One of the things I have found most fascinating about living in Northern Ireland is having the chance to get to know and explore its countryside. I've been to places like the Giant’s Causeway, but I've never really been able to spend a full weekend away from Belfast in the countryside of this wonderful country.

In addition to the spectacular landscapes I got to see and the wonderful places I was able to go to, I think it is worth highlighting how accessible it is to get to these places from Belfast, how cheap accommodations can be and how easy it is to get around within the different areas.

Train from Lanyon Place

My journey through the countryside began by taking the train from Lanyon Place station, it takes a 15-minute walk from the City Hall. My destination was Ballycastle, so I had to take a train to Ballymena station and from Ballymena station take the 131 bus to Ballycastle.

To take the train, you can look at the Translink website and see which timetable is the most convenient for you and the fare that corresponds to each one. You can buy the ticket at the station or through the website but in my experience, it was cheaper to buy it at the station (£13).

^{On the train to Ballymena}

For your return to Belfast, you can do the same route or look at other options on Translink. The trip lasts about an hour, during which you can enjoy the most beautiful landscapes of this island which is always green, no matter the season.

Once I arrived in Ballymena, I took the bus to Ballycastle. Here is a small hack, and that is that these buses only accept cash, so try to take cash with you just in case before travelling around the country. The drive to Ballycastle took around 40 minutes and the bus dropped us off at the Marina Corner, very close to the Airbnb where we stayed.

Since it was already dark, there wasn't much we could do, however, we went to Morton's in the Marina, where I tried the best fish and chips I've ever eaten. The taste was very fresh and its texture was very crunchy.

^Ballycastle

Regarding where to stay in Ballycastle, the options are varied, you can book a hotel room or a hostel or look at rental options as we did.

The Dark Hedges

One of the most stunning places we visited during our weekend in Ballycastle was The Dark Hedges. This place is very famous because a scene from Game of Thrones was filmed there. Here, you can walk along the wooded path until you reach a large house in the middle of a golf course. The trail is wonderful, and you can really appreciate the majesty of it and see what captivated the producers of this show to motivate them to record there.

Sadly, by the time we went, a storm had passed through and so many trees had to be cut down. To get here from Ballycastle, you can take a taxi which can cost no more than £20, and if you're going with a group of friends, it's easier to economise on prices.

^{Walking through the Dark Hedges}

Ballycastle Beach

In Ballycastle in particular, there is a beautiful beach that captivated me as soon as I saw it. As a person from the Caribbean, I'm used to beaches being only sandy, but the fact that this beach was full of colorful pebbles amazed me a lot and I thought it was very beautiful. I am very sure that this detail, so striking but so common for the locals of this island, would surprise anyone from abroad.

^{Beautiful, colourful pebbles}

On the beach, we were able to walk and enjoy the sound of the waves. You must be well wrapped up because of the strong breezes, and if you are going to walk near the sea, you should go with your rubber boots so that your feet do not get wet. If you walk a little further, you'll have a wonderful view of Fairhead Cliff.

Loughareema, The Vanishing Lake

This lake has a very mysterious history, and that is that from time to time its water disappears and it is completely dry, or the opposite can happen and after days it is full of water again. Many legends hide behind this fact trying to explain why it happens, but it's better to go and discover them for yourself. Just a 10-minute drive from Ballycastle Beach.

^{At the Vanishing Lake}

Bonamargy Friary

This place is among my favourites on the tour. It is the ruins of an old Franciscan monastery surrounded by tombs from various periods, including the tomb belonging to the Black Nun, the one from the famous legend. Here you can fully appreciate the historical legacy that precedes the history of Northern Ireland and the influence of various cultures. I don't deny that I found it a bit scary, although it is 100% worth it, and best of all, it is completely free.

^{The ruins}

I'm missing a lot of details, but with these little descriptions I hope I've carved out for you a wonderful trip with your friends to this side of the coast, and you can enjoy beautiful landscapes, immerse yourself in the culture and learn a lot about this beautiful country.

Find out more

Beyond Belfast

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

Information for students from Colombia

Isabella Barros De La Rosa Violence, Terrorism and Security | Postgraduate Student | Colombia Hello, my name is Isabella Barros, I am 24 years old and I am from a beautiful city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia called Barranquilla. I am currently pursuing my master's in Violence, Terrorism and Security at Queen’s. I am very into running and outdoor activities. That's why Belfast is so amazing to live in, because of the landscapes, and the spaces for this kind of hobby. Besides running and studying, you can find me in any bookstore, wandering around the city, or enjoying a pleasant coffee in a cute cafe!