Four Days In Derry~Londonderry, Mid-Ulster & Antrim: A Fleadh Cheoil 2026 Itinerary

This August, Belfast will host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann - the world's largest celebration of traditional Irish music and culture. For one incredible week, the Fleadh will transform the city into a vibrant and immersive carnival of sound, colour, culture and craic. But either side of the Fleadh itself, Belfast serves as the perfect gateway to explore all that Northern Ireland has to offer.

The area that stretches north west from Belfast, from County Antrim to the heart of Mid-Ulster and the Sperrin Mountains, through to the city of Derry~Londonderry, is home to some of our most fascinating landscapes and experiences. From the historic streets and vibrant cultural scene of the Walled City, to ancient mysteries older than the great pyramids of Egypt and the inspiration behind some of the most significant poetic works of the modern era, it's all here waiting to be discovered.

Starting and finishing in Belfast, this route is the perfect extension to your Fleadh Cheoil adventure and gives you the opportunity to experience an entirely different side of Northern Ireland beyond the festival itself.

Day 1: Belfast to Derry~Londonderry

Morning: Travel To Derry~Londonderry

One of the most vibrant and culturally rich destinations on the entire island of Ireland, the historic Walled City of Derry~Londonderry makes the perfect starting point for this itinerary. Combining centuries of history with a thriving arts, food and music scene, it's an ideal place to spend your first day and overnight stay.

There's a wide range of places to stay in Derry~Londonderry - from top-rated hotels like the Ebrington Hotel and Bishop's Gate Hotel, to a wide range of self-catering apartments, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts and hostels. Demand is expected to be high during the weeks around Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and the peak summer period, so early booking is strongly recommended.

The most convenient way to travel from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry is via train, with regular services departing from Belfast Grand Central Station. The Derry~Londonderry line is regarded as one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, passing through the stunning coastal landscapes of the Causeway Coastal Route, rolling green countryside and the shores of Lough Foyle before arriving at Derry~Londonderry railway station. Journey time is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, and the station is centrally located within easy walking distance of the city centre and all major attractions.

For those travelling by bus, the Translink Goldline 212 service operates regular direct services between Belfast Grand Central Station and Derry~Londonderry, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes depending on traffic. Timetables for both bus and rail options are available via the Translink website.

By car, the most direct route is via the M2 motorway from Belfast, before joining the A6 road directly to the city. The route offers a straightforward journey through Mid-Ulster and takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes depending on traffic conditions. There are plenty of public car parks available throughout the city centre, while many accommodation providers will also provide on-site parking - though it's worth double-checking if parking is included before booking your stay.

Afternoon: Explore The Walled City

Once you've arrived, dropped your bags and settled in, it's time to explore the city itself. Compact, walkable and packed with history and character, Derry~Londonderry is one of the island of Ireland's most interesting cities. Home to centuries-old fortifications and world-class museums, a flourishing street art scene, award-winning food and the filming locations for one of TV's biggest comedy hits, there's something here for everyone.

Spend the afternoon exploring the city at your own pace. You can choose from the experiences below or mix and match to create your own ideal day before enjoying an evening of food, music and entertainment in the heart of the city.

• For History Lovers: Few places can rival Derry~Londonderry when it comes to history. Join one of Martin McCrossan City Tours' award-winning walking tours to discover the stories behind the city's iconic 17th-century walls, the Siege of Derry~Londonderry and the events that have shaped the city over the centuries. Enthusiasts can delve even deeper at the Guildhall, the Tower Museum, the Siege Museum and the Museum of Free Derry, each offering a unique perspective on the city's rich and complex past.
   
• For Culture Buffs: Explore Derry~Londonderry's rich artistic and musical heritage on foot with Derrie Danders, whose themed walking tours cover everything from the city's musical connections to The Real Derry Girls - a celebration of the influential women who have left their mark on politics, music, literature, the arts and beyond. You can also catch a gig or show at the Millennium Forum or the Playhouse theatre, or simply stroll through the city and discover street art, creative spaces and more at your own pace.
   
• For Foodies: Derry~Londonderry's food and drink scene is one of the most exciting on the island of Ireland. Take to two wheels with Foodie City Cycle, sample local flavours with Derry By Fork or discover how to make local craft beer with a tour of Walled City Brewery. Each offers a unique way to explore the city through its food, drink and local producers.
   
