Northern Ireland

City Guide

Contents:

Northern Ireland distils the best of Britain into a bite-sized bundle: its plunging glens and pristine lochs are as gorgeous as any in Scotland; its quaint countryside villages as olde-worlde as anything in rural Wales; and Belfast borrows its Victorian pomp from London.

Of course, it’s irrefutably Irish too, and few visitors get further than ordering a pint of Guinness before encountering the wit and loquacious charm of its inhabitants.

This hasn’t always been the case. For decades it was best avoided due to the riots and bombings of The Troubles, which erupted between Unionists and Republicans. But since 1998’s Good Friday Agreement, which calmed the fighting and quelled the geopolitical disorder, tourists are starting to appreciate what they’ve missed for so long.

Covering little more than a sixth of the Irish landmass, Northern Ireland has plenty to pique attention: from majestic mountains and bracing coastline to ancient monasteries and toe-tapping live music joints.

As locals will proudly tell you, Game of Thrones was filmed across the country, and coaches now make their way to Dragonstone (Downhill Beach), The Haunted Forest (Tollymore Forest Park) and Beric Dondarrion’s hideout (Pollnagollum Cave) for picture opportunities.

Belfast remains the showpiece. Its patched history offset by unbridled nightlife, major cultural attractions (not least the incredible Titanic Belfast museum) and an invigorating restaurant scene. Further west, highbrow arts and goodtime festivals thrive in absorbing Londonderry, while the tiny cathedral city of Armagh still stands as the ecclesiastical capital of all Ireland.

From the rugged hills of County Armagh and the quiet loughs of County Down to the granite bulk of the Mountains of Mourne, its al fresco treats are many, but one indoor pursuit prevails: drinking, which is as important here as it is south of the border. From countryside boozers to time-burnished city saloons, you’re never far from a pub here.

Northern Ireland’s compact size stands as a selling point. You can sample the pulse of city living, see the sea-bashed magnificence of the Giant’s Causeway, and then mosey back via its mollifying mountains – all in the space of a few days.

Key facts

13,576 sq km (5,242 sq miles).

A consociational (which roughly means ‘power-sharing’) devolved government within a constitutional monarchy.

HM Queen Elizabeth II since 1952.

Prime Minister Theresa May since 2016 (head of UK government); First Minister Arlene Foster since 2016 (First Minister of Northern Ireland Assembly).

Weather and climate

Best time to visit

In general the weather is similar to the rest of the UK, but Northern Ireland tends to have less sunshine and more rain. The hilly nature of the terrain tends to attracts clouds, and westerly winds are common in some areas. Extremes of temperature are rare but conditions can be changeable. In broad terms, however, it has an equable climate – the effects of the Atlantic Gulf Stream have a moderating influence, leading to mild winters and relatively cool summers. The mean annual temperature in Northern Ireland at low-lying altitude is around 9C. 

The height of summer draws the largest numbers of tourists, particularly to headline attractions such as Giant’s Causeway, so it can be advisable to come in spring or autumn to make the most of the reduction in visitors.

Required clothing

Similar to the rest of the UK, according to season. Waterproofs are advisable throughout the year. If you find yourself lacking any vital wardrobe items on arrival – formal or informal – all key towns and cities are well stocked with clothing outlets, with the larger cities particularly good in terms of picking up high quality outdoor equipment. Camping essentials are also straightforward to come by.

Geography

Northern Ireland contains some beautiful scenery, from the rugged coastline in the north and northeast to the gentle fruit-growing regions of Armagh. To the west are the Sperrin Mountains and the lake of Fermanagh, where the winding River Erne provides excellent fishing.

The high moorland plateau of Antrim in the northeast gives way to the glens further south and to the Drumlin country of County Down; further south still, the Mountains of Mourne stretch down to the sea.

The country comprises six historic counties: County Antrim, County Armagh, County Down, County Fermanagh, County Derry/Londonderry and County Tyrone. On which note, Northern Ireland is still sometimes spoken about as Ulster, despite the fact that it includes only six of the nine counties that comprised the historic Irish province (the other three are across the border in the Irish Republic).

