Day 6: Derry, Giant's Causeway, & Belfast | Ireland Travel Diary

On Day 6 of our Ireland adventure, we left Donegal behind and crossed into Northern Ireland, ready for a day full of history, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. From exploring the historic city of Derry and walking its centuries-old walls to standing in awe at the Giant’s Causeway, this day perfectly blended culture, natural beauty, and personal reflection. Along the way, we discovered the stories behind Northern Ireland’s past, connected with locals who lived through it, and ended the day in Belfast, enjoying the warmth of traditional pubs and the charm of the Europa Hotel.

Quick context: Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, whereas the Republic of Ireland is a separate sovereign nation. The border may be largely invisible today, but the history, culture, and politics of the two regions are distinct — and understanding this adds depth to any visit.

Derry: History, Peace, and Personal Stories

Our first stop was Derry (also known as Londonderry). Brian, our wonderful coach driver, brought us to the City Hall, where we had a chance to stretch our legs, grab a coffee, and explore The Peace Bridge, a striking structure that crosses the River Foyle.

A note on the Peace Bridge: Opened in 2011, this bridge is a symbol of unity and reconciliation in a city still healing from decades of conflict known as The Troubles. Walking across it felt like stepping into both history and hope.

After our brief exploration, our local guide Peter joined us. Growing up in Derry, he shared personal stories about life during The Troubles, offering an eye-opening perspective that made our drive around the city both fascinating and deeply moving.

We then walked the famous Derry city walls, originally built in 1613. These walls are some of the best-preserved in Europe and are rich with history, architecture, and tales of battles, sieges, and resilience. Derry quickly became a standout highlight of the trip for me.

Lunch followed, and a small group of us went on a quest to find the iconic Derry Girls mural (success!) before enjoying a bite at a local pub, naturally.

The Giant’s Causeway: Epic and Emotional

Next, we traveled to the UNESCO World Heritage site – the Giant’s Causeway. Words don’t quite do it justice. The jagged basalt columns stretching along the coastline are otherworldly, and the moment became unexpectedly emotional for me.

At the Causeway, a shuttle bus can transport visitors from the top to the bottom. I knew I wanted to walk down and absorb every detail. From the water’s edge, I could see the coast of Scotland, the land of my ancestors — and it was breathtaking. Climbing up and down the rock pillars felt like playing as a kid again, but also like reclaiming something deeply personal.

The hike back to the top, nearly 20 minutes uphill, was a full-circle moment. After a crippling health crisis in 2024 and early 2025, I had spent days wondering if I’d ever do something like this again. Step by step, reaching the summit of the Causeway became a symbol of recovery, resilience, and fulfillment — my own personal Everest.

Belfast: History, Pints, and Cozy Corners

Finally, we headed to Belfast for the evening, checking in at the Europa Hotel, right in the heart of downtown.

A quick hotel note: The Europa is famous as one of the most bombed hotels in Europe during The Troubles, yet it has been meticulously restored and is now a symbol of Belfast’s resilience, offering luxurious comfort and excellent central location.

With a little time to spare before our group dinner, we crossed the street to the Crown Saloon, where we were lucky enough to sit in one of the historic “snugs” — small, private booths traditionally used in Irish pubs for discreet conversations, often by women who wanted a separate space. Pints in hand, we enjoyed laughter, camaraderie, and stories shared over a couple of rounds.

Dinner back at the Europa capped off the day with delicious food and delightful conversation. After a jam-packed day of history, nature, and adventure, we were more than ready to sink into the luxurious beds at the Europa.

Day 6 takeaway: Northern Ireland amazed me in so many ways — from the moving history of Derry to the epic natural beauty of the Giant’s Causeway, and the warmth of Belfast’s historic pubs. It was a day that combined education, adventure, and reflection — a true highlight of our Ireland journey.