lapland trips from belfast

Lapland Holidays

Treat the family to the trip of a lifetime with a Lapland Holiday. Meet Santa, take a reindeer sleigh ride and watch your children's faces light up with all the magic this amazing country has to offer.

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We know it's important to feel protected when booking your holiday. That's why all the holidays sold on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme when you buy an ATOL protected flight or flight inclusive holiday. Plus we're members of ABTA!

You're Fully Protected When booking a holiday, there's a lot to keep in mind from choosing the best hotels to selecting your travel and holidays extras! One of the most important things to know is that you and your money are protected. That's why Instant Breaks is a proud member of ABTA, helping us to provide a service that guarantees peace of mind to all of our customers.

While it's great to know that you're financially protected, it's good to understand what this actually means and so we're here to tell you just that!

What is ATOL Protection? Let's start with the basics, ATOL stands for 'Air Travel Organiser's Licence'.

When you book a flight or flight inclusive Holiday with us, your money is protected by ATOL. This means that in the unlikely event that we or any of your travel providers go bust, you'll be able to continue with your holiday or a suitable alternative holiday (at no extra cost) or receive a refund of the amount paid to us.

How does it work? All you need to do to become ATOL protected is book a flight or flight inclusive Holiday with us - it really is that simple!

What do I get? You will receive an official certificate! Once you've paid pr made a deposit, we'll issue your Flight Plus ATOL certificate. Make sure you take this with you when you travel, just in case.

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What is ABTA? ABTA - The Travel Association is a trusted travel brand that has been operating for over 65 years, representing travel companies and tour operators, as well as offering both legal and financial support to the travelling public.

ABTA offers protection for package holidays that don't include air travel but may include rail, cruise or self-drive elements, for instance. If your travel company fails and your holiday can no longer go ahead, you will be entitled to a refund if you're yet to travel. If you are already on holiday, you can carry on enjoying your holiday knowing that alternative arrangements will be made to bring you home through ABTA.

Instant Breaks are proud full ABTA members, so you can travel with confidence! When you make any booking with us, you can be confident that your holiday is protected no matter what. In the unlikely event that something does go wrong, our ABTA membership guarantees that your money will be safe.

Code Of Conduct All ABTA-bonded companies are bound by a code of conduct, ensuring high standards when you book your holiday. If you don't feel like these have been met or you have been mis-sold a holiday, ABTA is there offer support and advice.

Booking with an ABTA member like us, comes with some big benefits! You'll have peace of mind knowing that your holiday is booked through a reputable company and is financially protected. Holidays are a big investment and it's important to know that, in the unlikely case that something goes wrong with your travel company, your money is safe. ABTA offers round-the-clock support, protection, and expertise, making it easy for you to get advice whenever you need it.

What is the difference between ATOL & ABTA? ATOL and ABTA both offer protection schemes for the travelling public. The main difference between the two is what is included in that protection. ABTA covers package holidays that include rail, cruise or self-drive transport but does not offer protection for flight-based packages. ABTA also provides advice for people who believe their holiday package has been mis-sold and are seeking compensation.

ATOL covers package holidays that include flights- for example, a flight and accommodation package. If your travel company ceases trading, you will be entitled to a refund if you have not yet travelled. If you are on holiday at the time, you will be flown home with repatriation flights through ATOL. However, ATOL does not cover flights which have been purchased directly through the airline.

Another difference between the two is that ATOL is a compulsory licensing system run by the government, while ABTA is a voluntary scheme that travel companies can sign up to if they meet the requirements.

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Found your holiday cheaper somewhere else? We will do our best to match it! If you find your holiday (or hotel only) on an ABTA and ATOL protected travel website, we will look to match the lower price.

How do I make a claim? Simple! Before you make your booking, give one of our friendly Sales Team members a call on 0800 880 6660 and they will be able to confirm the validity of the price you found and see if we can match the price with your new Instant Breaks booking.

• Call us immediately as the price you find needs to match ours at the same time you contact. Prices change frequently, so we promise you the best price at the time of booking.
• Website(s) must be ABTA and ATOL protected and it must be a package or hotel-only booking. We cannot offer matches for flight-only bookings as airline prices are always subject to change.
• The price you find must be based on the same Eurostar, Eurotunnel, flight or accommodation, same travel dates, duration, board basis, any extras, insurance and the same currency as your Instant Breaks booking.
• Make sure the price you find has not been reduced by a voucher, loyalty scheme or group discount.
• Check the cancellation terms of the booking match ours. We won't be able to match a non-refundable room type against a refundable room type.
• Sometimes competitors' website may display a price or prices no longer available or otherwise incorrect and where we believe this could be the case we will check with the competitor / travel provider directly to make sure the price shown is accurate.
• We do not accept claims from customers who have made bookings with another travel provider and then attempt to make a claim.

We offer money saving deals, exclusive freebies and instant rewards when you book with us. Any rewards will be highlighted at the time of booking online or over the phone by our sales team.

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Booking a holiday in these changing climate can make you hesitant, but here at Instant Breaks we have you covered with our tailor-made covid cover plus travel insurance cover offering you the flexibility to book now and make should your holiday plans change later - we have can have you covered!

If your holiday is cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, you will be financially covered, along with benefits of a travel insurance policy we can now cover you for the following benefits below before starting your trip.

• Testing positive - You re now covered for cancellation costs if you, a travelling companion or someone you intend to stay with test positive for Covid within 14 days of your trip starting.
• Being hospitalised - You are now covered for cancellation costs if you or a travelling companion are hospitalised because of Covid in the UK within 28 days of your trip starting
• Denied boarding - Cover for cancellation costs if you are not allowed to board your flight, ferry, Eurostar or Eurotunnel as a result of a postive Covid test or raised temperature as taken at the time of departure by a qualified person.
• Covid abroad - Medical cover up to £10,000,000 included as standard if you catch Covid whilst abroad including medical bills, relatives costs and extra travel costs.
• Repatriation - Cover if it is medically necessary to bring you home if you caught Covid whilst travelling abroad in Europe on a single trip basis.
• Cancellation/Curtailment - Cover if your booked accommodation is required to close after you have checked in because of you, a guest or employee being diagnosed with Covid.

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Lapland Holidays from Ireland

Whisk yourself off to enchanting Lapland for an unforgettable winter escape. Here you can enjoy activities like chasing the northern lights, husky sledding, and meeting Santa Claus. Choose one of these Lapland holidays from Ireland and a Scandinavia-based travel expert will organise your accommodation, excursions and airport transfers.

Trips to Lapland from Ireland

Are you thinking about visiting Lapland from Ireland? If the answer is yes, then you’ve come to the right place.

This snow-blanketed region in northern Scandinavia is just a few hours away by plane. Soon you could be marvelling at the aurora borealis and snowmobiling through glittering forests on a winter break in Lapland . As well as enjoying thrilling activities in the snow, you might like to stay in an ice hotel and visit Father Christmas.

Read on to find out more about Finnish and Swedish Lapland, and discover which region would suit you best.

When you book a trip to Lapland with Nordic Visitor, you get handpicked accommodation, airport transfers, access to our 24/7 helpline, and many other benefits. Plus, you’ll have your very own dedicated travel consultant to arrange everything for you.

