Limavady
Roe Valley Country Park · Photo: P Flannagan
A sunny-day loop on the far north coast: woodland gorge walks at Roe Valley, the clifftop Mussenden Temple with views over the Atlantic, and an afternoon on the huge sands of Benone Strand.
Nature & gardens · 10:00–11:45 (1h45m)
Riverside paths through the gorge; the café is handy for an early snack.
An outdoor nature reserve in Derry-Londonderry.
Photo: P Flannagan
Landmark · 12:15–13:45 (1h30m)
Picnic with a view, then explore the ruined Downhill house.
A small domed temple balanced on a 120ft cliff edge, part of the ruined Downhill estate of an 18th-century bishop. Clifftop paths give huge views over Downhill and Benone beaches; the temple interior is currently not accessible.
Nature & gardens · 14:00–16:00 (2h)
Wide, flat sand for kites, games and paddling.
A seven-mile sweep of flat sand below the Binevenagh cliffs, with free parking at the entrance and on the beach itself. Zoned areas keep swimmers, dogs and watersports apart, and lifeguards patrol in high summer.
Photo: Bjmullan (talk)
Northern IrelandBushmills
The classic north coast day out: clamber over the Causeway's basalt columns, lunch at the old schoolhouse by the entrance, explore the clifftop ruins of Dunluce, then finish with a run on Portrush's long beach.
Giants Causeway and Visitors Centre → The Nook at the Giant's Causeway → Dunluce Castle → East Strand Portrush
Northern IrelandBelfast
Spend a rainy day under cover in Belfast's shipbuilding quarter. Start with the story of Titanic, grab lunch from the food stalls at a Victorian market hall, then climb aboard a real First World War warship.
Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic → St George's Market → HMS Caroline
Northern IrelandBelfast
A no-cost day in Belfast's university quarter: dinosaurs and a mummy at the Ulster Museum, a wander through the glasshouses and lawns of the Botanic Gardens, then a playground stop across the river.
Ulster Museum at Botanic Gardens → Botanic Gardens and Palm House → Ormeau Park
