How To Get To Heaven From Belfast Worth Watching
For many travellers, the phrase “Heaven” conjures images of stunning landscapes, tranquil moments and a sense of escape. From the bustling streets of Belfast, reaching a place that feels like heaven is easier than you might think, and the journey itself is worth watching. Below is a practical guide that covers the main routes, transport options and highlights along the way, so you can plan a memorable trip from Belfast to the heavenly spot you’ve been dreaming of.
Understanding the Destination
“Heaven” in this context refers to the popular scenic area of **Murlough Bay**, a coastal haven on the northern coast of County Down that many locals describe as a slice of heaven on earth. The area offers sweeping sea views, quiet beaches, and walking trails that feel removed from everyday life. Its reputation has even inspired a short documentary titled How To Get To Heaven From Belfast, which showcases the route and the natural beauty awaiting visitors.
Getting Started: Planning Your Trip
- Timing: Late spring to early autumn provides the best weather for coastal walks and photography.
- Duration: The drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes; public transport can add up to 2 hours, depending on connections.
- What to Pack: Comfortable walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, a reusable water bottle and a camera or smartphone for capturing the views.
By Car: The Scenic Route
Driving from Belfast to Murlough Bay is the most flexible way to experience the journey. Follow these steps:
- Leave Belfast via the A2 heading east toward Newtownards.
- Continue on the A2 past Bangor, enjoying the coastal road that offers glimpses of the Irish Sea.
- Take the exit for Ballywalter Road and follow signs for Portaferry.
- After crossing the Portaferry Bridge, follow the local signs to Murlough Bay. The final stretch winds through rolling farmland and offers occasional pull‑outs where you can pause for a photo.
Along the way, you’ll pass several points of interest that are worth stopping at, such as the historic town of Newcastle and the iconic Scrabo Tower. Both locations provide excellent viewpoints and a chance to stretch your legs before reaching the ultimate destination.
By Public Transport: Bus and Train Options
If you prefer to leave the car at home, public transport provides a comfortable and eco‑friendly alternative. The combination of train and bus services connects Belfast with the coastal villages that lead to Murlough Bay.
- Take a Northern Ireland Railways service from Belfast Lanyon Place to Bangor. Trains run roughly every 30 minutes during peak times.
- From Bangor, board the Ulsterbus 202 towards Portaferry. The bus follows the same coastal road as the car route, offering scenic views from the window.
- Get off at the Portaferry stop and catch the local Portaferry‑Murlough Bay shuttle, a community‑run service that runs twice daily in the summer months.
While the journey takes longer than driving, the changing scenery and the chance to relax without navigating traffic can make the experience just as rewarding. The documentary mentioned earlier captures the bus ride, highlighting the relaxed pace and the conversations you might have with fellow travellers.
What to See Along the Way
Whether you travel by car or bus, the route offers several attractions that add depth to your adventure:
- Bangor Marina: A perfect spot for a quick coffee and a view of yachts bobbing on the water.
- Mount Stewart Gardens: A short detour leads to these historic gardens, renowned for their seasonal flower displays.
- Scrabo Tower: Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Strangford Lough area, a great prelude to the coastal vistas at Murlough Bay.
- Portaferry Castle Ruins: Explore the