Belfast sits in the east of the country, at the point where the River Lagan reaches the sea. This strategic location, being easily accessible from various parts of the UKmainland, was integral to its heritage as a major shipbuilding destination. The hills around the city, which some claim resemble a sleeping giant, are said to be the inspiration for Jonathan Swift’s classic novel Gulliver’s Travels.

Northern Ireland distils the best of Britain into a bite-sized bundle: its plunging glens and pristine lochs are as gorgeous as any in Scotland; its quaint countryside villages as olde-worlde as anything in rural Wales; and Belfast borrows its Victorian pomp from London.

Of course, it’s irrefutably Irish too, and few visitors get further than ordering a pint of Guinness before encountering the wit and loquacious charm of its inhabitants.

This hasn’t always been the case. For decades it was best avoided due to the riots and bombings of The Troubles, which erupted between Unionists and Republicans. But since 1998’s Good Friday Agreement, which calmed the fighting and quelled the geopolitical disorder, tourists are starting to appreciate what they’ve missed for so long.

Covering little more than a sixth of the Irish landmass, Northern Ireland has plenty to pique attention: from majestic mountains and bracing coastline to ancient monasteries and toe-tapping live music joints.

As locals will proudly tell you, Game of Thrones was filmed across the country, and coaches now make their way to Dragonstone (Downhill Beach), The Haunted Forest (Tollymore Forest Park) and Beric Dondarrion’s hideout (Pollnagollum Cave) for picture opportunities.

Belfast remains the showpiece. Its patched history offset by unbridled nightlife, major cultural attractions (not least the incredible Titanic Belfast museum) and an invigorating restaurant scene. Further west, highbrow arts and goodtime festivals thrive in absorbing Londonderry, while the tiny cathedral city of Armagh still stands as the ecclesiastical capital of all Ireland.

From the rugged hills of County Armagh and the quiet loughs of County Down to the granite bulk of the Mountains of Mourne, its al fresco treats are many, but one indoor pursuit prevails: drinking, which is as important here as it is south of the border. From countryside boozers to time-burnished city saloons, you’re never far from a pub here.

Northern Ireland’s compact size stands as a selling point. You can sample the pulse of city living, see the sea-bashed magnificence of the Giant’s Causeway, and then mosey back via its mollifying mountains – all in the space of a few days.

Passports

To enter the United Kingdom, a passport valid for the duration of stay is required,  except EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU member state. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, or sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

A passport is not required for travel between Great Britain and Ireland (an official form of identification, such as a driver’s licence, is required), Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

Passengers transiting the UK destined for the Republic of Ireland are advised to hold return tickets to avoid delay and interrogation.

Visas

In addition to EU citizens who can travel freely into the United Kingdom, nationals from 56 countries can also enter the United Kingdom for stays of up to six months without a visa for tourism purposes. The countries include Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, East Timor, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Micronesia, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu and Vatican City.

Nationals of Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and United Arab Emirates can obtain an electronic visa waiver (EVW) online.

Before travelling to the United Kingdom, it is best to check the entry requirements at www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

Visa Note

Nationals not requiring visas are advised to be in possession of either a return ticket or, if arriving on a one-way ticket, proof of sufficient funds to accommodate and support themselves for the duration of stay.

Nationals not referred to in the chart are advised to contact the embassy/high commission to check visa requirements for the United Kingdom.

Types and Cost

Standard Visitor visa: £89; long-term visit visa: £337 (two years); £612 (five years); £767 (10 years).

Validity

Standard Visitor visa: six months; long-term visit visa: two, five or 10 years, with a maximum stay of six months per visit.

Transit

Some nationals (but not those listed above) require a transit visa. The Direct Airside Transit visa costs £34 and allows you to change flights in the UK, but you must not pass through immigration control and must leave within 24 hours. The Visitor in Transit visa costs £62 and allows you to go through border control, but you must leave the UK within 48 hours. For both visas, you must prove you are in transit to another country. Long-term transit visas are available to frequent travellers.

Application to

Consulate (or consular section at embassy/high commission). In some countries, you can apply online. See the UK government website for details (www.gov.uk/visas-immigration).

Schengen Visas

The United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen area.

