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Updated: 10 December 2022

I absolutely, positively, definitely loved Northern Ireland. And, yeah, you need to take a trip to Northern Ireland now.

We all know Ireland (the Republic of Ireland, that is) fascinates Americans. Namely because many people trace their roots back to this country. And Ireland is so damn pretty.

Yet, for some reason, Americans also skip over Northern Ireland on their trips to the Emerald Isle. I think their avoidance has to do with the negative stigma attached to The Troubles even though the most violent years are far, far, far behind us.

I think Northern Ireland is an example of a place that’s come a very long way and emphatically isn’t limited to its past. The Good Friday Agreement, a major political development that impacted the peace progress, took place in 1998. 

Whew, long time, huh?

Think about yourself. In 1998, I was an insecure eleven-year old who hated middle school, gave homework to stupid boys I crushed on, and wanted to be a pop star. I changed a lot. Why can’t destinations change too?

But I digress. Back to why you need to take a solo trip to Northern Ireland.

Solo Travel Northern Ireland: My Experience

If you’re visiting Ireland, take the opportunity to venture north! Go, go, go, and visit Northern Ireland. I promise you won’t regret it. Many of the advantages of solo travel can be discovered here. 

Last year, I had a lovely break between two longterm substitute jobs. In true “Blond Wayfarer” fashion, I decided to take the opportunity and book a return ticket to Dublin.

My adventure in Scotland with Haggis Adventures changed my entire life. I was impulsive and hungry for more travel. So what better way to utilize my break than to join Haggis’s “sister company,” Shamrocker, for a 7 day tour around Ireland?

I selected the 7 day tour because I knew I wanted to take a solo trip to Northern Ireland. Its turbulent past intrigued me, and its majestic landscape was featured in many scenes on HBO’s Game of Thrones series.

Oh, this awesome place didn’t disappoint me. I went in April which I think is one of the best times to visit Northern Ireland. Crowds were low, temperatures moderate, and plane tickets still pretty damn cheap. Furthermore, Shamrocker made Northern Ireland shine. Be sure to check out my post on what to expect on a Shamrocker tour for more information.

Where did I go and love? Read on!

Northern Ireland Solo Travel Tips

To start this guide, I wanted to give you some practical advice about taking a solo trip to Northern Ireland. Of course, keep in mind if you want to take a fully guided tour, or if you would prefer to take yourself around Northern Ireland.

Navigating Northern Ireland alone is perfectly safe. However, you will need to rent your own car and drive to see the gorgeous nature along the Antrim Coast, which I think is a “must see” for any solo trip to Northern Ireland.

In Northern Ireland, drivers stay on the left, and the roads can be quite narrow and even a little scary. I’m not saying this to dissuade you, but if you’re a nervous driver, a guided tour might be the right option for you.  

What to Pack for Northern Ireland

I wrote a lot about what to pack for Ireland in April on this blog, but I still wanted to touch briefly on packing in this guide. As a solo traveler, it’s important not to forget the essentials! 

Sure, you can still buy what you need in Northern Ireland, but wouldn’t you rather use that time for sightseeing? 

• Hiking Shoes: Don’t let the gorgeous photos of Giants Causeway fool you. The walk is SLIPPERY, which obviously can be dangerous. You need a strong pair of hiking shoes for your solo trip to Northern Ireland. No exceptions. 
• Mirrorless Camera: I always say the same thing to budding photographers. A smartphone takes wonderful pictures, but if you want to take your work to “the next level,” then you want to try a mirrorless camera. 
• Northern Ireland Guidebook: I absolutely love Lonely Planet. So, if you’re serious about taking a solo trip to Northern Ireland, then I suggest bringing their Belfast and The Causeway Coast guidebook for up to date information.
• Travel Insurance: Although Northern Ireland is safe, you still want to buy a travel insurance policy to protect you in case of an emergency. 
• Travel Umbrella: Northern Ireland is so lush and green because, uh, it rains. Always have a compact umbrella with you as you explore the countryside. 
• UK Compliant Plug: Make sure your devices to stay charged! You will need to pack a spare UK compliant plug. While some hotels has USBs, this is far from universal, so be prepared. 
• Windbreaker Jacket: The wind and rain is no joke in Northern Ireland. Even in summer, you will want to bring a windbreaker jacket on those inevitable rough weather days. 

