A Traveller's Guide to Northern Ireland

Everything you need to know about travelling to Northern Ireland.

Essential Facts

Currency

Northern Ireland accepts the Pound Sterling as their form of currency. If you choose to use credit cards, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, while some larger hotel chains accept AMEX and Discover. Many small towns only accept cash. Please remember, while Northern Ireland uses the Pound, the Republic of Ireland accepts the Euro.

Language 

Much like in the Republic of Ireland, both English and Irish Gaelic are widely spoken across Northern Ireland. A third language is also spoken in Northern Ireland, known as Ulster Scots, which is based off of the Lowland Scots language from Scotland.

Best Time To Go

For outdoor enthusiasts, Northern Ireland has much to offer no matter the season, as many outdoor attractions offer beautiful views year round. Travelling in the late autumn offers gorgeous sunsets, mild temperatures, and lovely colours across the countryside. If you’re looking to enjoy quintessential sites or embark on an encompassing tour of the country, the summer months are best as all natural attractions, museums, and hotels are in full swing.

Climate

Northern Ireland is a bit cooler and more rainy than its southern counterpart, with temperatures reaching an average high of around 20°C/68°F during the summer (mid-May to mid-September). During the winter it’s cooler with more rain than the summer, but temperatures rarely reach freezing. July and August offer the best weather.

Ideal Traveller

Northern Ireland is perfect for the history buff, with many museums such as the Titanic Belfast and Ulster Museum, as well as historical tours about the Troubles. It is also great for people who love the outdoors, whether golfing, hiking, or just enjoying the stunning nature. It’s also an incredibly safe nation, making it great for families.

Getting There From North America

Major Airports

The largest and only international airport in Northern Ireland is Belfast International Airport. Dublin International Airport is only a two-hour drive from Belfast and can be used as another gateway to Northern Ireland.

Recommended flight route from the United States 

To get to Belfast from the United States, you can head out from any international airport. There are no direct flights to Belfast, so you will have to make at least one connection, usually in London or Dublin.

Recommended flight route from Canada

Toronto or Vancouver are the top airports to connect to Belfast. Like travellers from the US, there are no direct flights to Belfast, so at least one connection, usually in London or Dublin, will be required.

Essential Sights of Northern Ireland

Belfast

No trip is complete without visiting the capital of Northern Ireland. It is the 12th-largest city in the UK and the second largest city on the Emerald Isle. Belfast is not only a very beautiful and lively town, it is also full of history, from the Belfast Blitz in World War II to the Troubles. It’s a unique and culturally impressive city that everyone should visit.

Londonderry 

Londonderry, also referred to as “Derry,” is another historical city with a rich background. Take a step back in time as you walk along 17th-century walls to take in stunning panoramic views. You can delve into history and learn about Derry’s crucial role in the Irish War of Independence and WWII, or engage with Irish culture at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, the Irish Language Centre. However, Derry is not just known for its history or scenery; it also hosts one of the biggest Halloween celebrations in Europe.

The Glens of Antrim

Known locally as the “The Glens,” this is an area of stunning natural beauty. The Glens is exactly what you have in mind: a collection of nine glens (or valleys) that span from the plateau of County Antrim to the east Atlantic coast, offering beautiful panoramic views of the land and the coast. It’s a very popular tourist destination.

Other Highlights of Northern Ireland Off the Beaten Path

Lough Erne

Looking for a nice holiday destination to rest up after a day of adventure? Lough Erne is the perfect spot. It is a beautiful resort area on the country’s second largest lake system. Relax in the peace and quiet of the Upper Lough, go for a stroll in the town of Enniskillen, or explore the Lower Lough and its castles.

Carrickarede Island

Not for the faint of heart, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge is found here, connecting the mainland to the Island of Carrickarede. This swaying bridge is 30 meters above the rocks and the water below and offers tourists the chance to walk over water and take in the beautiful coast line. The bridge is no longer used by locals, but is a main tourist attraction for those looking for a bit of adventure.

Bushmills

You’ll find the ruins of Dunluce Castle just a short drive from the small northern town of Bushmills. This iconic monument is located right on the coast and offers beautiful views of the water. Game of Thrones fans will recognize the castle as that of the Greyjoys on Pike.

Top Activities and Experiences in Northern Ireland

Titanic Belfast

Visit the location where this doomed vessel was built and learn about the history and impact the Titanic had on Northern Ireland. This is the largest Titanic museum in the world and offers nine different interactive experiences to bring the Titanic to life. Experience the sights, smells, and sounds that the passengers experienced before the fateful day, and learn about the people and the city that made this beautiful ship.

Giant’s Causeway 

The Giant’s Causeway is not far from the town of Bushmills in County Antrim. With roughly 40,000 volcanic basalt columns dotting the landscape, the result of ancient eruptions, it’s one of the most stunning natural sights in the nation.

Ulster Folk Museum and Transport Museum

Learn everything you need to know about the Northern Irish, both past and present, with two museums under one roof. The Folk Museum will take you back in time to experience the cultures and traditions of Northern Ireland over the centuries, while the Transport Museum explores different methods of transportation used on land, air and sea.

Ulster American Folk Park

After you learn about Northern Irish traditions and culture at the Ulster Folk Museum, continue your walk through history at the Ulster American Folk Park and experience these cultures and traditions first hand. The park is a unique experience for tourists, taking you back in time and allowing you to experience the world as it was in the 18th and 19th centuries, complete with replica streets, thatched cottages, and shops.

Essential Irish Foods to Try

Ulster Fry 

The Ulster Fry (or Fry-Up) is the traditional breakfast of Northern Ireland, much like the English Breakfast in England. While you can substitute some ingredients in this dish for others, the standard ingredients are bacon, eggs, sausages, black pudding, and both potato & soda bread. Some places may add baked beans, fried tomatoes, mushrooms, and white pudding, but these are not the traditional ingredients.

Soda Bread

Historically, Irish bread was cooked on the griddle much like flatbread, due to the fact the domestic flours made in Northern Ireland were not able to rise when mixed with yeast. Because of this, locals combined flour with baking soda to help the bread rise. While it is not made often anymore with the introduction of high gluten flours, modern varieties of this traditional bread can be found in select cafes and bakeries.

Boxty

Boxty is made with a very traditional ingredient: the potato. Made mostly in the north, this dish is a traditional Irish potato pancake which can be found in many different cuisines due to its versatility. It can be used in breakfast dishes, or even used like a flatbread with different spreads.

Tips for Sustainable Travel

Rail travel is the most sustainable way to travel within Northern Ireland. Within Belfast and Londonderry, bikes and walking are popular as they are relatively compact cities. More broadly, Sustainable Travel Ireland has now joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and they are working to provide more sustainable adventures across the country, with more options opening up every year.

Where to Go Next

Once you’ve taken in the history and culture of Northern Ireland, continue your adventure down south to the Republic of Ireland, with much history and culture shared and contrasted between the neighbouring countries. If you started your adventure in the Republic, a short flight can take you to England and Scotland to continue your travels.