Get in touch via our contact form, live chat or toll-free numbers and we'll gladly plan your Lapland getaway.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

• All bookings protected by our Package Travel insurance
• Accommodation, activities, transfers & breakfasts included
• Professional service from Scandinavia-based travel experts
• Seamless travel experience
• Flexible & customisable tour options

Discover Finnish Lapland from Ireland

Head to Rovaniemi on a getaway to Finnish Lapland, where you can visit Santa Claus Village. These tours include accommodation, activities, airport transfers, and daily breakfast.

Best of Lapland Express - Rovaniemi

Best of lapland classic - rovaniemi, best of rovaniemi - classic, santa claus village & dog sledding, visit swedish lapland from ireland.

Experience the magic of Kiruna on a winter retreat to Swedish Lapland. These packages include accommodation, activities, airport transfers, and daily breakfast.

Express Lapland Adventure & ICEHOTEL

Classic lapland adventure & icehotel, lapland adventure - aurora sky station & icehotel, lapland adventure - aurora sky station, lapland travel experts.

As a travel agency based in the Scandinavia region, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Lapland. Choose from a variety of tours that include the must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights, all handpicked by our own Scandinavian travel experts. 

To ensure a stress-free Lapland trip, Nordic Visitor handles all the local details for you: accommodation, activities, airport transfers and other services.

Oh, and we can customise your itinerary! For example, you might decide you want to add extra nights at a certain location. In that case, your personal Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be happy to make suggestions and modify your itinerary.

What do our customers say?

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

Camilla Thom, Spain

Icehotel winter adventure, january 2017, i will never forget this experience.

The tour guides were excellent. Especially Emile and Maurice. This was a huge adventure for us both, starting with the dog sled picking us up , going to the Ice Hotel and then the fabulous evening on the snowmobile. Even though we weren't lucky enough to see the Northern Lights, it was still wonderful. What good cooks all the guides were too! I will never forget this experience.

George, United States

Best of lapland classic - rovaniemi, march 2017, experience of a lifetime.

Everything was wonderful. It was the experience of a lifetime. My daughter and I had a blast!

Nilima, India

Lapland - land of the midnight sun, june 2015, lapland is beautiful.

Day tours were excellent, guide and service was excellent

Lapland is beautiful.  We were able to see the midnight sun because of nordic visitor they have planned our tour very well and the local guides were very co operative.

Vandana, United States

Classic lapland adventure & icehotel, february 2015, everything went smoothly.

Cicci Erikson customized our trip exactly the way we wanted, every thing went smoothly, the employees at Kiruna tours were very friendly and cordial, I would recommend Nordic Visitor to my friends and will use them in the future.

Arkadiusz, Singapore

Classic lapland adventure & icehotel, december 2014, worked perfectly well without any glitches.

My Travel Consultant, Cecilia, was extremely helpful and professional in all aspects of dealing with the customer. Her invaluable assistance allowed me to choose, modify, and combine the existing tours to fulfill all my needs. The hotel locations were excellent and the arrangements made by Cecilia ensured that everything worked perfectly well without any glitches. I would strongly recommend such excellent services to anyone who would like to have an unforgettably pleasant holiday.

Christy, United States

Icehotel winter adventure, january 2015, overall a great experience.

Overall a great experience. Cecilia was very helpful and responsive.

Mariana, Hong Kong, SAR

Classic lapland adventure & icehotel, january 2017, excellent time in kiruna.

My daughter and I had an excellent time in Kiruna during the Chinese New Year. I would like to thank Sofia Sundkvist who assisted us throughout the trip. She is very responsive and accomodating. We slightly changed our plans and she always quickly responded to me by email and helped us with what we needed.  Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to meet her in person, but all the people (from Nordic Visitor) whom we met throughout this trip are excellent people. They always carry a smile, happy with what they are doing, experienced and knowledgeable.  

Carla, United States

Lapland - land of the midnight sun, june 2017, outstanding in every way.

Your company is outstanding in every way. The booking agents were responsive when we had questions. The information provided was excellent. The tour guides and the company's you contracted with are without exception outstanding. I would recommend your company to anyone who is planning a Scandinavian trip

Olga, Israel

Husky tour in the wilderness of lapland, march 2015, beyond my expectations.

Thank you so much for being there and helping people to discover those incredible places around the Scandinavia. I've met so many great people and had such a splendid time, that I will never forget. My main purpose was to see the Northen Lights, but I've got so much more and everything was just beyond my expectations!  I would like to thank our Nordic Visitor agent Jennie Elofsson for a great assistance, she's been very helpful and super quick giving us all the answers we need.  Also I would like to thank our amazing guides, who made our tour so very special and intimate: Emil and Jenny.

Lapland Adventure - Aurora Sky Station, February 2015

Made every experience unforgettable.

Genuinely - one of the best trips we have ever undertaken. We received a great welcome in Kiruna, our guides were excellent - and made every experience unforgettable! The Aurora... was glorious!

Sue, Australia

Classic lapland adventure & icehotel, january 2014, suggestions were all great for limited time.

Jennie, our agent, was fantastic. She sorted everything out in the limited time we had in Kiruna and her suggestions to fit in as much as we did in three days were all great.

Hwee Hwee, Singapore

Best of lapland classic - rovaniemi, january 2017, enjoyable beyond our expectations.

Our experience with Nordic Visitor is absolutely delightful! We are very impressed by the professionalism of the staff and the seamless organisation of the tour. Our holiday was enjoyable beyond our expectations! 

Gianguido and Romana

Service was impeccable under all aspects.

A long sought after vacation resulted in a fascinating experience, and this result must also be credited to the careful preparation and to the friendly professional assistance of your consultants. On site, the service was impeccable under all aspects. 

Cold, silence and nature conjure in suggesting me to summarize what we have lived through with words from Sweden’s national anthem. "TYSTA, GLÄDJERIKA, SKÖNA".

Annette, Australia

Custom booking, march 2015, i am very glad to have chosen nordic visitor.

Everything went very smoothly and with great ease! Being greeted by the chauffer and shiny black Mercedes in Copenhagen and driven to the Scandic Palace Hotel right in the city centre was a real treat. Thank you. I am very glad to have chosen Nordic Visitor because you are based in these wonderful Nordic Countries and I wanted to experience local culture. Many thanks to Cecilia for helping us to achieve this.

Icehotel Winter Adventure, February 2015

One of the most amazing trips I've ever done and one of the best in regards of organization.

Geoff and Maria, Australia

Icehotel winter adventure, december 2013, a must for something completely different.

The Ice Hotel was AMAZING, what a concept. The dogsled from the airport was a fun experience. The Scandic Ferrum for the rest of the stay was fantastic. The staff at both places were exceptional. The snowmobile tour, although eventful, was just a hoot. The most fun we have had in ages. All the meals in all locations were just great and good value. Kiruna is a lovely town and the people are terrific. There aren't enough adjectives to describe it all. Just a load of fun. A must for something completely different. Everything was organised beyond expectation. Just do it!!!

Icehotel Winter Adventure, December 2016

Exceeded our expectations.

The overall experience exceeded our expectations and was a truly wonderful experience. The husky sled transfer from the airport was amazing. Every trip we did had helpful, happy and informative staff. 

Irene and Sarah

Lapland adventure - aurora sky station & icehotel, january 2013, a more beautiful place would be hard to find.

