The top spots to visit in Northern Ireland

Never been to Northern Ireland? You’re missing out.

Northern Ireland is a truly magical part of the world, filled with stunning scenery, charming cities and some of the best coastline in the world.

The region also has a killer food scene, with restaurants like James Street South and Shu dominating Belfast. Outside Northern Ireland’s capital, foodies will find spots like Harry’s Shack in Portstewart, a fishy mecca that was rated Ireland’s Restaurant of the Year just months after it opened in 2014, and The Poacher’s Pocket – a refined gastropub in Comber, County Down.

And that’s just the beginning.

In Northern Ireland, you can go from breathing in fresh sea air to rock climbing up massive mountains, with amazing views to match.

Plus, in 2019 the 148th Open Championship will return to Portrush Golf Course, County Antrim, from July 14 to July 21. And if that’s not worth planning a visit around, we don’t know what is. Well, aside from the stunning coastline and urban cities.

In fact, Belfast and the Causeway Coast were named the number one region to visit in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018 list. But it’s easy to see why: Northern Ireland is filled with gems like these. Here are some spots you can’t miss.

Belfast

Belfast is known for a lot of things – being the home of legendary ocean liner Titanic, being one of Europe’s hottest foodie spots, and having great music.

Find the food and the music at St George’s Market, with free jazz on weekends and a ton of local produce (like seafood straight from the ocean and freshly-baked crusty bread), as well as 150 stalls filled with everything from antiques to metalwork. You won’t leave empty-handed – or with an empty stomach.

For some of the best nightlife in the city, check out the Belfast Cathedral Quarter. Bustling restaurants and bars are dotted along the cobblestone streets and you’ll also find the stunning St Anne’s Cathedral here. Nightlife and history combined? Sign us up.

The Causeway Coastal Route

Condé Nast Traveler says this is one of the best coastal drives in the world – and they aren’t wrong. The Causeway Coastal Route stretches from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry, past breathtaking scenery and some amazing places to experience along the way.

Stop to walk along the Gobbins Cliff Path, where you’ll find stunning views and caves galore, give yourself an adrenalin rush and cross the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge that links mainland Ireland with the tiny Carrick Island, and check out the lighthouse and RSPB seabird centre on Rathlin Island.

And that’s not all: don’t forget to visit the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of 40,000 hexagonal columns tumbling into the ocean. This is one road trip that’s worth flying for.

Derry~Londonderry

Also known as the walled city, the city of Derry~Londonderry is nestled along Ireland’s North Coast, in between the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route.

There’s something for every traveller here; from a vibrant cultural scene to a fascinating history – it’s one of the most well-preserved walled cities in Europe. There’s also a ton of great pubs and restaurants, like the elegant eatery Browns or the Walled City Brewery. The latter encompasses a brewery and restaurant in one, and is well worth a visit. Find uniquely local, premium quality, fabulously flavoursome craft beers, as well as some damn tasty food to go with it.

Whether you spend time in the lively city or venture out into the lush countryside, Derry~Londonderry is worthy of any bucket list.

Mourne Mountains

Located in County Down, the Mourne Mountains are Northern Ireland’s largest mountain range, made for rock climbers and hikers, or anyone wanting to check out some of the most beautiful, dramatic scenery Ireland has to offer. Look closely, and you’ll see a striking resemblance to Narnia, the fantasy land from the books of Belfast-born CS Lewis.

And the movie scenes don’t end there: Tollymore Forest Park, in the Mourne Mountains, is one of the key filming locations for Game of Thrones®. Here, you can explore the real-life Westeros and follow the stories of the Seven Kingdoms.

Other notable spots to visit within the mountain range include the Mourne Wall – a 35km dry-stone wall crossing the mountain’s summits and the Cloughmore Stone. Legend has it the 50-tonne stone was thrown across nearby Carlingford lake by the Giant Finn McCool, to defeat The Giant of Snow and Ice. Finn McCool is the same giant said to have built the Giant’s Causeway in order to get to Scotland.

Either way, no matter where you go in Northern Ireland, you’re sure to experience a land of fantastical landscapes, warm welcomes, dramatic history and enduring legends – and there’s something for every traveller.

To find out more about the island of Ireland, visit Ireland.com.

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