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  1. Causeway Coast

    Just north of Belfast the road hugs the coastline, passing picturesque villages and offering breathtaking views across to Scotland. It’s no wonder Causeway Coast has been voted one of the Top 10 coastal drives in the world – and the magical thing is it’s right on Belfast’s doorstep. Book a day tour from Belfast city or make your visit more than just a weekend and hire a car for a couple of days. Either way, make sure you tackle the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge along the way. The swaying structure is suspended above a 100ft chasm, linking the mainland with the tiny Carrick-a-Rede island. Hold on tight, hope it’s not too windy and take your camera.

    www.ireland.com

     

  2. Giant’s Causeway

    Walk in the steps of giants, or at least that’s what the legend says. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for the hexagonal columns of layered basalt, which legends claim to be the outsized ‘steps’ Irish giant Finn MacCool built as a way to get to Scotland. The setting is dramatic with crashing waves and a backdrop of towering cliffs. To get away from the crowds and to capture the best photographs head to the upper cliff walk – check for a map with the visitor centre.

    www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giants-causeway

  3. Belfast Sea Safari

    Tickets: from £24

    Titanic Belfast boat tours will whisk you around Belfast Bay giving you the best views of the shiny Titanic Belfast building. Don’t expect to be sputtering along, the RIB zips along at a fast pace and takes you on the route the Titanic took when departing from Belfast Harbour and it's highly likely you'll spot some wildlife.

    www.belfast-seasafari.com

     

  4. Game of Thrones Tour

    Tickets: from £40

    Go behind the scenes of 'Game of Thrones' and step into the fantasy world of Westeros. Most of the iconic scenes from the hugely popular series are filmed in Belfast and its surrounding countryside. This tour takes you to places you’ll recognize from the programme and you’ll even have to trek from Winterfell through Robb’s Camp to the spot where Brienne confronted three Stark soldiers. Even if you’re not a 'Games of Thrones' groupie, the tour takes you to some incredibly scenic spots and you’ll get to feast on a true 'Game of Thrones' lunch.

    www.ireland.com

  5. Derry Londonderry

    Having just emerged from City of Culture 2013, Derry Londonderry has continued to impress with its calendar of cultural events. The historical walled city is a cultural hub with a well-deserved reputation for being a national hotbed for live music. In the evenings music trails out of most bars, and venues like the Verbal Arts Centre, Millennium Forum and the Waterside Theatre have packed, exciting programmes of events and festivals from comedy to music and dance to film, drawing culture hounds from around the country and abroad. By day, take a stroll through the maze of curving streets browsing boutiques and sipping coffee in one of the many cosy cafés or restaurants.

    www.ireland.com

     

  6. Strangford Lough

    County Down

    South of the city lies the largest sea inlet in the British Isles – Strangford Lough. Studded with half-submerged islands it’s a playground for water sports enthusiasts who come in their droves to whip around the lough on a kite-surfing board, windsurfing board, yacht or canoe. There’s no end to the fun to be had – you and a diving buddy can dive into the lough's depths to explore the underworld, squeeze in some stargazing while on a midnight canoe trail or spot the lough's wildlife on a sea safari. Those wanting to stick to land can jump on a bike or pull on some walking boots and follow the many walking and cycling trails around the Area of Outstanding Beauty. Don't worry if you're feeling lazy, you don't have to miss out on the views, simply hop in a car and follow the road skirting the lough.

    www.visitstrangfordlough.co.uk

    Pic: ©Bernie Brown bbphotographic

  7. Surf's Up!

    Portrush

    Whether you’re a novice or pro, there are waves for everyone along the Antrim coast. Portrush has been a haven for surfers since the '60s and the tradition continues. There are plenty of surf schools offering rental of equipment or if you need a little encouragement and support, they have lessons for all levels and ages. So get brave, get surfin'!

Experience Belfast's outdoors

Embrace the wild side of the city with mountain top views, stunning Causeway Coast walks and the Belfast Sea Safari

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Belfast’s location couldn’t be better when you want to get out and get active. From water sports and adrenaline experiences to walks across the raw and beautiful landscape, you'll find everything right on Belfast's doorstep. The Causeway Coastal Route is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest road trip experiences and you simply have to stop to see the Giant’s Causeway’s unique and magical stones for yourself. Or you can test your mettle on the immersive Game of Thrones Tour where you can trek the film sets. Like the hit show itself, it’s a tough and thrilling trip, and not for the faint hearted…

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