We have just got back home after probably the best holiday we have ever had! Everything was superbly planned and the guys at Kiruna Guidetur were fantastic. In fact everyone we met was friendly and so helpful. The hotels were excellent and the food really great - especially at the Abisko Tourist Station and when we went up to the Aurora Sky Station the girl who did the dinner there was world class, especially when she had to prepare the meal in such cramped conditions,

The activities were wonderful - the snowmobiles, the husky sleds, the horse and sleigh ride, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The Ice Hotel was fantastic too. It is such a magical place - the snow, the clear air - all absolutely wonderful. A more beautiful place would be hard to find. Thank you so much for organising the holiday for us. I have been on the phone this morning urging all my friends to go there!

Adam, Italy

Would definitely recommend nordic visitor.

Everything was great. The tour guides and employees were extremely friendly and professional. They accommodated us as best they could whenever we needed something. I would definitely recommend Nordic Visitor and this package to anyone. Dress warm! 

Once in a lifetime experience! Thank you! It couldn't have gone better.

Paddy, New Zealand

Lapland adventure - aurora sky station & icehotel, january 2015, inside the artic circle at kiruna.

We booked through Nordic Visitor and they organised the activities with Kiruna Tourism and we had an amazing trip, meet at the airport -23 C, deck out in clothing which we kept for the 4 days, transported around, good hotel and had great guides who were welcoming, knowledgeable and communicative. Couldn't ask for anything more, Went snow walking, dog sledding, visited Abisko viewing station, Ice hotel and Sami Village.

C S, Australia

Icehotel winter adventure, february 2013, friendly efficient and very helpful.

We would like to say that our consultant Cecilia was fantastic, we travel widely and she is the best consultant we have dealt with, friendly efficient and very helpful.

How to get to Lapland from Ireland

To reach Finnish Lapland from Ireland, you can either fly direct or take connecting flights via Helsinki or London Stansted.

For instance, Ryanair offers direct flights from Dublin to Rovaniemi, in Finnish Lapland, in just 2 hours 25 minutes. 

Alternatively, choose Finnair and you can fly from Dublin to Helsinki in 3 hours 5 minutes, before taking a connecting flight to Finnish Lapland.

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is Finland’s gateway for international air travel. From here, you’ll be able to take a direct flight to either Rovaniemi or Kemi with Finnair or Norwegian. Both journeys take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. If you fly into Kemi, you can take the train to Rovaniemi in around 1 hour 20 minutes.  

It’s also possible to get to Finnish Lapland via London Stansted by flying from Belfast or Cork. Each journey takes around 1 hour 20 minutes. From London Stansted, you can catch an onward flight with Ryanair to Rovaniemi. The flight time is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes.

On the other hand, if you’re heading for Swedish Lapland it’s best to fly from Dublin to Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Sweden’s air travel hub. From Stockholm, you can fly to Kiruna with SAS or Norwegian. The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.

Before deciding on dates for your trip, we recommend checking airline websites directly for flight availability and timetables. Or use airfare search engines, like Skyscanner, Dohop or Kayak, for example.

Flights aren’t included in Nordic Visitor packages, so you’re free to choose the journey that suits you best. But it’s good to know that all of our itineraries can be customised with extra nights in your arrival city if you’d like to rest up after your flight.

Different ways you can experience Lapland

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Lapland below.

ICE & SNOW HOTELS

Santa claus, snowmobile adventures, culture & history, reindeer & sami culture, winter tours, what to see and do on lapland tours from ireland.

Venture to Lapland from Ireland and get ready for a memorable winter retreat. Located in the far north of Finland and Sweden, this enchanting snow-dusted region is brimming with stunning scenery and fun-filled activities. And it’s all just a short flight away.

Read on for top tips on visiting Lapland from Ireland, including where to go and what to do.

• Let these Lapland winter trips inspire your next adventure
• Uncover 7 reasons to visit Lapland in winter

How long is the flight from Ireland to Lapland?

It’s easy to visit Lapland from Ireland with direct flights, taking only 2 hours 25 minutes from Dublin to Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland.

You can also get to Finnish Lapland by connecting via Helsinki or London Stansted. This is a good option if there are no direct flights on your preferred dates, or if it’s more convenient for you to fly from a different airport in Ireland.

These are the flight times for connecting routes:

• Dublin to Rovaniemi via Helsinki – 4 hours 20 minutes
• Cork to Rovaniemi via London Stansted – 3 hours 40 minutes
• Belfast to Rovaniemi via London Stansted – 3 hours 30 minutes  

On the other hand, you can reach Kiruna in Swedish Lapland by flying from Dublin via Stockholm in 4 hours 5 minutes.

Find out more about how to get to Lapland from Ireland .

TOP THINGS TO DO IN LAPLAND

Lapland offers opportunities for adventures and indulgent experiences in equal measure. This means that you can be as active or relaxed as you like on your winter trip!

Here are the top things to do in Lapland

• Go mushing through the snow on a dog sled
• Marvel at the otherworldly northern lights
• Explore the countryside by riding snowmobiles
• Soak up the festive magic and meet Father Christmas himself
• Sleep in an ice room or a glass igloo
• Try cross-country skiing, ice fishing or snowshoeing
• Experience local Sámi customs and cuisine
• Celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve
• See Arctic animals in their native habitat
• Warm up in a traditional Finnish sauna

When you book Lapland packages from Ireland with Nordic Visitor, you can add optional activities and day trips to your itinerary. We recommend that you reserve any extras in advance to guarantee availability.

Speak to your dedicated travel consultant at Nordic Visitor about the excursions you’d like to incorporate into your Lapland itinerary. They will organise everything on your behalf, while you relax and look forward to your winter escape.

• Browse these classic Lapland holidays to start planning your trip
• If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact our Lapland travel experts

TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN LAPLAND

Where you choose to go in Lapland will depend on the activities and sights you’d like to enjoy. You can read Nordic Visitor’s Lapland Travel Guide to learn more about each region, which will help you decide where to visit.

Here are the best places to go in Finnish Lapland :

• Santa Claus Village

These are the top places to visit in Swedish Lapland :

• Abisko National Park
• Aurora Sky Station

VISIT ONE OF LAPLAND’S ICE HOTELS OR GLASS IGLOOS

One of the “coolest” things you can do in Lapland is stay in an ice hotel. Marvel at the ice sculptures, imaginatively themed rooms, and restaurants and bars carved from frozen water. Since many of the hotels melt in the spring, artists start from scratch and rebuild them each winter.

Spending the night in an ice suite is on many travellers’ wish lists. And don’t worry, you’ll be kept cosy thanks to thermal sleeping bags and reindeer hides, with the chance to step into a hot sauna in the morning.

If you’d rather sleep in a warm room, you can take a guided tour of these ice hotels instead.

You could stay in a glass igloo in Lapland. Imagine snuggling up in your heated dome, looking through the clear glass up to the night sky. You might even be treated to a northern lights show from your bed!

Here are the best ice hotels for an overnight trip in Lapland:

• ICEHOTEL (Kiruna)
• Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos (Rovaniemi)
• Choose from one of these Lapland ice and snow hotel packages
• Learn more about the best ice hotels in Finland and the ICEHOTEL in Sweden

VISIT FINNISH OR SWEDISH LAPLAND

For your trip to Lapland, you can take your pick from Finland or Sweden. Both destinations offer similar experiences, such as aurora hunting excursions, snowmobile adventures, and opportunities for husky and reindeer sledding.

