Destinations > UK & Ireland > Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland
Belfast, Causeway Coast, Derry/Londonderry, Glens of Antrim, County Down
With its valleys, rugged coastlines, beautiful castles and natural wonders, sights and stories abound in Northern Ireland.
Belfast, having recovered from "The Troubles", has emerged with a new-found confidence and rediscovered appreciation of its past, embodied in the Titanic Quarter. From delving into its turbulent history to discovering some its most stunning natural wonders, Northern Ireland offers something new with every visit.
Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn – Avoid the crowds by travelling in Spring or Autumn and get the most stunning views of the ever-changing colours of the Irish landscapes.
Go for this: Belfast - A melting pot of fantastic restaurants, grand hotels and a surprising hub for film and TV, history fills the streets of Belfast through well preserved architecture and striking murals. Your guide will talk you through the historical turmoil that this city has faced and highlight visible scars from this time.
The Giant’s Causeway – Wander along the world-famous 37,000 basalt columns, whose tops form “stepping-stones” leading from the cliff foot and disappearing under the sea. They reappear on Scotland's island of Staffa, hence the legend that this was a road built by the giant Finn McCool to cross over to Scotland.
But try this: Old Bushmills Distillery - visit the oldest licensed distillery in the world, the Old Bushmills Distillery, set in the historic village of Bushmills for a tour and tasting of their world-famous whiskey.
Game of Thrones Tour – Discover the breath-taking backdrops of this popular series as you delve into the Northern Irish countryside. Explore the famous Dark Hedges, 250-year-old avenue of sculpted beach trees.
Favorite guest experience: Sunrise Fishing – Watch the sunrise over the Altantic oceam as you take to the seas to catch your own breakfast. Experience the whole process from the waters to your plate for a truly inspiring way to start your day.
Hillsborough Castle – Discover HM The Queen’s official residence in Northern Ireland, including all the State Rooms, and explore the 100 acres of beautiful gardens.
Favorite hotels: Culloden Estate - Situated high on the Holywood hills overlooking Belfast Lough and the County Antrim coastline, Culloden Estate & Spa provides the perfect retreat for visitors to Belfast. Originally built as a Bishop's Palace, this Baronial styled castle sits in 12 acres of beautiful gardens and woodland and is only 6 miles from Belfast city.
Lough Erne Resort – Nestled in the Fermanagh Lakelands, enjoy relaxing at this golf and spa resort. The restaurant, Catalina, offers flawless fine dining with an emphasis on local produce.
Favorite restaurants: EIPIC – Enter this intimate and elegant setting and be presented with beautiful plates of modern European cuisine prepared by one of Belfast’s best chefs.
The Muddler’s Club – This simply furnished restaurant with an open kitchen has the quality of produce at the heart of all its food. Unfussy yet exquisite dishes prepared from Ireland’s top ingredients.
Favorite foods: Champ, Ulster Fry, Irish Coffee and Whisky, Fifteens
Best time to visit: The Giant’s Causeway – Wander along the world-famous 37,000 basalt columns, whose tops form “stepping-stones” leading from the cliff foot and disappearing under the sea. They reappear on Scotland's island of Staffa, hence the legend that this was a road built by the giant Finn McCool to cross over to Scotland.
But try this: Old Bushmills Distillery - visit the oldest licensed distillery in the world, the Old Bushmills Distillery, set in the historic village of Bushmills for a tour and tasting of their world-famous whiskey.
Game of Thrones Tour – Discover the breath-taking backdrops of this popular series as you delve into the Northern Irish countryside. Explore the famous Dark Hedges, 250-year-old avenue of sculpted beach trees.
Favorite restaurant: EIPIC – Enter this intimate and elegant setting and be presented with beautiful plates of modern European cuisine prepared by one of Belfast’s best chefs. The Muddler’s Club – This simply furnished restaurant with an open kitchen has the quality of produce at the heart of all its food. Unfussy yet exquisite dishes prepared from Ireland’s top ingredients.
Favorite guest experience: Sunrise Fishing – Watch the sunrise over the Altantic oceam as you take to the seas to catch your own breakfast. Experience the whole process from the waters to your plate for a truly inspiring way to start your day. Hillsborough Castle – Discover HM The Queen’s official residence in Northern Ireland, including all the State Rooms, and explore the 100 acres of beautiful gardens.
Favorite foods: Champ, Ulster Fry, Irish Coffee and Whisky, Fifteens
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