6 fabulous alternative holiday ideas in Northern Ireland
Why settle for ordinary when you could visit a fairy tale cottage, indulge in an island adventure or experience boutique style?
Northern Ireland offers so many extraordinary options for once- in- alifetime great places to stay. Here are a few highlights where a warm welcome awaits.
Sperrinview Glamping, County Tyrone
While Northern Ireland offers a rich seam of glamping options, Sperrinview manages to stand out – not least for its location in the Northern Ireland’s only official ‘ dark sky’ reserve.
Situated at the foot of the Sperrin Mountains, a stone’s throw from Davagh Forest, these stylish, fully furnished pods all feature a rooftop viewing window so you can marvel at the night sky as you drift off.
Davagh Forest is perfect for mountain bikers of all levels, or take a walk to the Beaghmore Stone Circles, cairns thought to be relics of the Neolithic era.
Blackhead Lightkeepers’ Houses, County Antrim
Always envied the romantic, solitary life of a lighthouse keeper? Here’s your chance to live the fantasy. Blackhead Lightkeepers’ Houses boast bright,
comfortable rooms furnished with antique furniture and lighthouse paraphernalia. A perfect bolthole for a family or group of friends, you can use it as a base to explore the stunning Antrim Coast, with easy day trips to The Gobbins, Giant’s Causeway, and Glenariff Forest Park, all along the Causeway Coastal Route.
Shipquay Boutique Hotel, DerryLondonderry
Whether you’re a lover of history and yearn to walk the famed city walls of Derry- Londonderry, or a culture vulture who loves Derry Girls, you’ll adore a stay in the delightful Shipquay Boutique Hotel when you’re in town. In easy walking distance of the city’s landmarks, such as the Peace Bridge, The Guildhall, and St Columb’s Cathedral, you’ll love returning to the lavishly furbished, Italianate- heritage building. End the day with a delicious cocktail or craft beer in the Lock & Quay Bar.
Winds of Winter Cottage, County Down
It sounds like the stuff of fairy tales; nestled on Butter Mountain, above the Irish Sea, the Winds of Winter Cottage is a traditional thatched- roof cottage. Stay amidst rolling, verdant farmland, surrounded by nature, where you can soak in an outdoor hot tub then cosy up next to the open granite fireplace to revel in idleness. The next day, amble through Tollymore Forest
Park, where pivotal scenes were filmed for Game of Thrones.
An island delight
On the beautiful shores of Lough Erne spend a night at the
splendidly named Lusty Beg, an island resort reached by pontoon. Leave life’s stresses behind and soak up the holiday vibe in the lakeside barrel tubs.
Titanic Hotel Belfast
If you dream of opulent indulgence then set sail for the Titanic Hotel Belfast, situated in the beautifully restored 19th century Harland & Wolff headquarters, where the lavish interiors of the world’s most famous vessel are echoed in a hotel setting. The Art Deco styling of the time is perfectly recreated, with a nautical theme throughout.
The great city of Belfast awaits outside to be explored – take a short stroll to soak in the area’s history on the Maritime Mile.