That said, Finnish and Swedish Lapland each have particular highlights that you should know about before deciding where to go. Check out these itinerary recommendations for a taste of what to expect in Finland and Sweden, respectively.

• Find out how you could spend 5 days or 6 days in Lapland
• Get inspired by these 3-day and 4-day Lapland tours

ITINERARY SUGGESTION FOR FINNISH LAPLAND:  

Day 1 - Arrival in Rovaniemi & snowmobile safari Upon arrival, a driver will meet you at Rovaniemi Airport for your transfer to your accommodation. You could rest after your journey or head into town to explore a little before your first Lapland adventure.

Come evening, it’s time to embark on a snowmobile safari and hunt for the northern lights. Enjoy an exhilarating ride through the snow, looking for the aurora borealis, as an expert guide leads you along the trails.

Round off your excursion with a hot drink and snack beside the campfire, then return to your hotel for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Spend the night in Rovaniemi.

Day 2 - Dog sledding and Finnish sauna Head into the snow-draped scenery outside Rovaniemi today with a guided dog sled excursion. Learn about this traditional mode of transport in Lapland, starting with a brief lesson at the kennel. Then mush through the woods with your own sled.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in Rovaniemi. You could indulge in a sauna session, the typical way to relax and unwind here in Finland.

Day 3 - Reindeer farm and Santa Claus Village This morning, hop on a snowmobile and make your way to a traditional reindeer farm. Here you can learn about the culture of Lapland’s native people, the Sami, and go on a sleigh ride.

Next, prepare to meet the “man in red” with a visit to Santa Claus Village, just outside Rovaniemi.

Soak up the festive atmosphere of this Christmassy haven, which is open year-round. Enjoy a private meeting with Santa with the elves on hand, and send a postcard from the Santa Claus Post Office. Then why not browse for souvenirs at the craft shops?

Day 4 - Day at leisure and visit to the Arctic SnowHotel Learn more about the local history, nature and culture in Rovaniemi this morning by paying a visit to the Arktikum Museum. Here you can explore the intriguing exhibits about Finnish Lapland and the Arctic region.

Come evening, head to the Arctic SnowHotel in Lehtojärvi, just outside Rovaniemi. Take a guided tour of this fascinating frozen hotel, which is created anew each year. Check out the rooms, restaurant and bar, all sculpted from ice and snow.

After your tour sit down for a delicious 3-course meal at Restaurant Kota, inspired by traditional Sami architecture. Then, you’ll either return to your accommodation in Rovaniemi, or overnight in the Arctic SnowHotel for an unforgettable stay. Choose from sleeping in an ice room or a glass igloo.

Spend the night in Rovaniemi or the Arctic SnowHotel.

Day 5 - Departure Today you’ll be transferred back to Rovaniemi Airport where you’ll fly home from your Lapland holiday.

• Visit Finland in winter with one of these Rovaniemi tours
• Read this guide to Finland in winter for more inspiration

ITINERARY SUGGESTION FOR SWEDISH LAPLAND:  

Day 1 - Arrival in Kiruna and snowmobile safari After touching down at Kiruna Airport, a driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. Enjoy some free time to yourself, perhaps getting to know the town or simply relaxing before you head out later.

In the evening you’ll get to explore the countryside on a snowmobile excursion, searching for the northern lights. Follow your guide through the snow as they lead you to the best spots to look for the aurora. And enjoy the thrill of the ride as you go.

Later, cosy up beside the fireplace in a wooden hut and tuck into a rustic dinner of traditional local food. Afterwards, your guide will take you back to your accommodation.

Spend the night in Kiruna.

Day 2 - Dog sledding Today you can enjoy one of Lapland’s most special traditions: husky sledding.

Meet the huskies at the kennel and learn how to drive your sled from an expert guide. Head out onto the trails, gliding through the woods and across snowy plains, soaking up the views as you go. Afterwards, you’ll fuel up with a hot cup of coffee and a light lunch by the campfire.

In the evening, you could chase the northern lights again on a snowshoe excursion.

Day 3 - Visit the ICEHOTEL and a Sámi reindeer farm This morning, discover the famous ICEHOTEL, situated in the village of Jukkasjärvi just outside Kiruna. This is the original ice hotel that set a trend for the many others that now exist around the world.

Begin with a guided tour of this extraordinary hotel, learning how artists build it using ice from the Torne River nearby. You’ll also get to explore the ICEHOTEL 365, a year-round structure that stays cold in the summer thanks to solar energy.

Once you’ve seen the stunning ice rooms, sculptures, church and bar, you’ll be collected from the ICEHOTEL for your next excursion. Get an insight into the Sámi way of life by visiting a traditional reindeer farm. Drive a reindeer sled then enjoy some snacks in a lavvu, a typical Sámi tent.

Then comes the highlight: sleeping in a room made entirely from ice and snow!

Spend the night in Kiruna or the ICEHOTEL.

Day 4 - Departure Today you’ll take a transfer to Kiruna Airport where you’ll fly home from your Lapland holiday.

• Experience Swedish Lapland on one of these Kiruna tour packages
• Discover the top 10 reasons to take a winter break in Kiruna, Sweden

BEST TIME TO VISIT LAPLAND

The best time to visit Lapland is between December and March, when you can enjoy the magical white scenery, northern lights, and excursions in the snow.

Certain activities are available in Lapland year-round. For example, in summer you can meet Father Christmas, or even visit certain ice hotels that use solar power to keep some of their rooms frozen. That said, we recommend travelling in winter for the quintessential Lapland experience.

Thanks to snowfall from mid-October to mid-May, you’ll be surrounded by snow-blanketed scenery between December and March. These are the perfect conditions for winter activities, including reindeer sleigh rides and snowshoe excursions.

What’s more, in winter you have the best chance of seeing the northern lights. The long, dark nights at this time of year provide the ideal backdrop for watching the aurora borealis.

In summer, on the other hand, there are long daylight hours in Lapland – a phenomenon called the “midnight sun”. With light skies all night long, it’ll be too bright to see the aurora borealis.

Find out how to increase your chances of spotting the aurora borealis with these guides:

• Best time and place to see the northern lights in Finland
• Best time and place to see the northern lights in Sweden
• What are the northern lights? Aurora borealis explained
• Hunt for the aurora on these northern lights Lapland trips
• Read this guide to Lapland’s daylight hours and climate

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR IN LAPLAND

Perhaps you want to time your Lapland trip for December to celebrate Christmas or New Year’s Eve in this winter wonderland?

Spend Christmas in Lapland and you could attend a festive gala dinner for Christmas Eve, accompanied by Santa’s elves. Join in the fun and help to decorate the Christmas tree before you tuck into a mouth-watering feast.

Then spend the ultimate Christmas Day in Santa’s Lapland. Whizz through the snow on a reindeer sleigh, meet Santa Claus in his workshop and enjoy delicious Christmas food. Think freshly baked gingerbread biscuits followed by a warming glass of glögg (mulled wine).

Or visit Lapland at New Year for a celebration to remember. Attend a New Year’s Eve party in a wooden hut in the middle of a Finnish forest, experiencing local customs and cuisine. And, of course, you’d get to watch a spectacular fireworks display at the stroke of midnight.

But don’t forget, you can get into the festive spirit at any time of year with Santa breaks in Finnish Lapland !