• For The Family: Compact, walkable and packed with attractions, Derry~Londonderry is a great destination for families. Stroll across the Peace Bridge, visit the Tower Museum's interactive exhibitions or seek out famous filming locations from the hit sitcom Derry Girls. With riverside walks, open spaces and plenty of opportunities to stop for an ice cream or sweet treat, there's plenty to keep visitors of all ages entertained.

Of course, not every great experience needs an itinerary. Grab a coffee from a local café, browse one of the city's many independent shops and galleries, take a stroll along the River Foyle or simply lose yourself in the historic streets. With hidden gems tucked around every corner, Derry~Londonderry rewards anyone willing to take the time to slow down and soak up its unique atmosphere.

Evening: Dinner, Drinks & Live Music

Having had your fill of history and culture, it's time to experience some of the city's other main attractions. Derry~Londonderry has become something of a culinary hub in Northern Ireland, with a booming list of restaurants, bars, bistros and brasseries that will cater to all tastes and budgets.

Browns in Town is an award-winning Michelin recommended restaurant that's a must-try spot for serious foodies, renowned for fine casual dining, great quality food and superb specialty cocktails. For more relaxed eats, Scarpello & Co is a local favourite that serves handcrafted sourdough pizzas and pastries, while Pyke'N'Pommes is a unique street food spot by the riverfront known for its fully-loaded burgers and tacos.

After dinner, grab a drink at one of the city's many pubs and bars. Peadar O'Donnell's is a lively pub famous for its nightly traditional music sessions and solid pints of Guinness, while Sandino's bar is a quirky cultural hub and one of Derry~Londonderry's major live music venues that hosts everything from trad to jazz, world music and more.

For something different, Walled City Brewery is an award-winning brewhouse located in a historic military barracks at the end of the Peace Bridge. With a wide range of signature craft beers created on site - including the brilliantly-named Cherry~Londoncherry - the brewery also offers delicious food and a classic cocktail selection.

Day 2: Gortin Glen & The Sperrins

Morning: Travel To The Sperrins

Day two deliberately slows the pace to show a very different side of Northern Ireland. The Sperrin Mountains are one of the most unspoiled and sparsely populated areas in all of NI; a rolling landscape of green hills, winding forest paths and ancient monuments and sites.

It’s the perfect opportunity to step outside the bustle of city life, immerse yourself in the breath-taking scenery and discover a part of the island that's been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for very good reason.

If you're travelling by car, leave Derry~Londonderry via the A5 and head south towards Omagh, a journey of approximately 1 hour. Those travelling by public transport can take the Goldliner 273 service, which directly connects Derry~Londonderry and Omagh in around an hour.

From Omagh town, local bus services provide connections to attractions and areas throughout the wider Sperrins region. More information on public transport and timetables are available via Translink.

Afternoon: Gortin Glen Forest Park

Just six miles from Omagh, Gortin Glen Forest Park is an ideal entry point to the Sperrins and to immerse yourself in the beauty of Mid-Ulster's western landscape. With spectacular views of the surrounding area, the park features five waymarked trails of varying lengths and difficulty - including the Mullaghcarn Trail which will take you to visit Darach, Guardian of the Sperrins and one of the three mythical giant sculptures that call the Sperrin Mountains their home.

Families with young children will enjoy the large playpark area, while those with a thirst for off-road adventure can get to grips with over 14km of dedicated mountain bike trails including the challenging Red Trails. The Forest Park is the ideal spot for a picnic or BBQ if the weather's good, while there's also an on-site café serving drinks, hot food and traybakes on Saturdays and Sundays.

Bus connections are available from Omagh Bus Station to the park, with timetables available via the Translink website, but visiting by car is recommended for best flexibility. If you're taking the car, the forest park can also be explored via a five-mile scenic drive. The route includes a number of vista points you can pull in at to enjoy the magnificent scenery and grab a snap for the 'gram.

Late Afternoon: Beaghmore Stone Circles

Visitors exploring the Sperrins by car should consider a short detour to the Beaghmore Stone Circles, one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites on the entire island of Ireland.

Comprising seven circles, ten carefully-arranged stone alignments and a series of cairns, the mysterious features are estimated to be nearly 5,000 years old – making them even older than the Great Pyramids of Giza. One of Northern Ireland’s truest hidden gems, the circles are believed to have played an important role in ritual ceremonies, burials and astronomical events for the area's ancient inhabitants, though their exact purpose remains unknown.

Located deep in the wild landscape of the eastern Sperrins, the journey - taking visitors deep into one of Northern Ireland's last great wildernesses - is part of the experience in itself. Note that there's no public transport to the area and so a car is essential for accessing the site.

