4 Reasons to Go Beyond Belfast in Northern Ireland

Bridge over beautiful waters in Northern Ireland. (Photo: Sherry Ott/Otts World)

By Sherry Ott

Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is one of those up-and-coming destinations that seems to be on everyone’s bucket list these days. Yet as great as Belfast is, my advice to you is: Don’t stop there. Keep going further North! I ventured beyond the city and was amazed by all of the other Northern Ireland attractions along the coast and in villages. Here, the four reasons you need to go beyond Belfast…

1. The gin is incredible.

Her new motto: Will travel for gin. (Photo: Sherry Ott/Otts World)

My favorite travel moments are the ones that are unplanned and spontaneous. And that’s exactly why I ended up in the little village of Bushmills in Northern Ireland. As I was traveling through Ireland, someone at Shortcross Gin, one of Ireland’s newest craft gins, took notice and Tweeted at me, suggesting I go to Bushmills Inn to try the local spirit (they serve it there). I had a car and time, and I love gin, so I figured, Why not?

Thanks to Twitter, Sherry was in very high spirits in Bushmill. (Photo: Sherry Ott)

As I researched Bushmills further, I learned that Bushmills Inn is an iconic accommodation that’s an important part of Northern Ireland’s history. It was established in 1608 as an old Coaching Inn and Mill House, but evolved into the 21st century as a four-star hotel.

In addition to being an amazing place full of history and charm, it has a secret hidden library, a flag room, a real gaslight bar, roaring peat fires, and, of course, Shortcross Gin.

2. You can climb an iconic (and extremely beautiful) rope bridge.

“The bridge is 100 feet high. Be careful if you take a selfie; it may be your last,” our guide yelled at us as he took our tickets to cross Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. What did I do after hearing this? I got out my camera to record my trip across the wobbly bridge, of course. I’m scared of heights, and recording my walk over the bridge kept me from thinking about dangling above the rocky cliffs (and worse, sudden wind gusts).

Have camera, will cross. (Photo: Sherry Ott/Otts World)

Once I made it across, the views on the other side of the bridge were worth it. Yet the fishermen who used to utilize this bridge probably never cared much about them, as the bridge was simply their way to get their salmon catch back to the mainland. In fact, their original bridge had big gaps in the slats, and only one little rope for a handrail. Today’s bridge is quite different, but it is still made of rope, and provides a good stomach-churning sway in the middle.

Sherry’s well-deserved reward for making it across the bridge: an #EpicView. (Photo: Sherry Ott/Otts World)

3. Giant’s Causeway, one of Northern Ireland’s most breathtaking landmarks, is at your doorstep.

Giant’s Causeway at sunset. (Photo: Sherry Ott/Otts World)

This UNESCO World Heritage site gets the big billing in Northern Ireland, and for good reason. Its 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, which stick out of the sea, are the result of an ancient volcanic eruption—and they’re definitely unique. According to Irish legend, mythical giant Giant Finn McCool built the causeway as a roadway to Scotland.

Related: Stunning Scenery from Ireland You Don’t Want to Miss

Feeling like a giant at Giant’s Causeway Basalt Columns. (Photo: Sherry Ott/Otts World)

My guide, who seemed to be part comedian and part guide, entertained me with stories of giants, fairies, and sheep. But he also gave me some solid advice on how to tackle this big tourist spot, which attracts thousands of visitors a day.

Upon arriving in the parking lot, take the Giant’s Causeway cliff route, and view the formations from above, atop the cliffs. Then, walk down the steep stairs to the crashing waves, and view the formations up close. Avoid the stairs on the way back, and come back on the road. Finally, don’t go into the overpriced visitor center; rather, go to The Nook, a bar and restaurant on the corner of the parking lot, where a warm fire and beer awaits.

Giant’s Causeway from above. You can barely make out the thousands of basalt columns, and the people look like ants! (Photo: Sherry Ott/Otts World)

4. The small-town eats are delicious.

After visiting all of the coastal sights, treat yourself to a meal at the award-winning Bushmills Inn and Restaurant. All products are locally sourced from small farmers chosen by Gordon McGladery, the restaurant’s head chef for seven years.

Related: The Travel Insider: The Dreamiest Bed and Breakfast in Ireland

The restaurant has an old charm to it, with little nooks and wooden booths for privacy, and small windows to peer on your neighbor discreetly. I started with a “Duo of Quail,” which is a pan-seared breast and ballotine of leg, served with pear and blue cheese. For my main dish, I had fillet of beef medallions with a fondant potato lentil casserole, mushroom tartlet, and red wine jus. And I couldn’t pass up finishing with sticky date pudding and fresh cream. In sum, it was quality fine dining in a tiny little town—I was impressed!

Warm sticky pudding at Bushmills Inn and Restaurant. (Photo: Sherry Ott/Otts World)

My last beyond-Belfast sell? If nothing else, it’s worth it to stay over in the Bushmills area simply because you’ll beat all of the tour bus crowds coming from Dublin and Belfast. And outsmarting tourists is always a wanderlust win.

Let Yahoo Travel inspire you every day. Hang out with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Watch Yahoo Travel’s new original series, “A Broad Abroad.”