterly captivated and charmed. 

Giants Causeway

giants causeway
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At one of the northernmost points of Northern Ireland, you’ll find a land fashioned by the hands of giants. Legend has it that an Irish giant named Finn McCool created a causeway, or a raised road across low or wet grounds, to walk across the sea and do battle with his Scottish counterpart, Benandonner. That took quite a bit of determination, right? 

But, as with any land steeped in legends and mystery, there’s also another story: Finn built the causeway for love – to reach his Scottish lass. Unfortunately, it became so labor-intensive for him that he died in her arms. Legend aside, it’s an astonishing wonder of nature to see some 40,000 massive black basalt columns standing tall amidst the lashings from the sea. Come here to wonder at the many mysteries nature beholds, as well as what one Irish giant would do for love – or war. 

Banba’s Crown | Malin Head

malin head
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Let’s sneak across the border for a moment. It’s only a two-hour drive. As for the Republic of Ireland, Malin Head is the northernmost point. And, if you’ve had the stuffing knocked out of you by the walk to the Causeway, Banba’s Crown can be a lot more forgiving. Truthfully, the hike to Malin Head is not for beginners, either. But Banba’s Crown is attainable. 

You can drive right to the top and then step out to take in the brisk breezes and stunning scenery in every direction. If you turn your back to the sea, you’ll be able to savor those forty shades of green. If you face the sea, you’ll be dazzled and delighted that you made it to what feels like the end of the earth. For more like this, here are 10 of Ireland’s coastal treasures to keep you going. 

Causeway Coastal Route

causeway coastal route
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If you like the way things went at Banba’s Crown, a simple drive to a stunning view, then you can keep the momentum going by driving along the entirety of the Causeway Coastal Route. While Giants Causeway and Malin Head come with warnings about steep climbs, the Coastal Route comes with a small warning about the twisting and winding turns. 

Be sure you remain completely alert because, as you’re twisting and turning, you’ll be amazed that you’re actually on a two-way road. Other cars and trucks can appear at any moment. That said, be sure to take advantage of every single lookout point. These views, both towards the sea and away from it, will stay with you forever. 

The Dark Hedges 

the dark hedges
Photo by Zhifei Zhou on Unsplash

Over in County Antrim, you’ll find something that was famous in its own right long before Game of Thrones took it to new heights. In the 18th century, the Stuart family planted a long row of beech trees that have grown over the years into a glorious canopy of natural delight. It was intended to impress visitors as they made their way to the Stuart’s Georgian estate, and, boy, did it work. In Game of Thrones, it’s aptly named King’s Road and might be worth re-watching before you make your way across the sea.