Northern Ireland holidays

The smallest country in the United Kingdom brims with giant-sized attractions. On a holiday to Northern Ireland, you’ll discover dramatic coastal cliffs, lush green glens and mountains that have inspired literary giants. There’s also plenty here for the urban traveller. In Belfast, shipbuilding history merges with cutting-edge music and food scenes, while Derry’s pubs offer some of the warmest welcomes on the island.

Top destinations in Northern Ireland

Belfast

The capital of Northern Ireland is a bucket-list destination for history buffs. Explore Victorian architecture, must-see museums and the old shipyards that built the Titanic.

Derry

The past breathes through every corner of Derry. Admire 400-year-old city walls, visit countless traditional pubs, and see poignant murals paying homage to the region’s troubled past.

Northern Ireland: fast facts

Language

English

Currency

Pound sterling (£)

Time zone

Belfast - UTC+0 (GMT) and UTC+1 (BST)

High season

June – August

Low season

January – March

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Northern Ireland holiday highlights

Northern Ireland
Tourism Northern Ireland

Visit the stepping stones

The Giant’s Causeway is a collection of around 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed up to 60 million years ago. According to Irish legend, the giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill built it to cross the sea to face a rival in Scotland. Visiting this UNESCO-protected site is a journey into natural history and folklore and it’s one of the most popular things to do in Northern Ireland.

See live music

From lively trad sessions to global icons like Van Morrison, music is key to Belfast’s cultural identity. In 2021, it became the third city in the UK to receive the UNESCO City of Music title. There are dozens of venues to explore, like the Belfast Empire Music Hall. And the Northern Ireland Music Exhibition is a must for an overview of the country’s musical heritage.

Hike the mountains

The Mourne Mountains are the tallest and most dramatic mountain range in the country. Their granite tors and otherworldly landscapes inspired CS Lewis’ ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ and served as filming locations for ‘Game of Thrones’. For a supersized taste of adventure, hike the iconic Mourne Wall Challenge trail or stand atop the country’s highest point on Slieve Donard.

Things to do in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland
Tourism Northern Ireland

Top attractions

Join thousands retracing a giant’s footsteps while enjoying Atlantic views and spotting seabirds at the Giant’s Causeway. Or cross between the green cliffs of the Antrim Coast on the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, suspended 30 metres above the crashing sea. In Belfast, the city’s celebrated seafaring history comes to life at the docks, ships and museums along the Maritime Mile.

Beaches

Some of the most famous beaches in Northern Ireland sit along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route. Fans of the television series ‘Game of Thrones’ will recognise Ballintoy Harbour. Experience the traditional seaside charm of Portrush. West Strand Beach is a surfing hotspot, and Whiterocks Beach dazzles with its limestone cliffs. Near Derry, stroll along 11 kilometres of golden sands at Benone Beach.

Nature

Nature sparkles here, from misty mountains to verdant countryside to the craggy coastline of the Irish Sea. Explore the Glens of Antrim, nine narrow valleys carved out during the Ice Age. Gaze down a sheer dolerite cliff at Fair Head, or admire the limestone Marble Arch Caves. One of the UK’s largest lakes, Lough Neagh is great to experience on a boat tour.

Cuisine

Kick-start your day with an ‘Ulster fry’, a hearty breakfast of bacon, sausage, egg, tomato, bread and black pudding. Popular comfort dishes like Irish stew and ‘champ’ (milk and butter–laden mashed potato with spring onions) are favourites at restaurants in Northern Ireland. For a sweet treat, try ‘yellowman’ (chewy, honeycomb-like toffee). It’s a popular snack at August’s annual Ould Lammas Fair in Ballycastle.

Culture and museums

Retelling the story of one of the world’s most famous ships, the interactive Titanic Belfast is among the top museums in Northern Ireland. Discover Irish art and history alongside dinosaurs, meteorites and mummies at the free Ulster Museum. Royal castles, some dating back to the 12th century, dot the coastline and countryside. Step back in time at Carrickfergus Castle and the ruined Dunluce Castle.

Nightlife

Historic pubs, legendary music venues and pulsating dance clubs make Belfast the beating heart of Northern Ireland’s nightlife scene. Hop between beer gardens and cocktail bars in the Cathedral Quarter, or catch live gigs at The SSE Arena and Ulster Hall. In Derry, trad music sessions and flowing pints of Guinness keep the good times going late into the night.

Find the best time to visit Northern Ireland

Weather in Northern Ireland through the year

March – May: Spring weather means wildflower blooms at Tollymore Forest Park and the return of migratory birds to Murlough National Nature Reserve. Saint Patrick’s Day is a national holiday, so hotels fill up fast.

June – August: Summer brings the mildest weather, with highs around 18°C and up to 17 hours of daylight. It’s one of the best times to visit Northern Ireland for coastal walks, forest trails and mountain hikes.

