“When I told the people of Northern Ireland that I was an atheist, a woman in the audience stood up and said, ‘Yes, but is it the God of the Catholics or the God of the Protestants in whom you don’t believe?”
Quentin Crisp
Top Five Destinations In Northern Ireland
- Belfast Is the bustling capital of Northern Ireland, full of charm, a unique history, a music scene, and the quirky Titanic Quarter. The Titanic was built and launched from Belfast Harbor with a fascinating museum on the Titanic.
- Derry-Londonderry Is the only completely walled city in Ireland. Take a walk around the city walls, visit the symbolic Peace Bridge, and learn about the old city’s painful history that still shows its wounds. Known for its “legendary” food scene, your days full of culture and history will be followed by some fun evenings! There are many great pubs to grab a beer.
- Giant’s Causeway Is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for the legendary and mythical giant Finn McCool. Legend has it built the Giant’s Causeway as stepping-stones to Scotland not to get his feet wet. Witness the 40,000 massive black basalt columns rising from the sea. It is sight surreal and remarkable.
- Carrickfergus and Dunluce Castles These two impressive castles. Carrickfergus is the most famous castle in Northern Ireland. The castle and the surrounding area are stunning, and the views are to die for! The Medieval Dunluce Castle ruins are filled with a dramatic history in a breathtaking setting on the Antrim Coast cliffs.
- The Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion are areas of outstanding beauty in Northern Ireland and are one of the most gorgeous places to visit. On the coastline, the town of Newcastle has a beautiful beach. Further inland, but still in touch with nature, you have Tollymore Forest Park and Murlough Nature Reserve, which are full of walking trails through the trees or along the riverbank.
Did you know?
Country Stats
- Population: 1.9 million
- Capital City: Belfast
- Currency: The Pound sterling
- Government type: Consociational devolved legislature within a unitary constitutional monarchy
- Legislature: Northern Ireland Assembly
- Ethnic groups: 98.21% White 1.06% Asian 0.20% Black 0.53% other
- Languages: English Regional languages Irish, Ulster-Scots
- Religions: Protestant 48.4%, Catholic 45.1%, Other 0.9%
- US State Department Risk Level: 2 due to terrorism
- Terrorist groups: IRA, CIRA, ONH, IRB, and ANP
- Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland), but it is not part of Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland)
- “God Save The Queen” is the national anthem of Northern Ireland.
- Northern Ireland is divided into six counties—Antrim, Armagh, Derry/Londonderry, Tyrone, Fermanagh, and Down.
- GDP $49 Billion.
- Lough Neagh, a splat in the middle of the country, is the largest lake in the U.K. and among the top 40 largest lakes in Europe.
- Slieve Donnard is the highest mountain in Northern Ireland.
- Northern Ireland’s longest river is the River Bann, at 80 miles.
- Inventions from Northern Ireland included pneumatic terror.
- Leading industries in Northern Ireland are shipbuilding, rope manufacturing, textiles, and service.
- Life expectancy is 80 years old.
Fun Facts
- Almost half of the Northern Ireland population is under 30 years old, so it’s no surprise that the nightlife is lively.
- Three American presidents (Jackson, Buchanan, and Arthur) were first-generation Americans whose fathers were born in Ulster. Seven more U.S. presidents have close roots in the country.
- The Giant’s Causeway has been around 50-60 million years.
- Bushmills Irish Whiskey has been made there since 1608 in the world’s oldest whiskey distillery.
- Northern Ireland is where some of Game of Thrones was filmed – both in the studio and on location. This has put certain areas on the map and increased tourism.
- In Northern Ireland, going to the cinema on Sundays is technically illegal. This is due to a 1991 law in observation of the Sabbath.
- Since the Good Friday Agreement, signed in 1998, Northern Ireland has erected numerous “peace walls.” These walls separate Catholic and Protestant communities whose members cannot get along. They are there for the safety of the residents living near one another. To this day, in areas with ongoing issues, some gates are closed and locked at sundown.
- Nearly all the schools in Northern Ireland (93%) are segregated according to the country’s two major religious groups: Catholics and Protestants.
- Famous People of Northern Ireland, C S Lewis (Writer), Kenneth Branagh 1 (Actor), Liam Nelson (Actor), and film director James Nesbitt (Actor) and George Best Soccer player.