Is Northern Ireland Safe for Solo Travel?

You might wonder whether taking a solo trip to Northern Ireland is safe. Honestly, I think Northern Ireland is just as safe as solo travel to the Republic of Ireland. Usual common sense rules, such as not drinking too much or wandering alone at three in the morning, apply to Northern Ireland. 

However, I would be remiss if I completely ignored the political realities of Northern Ireland. The scars from The Troubles are still visible, even to tourists.

So, while you don’t need to worry about car bombs, always be mindful of your company, and don’t express opinions about Northern Ireland’s history or current socio-political landscape. You never know if you will angry the wrong person. Better safe than sorry. 

Where to Go Alone in Northern Ireland

Go to the Antrim Coast

The Antrim Coast – as well as the Antrim Coast Road itself – is amazing. 

The scenery looks like it popped out of an epic fantasy novel. Seriously, my camera battery was ready to kill me because I took so many damn pictures. And if you LOVE Game of Thrones, check out this incredible road trip. YES PLEASE!

Not only is the landscape truly epic, there are many quirky sites for you to visit on your journey. Here are two of them, not including Giant’s Causeway.

Oh man. So much to say about the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. 

This bridge is suspended 100 ft. (30 m.) into the air, and connects the main land to a rocky island. It was originally built by fishermen, but now it’s a fun tourist attraction!

After we dropped our bags at the hostel, the Shamrocker gang and I decided to brave our way across this crazy bridge. The wind was especially high, and stupid ol’ me didn’t have a ponytail tie so my blond hair smacked me in the face the entire time.

Before crossing the bridge, we asked the gentleman running the site if the winds made it unsafe to trek over to the other side He simply laughed in response.

Uhhhhhh. It was one of those moments I was grateful to have travel insurance, haha.

Crossing the bridge wasn’t easy. A woman in front of us freaked out and refused to move, blocking our path halfway across the bridge, and I thought the wind was going to blow me into the water, but my god, was it fun and worth it!

During our drive on the Antrim Coast, we also heard the story behind Dunluce Castle.

This ruined castle is perched very, very, very close to steep cliffs plunging into the rough waves.

The castle is still owned by the Scottish McDonnell family (clan) who originally came over in the 16th century to consolidate territories. Our guide told us that apparently one evening the castle’s kitchen, along with its poor staff, fell into the sea causing both the lord and his wife to pack their bags and leave.

Totally a scary mental image, but the castle’s dramatic location is beautiful and would definitely belong on Game of Thrones.

So far, it’s one of my favorite castles in all of Europe!

Where to Stay on the Antrim Coast

• Crookedstone House: A lovely farm stay in the countryside that offers comfortable accommodation and a warm breakfast to guests. See prices on TripAdvisor.com or Booking.com.
• Glendaloch Bed and Breakfast: This highly rated bed and breakfast is not far from Belfast’s airport, but at the same time, you’re able to enjoy peace and quiet in the lush countryside. See prices on TripAdvisor.com or Booking.com.
• The Stables Bed and Breakfast: Do you want a splash of luxury on your solo trip to Northern Ireland? Look no further than this classy bed and breakfast. See prices on TripAdvisor.com or Booking.com.

The Giant’s Causeway

You ought to take a solo trip to Northern Ireland for The Giant’s Causeway alone. So. Awesome.

The Giant’s Causeway is without a doubt Northern Ireland’s most famous site. I mean, it IS a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I won’t talk tootoo much about this place since it’s so famous and popular. All you need to know is that Giant’s Causeway is easily recognizable from its cool hexagon shapes. Seriously, can you believe nature created those rocky formations? Wild!

But rumor has it that giants constructed this geological wonder.

When you visit Giant’s Causeway, a handy audio guide will point out all the extra unique spots for you such as the Organ Pipes and the Wishing Chair.

OH, and a word of warning: be careful climbing these funky rocks if you’re a major klutz like yours truly! I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I nearly took a spill because a) the rocks were wet and b) the strong sea wind wanted to kill me.

