ADVERTORIAL • August 2021
A local’s guide to Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, there’s a warm welcome at every door and an adventure on every corner. If you’ve always fancied a visit, local writer Nicola Brady reckons the best time for a short break is now…
Take a road trip
Drive along the Causeway Coast and you’ll be met with endless temptations along the way, like the beautiful Gobbins Cliff Path, winding beside the sea. As the route’s namesake, the Giant’s Causeway is an otherworldly sight you have to see to believe. But all along the coast you’ll find beautiful white sand beaches and pretty little bays just begging you to park up and dip your toes. And if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll recognise many locations from the show along the way (and the handy signage will remind you of its role in Westeros).
Indulge your appetite
The food scene on the island of Ireland is thriving, and Northern Ireland is no exception. You’ll find incredible food options wherever you go, whether you want an artisanal cheese toastie dripping with butter from a food truck right by the Giant’s Causeway, or a seafood feast as you gaze out at the ocean. Wherever you go, you’ll find Northern Irish food championed on menus, from Nigella’s favourite Abernethy butter (try the black garlic version) or native dulse seaweed. And the local drinks are a treat, too, such as the old classic Bushmills whiskey or the small batch Shortcross gin.
Have an adventure
There’s no better place to get the adrenaline pumping than Northern Ireland. Here, you can go mountain biking on world-class trails, take a kayak out on Lough Erne or splash around at an inflatable water park. You can even go skydiving indoors in Belfast, to give you a taste of the experience without stepping on a plane. If you fancy a more laidback adventure, take a stand-up paddleboard out in the Fermanagh Lakelands and drift past the beautifully calm shore.
Sleep in style
Whatever you fancy when it comes to accommodation, Northern Ireland has an option for you. From cosy B&Bs in the foothills of mountains, to luxurious hotels in sprawling country houses, there are some incredible places to lay your head. If you want to opt for something really special, you can stay in beautifully designed bubble domes in Finn Lough, where you can sleep under a blanket of stars in the Fermanagh forest. There are cool glamping pods on the grounds of Glenarm Castle, or you can even sleep in your very own 19th-century fortress, Helen’s Tower.
Explore the cities
The city of Belfast is always buzzing with life. With an incredible food scene combining Michelin-starred hotspots and excellent market stalls, you’ll never be short of a place to eat, drink and be merry. But the cultural side of the city is captivating, from the art galleries and museums to the Botanic Gardens. Over on the other side of the country, Derry~Londonderry is a fascinating city to explore. Take a walk on the 400-year-old city walls, visit the Derry Girls mural or go stand-up paddleboarding on the River Foyle, and soak up the atmosphere in this vibrant, welcoming city.
Embrace a Giant Spirit with your trip to Northern Ireland. To find out more, click here
This article has been tagged Advertorial, Destination
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