Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has beauty, friendliness and a fantastic richness. Located in the far north-eastern quadrant of the United Kingdom, it offers visitors a diverse cultural escape.

Welcome to a land of incredible landscapes, warm welcomes, dramatic history and enduring legends. Lay your head down in a medieval castle for a night or two on a rugged coastline listening to the sea on spectacular cliffs. Take a hike through lands painted emerald green and where woolly sheep happily graze. Its a country of colourful contrasts and postcard scenes around every corner.

Belfast is the capital and famed as the birthplace of the Titanic. Visit a real Irish pub, for a change, and enjoy a Guinness and pork pie. Today it’s known for music, food, pubs, bars, comedy and coffee that pulse through the cities veins. There's plenty of festivals, traditions, and live music venues to enjoy, and also a thriving club scene.

The city boasts over 5,000 acres of parklands, museums, a vibrant art scene and rich history. Day trips are popular with nearby easily accessible coastal towns offering incredible views. The seafood is abundant, the bread freshly baked and there’s a rich history to be enjoyed, both modern and ancient.

In Belfast at St. Georges Market, there is excellent food and antiques, and bands playing every weekend. While in Belfast the Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, City Hall or maybe a visit to the famous Crumlin Road Goal are one of several attractions on offer.

Venture out of the capital, and the highlights continue. The ancient walled city of Derry~Londonderry has not only history but lively pubs and brilliant restaurants. One of the best drives is the Causeway Coastal Route from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry. It passes breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences like a walk along Gobbins Cliff Path on the rugged edges of the County Antrim coast.

The Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site, consists of 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns tumbling into the ocean and is one of Northern Ireland's many highlights.

There’s Armagh with two cathedrals named after St Patrick, arty Lisburn with its 18th-century streetscapes and Newry, a modern urban hub with a history dating over 850 years. This is the real Game of Thrones® territory, and now a series of fabulous stained-glass windows lead to this epic story set in this magnificent country. Enjoy Northern Ireland, it can weave a spell, and you may wish to stay.

Best time to visit Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is a country we think you can visit all year round. Summer is peak season with the perfect weather for outdoor activities. Spring and Autumn see lesser people and winter is the low season with some attractions closed but a quiet time for exploring.

Plan for the weather and pass through every season in a single day – it’s not unusual. Even in summer, you may need an extra layer or two. Regardless of the time of year, it's best to plan for cool weather and rain. Northern Ireland averages 225 days of rain annually: hence the name the Emerald Isle.