Evening: Overnight in Bellaghy

Stay close to the village of Bellaghy, which is best known as the birthplace, childhood home and final resting place of Nobel Prize-winning poet Seamus Heaney - in addition to being the inspiration for many of his works.

The village is also home to various historical landmarks including Bellaghy Bawn, a well-preserved 17th century fortified house, and is a charming place to spend the night. The Taphouse Bar & Restaurant is the go-to spot for dinner and drinks, while there's a number of great accommodation options in the area.

The Inn at nearby Castledawson is the nearest hotel, but there's also a good selection of accommodation options nearby from self-catering apartments - including Katie's Cottage, a 17th century listed thatched cottage - to guest houses, B&Bs and more.

Day 3: Seamus Heaney HomePlace & Crosskeys Inn

Morning: Seamus Heaney HomePlace

The next morning, grab breakfast and a coffee from the Poet's Corner café in the village, before walking a few minutes up the street to the Seamus Heaney HomePlace. An award-winning visitor attraction dedicated to Heaney's life and legacy, it's a must-visit for anyone interested in learning more about one of the island of Ireland's most celebrated cultural figures.

Situated between his childhood homes and just a short distance from his final resting place, the centre offers a fascinating insight into the experiences and surroundings that shaped his work, alongside exhibitions, recordings and personal artefacts from across his remarkable career.

For visitors attending Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the Seamus Heaney HomePlace offers a natural continuation of many of the themes celebrated throughout the festival. Just as traditional music preserves stories and connections to place, Heaney's writing was deeply rooted in the people and landscapes of Mid-Ulster. Through immersive displays and recordings of the Heaney reading his own work, visitors can discover how the poet found inspiration in the everyday moments, places and characters of rural life.

Afternoon: Crosskeys Inn

From Bellaghy, you'll travel to spend the evening in Ballymena - one of the largest towns in Northern Ireland and an ideal spot to stay overnight. Ballymena is a short journey away from Bellaghy, roughly half an hour's drive if you're travelling by car or approximately 50 minutes on the Ulsterbus 127 service which runs between the two towns.

Before that, however, traditional music fans will have to make a stop at the Crosskeys Inn. Dating back to the mid-1600s, it's the oldest thatched pub on the entire island of Ireland and renowned as a hub for traditional music sessions, storytelling, whiskey tasting and cultural experiences. With its traditional latched door, stone flooring, low ceilings and open turf fires it's packed with charm, character and highly recommended as one of Northern Ireland's must-see pubs.

Note that taking a car or taxi is recommended for the greatest flexibility: public transport is available via the Ulsterbus 123 service to Ballymena with the bus stop located conveniently outside the pub, but do be aware that the service runs during weekdays only with the last bus leaving in the early afternoon.

Evening: Overnight in Ballymena

For the evening, Ballymena is full of great places to eat, drink and stay the night. Whether you'd prefer the luxury of the renowned Galgorm Resort, the history of the 19th-century Adair Arms hotel in the heart of the town, or one of the many fantastic self-catering stays, guest houses and B&Bs in the area, there's plenty of options to choose from.

Rococo on Mill Street is one of the town's most popular spots for dinner, serving up feel-good comfort classics with an extensive cocktail list. Gatto's Ristorante is a go-to for authentic Italian, while for something a little different Kamakura serves up fresh Japanese food including sushi and ramen.

End the day with a cocktail from the Smoking Monkey, or head over to the Front Page bar for a quality pint and live music including traditional music sessions, storytelling evenings and resident DJs every weekend.

Day 4: Arthur Cottage & Antrim Castle Gardens

Morning: President Arthur Homestead

Ballymena has no shortage of breakfast, brunch and coffee options to fuel up ahead of the final day of your itinerary. The Nobel Café is a local favourite known for its build-your-own breakfast fry, while Middletown Coffee Co. and Follow Coffee are both highly regarded for freshly roasted speciality coffees, breakfast and brunch, tray bakes and much more.

There's plenty to see and do in the area: a trip to Slemish Mountain - the historic first-known home of St Patrick - is a great option when the weather's good, while Gracehill Guided Tours run regular tours of the historic 18th century Moravian village which was named as Northern Ireland's first Conservation Area and a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site.

Tucked away in the countryside near Cullybackey, just north west of Ballymena, the President Arthur Homestead is a beautifully restored thatched cottage with an extraordinary international connection. The ancestral home of the family of Chester Alan Arthur, the 21st President of the United States, the homestead offers a fascinating insight into emigration, identity and the enduring connections between Northern Ireland and the USA.

