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Journey to the ferry
A short travel leg to give you an easy start to the trip.
This is where your journey begins. You'll head towards the Netherlands, approaching the North Sea coast and the ferry port.
A simple, city-adjacent campsite by the water, making a comfortable stopover on your way. From here, it's not far the next day to the ports on the North Sea coast. Ideal for a quiet first night in the roof tent.
Driving day towards Cairnryan
This day is deliberately longer, to reach the coast at Cairnryan. Build in plenty of breaks.
It's around 700 km from Folkestone to Drummore, so start early or split part of the drive into the morning.
Long leg — plan for breaks.
Cross under the English Channel by car train from Calais to Folkestone. The crossing takes only around 35 minutes and you stay comfortably in your car. From there, you continue north-west.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
A quiet coastal site on the Rhins of Galloway peninsula, right by the sea and close to Cairnryan ferry port. Perfect for a relaxing night before the crossing to Northern Ireland. On a clear day, you'll have views across the Irish Sea.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Crossing and first glimpse of Belfast
Take a morning ferry so you have time in the afternoon for Titanic Belfast.
The ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast takes around two hours and is a relaxed way to reach Northern Ireland. On board there are cafés and plenty of space. You can already keep an eye on the coastline as you go.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
This award-winning museum stands exactly where the Titanic was built and tells the ship's story across several levels. Interactive exhibits and a rail ride through the shipyard bring the visit to life. A strong start to your time in Belfast.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
An affordable, well-kept site on the eastern edge of Belfast with good connections into the centre. From here you can reach the city centre by car in around 20 minutes. A handy, quiet base after the crossing.
City and history
Belfast is easy to explore on foot; park centrally on level ground and then walk.
A relaxed city day without long drives.
The impressive city hall at the heart of Belfast is free to visit and offers free guided tours through its grand halls. The surrounding square is a good starting point for a walk around the city. From here you can reach the main sights on foot.
This former Victorian prison can be explored on guided tours, telling a vivid story of Northern Ireland's turbulent history. You'll walk through cells, tunnels and the execution room. An intense but rewarding insight into the city's past.
See tickets on Tiqets(affiliate link)
The political murals in West Belfast and the peace walls tell the story of the Troubles and the road to reconciliation. A guided black taxi tour gives powerful context to the history. An important part of Belfast today.
Coastal path and move north
The Antrim Coast Road is one of the finest coastal roads in Europe — plan for photo stops.
Only visit The Gobbins in suitable weather — check the tour status beforehand.
A dramatic cliff path along steep basalt rock, with bridges, tunnels and crashing surf. The guided tour takes around two and a half hours and requires sturdy footwear as well as a reasonable level of fitness. A spectacular start to the north coast.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
An award-winning, family-run site on the outskirts of Bushmills, ideal as a base for the Causeway Coast. From here you can quickly reach the Giant's Causeway, the distillery and the coast. Quietly located, with clean facilities and ponds.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
Basalt columns and whiskey
Arrive early at the Giant's Causeway to beat the coaches and the biggest crowds.
Agree in advance who's driving after the tasting, or walk back to the nearby site.
The famous hexagonal basalt columns formed around 60 million years ago and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can clamber over the rocks and walk the various coastal paths. A natural wonder that brings every legend of the giant Finn McCool to life.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
The world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery sits right in the town and offers tours with tastings. You'll experience the journey from malt to mature whiskey and sample various bottlings. A must for anyone wanting to taste the region.
Castles and Westeros
A compact filming-location day with short drives — ideal for plenty of photo stops.
This dramatic castle ruin perches on a cliff above the sea and served as the backdrop for House Greyjoy in Game of Thrones. You'll explore the walls high above the crashing waves, with sweeping views along the coast. An atmospheric spot with a long history.
This enchanting beech avenue is world-famous as the Kingsroad from Game of Thrones. The intertwined tree canopies form a fairy-tale roof over the narrow lane. Early in the morning, you'll have the place almost to yourself.
This small harbour with its black rocks served as the backdrop for the Iron Islands in Game of Thrones. An idyllic spot for a walk along the rugged coastline. Photogenic in any weather and free to visit.
A simple, affordable campsite close to the coast, ideal for an overnight stay in the roof tent. From here you're just a few minutes from Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. A quiet, natural setting with views over the green hills.
Rope bridge and return journey to the ferry
Visit Carrick-a-Rede early, then head back to Belfast at a relaxed pace.
This legendary rope bridge sways almost 30 metres above a deep sea channel to a small rocky island. The path there follows a beautiful coastal trail with sweeping views. A thrill with a truly grand outlook.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
One of Ireland's best-preserved Norman castles, set right by the water. On the way back to Belfast, it's well worth stopping to wander through the massive walls and defensive towers. A fitting end to your castle route.
Back at the familiar site near Belfast, conveniently placed for the ferry the next morning. A quiet last night in Northern Ireland.
Return journey across the Irish Sea
After the ferry there's still a driving leg to Longridge, around two and a half hours.
Take a morning ferry so you arrive relaxed at the stopover.
The return crossing to Scotland takes you back over the Irish Sea. In around two hours you'll be back on the mainland and can plan the onward journey. Use the time on board for a bite to eat.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
A stopover in the north of England to break up the drive back to the tunnel. The park sits quietly on the edge of the Forest of Bowland and offers good facilities for a roof tent. Ideal for a night's rest after the ferry.
Return to the start
This is the longest driving day of the trip; it's still around 350 km from Calais to Dortmund.
If you'd prefer, you can split the return journey and plan an extra night in Belgium.
Long leg — plan for breaks.
You'll head back to Calais on the car train. The crossing is quick and you stay in your car. From Calais, the final leg home begins.
Booking ahead is often cheaper here
You're back at your starting point, completing the road trip. In your luggage: basalt columns, whiskey aromas, and memories of Westeros.
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