Northern Ireland’s magnificent landscapes still exist as perfect as hundreds of years ago and are a major tourist attraction. Whether you want to shop in the hip quarters of Belfast City or admire the murals in Londonderry, there is a rich rural and urban spirit in this vibrant northern country. It does not matter if you are looking for a quick city break or an adventure-filled country getaway for the whole family, whatever your reasons for visiting, there is the ideal holiday cottage in Northern Ireland waiting to be reserved.
Find and book the perfect holiday cottage in Northern Ireland
Home of The Titanic, a Monastic island and a Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland is guaranteed to surprise you and give you a holiday filled with adventure. It could be a drink in the Victorian gin palace of the Crown Liquor Saloon, a moment along the C.S Lewis trail, or just the experience of roller-skating in Belfast's colourful cathedral quarter, but there are countless unique experiences ready to surprise every individual in Northern Ireland. Another surprise might just be the vast accommodation options available when you choose an exclusive holiday apartment, cottage or bed and breakfast and compare it to the cost of a local hotel room, so book the unexpected on TripAdvisor or Airbnb today.
When to visit Northern Ireland?
August has a reputation as the best month to visit Northern Ireland, as it is when temperatures usually peak and rainfall is at a minimum. The warmer climate does however come at a cost, with more tourists depending upon the county's attractions in this month than any other and holiday rentals likely to book up in advance. For a quieter experience, try searching from late May to the end of September, as the rain may still hold off in these more peaceful months.
What types of holiday rentals are available in Northern Ireland?
One of Northern Ireland's natural wonders is its renowned maritime heritage, all of which are just a short distance from the cities of Belfast and Derry. For those who crave a slice of Northern Irish adrenaline or those visiting with a large family or party, choose a seafront holiday cottage alongside the famous Carrick-a-Rede bridge, where you can walk along the rope structure, then go on to ride the waves of the North Atlantic Ocean. If you would rather admire the best of Northern Ireland from a room with a view of the Titanic Quarter from the sanctuary of a luxury holiday rental, or an apartment in the historic cathedral district of Belfast, the only thing more diverse than the country is the range of holiday lettings available.
How to get to Northern Ireland
Though Northern Ireland is a part of the UK, the country is separated from England, Scotland and Wales by the Irish Sea, meaning you will have to fly or travel by ferry across the water to enjoy the Northern Irish beauty. With affordable direct flights from a diverse range of airports including London, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh to a variety of cities in Northern Ireland such as Belfast and Londonderry and an average flight time of around one and a half hours, you will launched into the rich experiences of Northern Ireland in almost no time at all. If you would rather take your car across the water, be sure to take advantage of the daily crossings from Cairnryan in Scotland or Liverpool to Belfast, which take just over two hours later and are the perfect way to explore with your car.
Northern Irish food and culture tips
Whether you have a craving for some street food samples from the rural Northern Irish markets, some traditional dishes from a pub nestled in the natural landscape, or an exceptional dining experience in the capital, every craving will go satisfied in this colourful county. Reserving a self-catered holiday rental in Belfast is the ideal opportunity to try some of the national cuisine, which includes starting the day off with an Ulster fry, and trying a potato-based dish as the day goes on, including a Boxty potato cake and, of course, an endless amount of Irish Stew. Remember to leave space in your case for a raincoat, as the UK weather is still as unpredictable as it is at home, even when visiting in the warmer summer months.
Colourful landscapes and even more colourful cities in Northern Ireland!
Mention Northern Ireland and you will undoubtedly think of the globally famous natural wonders which spread across the verdant unspoilt landscape. From the Giant's Causeway which spills into the Atlantic, to the sandy shores of Whitepark Bay on the North Antrim Coast and the views over 700 meters above sea level from Slieve Binnian, Northern Ireland offers a pallet of rural beauty which is waiting to be explored. Perhaps the countries best-kept secret, however, is the range of attractions available to tempt you to the Northern Irish cities, where the vibrant spirit of the landscape is projected into its creative street art, historic structures and electronic bar scene. Whether you want a holiday home in the perfect position to watch the sunrise from the beach, or you will be coming back to your apartment as the sun comes up in the city centre, there is the ideal accommodation for every desire across this country.
Adventure in Northern Ireland
Begin your adventure on the shores of the country by taking part in a surf school where you can brave the chilly water and enjoy the thrill of riding the Northern Atlantic waves and have the chance to see the coastline from the water. If you have a taste for inland adventure, however, there are still countless experiences to be discovered across the northern land, including a Game of Thrones Walking tour where you can walk in the footsteps of your favourite Game of Thrones character, or a mountainous cycle to ensure you capture the best views this country can offer. Rent a traditional holiday cottage among the Northern Irish hills and return to your home away from home after a long day of exploring this unspoilt land.
Northern Ireland, a maritime enthusiasts paradise!
As the birthplace of the infamous Titanic, Northern Ireland has a world-renowned reputation for its connection to the sea, but there is even more to discover about the country's rich trading past than you ever might expect. As an island country, Northern Ireland is surrounded by water which has shaped the structure of its towns and cities and made them what they are today. No matter how much you know about the history of this country's ports and trade, you can enjoy a stay in a homestay by the harbour of a quaint seaside village, such as Carnlough Harbour or a b&b in Portstewart. Alternatively, you can wake up at the foot of the Titanic Belfast or the Thompson's Dry Dock and pick up the fascinating history as you go.