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A taste of Northern Ireland

As holiday destinations go, Northern Ireland may not be the first place to trip off the tongue. Yet this small country, a part of the UK, offers the tourist smart city sophistication coupled with stunning coastal scenery.

Belfast, the country’s capital, is the main point of entry from the UK mainland, with flights directly into George Best International Airport from over a dozen airports. The airport is only minutes away from the city centre, and Belfast has grown to become a cosmopolitan city packed with entertainment venues, high quality restaurants, museums and galleries to be enjoyed.

Car and passenger ferries from Scotland to Larne and Belfast are modern and fast, and there is an eight-hour crossing available from Liverpool.

Belfast International Airport is some 16 miles from the centre of the city, close to the shores of Lough Neagh. This huge, freshwater lake is a haven for all kinds of wildlife and is the ideal pace for some peaceful boating and fishing. Cycle trails circle the lake for those with more energy, and close by there are opportunities for waterspouts, paintballing and golf.

Travelling up the north-east coast brings the visitor to the Glens of Antrim, nine valleys with spectacular walks through forested paths and rivers and waterfalls to explore and enjoy. Heading west around the coast leads to one of the natural wonders of the world: the Giant’s Causeway. This geological marvel is a World Heritage site and its 38,000 hexagonal basalt columns were formed 60 million years ago through volcanic activity.

In the far north-west of Northern Ireland lies the country’s second city, Derry, designated UK City of Culture in 2013. This walled gem has a fascinating history, and with its galleries, theatres, fine restaurants, and music scene, Derry has a real cultural vibe.

No visit to Northern Ireland would be complete without a visit to a bar and a drop of the black stuff: the iconic pint of Guinness!