September – November: The temperatures and tourist crowds drop as autumn sets in. Visit the Glens of Antrim for a stunning display of foliage.

December – February: Winter is cold and typically overcast, with light snowfall possible in the mountains. Embrace the festive spirit at the Belfast Christmas Market.

Events in Northern Ireland

Saint Patrick’s Day (March): The entire country turns green to celebrate the patron saint of the Emerald Isle on 17 March. Expect Carnival-style parades, live music and street markets everywhere from Armagh to Belfast and Derry.

Belsonic (June): Belfast’s Ormeau Park is the backdrop for a month-long concert series drawing around 15,000 fans for big-name rock and pop acts. Past headliners include Alanis Morissette and Snow Patrol.

Derry Halloween (October): Europe’s largest Halloween event transforms Derry into a celebration inspired by the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Expect ghostly trails, fireworks displays and the Carnival of the Dead Parade with fearsome characters, fire-breathing dragons and samba drumming.

Know before you go

Budget

With some smart planning, cheap holidays to Northern Ireland are doable. Belfast can be more expensive than other cities — here, you can expect to pay around 15 British pounds (£) for an inexpensive meal. A local beer costs about £6, and a short taxi ride is in the neighbourhood of £7.

Health and safety

Ticks and mosquitoes can be rife in natural areas, so wear insect repellent and protective clothing. No special vaccinations are required to visit Northern Ireland, and tap water is safe to drink everywhere. When hiking, pack layers to handle sudden weather changes and prepare for muddy trails. Be sure to follow the rules of the Countryside Code. That means staying on paths when crossing farmland, leaving no rubbish behind and protecting natural places.

Free things to do

There’s no cost to explore the scenic trails, waterfalls and woodland of Glenariff Forest Park, near Ballymena. If you’re a TV buff, follow Belfast’s Game of Thrones Walking Trail, where six stained-glass windows portray scenes from the series. And while the Giant’s Causeway visitor centre has a fee, access to the stones and coastline is always free.

Family friendly

Watch the cosmos come alive with guided stargazing and outdoor film projections at OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory. Nearby, the seven circles and ten rows of the Beaghmore Stone Circles offer a glimpse into the Bronze Age. For literature fans, the woodland Narnia Trail in Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor, is full of whimsical sculptures and childlike wonder.

Getting around Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland
Tourism Northern Ireland

Public transport

Buses: Translink’s Goldliner, Metro and Ulsterbus services connect most towns, cities and rural villages. Use the Airport Express 300 for easy travel between Belfast International Airport and Belfast’s Grand Central Station.

Trains: Also operated by Translink, NI Railways has services from Belfast to popular cities like Bangor, Derry and Newry. Take the Derry to Coleraine line for a scenic trip amid lush countryside, sandy beaches and maritime cliffs.

Boats: Regular passenger ferries travel to Rathlin Island and cross Strangford Lough, linking the villages of Strangford and Portaferry. Services also connect to England, Scotland and the Isle of Man.

Domestic flights

You’ll find two major airports located in Belfast and a smaller one in Derry. But domestic flights are rare and generally unnecessary. The region’s compact size makes it fast and convenient to get around by road or rail.

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Driving and car hire

Remember to drive on the left, and carry your driver’s license and proof of insurance at all times. The country’s longest highway, the M1, stretches for 61 kilometres from Belfast to Dungannon. For a scenic road trip, cruise along the Causeway Coastal Route, framed by mountain peaks and sea cliffs.

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FAQs about Northern Ireland holidays

Belfast is the perfect introduction to Northern Ireland, blending shipbuilding heritage with some of the country’s best museums and a vibrant pub scene. For a more relaxed getaway, try the seaside resort of Portrush. You’ll have long sandy beaches, surf spots and the Giant’s Causeway at your fingertips.
In two to three days, you can see the major highlights in Belfast, but Northern Ireland deserves much more of your attention. Plan a week or more to explore natural wonders along the Causeway Coastal Route and go hiking around the Sperrins Mountains.
Summer is one of the best times to visit Northern Ireland. The days are long, the temperatures are mild, and the water at the beaches is a little less frigid. You’ll experience fewer crowds at the big attractions if you visit in spring and autumn. Like the rest of the UK, the weather here is unpredictable year-round, so pack a raincoat.
Northern Ireland is a safe destination for tourists and has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. Most incidents are limited to big cities, such as Belfast and Derry. If you hire a car, lock any valuables out of sight and use secure car parks when possible.
English is the most widely spoken language in Northern Ireland, but people also speak Irish and Ullans (Ulster Scots). If you want to learn some local phrases, try ‘bout ye’ (how are you) and ‘sláinte’ (cheers).
Northern Ireland uses the British pound (£), the same as in the rest of the United Kingdom. ATMs are easy to find in towns and cities, and credit, debit card and mobile payments are all widely accepted. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but 10% is appreciated for good service in restaurants.