In September 2026, We enjoyed a fantastic three-day break exploring Northern Ireland’s rich history, vibrant cities, and spectacular coastline. The trip began with a convenient easyJet flight from Birmingham Airport to Belfast International Airport, a journey of less than an hour that made Northern Ireland easily accessible for a short getaway. After collecting a hire car at the airport, We made the short drive to Millbrae Lodges, 3 Tullrusk Road, Dundrod, our home for the next two nights.
Nestled in the rolling County Antrim countryside, Millbrae Lodges offered a peaceful retreat away from the bustle of the city. The modern, well-equipped lodge provided beautiful rural views, comfortable accommodation, and a relaxing atmosphere, while remaining only a short drive from Belfast. It proved to be the perfect base for exploring the region.
Day 1: Exploring Belfast’s Troubles History
After settling into the lodge, We travelled into Belfast for a City Conflict Walking Tour, an insightful and thought-provoking introduction to the city’s recent history.
The tour focused on The Troubles, the period of conflict that lasted from the late 1960s until the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. The conflict involved Nationalists and Republicans, who generally sought a united Ireland, and Unionists and Loyalists, who wished Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom.
Falls Road
The tour began along the famous Falls Road, traditionally associated with the nationalist community. Here, vibrant murals illustrate political events, civil rights campaigns, and stories from the conflict. Walking through the area provided a powerful insight into the experiences of local communities during decades of unrest.
Peace Walls
One of the most memorable parts of the tour was visiting Belfast’s Peace Walls. These barriers were built to separate communities during the Troubles and many still remain today. Covered in messages of hope and reconciliation from visitors around the world, they stand as both a reminder of the past and a symbol of progress.
Shankill Road
Crossing through one of the peace gates, which are still locked at 6.30pm every night, brought us into the Shankill Road, traditionally associated with the loyalist community. The murals and memorials here reflect a different perspective on the conflict and highlight the importance of identity and heritage within the area.
The tour successfully presented balanced viewpoints and helped explain how Belfast has transformed itself from a city marked by division into one focused on peace and regeneration.
Returning to Millbrae Lodges that evening, the tranquillity of the countryside provided the perfect contrast to the emotional and educational experiences of the day.
Day 2: Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic
Our second day was devoted to Belfast’s world-famous maritime history.
A visit to Titanic Belfast was an absolute highlight. Located on the very slipways where RMS Titanic was built by Harland & Wolff, the museum tells the complete story of Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage and the construction, launch, voyage, and sinking of the world’s most famous ocean liner.
The interactive exhibits are exceptionally well presented, bringing both the engineering achievements and personal stories of passengers and crew to life.
SS Nomadic
Just a short walk from the museum is the beautifully restored SS Nomadic, the last surviving vessel of the White Star Line.
Built in 1911, Nomadic transported first and second-class passengers from Cherbourg harbour to Titanic and other ocean liners. Walking aboard this historic ship offered a fascinating glimpse into Edwardian travel and allowed visitors to experience a direct connection to Titanic’s story.
After spending most of the day in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, We enjoyed exploring the city centre before returning for our final evening at Millbrae Lodges.
Day 3: Derry, the Causeway Coast and the Giant’s Causeway
After checking out of Millbrae Lodges, we set off in the hire car towards Derry/Londonderry, one of Northern Ireland’s most historic and characterful cities. It was a bit wet!!
Discovering Derry
The city immediately impressed with its remarkably preserved 17th-century walls, the only completely intact city walls in Ireland. Walking the walls provided wonderful views across the city and the River Foyle while offering insight into centuries of history.
We also visited the Bogside, a district closely associated with the Civil Rights Movement and the events of Bloody Sunday in 1972. The world-famous murals provide a moving account of key moments in the city’s past and complement the stories heard the previous day in Belfast.
Today, however, Derry is a lively and welcoming city with a strong cultural identity, bustling cafés, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Following the Causeway Coastal Route
From Derry, the journey continued eastwards along part of the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route. The drive itself was one of the highlights of the holiday, featuring dramatic cliffs, rugged coastline, rolling green hills, and picturesque villages overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
The scenery constantly changed, making it difficult to resist stopping for photographs at almost every viewpoint.
The Giant’s Causeway
The final major stop was Northern Ireland’s most famous natural attraction, the Giant’s Causeway.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic activity around 60 million years ago. The unique hexagonal rock formations create one of the most distinctive landscapes in Europe.
Local legend tells a different story, claiming that the Irish giant Finn McCool built the causeway as a bridge to Scotland to confront his rival, Benandonner.
Whether viewed through the lens of geology or folklore, the site is truly breathtaking. The fresh September weather and dramatic coastal views made it a fitting finale to the trip.
Journey Home
After leaving the Giant’s Causeway, We returned to Belfast International Airport, dropped off the hire car, and boarded our easyJet flight back to Birmingham.
As the aircraft lifted over Northern Ireland’s coastline, I reflected on a remarkable few days that had combined history, culture, and natural beauty in equal measure.
Final Thoughts
This September 2026 trip showcased Northern Ireland at its very best.
A comfortable stay at Millbrae Lodges in Dundrod provided the ideal base for exploring the region. The moving stories of the Falls Road, Shankill Road, Peace Walls, and Bogside brought the history of The Troubles into sharp focus, while Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic celebrated Belfast’s world-renowned maritime heritage.
The visit to Derry/Londonderry added another fascinating chapter to the journey, and the spectacular drive along the coast to the Giant’s Causeway demonstrated why Northern Ireland is regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of the British Isles.
From take-off in Birmingham to the return flight home, it was a trip filled with unforgettable experiences, stunning scenery, and a deeper understanding of a region that continues to embrace its history while looking confidently towards the future.