Avoid my mistake and bring sturdy walking shoes for your visit! Giant’s Causeway has many unforgettable hikes nearby you don’t want to miss.

Learn About the Troubles in Derry

Derry touched my damn heart. I won’t go into too many details about Martin McCrossan’s Award Winning City Tours because my own tour was so incredible that it deserves it’s own post. If you’re in Derry, you need to do that walking tour. I don’t care if you don’t like walking tours or already read about the city’s history yourself. GO. ON. HIS. TOUR.

In addition, if you are a fan of the hit TV series Derry Girls, then you absolutely ought to take the Derry Girls Original Sites tour! You will have a blast! 

Anyway, I had a blast walking around this cool city and taking silly pictures.

I crossed the Peace Bridge, stumbled upon a really strange American Circus (uh, yeah), posed on the city walls, and experienced some pretty fun nightlife.

Derry was a heated city at the height of the Troubles. It was the scene of the Battle of the Bogside and Bloody Sunday. Derry’s history is everywhere; however, the city has taken leaps and bounds to move past its troubled reputation. Derry was even recognized as a UK City of Culture in 2013.

Also, it’s important to note that there’s a dispute regarding the city’s name. I referred to the city as “Derry,” and didn’t come across any problems though I suppose it depends on who you’re talking to.

Where to Stay in (London) Derry

• LegenDerry B&B: Do you want to be right smack in the middle of the action in (London) Derry? Then this bed and breakfast is the perfect choice for your solo trip to Northern Ireland! See prices on TripAdvisor.com or Booking.com.
• Number 8 The Townhouse: Another wonderful option that’s located in the historic district. The shared lounge is a great place to meet other people. See prices on TripAdvisor.com or Booking.com.
• Serendipity House: If you want a small accommodation that makes you feel at home, try Serendipity House, which only has 11 rooms! See prices on TripAdvisor.com or Booking.com.

Visit Belfast For At Least Two Days

Honestly, I need to return to Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland. We only spent an afternoon which is obviously not enough time to truly experience a city. I feel like you need at least a weekend in Belfast when you take a trip to Northern Ireland.

After all, I’m still pressed about not having a chance to see the Titanic Exhibit, which takes an entire afternoon in and of itself.

However the two hour long Black Cab Tour made up for the lack of Titanic. We visited murals in both Republican/Nationalist and Unionist/Loyalist neighborhoods. The guides made it clear to everyone that the Troubles were NOT religious conflicts, but a political ones. Each mural had a story.

Most memorable to me, however, were the peace lines which separated different neighborhoods in order to, you guessed it, keep the peace.

Now I liked Dublin a lot, but despite its rough history, I felt Belfast had a lot of untapped soul and potential. The atmosphere was real and raw, and the city’s people were very eager to talk to me.

Since I was in Belfast on a weekend, I had a chance to visit the city’s famous St. George’s Market. Goodness, you could legitimately find anything you wanted at this place! Homemade food and independent clothing stalls abound! If you’re a fan of lively markets, then I would absolutely recommend this spot.

Lastly, I want to emphasize that I never, ever, ever felt unsafe in Northern Ireland. I’ve been more uneasy at night in New Jersey than I did clubbing in Derry or walking back from a pub in a small Antrim town.

Sure, there are news stories about troublemakers, but don’t let those stories deter you from a visit. Personally, I feel like no visit to Ireland is complete without a stop in the north.

Where to Stay in Belfast

• Amica Guesthouse: Located in a peaceful neighborhood, this well-reviewed guesthouse only has four rooms, so you will truly feel part of a family. See prices on Booking.com. 
• Roseleigh House: Another delightful family-run guesthouse located in a residential area of Belfast where you will feel like part of the local community. See prices on TripAdvisor.com or Booking.com.
• Vagabonds Hostel: This is a hostel created by travelers for travelers. So you know you’ll have a great time if your goal is to meet other people! See prices on TripAdvisor.com or Booking.com.

I really hope this guided encouraged you to take a solo trip to Northern Ireland. Have you ever visited Northern Ireland? What other places have you been to that have a “lackluster reputation” in your own country?