Northern Ireland tourist information
Great prices on self-drive holidays to Northern Ireland and Belfast. Ferry
inclusive or accommodation only.
Hotels in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has some of the loveliest country and coastal scenery in the
United Kingdom, much of it still relatively unspoilt. Whether you fly-drive and
hire a car, self-drive, or just stay in one spot, Drive-Alive Holidays offers a
great selection of hotels, with or without ferry crossings. For a quiet country
retreat in the centre of Northern Ireland, midway between Antrim and Derry, try
Aghadowey.
Belfast City is enjoying a real regeneration, with new bars, restaurants and
shops opening seemingly daily. The nightlife, both cultural and lively, is
recommended. In addition the city boasts some splendid Victorian architecture in
the form of the City Hall and Crown Liquor Saloon, whilst the surrounding hills
offer excellent walking and great views. A few miles east of Belfast, past the
Parliament House at Stormont, is the town of Newtownards, a perfect base for
exploring County Down and Strangford Lough.
The Mourne Mountains are in the south of Northern Ireland. The granite peaks,
yellow gorse, whitewashed cottages and purple heather create a picture postcard
scene, and the old song "The Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea"
perfectly expresses the contrast between hills and water. The rather staid
resort of Newcastle, at the foot of the highest of the Mourne Mountains, Slieve
Donard, is perfect for exploring this area.
County Antrim is blessed with a beautiful and spectacular coastline. Perhaps
best-known is the amazing geological feature of the Giant's Causeway and the
vertigo-defying rope bridge over the sea at Carrick-a Rede. Carnlough is a
pretty fishing village and a good base for exploring the scenic Glens of Antrim.
For coastal walks try Ballygally, whilst further down the coast is the imposing
castle at Carrickfergus.
No visit to Northern Ireland would be complete without taking in the historic
city of Derry/Londonderry, on the banks of the river Foyle. It's the only city
in Ireland with virtually intact city walls, and a walk around these is a must.
The city's recent history is reflected in the murals of the Bogside. Derry is
also one of the best places in Ireland for music, whether traditional or
contemporary.
County Fermanagh is favoured above all by anglers. About one-third of the county
is water! You're never far from Lough Erne, and the pretty town of Enniskillen
makes a good base. But Fermanagh is about more than just fishing. There's
excellent walking and cycling trails, boating and water-skiing on Lough Erne,
the famous Marble Arch Caves, and the world-renowned pottery at Belleek in the
far west of the county. If you really want to be in the heart of the fishing
county, try Irvinstown.
|
