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Fancy a holiday but don’t have the funds to go abroad, why not take a trip closer to home?
For more affordable flights and the opportunity to witness remarkable sights, Northern Ireland is a must-see destination.
For those of you who have booked these flights and those who may need a little more persuasion here is a must-see and do list.
Giants Causeway
The UNESCO World Heritage Site formed from basalt columns is one of the world’s natural wonders thanks to its spectacular sights along the Causeway coast.
If you’re a fan of folklore, legend has it, that Finn McCool, an Irish Giant formed the Causeway to cross the Irish Sea and reach his rival Benandonner, a Scottish Giant after years of arguing. What remains today is believed to be the aftermath of their meeting as Benandonner ripped up the causeway coast as he fled home to Scotland.
Only an hour and a half from Belfast, the Giants Causeway is the perfect way to spend a family day out. And if you want to tour Northern Ireland and Ireland, it’s the perfect location to stop and have a stroll before reaching Derry as the Causeway Coastal Route is rated one of the Top 5 Road Trips in the world.
Mourne Mountains
Located at the heart of Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark, County Down, the incredible 2-hour hike includes fantastic views of natural scenery and luscious landscape.
Famous from Percy French’s “Where the Mountains of Mourne Sweep Down to the Sea”, Ulster’s highest mountain range is also recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
and as part of a UNESCO Global Geopark.
The mountains are also believed to have inspired CS Lewis, Chronicles of Narnia and were a go-to filming destination for Game of Thrones.
Belfast City
You cannot come to Northern Ireland and not visit its capital, Belfast itself is a vibrant city with hidden gems such as St Georges Continental Market which runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The Friday market dates back to 1604 and still to this day sells fruit, clothes, crafts, antiques, and tasty treats. The Saturday market is very similar as it focuses on local and continental food and crafts while live musicians play. Sunday is dedicated to local craftsmanship and is seen as an opportunity for those to showcase their talents by selling their handmade jewellery, clothes, recycled goods, and speciality foods.
And for those who aren’t a fan of loud noises St George’s Market offers a daily quiet hour to ensure the market is an inclusive place suitable for everyone’s needs (Friday and Saturday 9 am-10 am, 10 am – 11 am on Sundays).
And for those looking for a way to spend your evenings, Cathedral Quarter Belfast is home to several stylish bars and restaurants such as the House of Zen, Dirty Onion and The National.
Whether you are in the mood for a traditional Irish evening or an eventful night out the Cathedral Quarter has you covered.
And for those who prefer non-drinking activities, the Quarter has a range of art exhibitions theatre shows and beautiful architecture waiting to be explored.
Titanic Quarter
The Titanic Quarter is based in the Innovation District of Belfast and is within walking distance from the city centre.
Here it is possible to see the slipway where the infamous RMS Titanic was built and its last remaining sister ship, SS. Nomadic, as it is on display outside of the Titanic Museum.
The world-leading visitor attraction offers more than 9 galleries and multiple exhibitions focused on the ship’s construction and launch as well as its maiden voyage and tragic demise. It also includes details of the sinkage aftermath and the exploration that eventually led to the recovery of the wreck making a great day out for history buffs.
Tayto Tours
In Ulster countryside in County Armagh at Tandragee Castle it is possible to witness the life of a potato.
At the Tayto Factory, they offer a tour inviting you to witness the making of what the Irish dispute to be the world’s greatest crisps.
During this guided tour, visitors witness first-hand how these potatoes are turned into the famously known treats. From their life as a spud to harvest and production to even flavouring and packaging visitors learn the magic of Tayto.