Northern Ireland with Kids: Giants, Titanic & Thrones

For decades, Northern Ireland was off the tourist map. Today, it is arguably the most exciting destination on the island.

For families, "The North" offers a unique mix of myths, modern history, and movie magic. It is where you can stand on the stones built by a giant, walk the decks of the Titanic, and visit the real-life Winterfell.

However, it is a different country. The currency changes to Pounds Sterling (£), the speed limits are in miles per hour, and the history is complex.

This 3-to-4 day itinerary is designed to fit seamlessly into a larger Irish adventure.

(Crossing the border? See how this route connects to the Republic in our master Ireland Family Travel Itinerary).

Day 1: The City of the Unsinkable Ship (Belfast)

Drive Time: Dublin to Belfast (2 hrs).

Belfast is a Victorian industrial powerhouse reborn as a vibrant, modern city.

Stop 1: Titanic Belfast

This is not a museum; it is an "Experience."

• The Scale: It is built on the exact slipway where the Titanic was built. The building itself is the same height as the ship’s hull.
• For Kids: The "Shipyard Ride" is a dark ride (like Disney) that takes you through the heat and noise of the ship construction. It is immersive and incredible.
• The Guide Angle: After the museum, hire a Maritime/History Guide to walk the "Maritime Mile." They can show you the SS Nomadic (the last White Star Line ship) and tell the human stories of the workers that a plaque can't convey.

Stop 2: W5 Interactive Discovery Centre

If it rains (and it might), head to W5. It is one of the best science museums in Europe, with a multi-story "Climbit" structure that will exhaust even the most energetic toddler.

Stop 3: The Black Taxi Tour

This is unique to Belfast.

• The Experience: You ride in a traditional black cab through the neighborhoods of the "Troubles" (Falls Road and Shankill Road).
• Why for Families? It sounds heavy, but the drivers are world-class storytellers. They focus on the Peace Walls and the street art (Murals). It is a powerful history lesson for teens about conflict and resolution.

Stay: Belfast City (Cathedral Quarter).

Day 2: The Causeway Coast (Myths & Legends)

Drive north along the Causeway Coastal Route. It is often voted better than the Wild Atlantic Way because the road hugs the water much tighter.

Stop 1: The Gobbins

A cliff-path walk that hangs over the crashing waves.

• Note: Strict height restriction (1.2m), so this is for families with older kids/teens. It requires helmets and boots (provided). It is thrilling.

Stop 2: The Giant’s Causeway

The UNESCO World Heritage site.

• The Legend: Don't just tell your kids it's volcanic rock. Tell them the story of Finn McCool, the Irish giant who built the path to fight a Scottish giant.
• The Hack: Park at the Visitor Center but walk the "Red Trail" along the top of the cliffs first, then descend the "Shepherd’s Steps" to the stones. It saves you from fighting the crowds on the bus.

Stop 3: Dunluce Castle

A ruined castle crumbling off the edge of a cliff. It was the inspiration for the Greyjoy Castle in Game of Thrones.

• The Story: Ask a local guide about the night the kitchen fell into the sea (taking the cooks with it). Kids love the gruesome details.

Stay: Portrush or Bushmills.

Day 3: Thrones & Walls (Derry)

Stop 1: The Dark Hedges

The famous "Kingsroad" from Game of Thrones.

• Warning: It gets crowded. Go early (8:30 AM) or late.
• The Guide: A TV & Film Location Guide is brilliant here. They carry iPads with scenes from the show, so you can stand exactly where Arya Stark stood and compare the reality to the CGI.

Stop 2: Derry~Londonderry

Drive west to Ireland’s only completely walled city.

• The Walk: The Derry Walls are 400 years old and unbroken. You can walk the entire 1-mile loop on top of them. It’s flat, safe, and stroller-friendly.
• The Derry Girls: If you have teens, they likely know the Netflix show Derry Girls. There are dedicated Derry Girls Walking Tours that visit the mural and the filming locations. It’s hilarious and very popular.

Why You Need a "Cross-Border" Guide

Northern Ireland is easy to visit, but hard to understand without help.

1. The Context of the Troubles: Seeing the Peace Walls in Belfast is just looking at concrete. Touring them with a Black Taxi Driver—who often lived through the conflict—turns it into living history. They answer the hard questions ("Why are the gates still locked at night?") with nuance and personal experience.
2. The "Thrones" Connection: The filming locations are often hidden on private land or unmarked dirt tracks. A Location Scout Guide has the keys and the costumes (yes, cloaks and swords) to make the photo op perfect.
3. The Rental Car Trap: Many rental cars picked up in Dublin cannot be driven into the North without a specific insurance add-on. Hiring a Private Driver Guide for the Northern leg eliminates this stress entirely.

Cross the Border with Confidence

Don't let the logistics stop you from seeing the Giant's Causeway. Hire a local expert to handle the driving and the history.

Find a Northern Ireland Driver or Tour Guide →