Northern Ireland Ferry

If you are a nature lover, you will love Northern Ireland. In fact, even if you aren't, Northern Ireland will make you fall in love with nature. Pure unspoilt forests, lakes and rivers will take your breath away and help you to escape the pressures and strains of modern day life. From Kebble Nature Reserve on Rathlin Island to Castle Archdale in County Fermanagh, you are guaranteed to be seduced by the history and majesty of Northern Ireland's countryside.

St George's Market in Belfast

Travelling in Northern Ireland

Rail services in Northern Ireland are run by Translink. All lines offer a combination of express services and trains that stop at each station. Seven trains operate per hour at peak times on key commuter lines.

If you are coming with your car by ferry or planning on hiring a car on arrival, you will find traffic on the left like in the UK. If you are not used to this, don't forget because you may not see a car for a very long time on some of Northern Ireland's meandering country roads and lanes.

Buses in Northern Ireland are also operated by Translink. Between cities and towns in Northern Ireland, there is a high speed coach service called Goldline. In Belfast city the bus service is known as Metro and operates in all the major areas of the city. Throughout the rest of the country (not including Belfast) all local bus services are operated by Ulsterbus.

Rail services in Northern Ireland are run by Translink. All lines offer a combination of express services and trains that stop at each station. Seven trains operate per hour at peak times on key commuter lines.

If you are coming with your car by ferry or planning on hiring a car on arrival, you will find traffic on the left like in the UK. If you are not used to this, don't forget because you may not see a car for a very long time on some of Northern Ireland's meandering country roads and lanes.

Buses in Northern Ireland are also operated by Translink. Between cities and towns in Northern Ireland, there is a high speed coach service called Goldline. In Belfast city the bus service is known as Metro and operates in all the major areas of the city. Throughout the rest of the country (not including Belfast) all local bus services are operated by Ulsterbus.

Belfast is well known for its Christmas market

Things to see

Any stay in Northern Ireland must include a visit to Dunluce Castle in North Antrim. Perched on top of cliffs beaten by the waves of the Irish sea, the remains of Dunluce Castle really is a sight worth seeing.

Also in Northern Ireland in County Antrim is the world famous Giant's Causeway. Giant's causeway consists of around 40,000 interlocking hexagonal basalt columns that wander out into the sea. The result of ancient volcanic activity. The Giant's Causeway was voted the fourth greatest natural wonder in the United Kingdom and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.

Music lovers and modern day bon-viveurs are also sure to fall in love with Northern Ireland. You can experience just how a pint of Guinness should be poured in a historical Belfast bar like the John Hewitt or Crown Liquor Saloon. The perfect chance to strike up a conversation about topics of the day and the perfect place to receive a dose of famous Northern Irish humour and charm.

you are guaranteed to be seduced by the history and majesty of Northern Ireland's countryside.

For music lovers there are traditional festivals, rock concerts and clubs where the biggest DJs in the business perform to sell-out crowds. Wander down the cobbled streets of North Belfast until you hear the unmistakable sound of fiddle music. Step inside and you are sure to have the night of life. Just don't drink too much of the black stuff or you'll need a hearty breakfast to get over it. In fact, sampling a famous mouth-watering Irish breakfast is a treat regardless of the previous night's exploits, as it is indeed the perfect start for a day of sight-seeing.