As both a passionate travel reporter and the Marketing Manager here at Drivalia, I am frequently asked for the secret recipe to a flawless, stress-free family holiday. My answer is always the same: pack up the children, hire the perfect car, and head straight for Northern Ireland.
With its spellbinding landscapes, mythical giant lore, and lively interactive cities, Northern Ireland is a majestic playground designed for family adventures. The absolute best way to experience it all is with the complete freedom of a road trip.
When you are not tied to rigid tour bus schedules, you can pull over whenever a spectacular view or an ice cream shop catches your eye.
From our vehicle pickup branches at Belfast International Airport and Enniskillen, we have mapped out the top family-friendly destinations to make this school holiday your most memorable one yet.
1. Conquer the Mythical Causeway Coastal Route
Consistently rated as one of the world’s most spectacular drives, the Causeway Coastal Route is an absolute must-do.
Buckle up in your spacious Drivalia SUV and prepare for a coastline packed with pure magic. Arranging your car rental at Belfast International Airport with Drivalia means you can be on the coast road within the hour, luggage stowed and children already asking how far it is to the giants.
The Giant’s Causeway: No family holiday to Northern Ireland is complete without exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site. Children will absolutely love scrambling over the 40,000 interlocking basalt columns.
Make sure to stop at the visitor centre first to catch the brilliant animated tale of the rival giants, Finn MacCool and Benandonner, which brings the geology to life beautifully.
Dunluce Castle: Perched dramatically on the cliff edge, these medieval ruins look like something straight out of a storybook. It is the perfect spot for children to let their imaginations run wild.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: For families with slightly older children seeking a thrilling challenge, crossing this historic bridge suspended 100 feet above the crashing Atlantic waves is an exhilarating badge of honour.
2. Big City Wonders in Belfast
Belfast is bursting with energy and offers fantastic indoor and outdoor attractions that guarantee happy children, regardless of the unpredictable British weather.
Titanic Belfast: Situated right in the historic shipyard where the famous vessel was built, this world-class interactive experience is a spectacular day out for all ages.
With nine state-of-the-art galleries, moving special effects, and an exciting shipyard ride, it captures the imagination of children and adults in equal measure.
Belfast Zoo: Located high on the slopes of Cave Hill, this zoo offers panoramic views across Belfast Lough. It is home to over 100 magnificent species, making it a fantastic setting to let the little ones stretch their legs and get close to nature.
3. Dive into the Fermanagh Lakelands
If your family loves tranquil waters, historic estates, and lush forests, point your rental car west toward beautiful County Fermanagh.
Florence Court: This magnificent National Trust estate is a paradise for active families. You can hire bikes on site, tackle miles of pristine forest trails, play in the natural outdoor play areas, and indulge in a well-deserved treat at the tearoom.
Hydrobikes at Enniskillen Castle: For an incredibly unique twist on sightseeing, your family can literally cycle on water. Pedalling water-bikes past a 16th-century castle is an unforgettable, safe, and low-impact activity that will have the whole family smiling from ear to ear.
Why a Road Trip is the Secret to School Holiday Success
Planning a family holiday can feel like a military operation, but choosing a self-drive holiday with Drivalia shifts your trip into relaxation mode. Here is why exploring Northern Ireland by car makes perfect sense for families.
Ultimate Flexibility: Did the children take a bit longer at the beach? No problem. Want to swap a rainy stop for a cosy indoor play barn? You hold the keys. You dictate the pace of your holiday.
Room for the Whole Crew: From compact hatchbacks for smaller families to premium, extra-large SUVs and multi-seater vans, we make sure your family rides in absolute comfort with plenty of boot space for luggage, prams, and wellies.
Simple Extra Perks: The little details matter. At Drivalia, you can easily add booster seats, additional drivers, and excess reduction packages to your booking so you can explore with complete peace of mind.
Ready to Start the Adventure?
Northern Ireland is waiting to give your family the holiday of a lifetime. With our highly competitive rates, price match guarantee, and incredibly friendly local teams at both our Belfast International Airport branch (Karl Business Park) and our Enniskillen branch (Lisnaskea), getting on the road has never been easier.
Drivalia Tip: School holidays are incredibly popular. Head over to our easy-to-use Drivalia app or website today to secure the perfect vehicle for your family road trip in just a few clicks.
Safe travels, and enjoy making spectacular family memories on the open roads of Northern Ireland.
Written by Danny Green, Marketing Manager