• Check out these Santa holidays to Lapland
• Find out about trips to Lapland in December , January , February and March

— REGIONAL SUPPORT & KNOWLEDGE

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• Explore places handpicked for you by regional experts
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• Relax knowing you can reach us 24/7 during your trip

About Nordic Visitor Tours

Nordic Visitor is a Lapland tour operator and has been creating incredible travel experiences for customers in the region since 2010. Our Scandinavian travel experts know Lapland inside out, and will use their knowledge to craft your perfect itinerary.

With your Nordic Visitor package, you can expect personal service from your own designated travel consultant and a tailor-made itinerary with quality travel documents. Furthermore, we have long-standing professional relationships with trusted local partners, which are carefully selected by our staff for their high standards of service.

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Lapland Day Trips from Belfast - Enontekiö Forum

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Hi Thinking about going on day trip with kids to lap land to see santa dec 2013 - flying from Belfast - looking expensive and wondered if there is a good value for money operator or if anyone had been and could tell me is the experience worth the money? Thanks for any advice

General feeling is they are very expensive for a very short time in Lapland. You can generally get a 2/3/4 night trip for only a few hundred pounds more. Day trip about £1600-£1800 for 4 people yet you can get a 3 night Santa trip in Dec for about £2200 upwards.

we're going with thomsons in Dec for 4 nights in 2 bed apartment with sauna for £600 more than a day trip.

Thank you - that advice is really useful and certainly something to consider - do you have a link for what you booked so that I can have a look?

We booked a day trip the first ever time we thought of going to Lapland, and quickly changed our booking when we got back from the travel agents, and so glad we did, because for just a bit more money we got a 3 night stay, still expensive compared to longer trips with more value, but FAR more value than a day trip.

You have got to at least experience a few nights there. You will be pleased you did.

cosmos, thompsons, espirit etc all do the shorter breaks

of course, we booked with thomsons to saariselka after lots of research and TA advice of course :)

http://www.thomson.co.uk

Furthermore, I just noticed that you've posted this in the Enontekiö forum. If I were you, I'd choose a different resort (to start with I would not even call Enontekiö a resort, it's name of a very large municipality in Lapland (surface area 8464 km²)). E.g. places called Hetta, Kilpisjärvi and Kaaresuvanto are located in Enontekiö area, non of which are really popular tourist resorts by Finnish standards, they are merely tiny villages with limited services.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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THE 10 BEST Day Trips from Lapland

Day trips from lapland.

• Lapland to Ranua
• Lapland to Posio
• Lapland to Luosto
• Lapland to Rovaniemi
• Lapland to Pelkosenniemi
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Korouoma Frozen Waterfalls Hiking Tour

2. Ranua Zoo tour, optional lunch

3. 5-Hour Tour to Ranua Zoo

4. Guided Ranua Wildlife Park tour, Small group adventure, Lunch included

5. Ranua Zoo Family Tour from Rovaniemi

6. Tour to Ranua Zoo Wildlife Park Small Group Experience

7. Bus to Ranua Zoo from Rovaniemi

8. Ice Waterfall Tour in Korouoma

9. Ranua Zoo Trip from Rovaniemi with lunch

10. Full Day Lapland Tour, including Lunch and Dinner

11. Wildlife Park Ranua

12. Private Korouoma Canyon Tour

13. RANUA wildlife park

14. Hiking Trip to the Amethyst Mine

15. Riisitunturi National Park: Full-Day Wilderness Hike Tour & BBQ

16. Korouoma National Park Sightseeing, Walking and BBQ

17. Rovaniemi: Amethyst Mine Tour & Find Your Own Gemstone

18. Ranua Zoo Wild Park with Lunch

19. The Ultimate Lappish Adventure, Full Day Tour, Meals Included

20. Visit To Ranua Zoo

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The best day trips from Belfast, from the Derry Girls' hometown to the Giant's Causeway

Jul 28, 2022 • 6 min read

From the real-life setting for Derry Girls to fantasy locations from Game of Thrones, culture comes alive on a day trip from Belfast © benedek / Getty Images

Ireland is truly an inspiring isle. A land of storytellers, talented musicians and impassioned songwriters, inspired by a breathtaking landscape like a patchwork quilt of colors and vistas that is always worth diving into and drinking in . And Belfast is perfectly placed for a host of captivating day trips.

With colorful characters and cute rogues aplenty, and accents that vary even from village to village, Ireland is the subject, muse, backdrop and inspiration for endless stories of fact and fiction played out in books and TV shows, and spoken word folklore passed down through the generations. Discover the reality on these top day trips from Belfast.

Make like a Derry Girl on a day trip to Derry

Why go: Discover the real city behind the hit TV show

Northern Ireland ’s second-largest hub, Derry (Londonderry ) has had a star turn on the small screen over the last five years as the backdrop for Channel 4’s hit series Derry Girls. This coming-of-age sitcom set in the 90s – as The Troubles ended and the Northern Ireland Peace Process became a reality – reveals the charm, humor, mischief and joy of a place all too often misunderstood or misrepresented, triggering a surge of interest in Northern Ireland’s intriguing second city.

Walk through history by ascending the impressively intact 17th-century city walls , which preserve some of the most important historical sites in the city, then visit the auburn-bricked neo-Gothic Guildhall to marvel at the stained glass windows and learn about the Ulster Plantation. Don’t miss The Walled City Brewery for great food and craft beers before you make a beeline back to Belfast.

How to get to Derry from Belfast: Hop on the train to Derry at Great Victoria Street; it takes about 2½ hours and runs hourly most days from around 7am. Note that the last train back from Derry leaves around 8:30pm. Traveling by bus, the 212 Goldline Express connects Derry and Belfast's Europa Bus Centre in two hours, leaving every half hour at peak times. Alternatively, drive the 70 miles in about 90 minutes, via the M2 and A6.

Drive the Epic Causeway Coast, the most dramatic day out from Belfast

Why go: To drink in some of Ireland's most spectacular landscapes

A mythical tale in local folklore tells the story of an ancient giant named Fionn MacCumhaill who tore up parts of the Antrim Coast and tossed them into the ocean to create a cobbled pathway towards Scotland to challenge another giant, Benanndonner, who threatened Ireland and needed to be taught a lesson. So begins the tale of the Giant’s Causeway .

As wonderful as the myth may be, the causeway is entirely explained by a natural phenomenon. Lava oozing furiously from the earth’s surface tens of millions of years ago cooled, contracted and cracked, creating a series of 40,000 interlocking, hexagonal-shaped basalt columns. The reality doesn’t make this popular day trip spot any less breathtaking – it's an otherworldly site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland.

Whilst driving along the North Antrim coast, take in Dunluce Castle , Mussenden Temple , the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the pretty coastal towns of Portrush and Portstewart. Harry’s Shack set on Portstewart Strand is one of the most picturesque settings for a meal anywhere in Ireland.

How to get from Belfast to the Causeway Coast: This day trip is best undertaken with a rental car, so you can choose how far you travel and how long it takes, stopping along the way for incredible vistas and fascinating sites. The Giant’s Causeway is located 60 miles from Belfast and it takes around an hour to drive here via the M2. 

Visit Dublin, a city for all the senses

Why go: To soak in Dublin's sights, sounds, flavors and sensations

A day trip from one capital city to another, set two hours apart on the eastern side of the same island (but neither boasting an underground metro system). In some ways, Dublin and Belfast feel similar, even familiar, and though both are proudly unique, this pair of cities definitely complement one another. However, note that you’ll need to switch to euros (€) when you enter the Republic.

