Tourist information for Northern Ireland.

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.