When we think of Belfast, we are naturally inclined to picture the Mourne Mountains or the iconic Dark Hedges, but little do we explore the waves of this country. 

Northern Ireland hosts some of the prettiest beaches in coastal cities. These are fantastic places to visit, especially during the summer. From the beautiful beachfront of Newcastle to the calmness of Bangor, I made it my mission to venture out this summer to bask in the sunlight and look forward to what the beaches had to offer.

Newcastle

Newcastle is a small seaside town about an hour's drive from Belfast. The convenience of public transport meant that a direct bus from the city helped me reach the location in about an hour and fifteen minutes. The sights that you see upon entering the city are beautiful. As someone who finds solace in the calm sounds of the waves, I thought going with my friends was the best getaway I could think of. I recommend going on a weekday as it may get crowded during the weekends. The city also hosts many spots for sweet treats and different cuisines to grab lunch!

We ate food at this fantastic and award-winning burger joint called The Hatch. Their menu was very inclusive, with a wide variety of options and great portion sizes, which was great value for money. As a testament to their popularity, people were queuing up for lunch, and we got to try some delicious loaded fries and burgers straight from the grill.

As a new tradition, I have made it a point to not just collect shells but also rocks from the various beaches I travel to. So without a second to spare, after sitting by the beach enjoying the sound of the waves crashing and breathing in the fresh air, I hunted for pretty rocks. You may be wondering, rocks aren't pretty, but I beg to differ. Each one I collect is distinct in colour and texture, which I find pretty fascinating. Now, enough talking about rocks! Moving on to the next amazing beach you should definitely visit.

Whitehead 

Whitehead is another beautiful seaside town located on the east coast of Northern Ireland. I had the wonderful opportunity to take a day trip to Whitehead with the international students from the psychology department. We took the train, and the views on the way were stunning. The weather was pleasant with lots of sunshine, and I loved the walk down the Blackhead path.

It's a perfect city for strolling and even hosts a few rows of pastel coloured houses similar to the ones you may have seen in Notting Hill! Whitehead also has some of the cutest cafes serving delicious tray bakes, a must-try if you have a sweet tooth. Overall, it was a very laid-back day, and it is the perfect city for you if you enjoy somewhere quieter. 

Bangor

Bangor is another city brimming with life, less than an hour away by train from Belfast. I found this city slightly different from the rest due to its prominence in boating. A wide range of boats were seen as residents enjoy boating as their favourite recreational activity. Bangor also hosts its beachside, adorned with seashells, seaglass, and pretty views.

The Bangor Castle Walled Garden is a must-visit if you love reconnecting with nature. To mark this day down memory lane, in addition to adding more rocks to my collection (as you would know now), I also took some time to paint one of the flowers I saw on a small canvas. This was truly a perfect way to end my day.

These three places are just a few of the many I wish to travel to and explore. Each of them is unique in its own way and are splendid places to visit on a day trip. When the weather gets warmer and the sun comes out, I recommend you hop on a bus or train and enjoy what these beautiful cities offer. It would be a fantastic change of pace and help you relax from the constant buzz and rush of student life. You never know, one of your journeys might lead you to find a hidden gem you can pass on to future students!

Find out more

Translink yLink card - get 50% off bus and rail travel in NI!

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

Must-Visit Places in Northern Ireland: A North Coast Adventure

Megha Elsa Thomas MSc Clinical Health Psychology | Postgraduate Student | India Hello there! I am Megha Elsa Thomas, a MSc Clinical Health Psychology student. During my free time, you will find me doing anything from volunteering to reading or even strolling around and exploring the streets of Belfast. I am an absolute lover of films and trying new cuisines, so if you ever need a recommendation, you know who to look out for!  As an international student, I can relate to your worries about moving abroad and want to make this journey as stress-free as I can. So please feel free to ask me any questions you have, and I would be more than happy to help.