Counties In Northern Ireland Map
Introduction
Located in the northeastern part of the island of Ireland, Northern Ireland is a region steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. With six counties to explore, there is no shortage of things to see and do. This travel guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the top attractions, hidden gems, and budget-friendly options for travelers visiting the counties in Northern Ireland.
Top Attractions
Giants Causeway
The Giants Causeway is a natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in County Antrim, this geological formation is made up of hexagonal basalt columns that were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Visitors can take a guided tour of the site or explore on their own.
Belfast City Hall
Belfast City Hall is a stunning piece of architecture located in the heart of Belfast. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building, which includes a visit to the council chamber and the mayoral suite. The grounds of the building also host concerts and events throughout the year.
Walled City of Derry
The Walled City of Derry is one of the best-preserved walled cities in Europe. Visitors can walk along the walls and explore the historic streets and buildings within. The city also hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Halloween festival, which is one of the largest in Europe.
Food Scene
Northern Ireland has a diverse food scene that features traditional dishes as well as modern cuisine. Some of the top places to eat include Deanes, Ox, and The Muddlers Club in Belfast. Other notable restaurants include The Boat House in Bangor, The Poacher’s Pocket in Comber, and The Bushmills Inn in County Antrim.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget in Northern Ireland is possible with a little planning. Some tips to save money include staying in hostels or guesthouses instead of hotels, using public transportation instead of taxis, and eating at local cafes and pubs instead of restaurants. Many attractions also offer discounted rates for students and seniors.
Outdoor Adventures
Northern Ireland is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the top outdoor activities include hiking in the Mourne Mountains, kayaking on the River Foyle, and cycling along the Causeway Coastal Route. Other popular activities include fishing, golfing, and horseback riding.
Historical Landmarks
Northern Ireland is home to a rich history that is reflected in its many historical landmarks. Some of the top sites include the Ulster Museum, the Titanic Belfast museum, and the Carrickfergus Castle. Visitors can also explore the many ancient ruins and monastic sites that dot the landscape.
Family-Friendly Activities
There are plenty of family-friendly activities in Northern Ireland. Some of the top options include the Belfast Zoo, the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, and the Armagh Planetarium. Other popular activities include visiting the beaches along the Causeway Coastal Route and exploring the many parks and playgrounds throughout the region.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
For travelers looking to get off the beaten path, Northern Ireland has plenty of hidden gems to discover. Some of the top options include the Dark Hedges, a stunning avenue of beech trees that was featured in Game of Thrones, and the Marble Arch Caves, an underground cave system that is home to stunning underground lakes and rivers.
Natural Wonders
From the Giant’s Causeway to the Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. Other top options include the Fermanagh Lakelands, the Glens of Antrim, and the Sperrin Mountains. Visitors can take guided tours or explore these natural wonders on their own.
Vibrant Nightlife
Northern Ireland has a vibrant nightlife that includes everything from traditional pubs to modern bars and nightclubs. Some of the top options include the Crown Liquor Saloon, a historic pub in Belfast, and the Duke of York, a popular pub that features live music. Other notable options include Limelight in Belfast and The Nerve Centre in Derry.
Local Markets
Visiting local markets is a great way to experience the culture and cuisine of Northern Ireland. Some of the top markets include St. George’s Market in Belfast, which is open year-round and features food, crafts, and live music, and the Walled City Market in Derry, which is held on the first Saturday of every month and features local food and crafts.
Beaches and Mountains
Northern Ireland is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and mountains in the world. Some of the top beaches include Portstewart Strand, which is a wide sandy beach with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, and Whitepark Bay, which is a secluded beach with clear blue water. The Mourne Mountains are a popular destination for hikers and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Cultural Immersion
Visitors to Northern Ireland can immerse themselves in the local culture by attending festivals and events throughout the year. Some of the top options include the Belfast International Arts Festival, which features music, theater, and dance performances from around the world, and the Fรฉile an Phobail, which is an annual festival in Belfast that celebrates the local community.
Art and Music Scene
Northern Ireland has a thriving art and music scene that includes everything from traditional Irish music to modern art. Some of the top options include the Ulster Orchestra, which performs throughout the region, and the Ulster Hall, which is a historic concert venue in Belfast. Other notable options include the MAC, a contemporary arts center in Belfast, and the Void Gallery, which features contemporary art exhibitions in Derry.
Walking Tours
Walking tours are a great way to explore the cities and towns of Northern Ireland. Some of the top options include the Belfast City Walking Tour, which explores the history and culture of the city, and the Derry City Walls Walking Tour, which takes visitors along the historic walls of the city. Other notable walking tours include the Giant’s Causeway Coastal Walk and the Mourne Mountains Walking Tour.
Architectural Marvels
Northern Ireland is home to some of the most beautiful architectural marvels in the world. Some of the top options include the Castle Ward Estate, which is a stunning 18th-century mansion and estate, and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, which is a historic rope bridge that spans a 30-meter chasm. Other notable options include the Bangor Castle Walled Garden and the Dunluce Castle.
Historical Sites
Northern Ireland is rich in history and is home to many historic sites. Some of the top options include the Mount Stewart House and Gardens, which is a stunning 18th-century mansion and gardens, and the Navan Fort, which is an ancient fort that dates back to the Iron Age. Other notable options include the Down Cathedral and the Enniskillen Castle.
Biking Routes
Northern Ireland has many scenic biking routes that are perfect for cyclists of all levels. Some of the top routes include the Causeway Coast Cycle Route, which follows the stunning coastline of Northern Ireland, and the Mourne Cycle Route, which takes cyclists through the beautiful Mourne Mountains. Other notable routes include the Lough Neagh Cycle Route and the Strangford Lough Cycle Trail.
Wellness Retreats
For travelers looking to relax and rejuvenate, Northern Ireland has many wellness retreats to choose from. Some of the top options include the Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort, which is a luxury spa and golf resort in County Antrim, and the Lough Erne Resort, which is a luxury resort that features a spa and wellness center. Other notable options include the Culloden Estate and Spa and the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa.
Adventure Sports
Northern Ireland is a paradise for adventure sports enthusiasts. Some of the top options include surfing at Portrush, which is a popular surf spot with excellent waves, and sea kayaking along the Causeway Coast. Other popular activities include rock climbing, abseiling, and caving.
Conclusion
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or outdoor adventure, Northern Ireland has something for everyone. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be able to explore the top attractions, hidden gems, and budget-friendly options for each of the six counties in Northern Ireland. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the magic of Northern Ireland!