Travel Directions – Belfast to Derry, Northern Ireland

The A2 in Northern Ireland stretches from Newry, up past the historic city of Belfast, before ending in Derry –  recently voted as the UK City of Culture for 2013

Distance: 128 miles,  Roads: A2

Useful postcodes for your satnav: BT54 6LS (Ballintoy, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge)

BT57 8XH (Bushmills Distillery)

The winding road hugs the coastline,  northeast of the country, passing through the beautiful Glens of Antrim en route to Derry.

Ballycastle and Ballintoy

The town of Ballycastle was a favourite holidaying spot for the writer, CS Lewis, and visitors can explore the rugged coastline on their travels to the town.

If you’re feeling particularly brave, take a drive to the village of Ballintoy and take a walk across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which bridges a 20 metre-wide chasm, connecting the mainland to Carrick Island. The bridge is open all year round.

Drive 20 minutes east of Portrush and walk amongst giants at the world famous Giant’s Causeway landmark, or enjoy a sip of the local tipple on a “tour and tasting session” at the world famous Bushmills Distillery (BT57 8XH).  This distillery is open 7 days a week and runs tours every half hour, giving you the opportunity to sample some good Irish whiskey. Just remember not to drink and drive!

You might like to see our previous blog post on travelling in Ireland.