Dublin is a city experienced through the senses: the waft of roasted barley tempting visitors to the Guinness Storehouse ; the lilt of the fiddle and the bang of the bodhrán (frame drum) bouncing between the cobbles of the pub-lined cultural quarter of Temple Bar ; the verdant city center oasis that is St Stephen’s Green ; glimpses of the free-range herd of fallow deer in Phoenix Park .

Iconic experiences abound – check out the sea of light and dark blue on flags and jerseys as the crowds flow towards Croke Park on match day, or catch sight of the Spire or the Poolbeg Chimneys from many different corners of the city. Then there's the taste of that first sip of a creamy pint of cold stout, the slurp of fresh oysters, and thick buttered brown bread paired with coddle (sausage stew) or chowder.

Take time to enjoy a brown paper bag of fat, golden, freshly-fried, salt-and-vinegar doused chips from Leo Burdock’s or spend an hour in Sheridans Cheesemongers being led by the nose and tastebuds, trying as many samples of Irish farmhouse cheese as they are willing to offer. There’s a reason Irish writers, poets and playwrights use such evocative language to describe Dublin’s fair city – Dublin truly captivates.

How to get to Dublin from Belfast: The Belfast-Dublin Enterprise train service runs eight times daily (less frequently on Sundays) between Belfast Lanyon Place and Dublin Connolly Station, taking just over two hours. Aircoach’s 705X bus service runs 13 times daily between the two cities; the Goldline Express X1 service to Dublin Busaras station runs on a similar schedule. Alternatively, you can drive the 100 miles or so in just under two hours via the M1/A1 motorways (tolls apply).

Visit the best Game of Thrones’ locations near Belfast

Why go: To discover the real Westeros

Game of Thrones is probably one of the best things to happen to Northern Ireland tourism in the last decade. The filming location for many notable scenes in the fantasy drama series, "Norn Iron" has embraced its Game of Thrones legacy, celebrating its natural backdrop as a bonafide land of fantasy. Many of the show’s most distinctive filming locations can be discovered on a day trip from Belfast, from the caves of Cushendun to picture-perfect Ballintoy Harbour and, of course, the breathtaking avenue of intertwined beech trees known as The Dark Hedges .

When Storm Gertrude landed without welcome in early 2016 and thrashed for days, several trees from the iconic Dark Hedges were unfortunately felled. However, instead of breaking these casualties down for firewood, they were resplendently carved into intricate works of art. Ten wooden doors were created in honor of the fallen trees – fans can follow the trail and find all ten Game of Thrones doors, which are dotted widely around Northern Ireland in different pubs, restaurants and hotels.

Whether you're a Thronie or not, it’s well worth getting outside of the capital in order to appreciate the unique landscape, which seems to sit between reality and fantasy.

How to explore Game of Thrones locations from Belfast: Several tour companies offer 8–9 hour coach tours (among them Game of Thrones Tours , City Tours Belfast and Taxi Tours Belfast ) departing from and returning to Belfast, which include photo opportunities and a live commentary at several GoT stops. Private group tours are also available for smaller groups. Alternatively, you can hire a car and simply drive to many of the top locations.

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Use this month-by-month guide to what's going on in Dublin to plan the perfect time for your trip to Ireland's capital.

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Book your dream Lapland Trip

Sunway currently operates Ireland's largest Lapland Program. We have been putting together packages to Lapland for 20 years now. We have unrivalled knowledge and we make sure everything is taken care of for you.

Our Charters fly Direct from Dublin from the end of November. We have 2 & 3 night all-inclusive packages available which include: Snow Mobiles, Husky & Reindeer Rides, Santa Visit, Tobogganing, Elf School, Flights, 20kg Bags, Transfers, Accommodation, Meals, Thermal Suits & Gear, Entertainment Elves & much more. Lapland is truly a family trip of a lifetime and one to treasure forever. Those who visit Lapland experience a scenery like no other.

It's a wonderland of snow where your time is filled with activities and special moments to share with your loved ones. You can book your trip to Lapland Now with just a €300pp deposit either online or over the phone.

Payment plans available. Pay what you can when you can - 0% interest. T&C's apply.

2 Night Trip: Enchanted Escape from €1549

Enchanted Escape

A perfect choice for a magical trip

2 Night Trip: Sleighbell Spectacular from €1769

Sleighbell Spectacular

Experience the snowy magic and adventure of Lapland on our 2 night trip

2 Night Trip: Holly Jolly Ruka from €1499

Holly Jolly Ruka

3 night trip: triple treat from €1799.

Triple Treat

Enjoy Yllás a traditional Lappish resort with breathtaking scenery

3 Night Trip: Holly Jolly Ruka from €1849

Experience the snowy magic and adventure of Lapland on our 3 night trip

3 Night Trip: Winter Wonderland from €1899

Winter Wonderland

Levi is an enchanting village that offers the ultimate family Christmas experience

Winter Wonderland

Search for santa on a lapland day trip.

•  > Winter Wonderland

Tour Details

Thermal suits and boots

From £599

Returns flights and transfers

Lapland? In a day? And back in time for supper?

Exceptionality is the basis of all adventures. Journeying to a new place and living the stories to be told is all part of the fun - and a Winter Wonderland day trip to Lapland is certainly exceptional: it’s a family adventure for the festive period.

From the moment the early morning alarm clock rings, there is great anticipation: a trip to Lapland to visit the REAL Father Christmas is no ordinary day! After descending from the clouds and seeing the sprawling snow-capped vastness of Lapland below, the excitement continues to build. This is a land of jolly snowball fights, perfect snow angels, and spritely tobogganing – and who can wait to get going?!

Of course, no trip to Lapland would be complete without calling in on Santa himself – you’ve travelled a long way to see him. Don’t forget to bring a letter, he’d love to know what’s on your Christmas wish list! But it’s not time to head home yet, not without trying your hand at the winter experiences that Lapland is famous for: husky sledding, snowmobiling, and a reindeer sleigh ride are all waiting to be sampled!

What an adventure! What memories! What fun!

For overnight stays in Lapland during the countdown to Christmas, you may like to consider our Snow is Falling holiday, or our Wonderful Christmas Time holiday for stays during the festive period itself.

What's Included

• Return flights with hot meals onboard
• Private family meeting with Santa
• Small gift for children from Santa
• Taster husky experience
• Taster snowmobile adventure
• Taster reindeer sleigh ride
• Warming lunch
• Loan of thermal suit and boots
• Government air passenger duty

What we love

• Fitting so many winter activities into one day!
• Seeing the children’s faces when they meet the REAL Santa
• Spending quality family time surrounded by the magical Arctic wilderness

Departing From

Belfast, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cardiff, Teesside International, Exeter, Glasgow, Humberside, Leeds Bradford, Liverpool, London Gatwick, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich

Suitable For

Families, Groups

Included Activities

Our one-day Winter Wonderland trips run throughout December until Christmas Eve, with convenient departures from regional airports across the UK, from as far north as Aberdeen, to as far south as Exeter – making Lapland easily accessible to all.

Upon arrival in Lapland, you’ll be taken to collect your all-in-one thermal snow suits and winter boots – essential to keep warm in the Arctic climate, where temperatures can drop to a chilly -30C! And then, into the crisp snowscapes which Lapland is famed for.

