Black cabs with
a side of Giants

From climbing the legendary stones of the Giant’s Causeway to uncovering ancient secrets at the M5 Museum, our family trip to Northern Ireland was packed with fun, history, and the occasional snack emergency. The real surprise? The Ulster Museum. A free museum not to be missed.

Northern Ireland isn’t always the first place that comes to mind for a family holiday — but after our recent adventure, we’re here to say: it absolutely should be.

Travelling with kids is always an adventure — the kind that involves equal parts awe and “Are we there yet?” So when we decided to explore Northern Ireland, we packed our raincoats, our patience, and roughly 4,000 snacks. What we got in return? Clifftop legends, world-class museums, and a history lesson delivered from the back of a black cab.

From scrambling across the legendary stones of the Giant’s Causeway to discovering mummies in Ulster Museum, and even dealing with Dad exploring the Titanic Belfast and overwhelming us with facts, Northern Ireland surprised us at every turn — in the best way possible. Spoiler alert: the kids actually learned stuff without even noticing.

Ready to see how this rugged little corner of the world won our family over? Let’s dive in — wet weather and all.

4-5 days break

We recommend this destination as a 4-5 day getaway. You could easily add this onto a trip to The Republic of Ireland and tick off Ireland in a major way.

The coastline itself is a magic occasion.

  • Why We Added Northern Ireland to Our Ireland Road Trip (and Why You Should Too)

    When planning our grand driving adventure around the Republic of Ireland, we hadn’t originally planned to cross the (invisible) border into Northern Ireland. Not because we weren’t interested — just because, like many travelers, we weren’t totally sure how it fit in. Different country? Same island? British pounds instead of euros? Would our rental car survive the confusion?

    Spoiler: it did. And so did we.

    The truth is, while the Republic and Northern Ireland are politically and culturally distinct, the border is open, the roads seamless, and the landscapes just as jaw-dropping. Think windswept cliffs, ancient castles, and that rugged, brooding beauty that makes your camera work overtime.

    We crossed over near Derry/Londonderry, cruised along the Causeway Coastal Route (absolutely one of the most scenic drives on the island), and wound our way to Belfast before looping back down south. It added only a few days to the itinerary — and gave us a whole new perspective on the island’s complex but fascinating history.

    Plus, where else can you go from walking in a giant’s footsteps to debating Irish politics with a taxi driver, all before lunch?

    So if you’re road-tripping through Ireland and wondering whether it’s worth heading north — trust us. Add Northern Ireland. The coastal views alone are worth it, and you’ll leave with stories that go far beyond the usual travel brochure clichés.

  • We set up camp (well, checked into an Airbnb) right along the Belfast waterfront — close enough to the city centre to walk, but far enough that we didn’t have to parallel park in front of an audience. With the car safely tucked away, we strolled into town and, purely by fate (and caffeine desperation), stumbled upon what would become our best café discovery of the entire trip: Pocket Café. Great coffee, even better pastries, and a vibe so good we briefly considered moving in.

  • The Giants Causeway.
    Museums - W5 and Ulster.
    Black cab tour.
    Titanic Museum.
    Eat at Pocket Cafe.

Don’t wake the Giant.

The Giant’s Causeway: Rock-Hopping and Legends

We kicked things off with one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic sights: the Giant’s Causeway. These strange, hexagonal stones rising out of the sea are the stuff of myths — literally. Legend says they were built by a giant named Finn McCool. Our kids were more interested in climbing every rock and playing "the floor is lava" while we admired the rugged beauty of the coastline and tried to keep everyone dry (spoiler: we failed).
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sounds like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest.

M5 Museum: A Fun-Sized History Stop

Next, we checked out the M5 Museum, a small but engaging spot perfect for curious kids. It’s hands-on, interactive, and just the right size to explore without anyone needing a snack halfway through. Think puzzles, local stories, and plenty to touch, see, and do. The level of interactivity was very impressive. It is one of those gems that makes learning fun.

Ulster Museum: The Hidden Gem

If we had to name the surprise hit of the trip, it would hands-down be the Ulster Museum in Belfast. Nestled inside the Botanic Gardens, we popped in expecting a quick cultural detour — and left hours later, minds officially blown. From dinosaur skeletons to Egyptian mummies and contemporary art, there was something for everyone. We didn’t even get a chance to explore all levels.

Bonus: it’s free. Double bonus: no one asked to leave early. That’s how you know it’s good.

Titanic Belfast: Dad’s Solo Mission

While the kids had a rest after a day of museum fun, Dad made a pilgrimage to Titanic Belfast, a museum that’s part tribute, part immersive experience, and all heart. Housed in a stunning building shaped like a ship’s hull, it dives deep into the Titanic’s story — from its construction in Belfast to the tragic voyage. He came back fully prepared to recite maritime facts over dinner.

Black Cab Tour: History with Heart

One of the most unexpectedly fascinating parts of our trip was the Black Cab Tour in Belfast. Now, we weren’t sure how a political history tour would go over with the kids — but it turned out to be one of the highlights. The driver (part historian, part stand-up comedian) guided us through Belfast’s past with clarity, compassion, and just the right amount of humor to keep everyone engaged.

We explored the city's murals, learned about The Troubles in a way that was honest but age-appropriate, and came away with a much deeper understanding of Belfast's identity. Even our youngest had questions by the end — and not the kind that involve snacks or toilets, which felt like a win.

If you're visiting with kids over, say, age 6 or 7, we’d highly recommend it. It's history brought to life, from the back seat of a cab — and somehow, it works brilliantly.

In summary

Northern Ireland gave us everything we look for in a family trip: stunning landscapes, rich history, curious museums, and plenty of unexpected laughs. It was the perfect mix of education, adventure, and just enough chaos to make memories that’ll last long after the suitcases are unpacked.

So if you’re planning your next family getaway — don’t overlook Northern Ireland. The giants are waiting.