Ulster
Ulster, the historic province in the north of the island of Irlande, comprises nine counties shared between the Republic and the United Kingdom. The Giant's Causeway, Derry's ramparts, Donegal's cliffs and Belfast make up a territory of great diversity.
Ulster is the most northerly historic province on the island of Irlande. It brings together nine counties: six form Northern Irlande (United Kingdom) and three belong to the Republic of Irlande (Donegal, Cavan, Monaghan). Moorland landscapes, jagged coastlines, Neolithic sites and cities marked by industrial and political history compose a territory of great diversity, often less frequented than the rest of the island.
What to see
Ulster offers striking contrasts between wild nature and urban heritage.
- Giant's Causeway: formation of hexagonal basalt columns listed as UNESCO World Heritage, on the Antrim coast.
- Causeway Coastal Route: coastal road linking Belfast to Londonderry/Derry, dotted with cliffs, castles and fishing villages.
- Belfast: former industrial capital, known for its shipyards (Titanic Belfast), its murals and its Cathedral Quarter.
- Londonderry/Derry: the only city in Irlande whose medieval ramparts are intact, with a dense historic centre.
- Donegal: county of the Republic, with the Slieve League cliffs, Malin Head beaches and a vibrant Gaelic tradition.
- Lough Erne: vast lake system in Fermanagh, scattered with islands and ancient monasteries.
- Mourne Mountains: granite massif in County Down, setting for hiking and source of inspiration for C.S. Lewis.
History and context
Ulster is one of the four historic provinces of Irlande, along with Leinster, Munster and Connacht. In the 17th century, the Plantation of Ulster brought Protestant Scottish and English settlers, permanently reshaping the region's demographics and culture. The 1921 partition divides the province: six counties remain British, three join the Irish Free State. The Troubles (1968–1998) profoundly mark Northern Irlande before the Good Friday Agreement opens a period of relative peace.
Highlights of a visit
The Giant's Causeway
Some 40,000 basalt columns, the result of volcanic activity roughly 60 million years ago, form a unique landscape on the north coast of Antrim. The site is managed by the National Trust and has a modern visitor centre.
Belfast and the Titanic Quarter
The Titanic Belfast museum, opened in 2012, traces the construction and sinking of the liner in the former Harland & Wolff shipyard. The surrounding quarter has been entirely rehabilitated. The murals of Falls Road and Shankill Road, meanwhile, bear witness to the recent history of the Troubles.
Derry's ramparts
Built between 1613 and 1619, the ramparts of Londonderry/Derry are the best preserved in Irlande and among the most intact in the British Isles. A walking circuit makes a complete tour of the fortified city.
Slieve League cliffs
In Donegal, these cliffs plunge nearly 600 metres into the Atlantic. Less well-known than the Cliffs of Moher, they are among Europe's highest and offer clear vistas across the ocean.
Lough Erne and its monastic islands
The Lower Lough Erne is home to Devenish Island, whose 12th-century Irish round tower is among the best preserved in the country. Boat trips allow access from Enniskillen.
Photography tips
Raking light in late afternoon enhances the basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway. Belfast's murals are best photographed mid-day to avoid building shadows. On Slieve League, favour clear mornings: Atlantic mist can obscure the cliffs in the afternoon.
Location and access
Ulster occupies the north of the island of Irlande. The two main airports are Belfast International and George Best Belfast City Airport, with direct links from several European cities. Dublin, to the south, is connected to Belfast by motorway (roughly two hours' drive). Londonderry/Derry also has a regional airport. The Translink rail network serves the main cities of Northern Irlande; Donegal is more accessible by car.
Nearby
- Giant's Causeway — UNESCO site on the Antrim coast, natural starting point for exploring northern Ulster.
- Belfast — capital of Northern Irlande, blending industrial heritage, street art and flourishing gastronomy.
- Derry / Londonderry — city with intact ramparts, rich in complex political and cultural history.
- County Donegal — Gaelic territory with preserved Atlantic landscapes, home to Malin Head and Slieve League.
- Mourne Mountains — granite massif ideal for hiking, in County Down.
Frequently asked questions
May to September offer the longest days and mildest temperatures. July and August are the busiest on the Antrim coast. Spring and autumn allow you to visit natural sites with fewer crowds.
No. The border is open and requires no checks for EU or UK nationals. Note, however, that Northern Irlande uses the pound sterling (GBP) and the Republic the euro (EUR).
A minimum of five to seven days allows you to cover Belfast, the Antrim coast and Derry. To include Donegal and the Mourne Mountains, allow ten days to two weeks.
Yes, for rural areas like Donegal, the Mourne Mountains or Lough Erne. Belfast and Derry are accessible by train or bus from Dublin, but a car remains essential for isolated coastal sites.
Yes, Falls Road and Shankill Road districts are accessible on foot or by black cab (Black Cab Tour). These guided taxi tours are a common and respectful way to discover the historical context of the murals.
Absolutely. A classic circuit links Dublin, Belfast, the Antrim coast, Derry, Donegal then Galway along the west coast. This loop route covers the island's main regions in roughly two weeks.
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