All of our Winter Wonderland day trips take place in uncommercial, wilderness locations, unspoiled by mass-market tourism or crowds of Santa pilgrims. It’s an outdoors day, filled with Lapland’s favourite activities: snowmobiling, husky sledding, and a reindeer sleigh ride. Activities take place around a frozen river or a frozen lake – your base from which to set off on a search for Santa!

A warming lunch is included, and provides much needed energy for more playing in the snow. Hot inflight meals on both flights are also included, usually a breakfast on the outbound flight and a dinner on the return to the UK.

Family Meeting With Santa

Duration: Variable

You’ve travelled a long way to see him! Every family has a private meting with Santa, where you can tell him of your Christmas wish list!

• Snowmobiling

Duration: Taster Session

Dash through the snow on a snowmobile – propelled by engine and excitement! A driving licence is required for drivers; children are pulled in a sled.

• Husky Sledding

Glide through the snow on a sled pulled by an eager team of huskies. Each family shares a sled, led by your newest four-legged friends!

Reindeer Sleigh Ride

A gentle, peaceful ride, meandering through crunched paths of pristine snow in a sleigh led by Santa’s faithful reindeer!

We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone. We have had an epic experience with so may memories made.

- Peter Smith

Went to Lapland on Christmas Eve, and got the truly magical day we were hoping for.

- Fleur Tedstill

Well done to the whole team for a truly magical experience and making our Christmas extra special.

- Wendy Hodge

Winter Wonderland was fantastic! The food, the snow, the husky rides, Santa, the reindeer.... Everything you could wish for to get you into the Christmas spirit. We all had the best time and made some...

Winter Wonderland was fantastic! The food, the snow, the husky rides, Santa, the reindeer.... Everything you could wish for to get you into the Christmas spirit. We all had the best time and made some wonderful memories. I would highly recommend this experience.

- Alexandra Readman

Frequently asked questions, what is the deposit.

To confirm the holiday, the deposit is £200 per person. The final balance is due ten weeks before departure, though these terms may differ if you have booked through a travel agent.

Is the day trip suitable for infants?

The majority of the day is spent outdoors in the snow and temperatures can plummet to -40c. Given the extremely cold weather conditions, we generally do not recommend the day trip for infants under the age of 2 since children feel the cold most.

What happens if there is a delay on the flight?

If there is a delay leaving the UK on the outbound flight, we will endeavour to delay the return inbound flight by the same duration, so you do not lose time in resort. A delay of the return flight is at the discretion of the operating captain and cannot always be guaranteed. If the delay to the outbound flight is likely to exceed three hours, it may be necessary to cancel the departure since we may not be able to provide a full day’s activities in resort, but such an occurrence is very rare.

What currency should I take?

The currency in Finland is the Euro. Many establishments in Nordic countries will not accept cash and only accept payment by debit or credit card. Please note that additional drinks throughout the day are not included.

What should I wear?

Temperatures can reach as low as -40c in the winter and so it is imperative that you bring adequate clothing for the weather. We provide a thermal all-in-one snow suit and snow boots on arrival in Lapland, but you should wear multiple under layers and bring hats, scarves and gloves (and plenty of pairs of socks!) We give further details of what to wear in our brochure and in the pre-departure booklet in the My Booking section of our website.

WE CAN HELP YOU START PLANNING YOUR NEXT TRIP

Book online today.

* Please note: All snowmobile activities carry a €980.00 damage deposit which is payable locally. The driver of the snowmobile must be at least 18 years old and be in possession of a valid driving licence.

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15 Mighty Day Trips from Belfast (Self-Guided + Organised Day Tours)

By Author Elisha Donkin

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

If you’re in search of some incredible day trips from Belfast, you’ve landed in the right place.

Belfast is a handy city to use as a base for exploring many of the best things to do in Northern Ireland .

The vibrant capital is perfectly located to explore everywhere from the glorious Causeway Coastal Route and the Glens of Antrim to  plenty  of mountains and colourful coastal villages.

In the guide below, you’ll find everything from adventurous day trips from Belfast to organised day tours from Belfast for those of you without a car.

Table of Contents

Day trips from Belfast (under 35 minutes from the city)

The first section of our guide tackles Belfast day trips that are just over a 30-minute drive from the city centre.

Below, you’ll find everything from the Causeway Coastal Route and Lisburn to Lough Neagh and much, much more.

1. The Causeway Coastal Route

Photo left: Lyd Photography. Right: Puripat Lertpunyaroj (Shutterstock)

A road trip along the Causeway Coastal Route is definitely one of the best things to do in County Antrim . It’s often ranked as one of the best drives in the world, so you know that it’ll be non-stop rugged beauty and incredible views along the stunning coastline of Northern Ireland.

The route can be tackled over one long day, although it’s best if you have a couple of days or even a week. The 313km long road trip starts in Belfast City and ends in Derry, heading through the nine Glens of Antrim .

There’s so much to see along the way from historic castles to small towns, that you really do get to see the best that the county has to offer.

2. The Gobbins Cliff Path

Photos by Cushla Monk + Paul Vance (shutterstock.com)

The Gobbins is arguably one of the most unique day trips from Belfast. If you’re up for more stunning scenery, you can try this incredibly dramatic cliff walk just 35 minutes away from Belfast.

It’s surprisingly often missed by people touring the Causeway Coastal Route but should definitely be added to your list if you’re looking for a thrill.

The Gobbins Cliff Path is a 2.5 hour guided walk along a narrow path that literally wraps its way around some of the cliffs around the coast of Antrim. It includes some incredible bridges and hairy staircases past caves that were once used by smugglers.

If you’re keen to visit the Gobbins, you should book the walk in advance and wear suitable clothing to tackle an uneven, coastal walk.

Photo via Google Maps

Just a 20-minute drive to the south of Belfast City, you can spend the day tackling some of the many things to do in Lisburn . Many of the buildings date back to the 18th century and the city has an interesting history as a leading textile producer in Ireland.

You can spend the day exploring the car-free city centre with the beautiful Georgian-style square at its heart.

The history is best discovered by heading to the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum, or even take the drive further south and visit Hillsborough Forest Park and Hillsborough Castle .

4. Lough Neagh

Photo by Ballygally View Images (Shutterstock)

Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in Ireland and supplies almost half of the region’s water. It’s located just 32km west of the city and makes for a great day trip from the city.

You can explore the towns on the lake’s shore or even hop over to one of the islands to discover the history and wildlife out on the lake.

Ram Island and Coney Island both have unique histories. You can see the ancient round tower on Ram Island or head over to Coney Island to discover the history of the westernmost outpost of the Normans.

Day tours from Belfast under 1 hour from the city

The second section of this guide tackles Belfast day trips that’ll take you just under an hour to get to (but that are well worth the spin!).

Below, you’ll find everything from the glorious Ards Peninsula and the might Mournes to Castle Ward and more.

1. The Ards Peninsula (55 minutes away)

Photo via visitardsandnorthdown.com

To the east of the city, the Ards Peninsula is arguably one of the most overlooked day trips from Belfast. The peninsula is located in County Down and separates Strangford Lough from the Irish Sea.

You can head to one of the main towns on the peninsula including Donaghadee and Newtownards or explore some of the scenery in this beautiful part of Northern Ireland.