Northern Ireland Map
Good to know before you go
- Tipping at restaurants is usually unnecessary; you’ll likely find that a service charge has already been added to your bill. You can leave a little more if you’re extra happy with the service. If you are unsure if a service charge has been included, you can tip your server 10 percent of the total bill. At bars and pubs, tipping is uncommon. For housekeeping services, the usual rule is 1-2 euros per night, and for a bell person, 1 euro per bag. If the hotel is small and staffed directly by the owners, such as a small bed and breakfast, no tipping is expected. Taxi drivers and car services in Ireland generally do not expect a tip, but you can round up your fare to the nearest even amount if you like.
- Northern Ireland accepts credit cards everywhere.
- Overall, clothing is casual and well-kept, so you will find them often wearing jeans and comfortable shoes.
- Driving is on the left side of the road. Don’t let that scare you. It becomes second nature quickly. Without a car, you will miss so much. The roads are good, with many high-speed highways and without tolls. The backcountry is easy to navigate, but it is rural, so you come across slow-moving machinery or cows on the road.
- While in Belfast, stop at The Crown Liquor Saloon, also known as the Crown Bar. We made a stop there, and it was fantastic. What a treat for the eyes with its elaborate tiling, stained glass, and woodwork by Italian craftsmen. Built in 1826 and refurbished in 1885, it is a true example of a Victorian gin palace and one of Northern Ireland’s best-known pubs. Grab some grub, sit back, and absorb this magical step back in time.
- Handshakes are the most common way to greet people in Ireland. Firm Handshakes with eye contact are customary at the beginning and end of a conversation. Even if you don’t know them, using the person’s first name is typically appropriate in Ireland.
- However, some Irish people are sensitive about religion and recent conflicts in their country. Stay away from talking about the IRA and the Troubles.
- Do not smoke in public spaces. Pubs may designate areas for smokers.
- Swearing is common. Don’t be taken back; this is their norm.
- Hugging, touching, or being physically with others in public is inappropriate in Ireland. Avoid using PDAs and respect people’s personal space.
- When we travel to Ireland, we stay almost exclusively at Bed and Breakfasts. There is something special about them in Ireland in general. The hosts’ warmth, these incredible breakfasts, and getting to know more of the locals seem to bring these people closer to you. It makes the experience more authentic. We highly encourage it.
- Want to tackle your fear of heights? Cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which spans two 90-foot cliff faces with crashing waves below.
- The Ulster Fry is one of the best-known dishes in Northern Ireland. While it contains ingredients that will put healthy eaters in terror, it is delicious: bacon, egg, soda bread, sausage, potato bread, mushrooms, fried tomato, baked beans, and pudding.
- If you’re heading to the Giant’s Causeway, you’ll pass through the town of Bushmills. Bushmills Irish Whiskey has been made there since 1608 and is the world’s oldest whiskey distillery.
- It is a safe country. Take the usual precautions.
When to go to Northern Ireland
The best time to visit Northern Ireland is from May to September. The days are the longest, and the temperatures are comparatively pleasant. Tourism in Northern Ireland is growing in popularity, but you will not see crowds like in other U.K. areas. The shoulder season is not quite like in other places.
The warmest temperatures are in the summer months of June, July, and August. On average, a daytime temperature of 64 °F to 67 °F is in these months, while night temperatures of around 50 °F are typical in the summer. The number of hours of sunshine is relatively shorter year-round; only Scotland has even less sunlight. In winter, it is not very cold; even in January, the average is 43 F; additionally, it is a rainy country.
Many travelers still avoid Northern Ireland as a “conflict zone,” although the violence is in the past. Northern Ireland is a safe destination full of beauty, rich history, famous landmarks, adventure, and vibrant cities.
- Summer 49-65 °F (9-18 °C)
- Spring 37-59 °F (3-15 °C)
- Fall 39-61 °F (4-16 °C)
- Winter 35-44 °F (2-7 °C)
Our Favorite Northern Ireland Resources
This resource section contains some Amazon affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Travel Books/Guides
On our second visit to Ireland, we spent two days in Northern Ireland, and we were pretty fascinated and moved by this area with many wounds, but that kept vitality to it. There aren’t many guides out there specifically in Northern Ireland, but the ones we suggest do a nice job, as well as the official tourism site and the internet.
Insight Guides Great Breaks Belfast (Travel Guide)
Belfast is an exciting place despite its troubled past. This guide suggests 10 easy-to-follow walks and tours around Belfast, taking in sites such as the Titanic Quarter, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, and the astonishing Giant’s Causeway. Three additional excursions into Northern Ireland’s beautiful countryside and coastline are included. Each unique walk is accompanied by full-color photographs, clear maps, and many recommendations for eating and drinking. Features on the local culture focus on what makes Belfast unique. Discover this travel guide here.