One of the most popular visitor attractions in the area, it also provides an authentic glimpse into everyday life in 18th-century County Antrim with period artefacts, furnishings and demonstrations of traditional crafts including the making of traditional soda bread and pancakes over an open turf fire.

The cottage is best reached by car - it's just a brief few minutes' drive from Ballymena town - but can also be accessed by taking the NI Railways train service from Ballymena Train Station to Cullybackey, with the cottage approximately a 20-minute walk from the village.

Afternoon: Antrim Castle Gardens

From Cullybackey, hop back on the train bound for Belfast where the final stop of the tour is a half-hour train journey away. Antrim Castle Gardens is one of Northern Ireland's finest historic garden estates; occupying the grounds of the former Antrim Castle - the castle itself was destroyed by fire in 1922 - the magnificent 400-year old gardens have been carefully restored and maintained to create a stunning blend of history, heritage and horticulture.

The perfect spot to unwind after a busy few days' travelling, wander through beautifully landscaped formal gardens, along peaceful 17th century canals and through pristine historic woodlands. Along with the ruins of the castle, the Gardens also include the picturesque Deerpark Bridge, the iconic Large Parterre Gardens and the remains of a 12th century Norman motte that offers fantastic views out over Antrim town.

Evening: Return to Belfast

From Antrim, Belfast is only a short journey away. If you're travelling by car, the city is a straightforward journey down the M2 motorway with a travel time of approximately 35 minutes, while visitors travelling by public transport can take the train from Antrim Train Station to Belfast Grand Central with regular connections throughout the day. Journey times, routes and the latest timetable information are available via Translink.

Whether you're returning for another evening at the Fleadh or beginning your journey home, you'll return to Belfast with plenty of memories - and perhaps even a few ideas for your next visit.

Getting To Derry~Londonderry, Mid-Ulster & Antrim From Belfast

There are several ways to explore Derry~Londonderry, Mid-Ulster and County Antrim from Belfast, with options available for both public transport users and those travelling by car. Derry~Londonderry serves as the gateway to this itinerary and is easily reached by rail, while onward travel through Mid-Ulster and Antrim is primarily served by an extensive bus network connecting towns, villages and key visitor attractions throughout the region:

• By Train: The Belfast to Derry~Londonderry rail line provides a direct connection between Belfast Grand Central Station and Derry~Londonderry, with stops in Antrim and Ballymena. Journey time is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, with trains operating regularly throughout the day. For visitors following this itinerary by public transport, Derry~Londonderry makes an ideal starting point before continuing onwards into Mid-Ulster by bus. Timetables and ticket information are available at translink.co.uk.
   
• By Bus: Public transport throughout the area is well served by Translink's Goldliner and Ulsterbus networks. The Goldliner 212 provides direct connections between Belfast and Derry~Londonderry, while services including the 273 connect Derry~Londonderry with Omagh and other destinations throughout Mid-Ulster. Local bus services provide links to Bellaghy and surrounding areas, making bus travel a convenient way to explore the region without a car. Visit translink.co.uk for current routes and timetables.
   
• By Car: Travelling by car offers the greatest flexibility, particularly for visitors wishing to explore attractions in the Sperrins such as Gortin Glen Forest Park or the Beaghmore Stone Circles. Derry~Londonderry is approximately 75 miles from Belfast via the A6, while Omagh can be reached via the A5. Car hire is available at all airports and at several other locations.

Explore More Of Northern Ireland From The Fleadh

Belfast is an excellent base for the Fleadh and for Northern Ireland as a whole. The region is small enough that almost everything worth seeing is within two hours of the city centre.

The Causeway Coast is only an hour to the north, with the world-famous Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Old Bushmills Distillery along the way. To the south is Co. Down, with the Mourne Mountains, Ards Peninsula and Strangford Lough, while for a slower pace of life why not explore Co. Fermanagh's stunning lakelands and waterways, roughly 90 minutes' drive to the south-west.

Counties Armagh and Tyrone offer history and heritage in abundance, both within 90 minutes of Belfast. Armagh city is the island of Ireland's ecclesiastical capital, with two cathedrals and the legendary Iron Age site of Navan Fort nearby. Outdoor adventure awaits in Tyrone with exciting attractions like the OM Dark Sky Park & Observatory and Todds Leap Activity Centre.