Why Northern Ireland?

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Inspirational locations, stunning landscapes and the friendliest of welcomes Northern Ireland is waiting to be discovered. Spend a day wandering the streets of Belfast, the beating heart of Northern Ireland or make your way out of the city to the ancient Causeway Coastline, home to The Giants Causeway an elemental landscape defined by myth and legend. With a host of magical pubs with accommodation a pint of Guinness has never felt so fitting.

History and Heritage

A country seeped in history defined by a struggle for independence. Formally known as the province of Ulster the formation of Northern Ireland as a separate legal entity was not until 1921 but what followed was decades of troubles between Irish Catholics and Protestants resulting in years of violence which finally ended in 1998 with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. With history and heritage sculpting the modern day Northern Ireland you can immerse yourself in the past that has made Northern Ireland the country it is today.

A country of magic and myth with castles dating back to the 17th century and areas rich in Stone Age archaeology, however nowhere is more prominent than the Causeway Coastline uncovering the tales of the Devil’s Churn and the Giants Causeway. A visit to the birthplace of the Titanic in Belfast, at the Thompson Dry Dock where the past looms large and the soul, story and sorrow of the Titanic are etched all around you. With all the Northern Ireland has to offer you’re guaranteed to have a magical experience in Northern Ireland.

Attractions and Activities

With a plethora of attractions and activities you will never be left wondering what to do in Northern Ireland. Aside from the unmistakable draw of Belfast and the Causeway coast there are a host of other breathtaking attractions to keep you engrossed. Heading south west towards the coast you stumble upon County Fermanagh a water wonderland with an abundance of lakes, rivers, inlets and waterways. With rock carvings dating from 3000BC and the UNESCO marble arch caves County Fermanagh is a dizzying maze of water and charm.

North of Belfast you can find County Antrim and be transported to the world of Game of Thrones. With areas of the region being used as locations for the HBO phenomenon Game of Thrones you can follow in the footsteps of your favourite characters. With an abundance of museums, castles and monasteries there’s a multitude of history and heritage to indulge in. If after all this you are looking for something more thrilling to get the blood pumping there’s an extensive range of outdoor activities to occupy your time in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland has been cemented firmly on the cycling map after the 2014 Giro d’Italia and whether you’re taking on the Grand Fondo challenge or just enjoying cycling around Northern Ireland at your own leisure the region is crammed full of stunning cycle routes cutting through landscapes built by giants and tamed by oceans.

If you prefer a gentler pace there are walking routes for every standard of walker with the St Patrick’s trail a visitor’s favourite following the saint’s trail transporting you back to a time of fearsome Vikings, scholarly monks, and the dying days of pagan Ireland. For the avid golfer Northern Ireland has everything to offer, with over 90 courses each one as stunning as the next you’ll be left in awe of the views at every tee. Combining this with mountain biking and water sports Northern Ireland has everything to offer the adrenaline junkies and families looking to keep active on holiday.

Food and Drink

Northern Ireland is a haven for lovers of good food and drink, with seafood, beef, lamb, dairy produce and fruit and vegetables among the finest in the world and the chance to supplement a range of local produce. However, if you’re feeling more daring Lough Neagh is home to Europe’s greatest source of eels.

Northern Ireland’s rich baking tradition is a delight for visitors and with the recent boom in artisan crafts such as cider brewing and cheese making so for a real taste of Northern Ireland why not wander round the local market and prepare your own meal using the freshest local produce and then head downstairs for a pint of real ale in one of our traditionally Irish pubs. With a plethora of food festivals such as the apple blossom festival, Irish Game Fair and Fine Food Festival there is plenty to excite your palettes. So why not visit one of our stunning pubs with accommodation and discover Northern Ireland today.

(Photo: ©VisitBritain / Britain on View)

Region Map

Pubs in The Region