NORTHERN IRELAND
A land of breathtaking coastline, legendary landscapes, and vibrant cities. This guide will help you explore a region rich in political history, unique cultural traditions, and world-famous natural wonders, from the Giant’s Causeway to the heart of Belfast.
Why Visit The North of Ireland?
A Giant Coastline: Discover the dramatic, basalt column formations of the Giant’s Causeway and the scenic Causeway Coastal Route.
Rich and Complex History: Explore historic Walled City of Derry~Londonderry and delve into the story of the Titanic in Belfast.
Vibrant Culture and Pub Scene: Experience legendary Irish hospitality, traditional music, and cosy pubs with a roaring fire.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): The ideal time for outdoor activities with fewer crowds. The weather is milder, and autumn foliage is beautiful in the glens and parks.
Peak Season (June-August): Offers the longest daylight hours and warmest weather, perfect for touring and festivals. Book accommodations well in advance as popular sites are busy.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): Expect chilly, damp weather and shorter days. This is the best time for budget travel and enjoying the cosy atmosphere of traditional pubs.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Belfast & The Titanic Quarter
Belfast, the capital city, has undergone a transformation, now a vibrant hub of culture, food, and history. The Titanic Quarter is home to the world-class Titanic Belfast museum and historic shipyard.
Your Smart Tip: Take a Black Taxi Tour to gain an invaluable local perspective on the city’s recent political history and the famous murals.
The Causeway Coastal Route & North Coast
This iconic driving route features the Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the historic ruins of Dunluce Castle. It is a must-see for dramatic scenery and Game of Thrones filming locations.
Your Smart Tip: To beat the crowds at the Giant’s Causeway, plan to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Derry~Londonderry & The Walled City
Londonderry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland. Its intact 17th-century walls offer a unique perspective on a city with a turbulent, but ultimately inspiring, history.
Your Smart Tip: Walk the mile-long city walls to gain a great sense of the city’s layout and historical significance. The free walking tours are highly recommended.
The Mourne Mountains & Fermanagh Lakelands
The Mourne Mountains in County Down offer spectacular granite peaks and excellent hiking trails. To the west, the Fermanagh Lakelands are a peaceful network of islands and waterways around Lough Erne.
Your Smart Tip: Rent a kayak or boat in the Lakelands to explore the ancient monastic sites on the islands, like Devenish, for a tranquil escape.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is typically oceanic, meaning it is mild, wet, and changeable year-round. Summers are mild, and winters are chilly but rarely severe. Always carry a waterproof jacket.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: English is the official language. The local accent is often strong, and a number of unique Ulster-Scots words are used (e.g., ‘wee’ for small, ‘craic’ for fun/gossip).
The Rounds: In a pub setting, it’s customary to buy drinks in ’rounds,’ where each person buys a drink for the whole group in turn. Skipping your round is impolite.
Respectful Dialogue: Be mindful when discussing politics or ‘The Troubles.’ It is a sensitive subject. Listen more than you speak and be respectful of different viewpoints.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($25–$50), mid-range hotels ($90–$150), luxury ($180+). Prices are higher in Belfast and on the North Coast in summer.
Food: Hearty pub lunch/Ulster Fry ($10–$20), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($30–$55 per person), fine dining ($70+).
Transport: Car rental ($40/day), train ticket (regional).
Activities: Major attractions (Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre, Titanic Belfast) ($20–$35), Black Taxi Tour ($45–$60).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $75–$110 (hostels, market/takeaway food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $130–$200 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $220+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Car: Essential for exploring the Causeway Coastal Route, the Glens of Antrim, and the rural areas at your own pace.
By Train & Bus: Public transport connects major cities and towns well, though services to rural areas are less frequent.
In Cities: Belfast and Derry~Londonderry are highly walkable.
Must-Try Food
Ulster Fry: The legendary full breakfast, including bacon, sausage, egg, tomato, and both soda and potato bread.
Champ: Creamy mashed potatoes mixed with chopped scallions (spring onions), milk, and butter.
Irish Stew: A hearty, comforting stew of lamb or beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Belfast Bap: A large, crusty bread roll typically filled with the ingredients of an Ulster Fry.
Vegetable Roll: A blend of seasoned lean beef, herbs, and vegetables (despite the name, it’s not vegetarian).
Seafood Chowder: A rich and creamy soup packed with local fish and shellfish.
Lough Neagh Eel: A local delicacy, often served smoked or pan-fried.
Fifteens: A traditional no-bake traybake made with condensed milk, crushed biscuits, marshmallows, and glacé cherries.
Yellowman: A local version of honeycomb or rock candy, traditionally sold at the Ould Lammas Fair.
Soda Bread: A dense, traditional bread leavened with bicarbonate of soda and buttermilk.
Must-Try Drinks
Irish Whiskey: Northern Ireland is home to distilleries like Old Bushmills, producing world-renowned single malts.
Guinness: The world-famous stout, often enjoyed in the warm atmosphere of a traditional pub.
Local Craft Beer/Ale: An expanding scene with many local breweries producing excellent pale ales, stouts, and lagers.
Irish Coffee: A warm blend of coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and a layer of cream.
Cider: Armagh is known as the ‘Orchard County’ and produces excellent local craft ciders.
Shorts: A measure of whiskey or brandy mixed with a splash of water, popular as a digestif.
Cream Liqueur: While Baileys is famous, look for locally made Irish cream liqueurs.
Tea: The ‘lifeblood’ of the region; Northern Ireland has one of the highest tea consumptions per capita in the world.
Mineral: A general term for soft drinks or carbonated beverages.
Club Orange/Red Lemonade: Popular, distinctly Irish fizzy drinks you’ll find everywhere.