Unmissable Stops Between Dublin and Belfast

Unmissable Stops Between Dublin and Belfast: Explore Culture, Heritage & Eco-Friendly Travel

A Scenic Route Through Ireland’s Eastern Corridor  

The journey between Dublin and Belfast is more than a simple transfer between two capital cities—it’s a rich cultural corridor packed with ancient sites, literary legends, wild coastal landscapes, and stories waiting to be uncovered.

Whether you’re planning a self-drive itinerary between these two cities, creating a guided tour itinerary for visiting friends and family, or looking for unique day-trip ideas from either city, there is a lot on offer if you’re open to slight detours off the 160km stretch. This route offers a rewarding blend of heritage, sustainability, and unique experiences. Here are five fascinating stops along the way we feel will make your trip both meaningful and memorable.

  1. Skerries Mills – A Rather Special Example of Sustainability and Heritage

Located just 30 minutes north of Dublin, Skerries Mills is one of Ireland’s most unique eco-tourism destinations. The restored windmills and watermill sit within a coastal town brimming with artisan charm. Skerries offers a heritage centre where you can stretch your legs on a 50-minute guided tour of three picturesque mills, delving into their history with an expert guide, then stroll to the beach or harbour. What sets Skerries Mills apart from other destinations on the Dublin to Belfast route, is that those traveling by train can easily stop off here. A transfer in Drogheda will be required to get back on the express train. Skerries Mills is located close to Skerries Train Station. Skerries is a peaceful town offering a great selection of restaurants and pubs, many with breathtaking views, yet it retains a quiet vibe off the beaten track. But it’s the Mills and what’s happening around the mills that sets Skerries apart. This Community Heritage Centre is flourishing, from its Wild Flower Meadow to its regular Local Artist Exhibitions, and a range of Events.

Skerries Mills is a powerful reminder that tourism, heritage, and environmental action can coexist. With a café, guided tours, craft shop, and easy public transport access, it’s a must for eco-conscious day trippers and families alike.

  1. Monasterboice – Celtic High Crosses and Sacred History

A short detour from the M1 near Drogheda brings you to Monasterboice, one of Ireland’s most revered early Christian sites. Known for its striking Celtic High Crosses, including the intricately carved Muiredach’s High Cross, Monasterboice offers a spiritual and artistic experience in a peaceful setting.

The round tower, ancient grave slabs, and quiet beauty of the site make it a perfect stop to break up the journey and connect with Ireland’s religious and artistic past.

This visit is likely to take just a short time, it’s not guided, and this historic treasure is really near the motorway.

  1. Castle Roche – Ruins, Legends, and Rolling Views

Tucked into the countryside of County Louth, Castle Roche is a tumbling castle ruin that tells stories of power, betrayal, and medieval Ireland. Built in the 13th century by Lady Rohesia de Verdun, the castle commands dramatic views and makes a stunning photo stop.

With no entry fees and no tour buses, Castle Roche is a peaceful yet mysterious place that captures the imagination—perfect for off-the-beaten-path explorers and history lovers.

Be prepared to tackle uneven ground that you’ll share with local sheep. More importantly, there is no carpark here and it’s really down to luck if there is space to pull over.

  1. Patrick Kavanagh Centre – Poetry and Place in County Monaghan

For something truly unique, venture inland to Inniskeen, where the Patrick Kavanagh Centre offers a literary experience grounded in rural life. The centre features interactive exhibits, poetry trails, and views of the Monaghan countryside that inspired Kavanagh’s work.

More than a museum, it’s a meditation on place, memory, and voice—and a chance to engage with Ireland’s literary soul beyond Dublin.

The centre links onto the village’s historic church, in whose cemetery Kavanagh is buried. This small village feels many miles from the motorway, yet it’s a minimal detour for poetry lovers to make a pilgrimage. There are some nice features in the area, including the popular Raglan Road Tearooms beside the centre (closed Sundays).

  1. Hillsborough Castle & Gardens – Royal History and Northern Elegance

Your final stop before entering Belfast should be Hillsborough Castle, a beautifully maintained stately home that serves as the official residence of the British Royal Family in Northern Ireland. Guided tours of the castle offer insights into its diplomatic and historical role, while the 100-acre gardens invite peaceful exploration.

It’s an elegant blend of political heritage and natural beauty, and a great place to reflect on your journey before arriving in the city.

There is something for everyone on this route, whether you are a true Game of Thrones fan, visiting the GOT centre. Or detouring all the way to film locations in the shadow of the Mourne Mountains, or traveling at leisure with time for an overnight in ancient Armagh, or adventure-packed Carlingford, or perhaps seeking out UNESCO sites in the Boyne Valley.

 

Bonus: Belfast – The Dynamic Northern Capital

Once in Belfast, you’ll find a city full of energy, creativity, and contrast. Be sure to check out:

  • Botanic Gardens & Queen’s Quarter – Green space, street food, and live culture, nestled beside the renowned Ulster Museum.

Travel Tips for a Sustainable Dublin–Belfast Journey

  • Drive at your own pace: These stops are ideal for a flexible self-drive itinerary.
  • Use public transport: Dublin and Belfast are connected by Irish Rail; consider local taxis or bikes for side trips.
  • Travel green: Bring reusable water bottles, support local businesses, and choose eco-friendly attractions where possible.
  • Use digital maps and apps: Minimise paper waste and discover more hidden gems.
  • Support small destinations and community enterprises. 

Explore Ireland’s East the Sustainable Way

This route from Dublin to Belfast isn’t just a trip—it’s a journey through living history, poetic landscapes, and green innovation. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a curious family, or a couple seeking slow travel, these five stops add real value to your adventure.

So the next time you’re headed north or south—pause the GPS, pull off the main road, and discover the stories that live between the cities.