Rick Steves Snapshot Northern Ireland by Rick Steves and Pat O’Connor
Full disclosure: We are huge Rick Steve fans. It will be rare if we do not recommend one of his wonderful guides, and it is no different. This is one of his smaller snapshot versions. This compact guide offers travel tips on Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Portrush, the Antrim Coast, Derry, and County Donegal. His off-the-beaten-path approach and independent travel philosophy match well with how we travel. The guides never disappoint. Find this must-have guide here.
Our favorite websites
1. Northern Ireland tourism site
2. Things to do in Belfast by City Tours Belfast
3. U.S. Department of State: Bureau of Consular Affairs Northern Ireland Country Info
We cannot encourage you enough to visit this website as you plan and prepare for your trip. This is the U.S. Federal Government addressing the safety, security, travel risk, entry, exit, visa documents mandates, emergency U.S. and Embassy contacts, health, local laws, special circumstances, threats, traveler vulnerabilities, government warnings, and transportation In Luxembourg. This is your best and most reliable resource for all this important info. Check back often before you go, as things can change quickly. Being prepared is essential in all travel, but especially internationally.
Northern Ireland International Travel Information (state.gov)
3. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Travelers Health Resource
This CDC travel resource provides essential health info for your specific destination. Using their tool, you can determine which vaccines, medications, and health advice recommendations are needed for Northern Ireland.
CDC’s Travelers Health Page for Northern Ireland
Our favorite maps
Ireland National Geographic Adventure Map, 3303
Easy-to-read maps with practical road and travel information. There are no specific maps of Northern Ireland, but this one does a nice job. Major sites and landmarks are well-marked. Mapped road network with distances and designations for major highways to the off-the-beaten-path roads. Though we default to Google Maps, this came in handy when service was poor or during construction detours. Find this essential map here.
Our favorite apps
Google Maps: Trip and Holiday Organizer. The app instantly displays all your travel options, restaurants, activities, and accommodations when you enter any address, landmark, or city. We have come to rely on it when using public transportation; it has been flawless in getting us on the right bus or metro. Find it on your App Store.
Google Translate: We use this often to practice proper pronunciations of any language we encounter while traveling. As we always encourage, it is essential to learn the basics of greeting and thanking people in the local language. Google Translate was an easy app to use. If needed, you can enter text in English, and it will speak back in the language you need to aid in communicating with locals.
Rick Steve’s Audio Europe This app includes a vast library of Rick Steve’s audio content. It also provides cultural and travel information, including self-guided tours of top attractions and historic walks. This app is a must-have. Find it on your local App Store.
To check out the best travel apps, visit Best Travel Apps for the Savvy Traveler.
Do you have a favorite Northern Ireland travel resource? Share your favorites in the comments section at the bottom of this page or
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Flights, Accommodations, and Everything You Need to Book in One Place
Are you planning a vacation this year? Start your research early to explore your options and find what fits your budget. By booking your own travel, you’ll uncover great deals and have complete control over your itinerary. The links below can be used for all elements of your trip, not just accommodations.
It is essential to price out accommodations on various sites. Expedia is a US-based company, whereas Booking.com is Europe-based. Not all properties appear on both, so it is ideal to check both out. Our personal first choice is Booking.com. If the establishment has a website, check the price there as well. Click the link below to check out hotels and vacation homes in the area. It may be just the motivation you need to start planning that next grand adventure.
Check out all our travel guides by clicking here.
Our Northern Ireland Gallery
Our Top Recommended Travel Products
Travel Insurance
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Our favorite travel insurance site!
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To empower you as a consumer, we recommend you read our blog post on why travel insurance is essential and how to secure the best coverage from leading companies at an affordable price.
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Accommodations and Airfare
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Transportation
Expedia and VRBO
Hotels, home rentals, BNBs, flights, and other transportation & tours
Expedia is a U.S.-based company with a mission to make global travel accessible to everyone, everywhere. At Wanderers Compass, we embrace independent travel, and platforms like Expedia are essential to making that a reality. Expedia allows you to book every aspect of your trip—from flights and accommodations to rental cars, cruises, and activities—making it a one-stop shop for all your travel needs.
Daytrip
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Travel Experiences
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Communication products for seamless connectivity overseas
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Shopping
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