Northern Ireland travel guide

Northern Ireland travel guide

It is impossible not to mention borders and politics when writing a Northern Ireland travel guide, but we aim to play with those concepts a little. What we love about Northern Ireland are its mountains, rivers, dramatic coastlines, islets and lakes. The island as a whole has a worldwide reputation for its gorgeous green landscapes, and when you visit Northern Ireland you will soon realise that this beauty doesn’t stop for a border, hard or soft.

I loved the fact that Northern Ireland was so easy to get around by train and on foot. It was all so easy, especially as the booking and luggage transfers were handled for us.

Tourists have long resisted Northern Ireland for fear of conflict or, naively, because they think it has all been destroyed by years of strife and politics. In fact it’s the opposite, as a relative lack of tourism means that so much of the country remains untouched. If we go back to the Greek meaning of ‘politics’, polis, we’ll discover it means ‘community’. And after years of strife and nigh on isolation in terms of tourism, all communities throughout Northern Ireland give visitors the finest of welcomes, delighted to share their peaceful and pretty part of the world.

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Northern Ireland is…

small, meaning that mountains, coasts and glens are all within an hour’s reach.

Northern Ireland isn’t…

laden with tourists. It is laden with controversial history and current affairs though, so do inform yourself before you go. And be sensitive.

Things to do in Northern Ireland…

Walking in Northern Ireland is a revelation, as many trails are very quiet compared with other parts of the UK. Crowds flock to the Giant’s Causeway, for example, but few realise that you can also walk for a couple of days along the 55km Causeway Coast Way, taking in the magnificent Antrim coast, long strands and tiny fishing villages, the bird haven of Rathlin Island and the magnificent Giant’s Causeway itself on a self guided walking holiday. The Glens of Antrim are another glorious walking spot, just one of many highlights along the country’s long distance Ulster Way walking trail. Eat, drink and be merry, with Northern Ireland boasting fine food and, not surprisingly great drink. Don’t miss out on a trip to Bushmills Distillery with the town hosting a Salmon and Whiskey Festival in June. Seek out a pint of Guinness in a traditional pub, such as Mary McBride’s in the small coastal village of Cushendun. This village is in the heart of the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Belfast has a celebrated culinary scene, and the country has some great seafood festivals too, such as the Oyster Festival in Hillsborough in September. Go on a railway holiday in Ireland as train travel from the North and throughout the island is very efficient. On a tailor made railway holiday you will have everything booked for you, transfers organised to hotels and an array of recommended activities.

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Things not to do in Northern Ireland…

Don’t assume that Northern Ireland is dangerous. Violent episodes are rare nowadays although the two week build up to 12th July marching season can be tricky. You’ll see Unionist flags flying all over traditionally Protestant areas at this time; do be sensitive when questioning people about political or religious issues during this period. Although integration between Catholic and Protestant communities is much more par for the course these days, it is still a sensitive area for some people. If you are visiting the famous political murals, for example, remember that these are still serious expressions of political opinion, sometimes aggressive ones, and not just tourist attractions or museum pieces. Northern Irish people are generally optimistic about maintaining peace in their country, but the wounds of the past are still healing for many. Don’t be shy. The Northern Irish love to talk, tell and share stories. It is part of their way to just start a conversation out of nowhere. Don’t forget your passport, even if arriving from another part of the UK. UK citizens do not require a passport to enter Ireland, north or south, but you will need some form of photo ID such as a driving licence. Don’t join the car brigade. Northern Irish people famously love their cars, but there are great train and bus networks, and we have plenty of tailor made, self guided holidays where all the logistics are organised for you, too. So you can sit back and let it all be done for you, be it travelling throughout the island by train, or just focusing on the Causeway Coast.

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Written by Catherine Mack

Northern Ireland travel guide