Northern Ireland

Summary
Now that the political upheaval that made news headlines for so many years has been finally resolved, Northern Ireland is breaking onto the tourist scene anew and its vibrant cities are welcoming growing numbers of visitors. Unsurprising given the country’s magnificent historic credentials, mythical legends and spectacular scenery.

From Kingdoms of Down to Giants Causeway and the Mountains of Morne, Northern Ireland’s natural beauty just begs to be explored on foot, by bike or on horseback. There are dramatic coastlines, startling rock formations and lush, green mountains dotted with ancient castles. Top this off with lively nightlife, fuelled by the nation’s favourite black liquid tipple and you have a destination that more than competes with its more popular southern cousin.

Getting there/getting around in Northern Ireland
There are domestic flights to Belfast from all over the UK and George Best Airport is only 2 miles from the city centre. A taxi into town costs around £6. There’s also an international terminal 18 miles north west of the city centre which has an air bus every 30 minutes into town from outside the terminal building.

You can take a ferry across the Irish Sea from various points in north west England and Scotland to Belfast or Larne including Liverpool, Stranraer, Cairnryan, Troon and Fleetwood. Trips take from 15 minutes to eight hours.

Sightseeing in Northern Ireland
Capital city Belfast is at the forefront of Northern Ireland’s revival and its buoyant economy, vibrant café scene and trendy boutique hotels make it a great city break destination. Visit majestic 19th century St Anne’s Cathedral, and its surrounding square, Cathedral Quarter, whose cobbled streets house historic buildings from the art deco and Victorian eras. Then pop across to the 19th century Botanic Gardens and adjoining Ulster Museum where you can get your fill of mature and exotic plants as well as discovering plenty about this city’s lengthy past.

Belfast makes a great base to explore the beautiful surrounding countryside too. Must-sees include the famous Giant’s Causeway, huge basalt columns that line the Northern coastline, which legend says was created by giant Finn MacCool to bring his love back to Ulster from the Hebrides.

In the southern half of Ulster are the breathtaking Kingdoms of Down, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which combine miles of picturesque coastline with forests and are backed by the Mountains of Morne. C S Lewis grew up here and the countryside inspired him to write the Chronicles of Narnia. Soak up its beauty while you enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, cycling, horse riding and fishing.

Family attractions in Northern Ireland
In Belfast visit the Zoo which is spread over 55 acres and has the popular primate trail, gorilla and chimpanzee enclosures, elephant and giraffe house and a pool with glass walls where little ones can see penguins and sea lions frolick underwater.

Take them back to school at the Causeway School Museum, in County Antrim, which was open from 1915-1962 and recreates a 1920s classroom with authentic games like yo-yos, marbles and skipping ropes.

The Exploris Aquarium in the conservation village of Portaferry has discovery pools, a seal sanctuary and an open sea tank. Get interactive at W5, a discovery centre with over 100 exhibits in the Odyssey complex, at Belfast’s Landmark Millennium Project. For more traditional fun, take them to Ark Farm in Newtownards or Tannaghmore Animal Farm and Museum, in Craigavon, County Armagh, where they can pet a variety of farmyard animals.

Day trips from Northern Ireland
There are some incredible, historic castles dotted around the different counties of Northern Ireland with examples dating as far back to Norman times and as recently as the 17th century. Dunluce and Enniskillen are recommended.

Visit the ancient walled city of Derry which you can explore on a guided walk or open-topped bus. Sights en route include the original gates, the 16th century cathedral and the Tower and Harbour museums.

Irish culture has been heavily influenced by the church, so as you can imagine, there are plenty of them to visit. The medieval twin churches of Killevy for example, or the Hole Stone, an ancient Celtic standing stone in which couples traditionally stand and pledge their eternal love. The Nendrum Monastic Site is a magical place dating back over 1,000 years.

Shopping in Northern Ireland
The 19th century St George's Market is one of Belfast’s oldest attractions and the only remaining Victorian covered market around. Plus it’s just been beautifully restored to its former glory. Head there on Fridays for the Variety Market, which showcases everything from antiques to clothes.

For fresh, local and international produce, visit the City Food and Garden Market there on Saturdays.

For high street clothes head to shopping malls like CastleCourt and Forestside. Typical souvenirs from this part of the world include Irish whiskey, bone china from Belleek in Fermanagh and Waterford-quality crystal from Tyrone Crystal.

Restaurants in Northern Ireland
Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter looks set to compete with Dublin’s Temple Bar with its attractive cobbled streets housing uber-cool warehouse eateries and cosy boozers. There are plenty of narrow off-the-beaten-track streets where you’ll discover a hidden restaurant serving traditional favourites such as Irish stew and champ (mashed potato and scallions), soda bread and scones or a huge breakfast fry up, similar to those in Britain.

Fresh seafood features on many menus. Celebrity chef Paul Rankin has trendy restaurants Roscoff Brasserie on Linenhall St, and Cayenne on Shaftsbury Square, in Belfast’s ‘Golden Mile’. There are plenty of other choices in this triangle of streets between Dublin Road, Shaftsbury Square and Great Victorian Street. Or try his casual café chain, Café Paul Rankin, which has outlets in Belfast, County Antrim and Bangor.

Wash those down with a pint of Caffrey’s or a warming nip of Old Bushmills whiskey or a nice cup of tea.

Nightlife in Northern Ireland
Everyone in Ireland goes out to have a ‘craic’ or good time so you’re guaranteed a good night on the tiles wherever you go. In Belfast there are plenty of trendy bars and clubs reflecting the city’s upwardly mobile crowd. Head to the Golden Mile or Cathedral Square.

Elsewhere you’ll always find a pub playing live music where you’ll find yourself chatting to a friendly local. Just don’t get jumpy if your pint of Guinness or Caffreys takes a while to pour – they don’t like to rush these things over here.