Working days

The length of time taken to process visa applications depends on the nationality of the applicant and the country where you’re applying.

Sufficient Funds

If you do require a visa to visit the United Kingdom, you may be asked to provide information about your finances. 

Extension of stay

If you are initially given permission to enter for three months, you may apply to UK Visas and Immigration to extend your stay to six months from your original date of entry. The fee to extend your visa is £993 is you apply by post (decision made in eight weeks) or £1,583 if you apply in person (decision usually made on the same day).

The maximum total time you can stay in the United Kingdom is six months.

Entry with pets

If bringing a pet from another EU or ‘listed’ country, your animal must have a microchip, pet passport or official third country veterinary certificate, rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days before travel, and tapeworm treatment (dogs only).

If bringing a pet from an unlisted country, your animal must have a microchip, official third country veterinary certificate, rabies vaccination, blood test taken at least 30 days after the rabies vaccination and at least three months before travel, and tapeworm treatment (dogs only).

For full details, see www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad.

Our visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing,

We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.

Embassies and tourist offices

UK Visas

Telephone: (020) 7008 8438.

Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration

Address: King Charles Street, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, London, SW1A 2AH, 

Opening times: 

Mon-Fri 0930-1330.

British Embassy in the USA

Telephone: (202) 588 7800.

Website: http://www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk

Address: NW, 3100 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, 20008, 

Opening times: 

By appointment only.

Health Care

If suddenly taken ill or involved in an accident during a visit to an EEA country, free or reduced-cost necessary treatment is available for European travellers – in most cases on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Travellers from other countries should find out if they are covered by other reciprocal arrangements. Australia, for example, has such an agreement as long as long as citizens carry their Medicare card. Comprehensive insurance is advised for all other nationals.

The National Health Service (NHS) provides free medical treatment (at hospitals and general surgeries) to all who are ordinarily resident in the UK, but requires payment for dental treatment, prescriptions and spectacles. Immediate first aid/emergency treatment is free for all visitors, after which charges are made unless the visitor’s country has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Full details of individual agreements are available from the Department of Health (www.dh.gov.uk).

Food and Drink

Food within the UK is generally safe to eat, with health and safety standards monitored by various government agencies. Tap water is considered safe to drink but bottled water is widely available. If you’re camping, always boil, filter or purify water from streams.

Other Risks

The UK is not a risky destination but travellers should still take appropriate precautions. Summer temperatures in England rarely reach above 30°C (86°F), but on hot days there is still risk of sunstroke and it’s advisable to wear sunscreen, as well as appropriate clothing. The same goes for winters, during which weather can be very changeable. Waterproofs (or at least a strong umbrella) are mandatory at any time of year. Those hiking in the mountains should come prepared, with appropriate gear and maps if needed but the biggest danger comes from those who disregard warning signs or poor weather.

If you’re planning to walk in wooded or heath areas such as in the Scottish Highlands, it’s worth taking precautions against tick bites: ensure you wear long-sleeved tops, tuck your socks into your trousers and wear insect repellent. Ticks are known to spread Lyme disease which, although fairly rare in the UK, can affect your skin, joints, heart and nervous system. Symptoms include: a pink or red circular rash which develops around the bite up to 30 days after a person is bitten; flu-like symptoms; headaches; and muscle or joint pain. If left untreated, symptoms can become more serious.

Midges are a hiker’s and camper’s nemesis during the summer. While they’ll do no worse than cause a multitude of unbearably itchy bites, it’s definitely worth covering up and dousing yourself in insect repellent to ward off these persistent beasties.

The weather in Scotland can change in an instant. If you’re walking, skiing or climbing in the hills, it’s vital to be prepared for all weathers. It’s not at all uncommon to go for a walk on a beautifully sunny day, only to find yourself surrounded by mist and drizzle with little warning. Make sure you’re equipped with a map, compass, extra food, layers and waterproofs, and always tell someone where you’re heading before you set out. Scots and visitors alike also find themselves unexpectedly caught out by the sun – you might not need it often, but pack some sunscreen.

