Northern Ireland. What are you waiting for?
The Land of Giants
Rugged coastlines, open landscapes and warm welcomes are in abundance in Northern Ireland. But there’s more to Northern Ireland than epic sights and world-class experiences – there's a spirit. This is a land that resounds with myths and legends from the Sperrin Mountains to the Giant’s Causeway.
It has ease of access with two airport options. Fly into City of Derry on the North Western Coast or into Belfast to the East – a story of two cities. Northern Ireland is full of hidden gems, spread from coast to coast. You will experience some of the very best cities, but most importantly what areas outside of the cities have to offer. Gain insight into the culture, learn about traditions and meet some local characters.
A Story of Two Cities
City of Derry & the North West
As the only remaining example of a completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. City of Derry brings 15th-century architecture and modern creativity together. Home of the City Walls and the Derry Girls Mural. Unlock the city with a walking tour, take in the architecture of the magnificent Peace Bridge. Discover a place of words outside of the city at Seamus Heaney Homeplace in the village of Ballaghy. Journey through the life and works of this literary giant, the people and landscape that so inspired his work. Bake bread while infusing a jar of gin exactly to your tastes at Digging for Bread and Gin, a bakehouse cookery school in the same village. Further south in Fermanagh you can Delve into the Deep at the Marble Arch Caves, and climb the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail and see why it’s known locally as the ‘Stairway to Heaven’. Join seventh generation fisherman Garry on Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the UK and Ireland, it’s large but little known. Discover traditional fishing methods and tales at Lough Neagh Stories.
Belfast & the East
In Belfast you’ll find Titanic Belfast, the city is the birthplace of the largest most luxurious ship in the world. Take yourself down to the Edwardian-era Thompson Dry Dock. There is still a sense of those Belfast trades, those carpenters, fitters, plumbers and apprentices who made Titanic. Nine galleries – tracing the ship’s story from creation to tragic sinking – await at Titanic Belfast. Outside of the city you can enjoy Whiskey on the Rocks at the Giant’s Causeway. Sip Bushmills 12-year-old Distillery Reserve whiskey - from the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery - sitting on basalt rocks in a quiet spot. A visit to Sheans Horse Farm will lift you off the ground as you ride along the coast on horseback. In Ballycastle, local man and Game of Thrones star Flip Robinson of Giant Tours Ireland will show you around the filming locations of the iconic television series. From Ballycastle you can take the boat out to Rathlin Island, a boat tour along the coast is ideal for birdwatchers, look out for the puffins.
Take a trip out of town...
The Causeway Coastal Route
Stretching from Belfast to City of Derry and taking in some of Ireland’s most incredible sights, the Causeway Coastal Route is legendary. Enjoytravel.com recently voted Belfast to Gobbins the most scenic drive in the UK. Hugging the Atlantic coast, the route is studded with sandy beaches, fishing villages, valleys, and clifftop paths. Absorbing this epic landscape from the car is wonderful but other senses could be missing out. The sounds of the crashing waves, the birds soaring above, the salty taste from the sea on your lips and the wind whistling past your ears – these are all parts of this legendary land’s beauty.
Gems along the way
Settle down in a B&B, cosy cottage, or hotel in one of the welcoming towns or villages and pick a few gems to explore each day. Like Away A Wee Walk (guided walking tour along the coast), Catch and Sea Portstewart (food experience) or Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Every second on the Causeway Coastal Route should be savoured every step of the way. Allow the feeling of freedom, freshness and fantasy take hold. In a time of chaos, experience calm in Northern Ireland. What are you waiting for? Jump in your car and drive. Heart soon to be filled with Northern Ireland.
Embrace a Giant Spirit
Soak up the energy and fun of the place, look to the sky lit up with stars. Meet all its creatures, boisterous and friendly. Take some time for you, sit with the peacefulness of this Celtic land. The church bells ring when you are ready to go again. Hear the birds sing, as well as your heart along Northern Ireland’s rugged coast. Stroll along the promenades of Portstewart in City of Derry and Portrush in County Antrim, gaze onto the deep blue. You are here and you are very much alive, embracing Northern Ireland.
