Northern Ireland rewards curious travelers with a heady mix of coastal drama, warm pub culture, and layered history. From the basalt columns of the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway to the Titanic’s birthplace, every day balances big-sky scenery with intimate moments—perfect for a romantic escape.

Your three-day route uses Belfast as a convenient hub for savoring the Botanic Gardens, political murals, and craft breweries before sweeping up the Causeway Coast to Downhill Demesne and Mussenden Temple, and south-west to National Trust jewels: Ardress House and Florence Court. Expect 1–2-hour scenic drives, easy train/bus options, and plenty of tea-room stops.

Practical notes: currency is GBP, cards are widely accepted, and people drive on the left. Pack for “four seasons in a day” and bring sturdy shoes for clifftop and coastal paths. National Trust properties often require timed tickets—check opening hours and book ahead, especially on weekends and bank holidays.

Belfast

Belfast is a compact, creative city where shipyard cranes loom over a modern waterfront and neighborhoods hum with live music and mural-lined streets. It’s ideal for couples—lush gardens by day, candlelit seafood and jazz bars by night.

Top sights you’ll love together: the Victorian Palm House in the Belfast Botanic Gardens, the world-class Titanic Belfast galleries, St George’s Market (Fri–Sun) for local bites, and a black cab tour that brings the city’s recent history into sharp, human focus.

• Where to stay (mid-range to romantic): Explore options on Hotels.com Belfast or compare apartments on VRBO Belfast.
• Romantic countryside stays (near Belfast): The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn (thatched-roof coziness and forest walks), Marine Court Hotel (seafront in Bangor), or Clandeboye Lodge Hotel (boutique calm amidst woods).
• Getting in and around: For flights to/from Europe and cross-border trains/buses search Omio (flights), Omio (trains), and Omio (buses). Ferries (e.g., Scotland–NI) via Omio (ferries). Within NI, trains to the North Coast are scenic and affordable.

Day 1: Arrival, Botanic Gardens, and a Black Cab Story

Morning: Travel to Belfast. If flying into Belfast City (BHD) or Belfast International (BFS), taxis and buses reach the center in ~15–40 minutes. Drop bags at your hotel/apartment.

Afternoon: Ease in with a romantic ramble through the Belfast Botanic Gardens—the Palm House is a Victorian glasshouse glowing with orchids and ferns, while the Tropical Ravine feels like a time capsule. Pop next door to the Ulster Museum (free) for a swift wander through Irish art and natural history. Coffee breaks: Established Coffee (light, modern, specialty roasts), Kaffe O (Nordic vibes), or General Merchants (great sourdough toasties).

Late Afternoon (recommended): Dive into context with a private black cab experience—powerful, balanced, and deeply memorable for first-time visitors.

Book: Political Taxi Tour Belfast (1–7 People) — typically ~2 hours; insightful stops at murals and peace lines, led by drivers who lived the history.

Evening: Dinner in the Cathedral Quarter. Try Mourne Seafood Bar (day-boat oysters and chowder, fair prices), Coppi (Venetian cicchetti and fresh pasta), or Home Restaurant (local, seasonal, great value). After, clink glasses at OX Cave (wine flights and cheese) or sample local brews at The Deer’s Head (on-site Bell’s Brewery) or Boundary Brewing Taproom. For a starry-night city view, ascend to The Observatory at Grand Central—book a window table.

Day 2: Giant’s Causeway and Downhill Demesne at Golden Hour

Morning: Depart Belfast around 8:30–9:00. Option A (public transport): train from Belfast Lanyon Place → Coleraine (~1h20), then Ulsterbus 402 to the Giant’s Causeway (~35–45 min). Expect ~£18–£30 return per person; search times on Omio trains and Omio buses. Option B (no-driving, easiest): join a guided coach day trip from Belfast.

Book: Giant’s Causeway & Castles Tour from Belfast — full day, typically £45–£65. Includes coastal viewpoints and Dunluce Castle photo stops.

Midday: Walk the hexagonal columns and cliff path at the Giant’s Causeway. The visitor centre (from ~£15–£17) adds geology, myth, and great café scones; a shuttle runs down to the stones for a small fee if you prefer to save your legs.