Flying to Northern Ireland

There are frequent direct flights to Belfast from London airports as well as other major regional UK airports. Derry/Londonderry is also served. Airlines that serve Northern Ireland from the UK include Flybe (www.flybe.com) and easyJet (www.easyjet.com), which also flies between Belfast and several other European cities. From North America, United Airlines (www.united.com) currently has a direct service between New York (Newark Liberty International Airport) and Belfast. As elsewhere, flights to Northern Ireland become pricier over major holiday periods.

Flight times

It’s not obligatory for British nationals to carry a passport when taking a flight between Northern Ireland and other parts of the UK. However, most carriers will insist on some form of ID.

Airport Guides

George Best Belfast City Airport

Code

BHD

Location

George Best Belfast City Airport is situated 3km (2 miles) east of Belfast.

Tel

+44 28 9093 9093

Address

Find out more >

Belfast International Airport

Code

BFS

Location

Belfast International Airport is located 30km (18 miles) northwest of Belfast city centre.

Tel

+44 28 9448 4848

Address

Find out more >

Flight times

From London to Belfast is 1 hour 15 minutes. From New York to Belfast is 6 hours 35 minutes.

Air passes

The OneWorld Alliance (www.oneworld.com) Visit Europe Pass  incorporates the UK.

Departure tax

None.

Travelling to Northern Ireland by Rail

There is a cross-border rail service from Belfast Central Station, heading south to Dublin, in the Irish Republic, via Newry. The Belfast-Dublin non-stop express takes approximately two hours. For information on timetables for rail services, contact Translink (www.translink.co.uk).

Driving to Northern Ireland

Numerous roads cross the border from Ireland into Northern Ireland, by far the most travelled being the Irish N1/M1 motorway from Dublin, which becomes the A1 road when it reaches the Northern Irish border.

Getting to Northern Ireland by boat

Northern Ireland is easily accessible by water. The main ports are Belfast (www.belfast-harbour.co.uk) and Larne (www.portoflarne.co.uk).

Ferry operators

When travelling via Great Britain to Northern Ireland there is a choice of several services across the Irish Sea; providers include P&O Ferries (www.poferries.com) and Stena Line (www.stenaline.co.uk).

River Routes

The picturesque Erne system of loughs and waterways makes it possible to sail from Ireland into the southwest of Northern Ireland. See Waterways Ireland (www.waterwaysireland.org) for more information.

Northern Ireland Tourist Board

Address: 59 North Street, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT1 1NB

Telephone: (028) 9023 1221.

Website: http://www.discovernorthernireland.com

Cast a line into Lough Erne

From its salmon to its sea trout, Northern Ireland’s fish stock means it’s considered one of Europe’s best angling destinations. Try Lower Lough Erne in the Fermanagh Lakelands for a prime fishing spot. The rivers of the Causeway Coast in Antrim have several fruitful options too.

Climb Cave Hill

Giving a broad panorama over Belfast city and the surrounding coastal hills, Cave Hill is a rewarding place to head for an overview of the capital region – from the bold cranes of the docks to the silvery waters of Belfast Lough. Measuring 368m (1207 ft) at its peak, it’s said that on a clear day, you can see as far as Scotland.

Discover the Marble Arch Caves

Take an underground boat trip to see the magnificent caverns of Marble Arch Caves in County Fermanagh. Together with the rolling landscapes above ground, the caves form the Marble Arch Caves Geopark give rich insight into the region’s 650 million years of geological glory.

Discover the charms of Derry

Visit Northern Ireland’s second city, which combines a riverside setting and a glut of historical sights with an artsy oomph that saw it named the UK’s Capital of Culture for 2013. Its name remains a slightly hazy notion (the politically correct version is Londonderry), but its visitor appeal is anything but.

Enjoy a pint in a fine Victorian gin palace

Belfast’s most famous pub, the Crown Liquor Saloon is a splendidly ornate Victorian gin palace renowned for its glittering decor, its long history (it dates back to 1826) and its wide selection of real ales. Order a pint, find a nook and let the worries of the world drift away.

Enjoy the striking landscape over the Glens of Antrim

Admire the nine interlinking Glens of Antrim, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which run inland from the rugged and spectacular eastern coast. Covering a distance of some 52sq km (20sq miles), the area incorporates everything from glacial valleys and sandy beaches to waterfalls and forests.

