For such a small country, Northern Ireland has a lot to offer.
Yet most Americans that travel to the island of Ireland never step foot in the north. People that travel to the South of Ireland generally go there for the scenery, the people, the history, the accommodation, the food and most of all, the craic. If that match’s your list of priorities, you really need to get to Northern Ireland.
Belfast is a smaller city than Dublin but it offers just as much fun. In the past 20 or so years the city has truly changed it’s character from a stodgy shipbuilding colossus, to a vibrant, buzzing city that is fast becoming the place that Europeans head to for a weekend of great food and drink. Restaurants focused on local ingredients are popping up everywhere.
Of course there’s so much more to Northern Ireland than Belfast. Along the south coast you have the Irish Sea, the Mourne Mountains, some beautiful beaches and fun towns. The Coastal Causeway (shown above) is one of the world’s greatest driving routes. On a clear day you can see Scotland but why bother looking when you have vistas like that above. The Antrim Coast offers several ‘can’t miss’ attractions.
Make the north a priority when planning your trip to Ireland or better still, make it your destination. Much to do and see!
Hotels in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is a small country. From Belfast, you can’t drive more than an hour and a half without hitting the border of the Republic of Ireland. So if you don’t want to change hotels each night, book a few nights at Culloden Estate, The Merchant, The Europa or Tara Lodge. From Belfast you can take a few day trips and see most everything that you want to see.
The other option would be to book a night at the Sleive Donard in Newcastle. Hike the Mourne Mountains or play a round of golf at neighboring Royal County Down or up the coast at Ardglass.
From Newcastle you can drive an hour to Belfast and explore the city. When you’ve had enough of city life, head 45 minutes north and west for a relaxing night at Ballygally Castle and enjoy a front row view of the Irish Sea. Head to the Gobbins the next morning and then drive up the Coastal Causeway. Bushmills Inn is a central place from which to visit the Carick-A-Rede Bridge, The Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce Castle and of course, The Giants Causeway.
You are probably not heading to Northern Ireland just for the hotels, but while you’re there, you might as well be comfortable!
Irish Whiskey on the rise
Scotch Whisky grabs all the headlines when people talk about distilled spirits in the British Isles. Irishwhiskey however is making a comeback as of late. And unlike it’s Scottish cousin’s most of the new distillery’s in Ireland are independent brands that are not owned by large corporations.
Housed in a former prison where both Republicans and Loyalists were once held, Belfast Distillery Company has begun making McConnell’s IrishWhiskey, which is a premium blend. In the years to come, BDC plans to roll out a variety of single malts under the McConnell’s brand.
The project marks the return of Irish Whiskey to Belfast and will be the first working distillery in over 85 years. When fully operational the 3,000 liter pot stills will have an annual capacity of 400,000 liters.
Bring the Sunblock
You probably aren’t going to plan a beach vacation to Northern Ireland, but while you’re visiting, you might think about planning a day or two to relax on some ofNorthern Ireland’s many Blue Flag beaches. Some are active with surfers. slackliners and kids playing in the surf. Others are secluded and offer a great spot to read a book or just contemplate some beautiful views. Beaches might not be the main goal of the trip, but a little beach time anywhere can be time very well spent.
Traveling in the North
Many Americans that I’ve spoken to about Northern Ireland have expressed at least a little concern about their safety in Belfast. I live outside of Baltimore and near Washington DC. There are parts of these cities that I would avoid at all costs and conversations that I wouldn’t have. I travel to both often and without concern. According to statistics that I found on line, the murder rate per 100,000 residents in Washington DC is 15.9, In Baltimore 33.8 and for the US as a whole, the rate is 4.3 murders per 100,000 residents. InNorthern Ireland, the murder rate is .9 deaths per 100,000 residents.
If you are traveling in Belfast, statistically you are significantly safer than when traveling in the United States. Avoid some working class neighborhoods and certain conversations and you will have nothing at all to worry about. So minimal risk and tons to see and do! What are you waiting for? Give us a call or
contact us today.