The peninsula is home to some incredible beaches along its eastern coast, including near the village of Cloughey where you’ll find beautiful dunes and a long sandy beach, and Ballywater which is a popular holiday spot on the peninsula.

2. Newcastle

Photo by Mick Harper (Shutterstock)

If you’re after active Belfast day tours, get yourself to Newcastle and tackle one of its many mighty rambles.

The small seaside resort town of Newcastle sits at the foot of Slieve Donard , the highest point of the Mourne Mountains in County Down.

It’s the perfect spot to escape the city of Belfast and immerse yourself in nature amongst spectacular scenery. It’s just a 45-minute drive from the city.

You can explore Tollymore Forest Park just outside of town or Murlough Beach, which are perfect places to stretch your legs on a walk.

3. Castle Ward

This incredible 18th century National Trust property is located near Strangford village in County Down, just 50 minutes southeast of Belfast and it’s one of the most iconic castles in Northern Ireland .

The unusual and unique double-sided mansion stands inside a perfectly manicured park overlooking Strangford Lough.

You can explore the gardens, woodland and shoreline of the lake, with over 32km of trails to head off on foot or on bikes.

And we can’t forget to mention that the farmyard and lake were one of several Game of Thrones filming locations in Ireland .

4. Glenariff Forest Park (55 minutes away)

Photo by Dawid K Photography (Shutterstock)

Next up is one of our favourite day trips from Belfast. To truly get lost in the incredible nature of Antrim, you should head out to explore the 1000 hectares of Glenariff Forest Park .

This woodland in the Glens of Antrim features lakes, picnic areas and walking trails with dense ferns and mosses growing along the rocky gorges of the river.

There are a few walks to choose from, including a 1km Viewpoint Trail and a 3km Waterfall Walk Trail which takes you to a beautiful, tiered waterfall that is especially impressive after heavy rain. The park is just 50 minutes northwest of Belfast City towards the coast.

Belfast day tours under 1.5 hours from the city

Right – our next batch of day trips from Belfast are for those of you that don’t mind a bit of a drive (it’ll be worth it!).

Below, you’ll find everywhere from the lively coastal village of Portrush to some often overlooked day tours from Belfast, like the Sperrins.

1. Portrush (1 hour and 10 minutes drive)

The resort town of Portrush is a fun little spot on the Causeway Coastal Route of Antrim. It sits on a mile-long peninsula with beautiful Blue Flag beaches on either side, so it’s the perfect summer destination.

It’s a popular stop along the Causeway Coastal Route for a visit to any of its three beaches or just to enjoy the lively pubs and shops in the small town.

West Strand is great for swimming and sunbathing, while East Strand tends to be the spot for surfing and other water sports.

There’s plenty of things to do in Portrush and there’s  lots  of great restaurants in Portrush to kick back in after rambling along Whiterocks Beach .

2. Mourne Mountains (1 hour and 5 minutes drive)

Photo by James Kennedy NI/Shutterstock.com

If you want something different to the coastal destinations, then the spectacular Mourne Mountains are calling. The granite range is in County Down, not far from Newcastletown, just over an hour’s drive south of Belfast.

They include the highest mountains in Northern Ireland including Slieve Donard at 850m. The mountains have inspired many poets and writers and even featured as a prominent set for Game of Thrones throughout the series.

There are some incredible hiking opportunities with the epic Six Peak Challenge taking three days to complete. There’s also the Mourne Mountains Cycle Loop or rock climbing and abseiling adventures as well.

3. The Sperrins (1 hour and 20 minutes drive)

Photo by Gordon Dunn (Shutterstock)

I’d argue that the Sperrins are one of the most overlooked day trips from Belfast. If you’re in search of more mountains to explore, the Sperrins are one of the largest upland areas in Northern Ireland stretching from Strabane to the shores of Lough Neagh.

It’s definitely a more wild and undiscovered part of Northern Ireland, but it’s easily explored with some incredible scenic drives.

The Sperrins are also a popular hiking destination with plenty of walks around the valleys to tougher climbs up some of the peaks, including Sawel, the highest one of the ranges.

For history buffs, the mountains are also home to some interesting sites including the Beaghmore Stone Circles in the southeast part dating back to the Bronze Age.

4. Derry City (1 hour and 30 minutes drive)

Photo by ronniejcmc (Shutterstock)

Derry is home to Ireland’s only completely intact historic Walled City from the 17th century. It’s located to the west of Belfast near the border of County Donegal.

While it’s often overlooked by visitors to Northern Ireland, there are plenty of incredible places to visit within the walled city, including St Columb’s Cathedral and the Tower Museum with stunning city views.

Derry is also referred to as a city of culture, with plenty of events going on all year round including its famous Halloween festival. While you’ll also find colourful murals around the streets celebrating and bringing awareness to the long history and culture of the city.

5. Slieve Gullion (1 hour and 15 minutes drive)

Photo by Pavel_Voitukovic on shutterstock.com

Slieve Gullion is a mountain in the south of County Armagh and the highest point in the county at 573m. It lies right in the middle of what is known as the Ring of Gullion, or circle of hills.

A visit to the Slieve Gullion Forest Park is a great day out for the whole family. The park offers a scenic drive, walks around the mountains to stunning views and an adventure park and children’s story trail for the kids.

Whether you’re up for a decent hike or a fun run around a maze with the family, a visit to this beautiful part of the county is a must.

Don’t have a car? Here are some excellent organised day tours from Belfast

The final section of our guide is filled with day trips from Belfast that’ll appeal to those of you without your own mode of transport.

Note: If you book a tour below we may make a tiny commission. You won’t pay extra, but it helps us keep this site going (and we greatly appreciate it).

1. Giant’s Causeway, Titanic and Dark Hedges Tour

Photo by Chris Hill

For a full day tour from Belfast, this trip takes you to see the Titanic Museum before heading to the Giant’s Causeway. This incredible place is an ancient volcanic formation and a UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site.

You can explore on foot as you see various interesting formations such as the Wishing Chair and Giant Boot and Organ.

On the return to the city, you get to also stop at the Dark Hedges, a centuries-old lane of beech trees that have been made famous by films and television, including of course Game of Thrones.

Check prices + learn more here

2. Belfast: Giants Causeway and Game of Thrones Locations Tour

Photo by Matthew Woodhouse

The ultimate day trip for Game of Thrones fans, this tour takes you to some of the best location sites for the series as well as some of the most beautiful spots in Northern Ireland.

Some of the places you get to visit include the Giant’s Causeway , Dark Hedges , Dunluce Castle and Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge .

Of course, you can even get dressed up with some of the provided props to take some fun photos at the locations along the way.

Day trips Northern Ireland: What have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve missed out on some brilliant day trips Northern Ireland has to offer in the guide above.

If you have any day trips from Belfast that you’d recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check them out.

FAQs about the best day trips from Belfast

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from what are the best organised day tours from Belfast to which Belfast day trips are best if you only have 7/8 hours.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best day trips from Belfast?

I’d argue that the best Belfast day trips are the Causeway Coast and the Mourne Mountains.

What are the best day tours from Belfast if you have no car?

If you’re looking for organised Belfast day tours, there’s everything from Game of Throne tours to organised trips up the Causeway Coast (see guide above).

What are the most unique places to visit near Belfast?

It’s hard to beat Glenariff Forest Park and the Torr Head Scenic Route, however, tourists in particular tend to enjoy Carrick-a-rede.

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