Explore Devenish Island

A ‘holy island’ in Lough Erne, Devenish Island in County Fermanagh still bears the remains of an Augustinian monastery, including a church, an abbey and a plethora of old gravestones. It’s stirring stuff – the island is accessible by ferry from the landing in nearby Trory.

Explore the remains of Dunluce Castle

Once the seat of the Earls of Antrim, the fiercely picturesque Dunluce Castle sits half-ruined on a coastal crag. Its cliff top remains can be explored at will (once you’ve paid for entry) and crossing the bridge and entering the courtyard, it’s surprising to see how large the medieval castle once was.

Hike the heights of the Mourne Mountains

The granite bulk of the Mourne Mountains forms a brooding backdrop to one of the most appealing corners of Northern Ireland – a picture-book amalgam of coast, hillside and wide sky. Their tranquil centrepiece, the aptly named Silent Valley Reservoir, sits surrounded by cottage-speckled valleys and wild slopes. It’s little wonder it draws hill walkers and rock climbers.

Hit the links

Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell – familiar names on golf leaderboards the planet over – all hail from Northern Ireland, and the country has the courses to match. Royal Portrush and Royal County Down at Newcastle are among its most renowned links courses.

Kick back in Belfast

Once the most troubled city in Europe, the last two decades have wrought an extraordinary transformation in Belfast and have seen the Northern Ireland capital become one of the UK’s most interesting cities. Fine restaurants, lively boozers and a burgeoning collection of cultural attractions are just part of the city’s appeal.

Learn of the Troubles with a tour of Shankill and Falls Road

The best guided tours to brace the Troubles (the ethno-nationalist conflict that blighted Northern Ireland for 50 years) are by black cab drivers who bring

Belfast’s troubled modern history to life. They head along the Shankill and the Falls Roads, taking in the imposing Peace Lines and the famed Republican and Unionist wall murals.

Revel in the relics at Ulster Museum

Trawl through Northern Ireland’s best collection of art, archaeology and natural history at Belfast’s Ulster Museum. It’s free to enter, and inside you’ll find eye-opening relics from Ancient Egypt, the South Pacific, Africa and elsewhere. There’s also some very interesting stuff on Ireland’s early days too, as well as various art collections.

Step aboard the Titanic

Unveiled to great fanfare in 2012, on the slipways where the RMS Titanic was built, this large-scale visitor attraction extends over nine galleries, taking visitors through the construction, launch and ill-fated voyage of the world’s best-known ocean liner. Titanic Belfast opened 100 years after the ship’s infamous sinking.

Step back in time at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum

Located on the outskirts of Belfast, the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum is two quality attractions in one. The Folk Museum gives visitors the chance to wander through farms, cottages and homesteads preserved as they would have been 100 years ago. The Transport Museum is a lovingly maintained collection of trams, motorbikes and vintage cars.

Taste a tumbler of fine Irish whiskey

You’ll find the Old Bushmills Distillery in the village of (that’s right) Bushmills in the north of County Antrim. It bills itself as Ireland’s oldest distillery, and has been knocking out barrels of the good stuff for more than 400 years. Take a tour to get to the heart of the whiskey-making process.

Tour the country on two wheels

With its quiet minor roads, exceptional natural sites and fine coastal paths, cyclists in Northern Ireland are spoilt for choice. Whether you take to the tarmac or venture off-road, the National Cycle Network has over 1,600km (995 miles) of routes from long distance rides to short trails for a lighter jaunt.

Visit the grave of St Patrick, Down Cathedral

Visit the pilgrimage site of Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick. He may be the reason that massive amounts of Guinness are imbibed worldwide every 17 March, but his burial site at Down Cathedral is a more sobering affair – a lonely granite slab in the churchyard marks his grave.

Wonder at the Giant’s Causeway

Ireland’s most famous World Heritage Site is a natural wonder, an otherworldly rock formation of some 40,000 basalt columns. Located on the Antrim coastline, the Giant’s Causeway draws visitors in droves – try arriving at sunset for fewer crowds and spectacular photo opportunities.