An adventure in Northern Ireland
Write your own story in a land that blends local legends with modern charm
WITH its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities and wonderfully welcoming locals, Northern Ireland proves to be a uniquely charming holiday destination.
Whether you are getting lost in local legends and folk tales or touring incredible filming locations, traversing historic city walls or following in the footsteps of literary giants such as CS Lewis and Seamus Heaney, this is a land of stories and storytellers.
Plus, book a trip with British Airways Holidays and getting there couldn’t be easier. You can fly to Northern Ireland from London Heathrow and London City, and your package includes a 23kg baggage allowance.
And with a broad selection of fantastic hotels and places to stay to suit every budget, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your Irish getaway.
Want to make it a fly-drive holiday? Thanks to British Airways Holidays’ partnership with Avis, you’re also guaranteed to get the best rates on car hire.
You can book now and pay later with deposits from just £60 per person* and your whole trip is ATOL-protected, with a 24-hour helpline should you need extra support.
CITY STYLE
Start your journey in gloriously vibrant Belfast. A buzzing city with a youthful exuberance, and a creative spirit that’s firmly focused on the future yet draws inspiration from the city’s storied past.
Stroll the quaint cobblestone streets of the Cathedral Quarter, explore the Linen Quarter’s award-winning restaurants and the art galleries and elegant cafes of the Queen’s Quarter, not forgetting to pay a visit to the fascinating Titanic Experience.
About 90 minutes west by car is Derry~Londonderry, the epitome of a city reinventing itself. Surrounded by 17th-century walls and stitched together by the curved Peace Bridge, this city brings its own indelible personality, one that has charmed audiences around the world with the phenomenal success of TV series Derry Girls. There’s even a themed tour, so why not see the filming locations up close?
FABULOUS FOOD
Northern Ireland’s wild landscapes and extensive coastline make it fertile ground for fabulous local produce. Marry this with historic pubs and an exciting generation of experimental chefs, and you’ll find plenty to whet your appetite.
One of Belfast’s most popular places to visit is St George’s Market. In the nearby streets you’ll discover over excellent old-school cafés, perfect for sampling an authentic ‘fry’, the region’s famous fried breakfast.
The city has further delights in Michelinstarred restaurants such as OX Belfast and The Muddlers Club, together with excellent pubs that combine hearty food with stirring live music.
Fabulous food isn’t confined to the cities, however. As you explore the wild coast of Northern Ireland, you’ll find sensational seafood at the Mourne Seafood Bar by the Mourne Mountains, and by the beach in Portstewart, at Harry’s Shack.
For a taste of history, make a slight detour when seeing the Giant’s Causeway and head to the Old Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in the world.
STUNNING SIGHTS
After experiencing vibrant city life, the great outdoors calls.
South of Belfast you’ll find the misty blue of the Mourne Mountains, with their ethereal beauty and numerous hiking trails, while to the west is the perfect serenity of the Fermanagh Lakelands, a combination of weaving rivers, placid lakes and winding waterways.
Head north of Belfast for a scenic road trip along the Causeway Coast. You’ll pass ruined Dunluce Castle looking out to sea and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, an exhilarating crossing, 100 feet up.
Then there’s the mesmerising Giant’s Causeway, with its ancient interlocking columns, the result of prehistoric volcanic activity or the work of an angry giant, depending on who you believe.
Driving along the north stretch of coastline, you’ll come to the enchanting Glens of Antrim, the setting of local legends, and, further on, Gobbins Cliff Path, where you can enjoy a guided walk along cliff sides and through smugglers’ caves.
PLAN YOUR SHORT BREAK
At every turn in Northern Ireland another story unfurls, and its compact size makes it easy to thread together lively cities, dining delights and awe-inspiring landscapes.
And whether you want a one-stop mini break or are planning an epic road trip on a fly-drive getaway, book with British Airways Holidays and you can pick your ideal flights, car and perfect accommodation – all in one easy package.