Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, comprises the northeastern sixth of the island of Ireland. Torn apart during the 30 years of sectarian strife in the late 20th century called 'The Troubles,' this fascinating and beautiful part of the Emerald Isle has emerged to become one of the largest cultural and economic hubs in the British Isles, particularly its vibrant capital, Belfast. The historic city of Derry, the only walled city in Ireland, was severely impacted by The Troubles; today it boasts flourishing intellectual and arts scenes. See below for some of the most popular cities in Northern Ireland, or hop over to the Northern Ireland country page for more!
There is so much to see and do in Western Ireland, comprised of Counties Clare, Galway and Mayo. You will find a winning combination of rugged sea cliffs and sheltered sandy beaches, a myriad of ancient castles, medieval friaries, pre-historic burial sites and traditional Irish music!
Southwest Ireland stretches from the Ring of Kerry in the south, the Dingle Peninsula in the west, through Killarney and north to Adare, and Limerick City, offering sea and mountain scenery, interspersed with lively small towns and villages plus medieval castles and archaeological sites going back 5,000 years.
South East Ireland is comprised of Counties Waterford, Kilkenny, Carlow, and Wexford. This region has been settled by Vikings and Normans in the past, and is well-known for its beautiful, sunny weather amidst a backdrop of mountains rolling into lush Nore and Suir river valleys.
Ireland`s countryside is dotted with castles that range from romantic castles and towers that are in ruins to stately chieftain castles and Irish castle hotels. They are all filled with character and history.
The Emerald Isle of Ireland has some of the most beautiful public and private gardens in the world. We recommend that you take time to `stop and smell the roses` during your journey. Remember – all of Ireland is a garden.
Northern Irish cuisine is a mixture of traditions from the islands of Ireland and Britain. Whether you're trying an Ulster fry with potato farls or a delicious pasty, you will be spoiled for choice as far as food is concerned in the North.
Driving Time
Belfast- Bangor: 24 mins. approx.
Bangor- Strangford Lough: 25 mins. approx.
Strangford Lough- Belfast: 41 min approx
Driving Time
Belfast - Mourne Mountains and Coast Area: 1 hr. / 1 hrs. 15 mins. approx.
Mourne Mountains and Coast Area - Enniskillen: 1 hr. 30 mins./ 2 hrs. approx.
Enniskillen - Omagh and the Sperrins Area: 40 mins / 1 hr. approx.
Omagh and the Sperrins Area - Derry (Londonderry): 25 mins / 45 mins. approx.
Derry (Londonderry) - Belfast Airport: 1 hr. 15 mins. approx.
Driving Time
Dublin - Belfast: 1 hr. 50 mins. approx.
Belfast - Londonderry: 1 hr. 30 mins. approx.
Londonderry - Sligo: 1 hr. 50 mins. approx.
Sligo - Galway: 1 hr. 50 mins. approx.
Galway - Shannon Airport: 1 hr. approx.
Driving Time
Shannon Airport - Galway: 1 hr. 15 mins. approx.
Galway - Donegal: 2 hrs. 55 mins. approx.
Donegal - Derry (Londonderry): 1 hr. 15 mins. approx.
Derry (Londonderry) - Belfast: 1 hr. 35 mins. approx.
Belfast - Dublin: 1 hr. 55 mins. approx.
Driving Time
Belfast- Lough Neagh: 34 mins. approx.
Lough Neagh- Belfast: 36 min approx.
County Donegal offers some of the most spectacular scenery and stark beauty in Ireland. It offers tortuous country roads skirt stark mountains, rugged sea cliffs, craggy peninsulas, remote Gaeltacht communities, sheep-studded pastures, pristine strands, icy streams and horizons carpeted with bog and heather.
Some of the most important historic sites and monuments are located within County Meath , between Northern Ireland and Dublin, and virtually every important aspect of Irish history from prehistoric times is associated with the county.
County Mayo, Ireland`s third-largest, is the Ireland of your imagination, a beautiful region with breathtaking landscapes, many lakes, green and peaceful valleys, and an exciting blend of rugged mountain trails and beautiful beaches set in the Western coastline.