Lunch: In Bushmills (5–10 min away): The Bushmills Inn (fireplaces, game pie, perfect for couples) or Tartine at The Distillers Arms (contemporary Irish). If you enjoy tastings, the Old Bushmills Distillery offers tours and flights (book ahead; from ~£20–£30).

Afternoon into Sunset: Continue to Downhill Demesne & Mussenden Temple (15–20 min). Hand-in-hand clifftop strolls deliver cinematic Atlantic views. Ground access/parking is modestly priced for non-members; Mussenden Temple entry is ticketed (check times). Aim for golden hour—the light is magical for photos.

Evening: Train/bus or tour coach back to Belfast (arrive ~8–9 pm). Late bite ideas: James St. (wood-fired steaks, smart-casual), Made in Belfast (playful Irish comfort), or Curated Kitchen & Coffee (if open; rotating chef menus). Nightcap at The Duke of York (cobbled alley, trad tunes) or Bullhouse East (East Belfast; stellar local IPA line-up).

Causeway Coast

Between Portrush, Portstewart, and Bushmills, the Causeway Coast blends dramatic headlands with sandy strands and surf cafés. It’s an easy day trip by train/bus or tour, but you can stay overnight to slow down.

• Thinking of a coastal night? Browse Hotels.com Portrush or VRBO Portrush.

Day 3: Ardress House (Armagh) and Florence Court (Fermanagh)

Morning: Pick up a car (most convenient for today; ~£35–£60/day plus fuel). Drive Belfast → Ardress House (County Armagh) ~1 hour via M1. Wander the orchard-framed grounds and farmyard; house admission typically ~£8–£12 when open, grounds lower—check seasonal hours. Coffee/brunch nearby: Zio (Armagh; Italian-leaning), The Craic’d Pot Coffee House (Portadown; home-baked treats).

Afternoon: Continue ~1h20 to Florence Court (near Enniskillen), an elegant Palladian house with forest trails, a restored walled garden, and idyllic picnic spots—exactly the romantic, unhurried setting this itinerary promises. Full house-and-garden tickets are typically ~£10–£14; bikes occasionally available seasonally on-site—ask at reception. Lunch ideas: Florence Court tearoom (scones, soups) or head into Enniskillen for The Firehouse (wood-fired pizzas and grills) or The Jolly Sandwich (casual, beloved sandwiches).

Late Afternoon: Drive back to Belfast (~2 hours). If time allows on your return route, call into Hilden Brewery (near Lisburn) for a tour or a tasting paddle—the oldest independent brewery on the island. Prefer iconic Belfast instead? Stroll the Titanic Quarter or time a last entry to the galleries:

Book: Titanic Belfast Entrance Ticket (incl. SS Nomadic) — allow 2–3 hours; advance tickets from ~£24–£30.

Evening: Farewell dinner back in Belfast. Choose Mourne Seafood Bar for one last taste of the sea, or Home Restaurant for great-value two-course menus. Cap your trip with live jazz and a glass of red at Berts, or a final craft pint at The Deer’s Head. Cheers to a romantic Northern Ireland escape well spent.

Practical Planning Cheatsheet

• Transport booking: Compare European flights via Omio flights, trains via Omio trains, buses via Omio buses, and ferries via Omio ferries.
• Day tour alternative: If you prefer a shorter North Coast outing, consider:

  

  Afternoon Giant’s Causeway Half Day Tour from Belfast.
• Dining price guide (per person): Coffee/bakery £4–£9; casual lunch £10–£18; mid-range dinner £18–£35 food-only. Pints £5–£6.50; wine by the glass £6–£12.
• National Trust tips: Members get free entry/parking; non-members should budget modest admission/parking at Downhill, Ardress House, Florence Court, and the Giant’s Causeway visitor centre.
• What to pack: Layers, waterproof, sturdy shoes, and a small daypack for coastal walks.

Optional stay extensions: If you decide to linger on the coast, base yourself in Portrush/Portstewart (Hotels.com Portrush / VRBO Portrush) for beach walks and easy access to the Giant’s Causeway and Downhill Demesne.

From the Victorian serenity of the Belfast Botanic Gardens to the clifftop silhouette of Mussenden Temple and the gracious lawns of Florence Court, this 3-day itinerary threads together romance, scenery, and story. You’ll cover the icons—Titanic Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway—then slow the pace among orchards and walled gardens. Sláinte to a weekend you’ll talk about for years.