Northern Ireland is widely considered to be its own country, which is part of the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland). It is located in the northeast of the island of Ireland, sharing a border with the Republic of Ireland. English is the most widely spoken language in Northern Ireland, but certain areas speak Irish only (Gaeltacht areas).
The currency used in Northern Ireland is the GBP (£), the pound sterling. If you are traveling between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, make sure you have currency for both locations. If you are renting a car, be sure to drive on the LEFT side of the road.
VISA STATUS: Make sure to double-check what your visa covers, especially with BREXIT.
In this post, we will be focusing on Northern Ireland ONLY. If you are curious about the history of Ireland, you can also check out our Ultimate Guide to the Republic of Ireland post. That post will give you some helpful insight into the dos and don’ts of Irish culture.
Please note that it is advisable to look into Northern Irish history either before or during your travels there. Make sure to respectfully understand this history before making assumptions.
Before traveling to Northern Ireland, make sure you plan your trip well. Click here to read about how you can plan the perfect trip to Ireland. This includes budgeting, travel from Dublin airport, and using your cellular device.
You can also fly directly to NI, with Belfast and Derry being home to the largest and most popular airports there. There are two airports in Belfast and one in Derry.
Where to visit in Northern Ireland
Tours in Northern Ireland
Tours are an incredibly important part of Northern Ireland’s tourism sector. If you’re looking to be dazzled by the spectacular countryside or enlightened by seeping yourself in culture, prepare yourself to be immersed in the history and lives of Northern Ireland its people. Tours are the best way to witness the wild wonders of the northern coastline or the artistic murals that paint the cities. There’s something for everyone in Northern Ireland, from thrill-seekers to history buffs, and from excitable children to whimsical fairy-folk, here’s a list of some of the best tours in Northern Ireland:
- Belfast Bike Tour from €34, for those who like active vacations
- Giant’s Causeway Day Trip from €23
- Titanic Visitor Experience from €23
- Ballycastle 2-hr Kayaking Tour from €88
- The Troubles Tour from €23, for those interested in history
- Game of Thrones Private Tour from €680 for up to 5 people
- Derry Walls Private Walking Tour from €23
- Black Taxi Tour with Original Drivers from €69
- Bloody Sunday Private Tour from €23, for those interested in history
- Mountains of Mourne walks from €90
All tours are delivered in English unless otherwise requested. Other tours are available here. Please note: some tours are currently on hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please check each tour’s individual website before booking.
As an additional note: the weather in Northern Ireland is much like that of its neighbors. Make sure you bring your welly boots and warm, waterproof jackets – no matter what time of the year it is! And umbrellas, my friends, are futile. Ireland is an island and the ocean winds surround it on every side! It gets pretty chilly when the wind blows! Brrrr!
Experiences in Ireland
From stepping into the shadows of famous world leaders in the plush and luxurious rooms in the Hillsborough castle and gardens to baking traditional bread from scratch with your bare hands, here you can find just a handful of some of the best experiences to partake in Northern Ireland:
- Street Art, Music, Pub Experience from €23
- Hillsborough Castle Experience from €137, for those who want to live like the Queen
- Traditional Bread-Making Experience from €67
- Antrim Coast Experience from €545 for up to 7 people
- Learn How to Throw Axes from €24
- The Ultimate Derry Experience from €1,250 for up to 10 people
- Click here for Taste & Tour experiences
PRO TIP! Tipping in Ireland isn’t hugely popular among the tour or experience scene. If you plan on tipping, the best places to give that tip are in restaurants or to your friendly taxi driver. Tipping is not compulsory, but it is always nice! There are also always lots of street performers and musicians around the city who would be very grateful for your generosity!
Enchanting fairytale scenery will whisk you deep into the bewitched crevices of your imagination as you lose yourself in the Faerie forests, glittering streams, and earthy woodland some of the most beautiful destinations in Northern Ireland. Prepare to be inspired by the stunning, picturesque landscapes and vibrant colors of what feels like another world. Just be sure to never cross a Faerie fort or dance around a Faerie tree! Irish people are afraid of the Fae for a reason…
Destinations to Visit in Northern Ireland
If you’re into history, Northern Ireland has a lot to offer. From Nobel Prize Winner, the poet Seamus Heaney’s home to the Ulster American Folk Park, history buffs will be delighted to immerse themselves in everything this country has to show for itself. If history doesn’t tickle your fancy, and you’re more of a sportsperson, be sure to check out the SSE Arena in Belfast. Kids will have great fun at Exploris Aquarium or at the Tayto factory, where Ireland’s most famous crisps are made. Or, if you’re in it for the culture, anything from St. Patrick’s grave to St. George’s Market will make your trip to Northern Ireland sparkle with memories.
PRO TIP! In the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and across the U.K., what American English speakers refer to as “chips” are actually called “crisps”. And what American English speakers refer to as “fries” are “chips”! So don’t get confused and make sure you order the right thing with your dinner! 😉
Here is a list of some of the most energizing and outright fun destinations in Northern Ireland:
- Exploris Aquarium
- Seamus Heaney’s Home
- Tayto Factory
- St. George’s Market
- The SSE Arena
- Ulster American Folk Park
- Glenariff Forest
- The Grave of St. Patrick (Ireland’s patron saint)
Spooky Sites in Northern Ireland
Do you wait in anticipation every year for the spooky season to billow its way into the cracks and veins of the globe? Well, you won’t have to wait for spooky treats in Northern Ireland, where eerie shivers are available all year round. Here is a list of the creepiest places to visit on your trip to Northern Ireland (but beware of the Faeries – they’re dangerous):
PRO TIP! Taking photos or Instagram pics is always a great way to document your holiday, but don’t forget that the weather in NI is very gloomy. Make sure to get a waterproof cover and protector for your phone or camera, and you might even want to invest in a portable selfie ring for the darker corners of the day. Remember that, in the winter, it gets dark in NI at around 4 pm, so make sure to always carry a flashlight and directions to your hotel in your backpack! Emergency services are available 24/7 for hikers, climbers, and daredevils alike, but just be sure to keep your phone charged and ready for action. The magic number is 999 for police, fire service, and medical assistance.
- Carrickfergus Witches’ Pillory
- The Faerie Well (beware)
- Skate 56 in the Belfry (church-turned-skate park)
- Blackcave Tunnel and the Devil’s Churn aka The Black Arch
- Bushmills Railway
- Peace Maze
- The Stairway to Heaven
Historical Sites in Northern Ireland
For those interested in history, you’ll be positively dripping in culture and knowledge after checking out these amazing places. Everything from the tall tips of Scrabo Tower to the more modern Parliament Buildings, you will be steeped in the memories of days gone by after visiting any of these historical sites:
- Scrabo Tower
- Parliament Buildings
- Florence Court
- Crumlin Road Gaol
- The Bogside Artists
- Belfast City Hall
- Mount Stewart
You can find more information and historical sites to visit here.
Why go to Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland has everything – from beauty to history, from sports to culture, you will not be disappointed on a trip here. Whether you have three days or three weeks, whether you’re fifteen or fifty-five, there is something here for everyone to enjoy, participate in, or view. Make sure to check out our other post on things to do in the Republic of Ireland for tips and tricks if you plan on taking a tour around the whole island of Ireland. Stay safe, enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to leave us a comment down below if you find somewhere in Northern Ireland that you love and want to share!
