Northern Ireland Holidays

Northern Ireland holidays provide a fantastic variety of things to do and see. Of course, as the capital city, Belfast is the region's liveliest destination, and here you'll find plenty to keep you busy. The city has made the most of its status as the birthplace of the Titanic in recent years, and there are now several fascinating attractions in the city's own Titanic Quarter. The Titanic Belfast is a particular highlight. This incredibly informative museum, complete with interactive displays and animated projections, tells the story of how the ship was built and the lives of those who built it. For another important look into Belfast's history, a tour of the colourful and often poignant peace wall murals are a must. Elsewhere in the city, the Botanic Gardens make for a serene afternoon, as does a tour of Belfast Castle or a stroll in one of the various leafy parks. There is also the option to visit the extraordinary 18th-century Mount Stewart from Belfast. Undoubtedly one of Northern Ireland's most magnificent stately homes, this National Trust property and its carefully manicured gardens was once a regular haunt to guests such as WB Yeats and Winston Churchill. 

Located in the north of the region, the Antrim coast is another much-loved stop on many Northern Ireland tours. This scenic coastline is home to pretty beaches and traditional resort amusements. The town of Portrush makes a great base for exploring the area; from here you have easy access to wonderful sights and attractions such as the Dunluce Castle ruins, the world's oldest whiskey distillery, and the iconic Giant's Causeway. This sensational rock formation features a series of stone columns, and is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Learn more about how it came to be at the Visitor Experience, then choose from one of the cliff-top or lower coastal paths for a scenic walk. Elsewhere, Lough Erne in County Fermanagh is another much-loved spot. Here you can find relics providing a glimpse back to the area's ancient past, and a boat trip exploring the islands and their wildlife is sure to be a hit. 

Few Northern Ireland trips would feel complete without a visit to the region's other major city, Derry. With a thriving arts and cultural scene, a wide range of dining options and history in abundance, it's certainly worthy of an addition to the itinerary. A wander around the city's walls, dating back to the early 17th century, is a great way to get a feel for its past. St Columb's Cathedral, completed in 1633 and the city's oldest building, provides another fascinating glimpse. The People's Gallery consists of 12 murals painted by three men who lived through the worst of the area's violence during the Troubles, and is an important reminder of the struggles that locals faced during the turbulent era, and how they have come to terms with it since.