The spray of the sea in your face, a salty wind on your back and gulls cawing overhead. There’s nothing like a seafront walk to exhilarate the body and sharpen the mind. Bracing, blustery and a lot of fun.
That’s how veteran coastal walkers would describe the many trails, coves and scrambles that can be found on Northern Ireland’s coast.
The region is a must visit for anyone who loves walking, nature or the sea (ideally all three). The country’s coastline has many world class attractions including a UNESCO world heritage site and it’s relatively small size means you can see a lot of the coast with just a week holiday break.
But when is the best time to explore Northern Ireland’s coast and where should you go when you get there? In this article we’ll share why we think Spring is the best time to get your walking boots on and head down to the North Sea. We’ll also suggest some must see attractions that you don’t want to miss if you’re in Northern Ireland.
Why spring is the best time to visit Northern Ireland’s coast
When you’re walking and exploring a coastline you ideally want two things. Warm weather and minimal wind. It doesn’t need to be 30 degrees but walking along a coastline in calm, temperate conditions is far more enjoyable than getting battered by sea winds and lashing rain.
A bit of bluster is good (and should be expected) but you don’t want to be battling the elements, you want to be enjoying a nice walk. That’s why we think Spring is a great time to visit Northern Ireland’s coast. You can avoid the lashing rain and cold winds of Winter whilst still enjoying the coastline in all its rugged, alluring charm.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Northern Ireland Encore Parcs operates 3 holiday parks that are all located on the scenic Ard Peninsula and just a short walk to the sea front. Ballyhalbert, Windsor and Cloughey holiday parks are great places to stay if you want to explore Northern Ireland’s coast.
Each holiday park is just a short walk from the coast and you can get up every day and be out on the beaches exploring before you know it. The Ard Peninsula is on the Eastern coast of Northern Ireland and has easy transport links to Belfast and the rest of the country.
3 amazing sites you must experience when exploring Northern Ireland’s coast this spring
Northern Ireland has a lot of coastline. There’s so many interesting walks to go on and places to see it can be a bit overwhelming for first time visitors. With so many things to do, knowing where to start can be tricky. That’s why we’ve listed our three favourite attractions on the Northern Ireland coast below.
The Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site. This is the only attraction in Northern Ireland to be given this honour. The Causeway is steeped in legend but in reality it is the result of volcanic activity from millions of years ago.
You wouldn’t think that from looking at it though. The Causeway is a mosaic of interconnected, hexagonal pillars that all just out the ground. There’s such uniformity in their layout you’ll struggle to believe it’s a natural phenomenon.
The Causeway is great to visit with the family and on a clear day makes a great photo opportunity.
The Causeway costs £13 for adults and £6.5 for children.
Carrick-a-rede
If you’re not a huge fan of heights then you might want to skip Carrick-a-Rede. But the attraction should definitely be on any thrill seekers bucket list. Carrick-a-Rede is an island peninsula connected to the mainland by a rope bridge.
The bridge, first constructed by salmon fishermen in the 1700s has now become a popular tourist attraction and Carrick-a-Rede is the beginning and end of a lot of coastal walking routes.
It’s actually possible to walk from Carrick-a-Rede to The Giant’s Causeway. The 9 mile journey let’s you explore a lot of the coastline and is highly recommended if the weather is nice.
Belfast docks and the Titanic museum
If you want a break from blustery coastal walk you can pop into Belfast, wander the historic docks and visit the Titanic Experience museum. If you’re been up and down the coast for a few days a walk around a warm museum could be a welcome break.
The docks and the museum are a great change of pace and scenery and you can learn all about the Titanic and Belfast’s proud ship building history.
Are you ready to explore Northern Ireland’s coast?
If you’re planning a walking holiday to uncover the secrets of Northern Ireland’s rugged and historic coastline you should stay with us at Encore Parcs. We have luxury static caravans to rent at our 3 holiday parks that dot the Northern Ireland coastline. If you’d like to rent or buy a mobile home for your holidays you can contact us here.
