Newcastle

Located only 90 minutes from Belfast, Newcastle in County Down is the perfect base for exploring NI's scenic landscapes: from hiking up Slieve Donard to enjoying stunning views at the Silent Valley reservoir.

How to get there: Take the 520 Ulsterbus from Belfast Grand Central Station to Newcastle Bus Station.

Silent Valley

• Take a Weekend Trip to Newcastle, Co. Down
• A Weekend Trip to Newcastle and Slieve Donard

Giant’s Causeway

A must-visit for anyone staying in NI, this world heritage site is well-worth the 90 minute bus journey. Make sure to cross over the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge while you're there (accessible via the 402 Ulsterbus)!

How to get there: Take the 221 Goldliner bus from Belfast Laganside Buscentre.

Student Brittany at the Giant's Causeway

• A Weekend Trip to the Giant's Causeway
• VIDEO: Come with me on a trip to the Giant's Causeway!

Carrickfergus/Whitehead

For a shorter bus journey, Carrickfergus is an ideal spot for a quick coastal getaway. For those interested in architecture and history, the Norman era Carrickfergus Castle is a must-see.

How to get there: Take the Ulsterbus 568a from Belfast Laganside Buscentre to Carrickfergus Joymount (this takes around 50 minutes).

Student Isa at Carrickfergus Castle

• My Day Trip from Belfast to Carrickfergus and Whitehead

Ballycastle

A popular hotspot for beach days and wonderful coastal views, Ballycastle is an unmissable summer destination. 

How to get there: Take the 221 Goldliner bus from Pottinger's Entry High Street in Belfast to the Bushmills War Memorial, then take the Ulsterbus 402 to Ballycastle, Marine Corner.

Vanishing Lake in Ballycastle

• Exploring NI: Weekend Trip to Ballycastle

Derry/Londonderry

Another must-visit for anyone living or staying in NI, Derry/Londonderry is a city infused with history, heritage and culture. A picture in front of the Derry Girls wall mural is a staple for any fan, and a guided history tour by those from the local community is the perfect opportunity to learn more about NI's past.

How to get there: Take the 212 Goldliner bus from Belfast Grand Central Station to Foyle Street Bus Station (takes roughly 2 hours).

The iconic Derry Girls mural

• My Day Trip to Derry/Londonderry
• Spend Halloween with me in Derry

Kildare Village

For a boujee, 'treat yourself' kind of day trip, McComb's Coach Travel offers a direct bus journey to Kildare Village, a designer outlet shopping located close to Dublin. With brands like Kate Spade, Fossil, ELEMIS and Levi's, you can enjoy a shopping day in luxury (or just window shop with a coffee in hand!).

How to get there: Coach offered by McComb's, departs from Glengall Street in Belfast - find out more here.

Dublin

Many of our student bloggers have enjoyed a day/weekend trip to Ireland’s capital city. There is an array of bus travel options from Belfast, namely the Dublin Express, the Aircoach, and the Translink Goldliner.

While there, be sure to visit key attractions such as the Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, the Temple Bar district; or check out a show at the Bord Gáis!

Temple Bar

Find out how our students have made the most of their trips to Dublin below:

• Take a Solo Trip to Dublin!
• VLOG: Weekend Trip to Dublin
• Exploring Ireland as an International Student

Travel tips and recommendations

Booking tickets

It is highly recommended that you book your bus tickets online in advance – this prevents any delays in your journey and allows you to plan your trip efficiently!

yLink smartcard

When booking your bus tickets online, don’t forget that 16-23 years olds using Translink services within Northern Ireland can avail of 50% off bus fares with a yLink smartcard – apply for your free card here!

Clothing/accessories

After checking the weather forecast, make sure to pack appropriately for your trip. For example, if you are planning to visit Newcastle to check out the Mourne Mountains, it might be worth bringing a change of shoes to tackle more difficult terrain. A parka or raincoat would also be useful in case your sunny starting point transitions into cloudier/duller weather at your destination.

Food/drink

Most bus companies prohibit food and (alcoholic) drinks being taken on board for the safety and comfort of all passengers, so bear this in mind when planning your trip. If you are unsure of a company’s policy, consult the FAQs section of their website or email them directly.

Find out more

Translink Bus Services

Beyond Belfast

5 Easy Day Trips to do out of Belfast

The Best Places You Can Visit from Belfast, via Train!

Hannah Reilly Staff Writer | Queen's Global Hi, I'm Hannah, a two-time graduate of Queen's University Belfast and now a current staff member of Queen's Global! As well as helping with general content management for the main Queen's website, I also collaborate with current students to create relatable and useful content for the student blog. I studied BA English and MA English Literary Studies at Queen's and have since worked in various editorial positions in Belfast, including previous roles as Editorial Assistant and Assistant Commissioning Editor for local and international magazine publications. In my spare time, I enjoy reading novels (and attending various book clubs), studying Korean at the Queen's Language Centre and attending Belfast Giants ice hockey games!