Northern Ireland consists of the six north-easterly counties of the island of Ireland, and is a part of the United Kingdom. Whilst having a reputation for violence and sectarian conflict, it is nonetheless a fascinating province with much to offer in the way of beautiful scenery and cosmopolitan cities.
Much of the Northern Irish countryside is intensely beautiful and thankfully unspoilt. Facilities continue to improve and many new hotels and restaurants have opened in the last few years.
At the heart of Northern Ireland lies the idea of unspoilt naturalness, which encompasses a beautiful landscape, quality local produce where people are spontaneous in their humour, genuine, hospitable, welcoming, and not tourist weary.
Northern Ireland continually presents the visitor with a full program of entertainment and special events. Whether you are looking for a fun night out with the kids, a romantic meal for two or a hectic night on the town. Northern Ireland not only promises, but delivers.
By Car: Northern Ireland has a limited motorway system, connecting Belfast to Dungannon, Ballymena and Newtonabbey. All large towns and cities are well connected by road. The speed limits are: Motorways (Blue signs) - 70 miles per hour, other roads (Green & white signs) - 60 miles per hour and urban areas (towns and cities) - 30 miles per hour.
By Bus/rail: Translink operate the Northern Ireland public transport system. Northern Ireland's train network is connected to the Irish Republic and direct services are available between Belfast and Dublin.
By Ferry: Ferry services link Northern Ireland with Stranraer and Cairnryan in Scotland, and also Liverpool in England
By Air: Belfast City Airport is 2 miles from Belfast City Centre, and serves domestic UK and Ireland. Belfast International Airport is the only international airport in Northern Ireland and is used mainly by low cost carriers. City of Derry Airport is a smaller regional airport serving County Derry and is used by Aer Arann, British Airways and Ryan Air.
Most of Northern Ireland's major attractions lie at its fringes. To the north are the green Glens of Antrim and a coastline as scenic as anywhere in Ireland, with, as its centrepiece, the bizarre black basalt geometry of the Giant's Causeway. In the southeast, County Down offers the contrasting beauties of the serene Strangford Lough and the brooding mass of the Mourne Mountains. To the west, the inland counties of Tyrone and Fermanagh are dotted with megalithic remains and ruined Plantation castles; while Tyrone's main attraction is the wild and desolate Sperrin mountain range, Fermanagh has Lough Erne, a fabulous place for water sports, fishing and exploring island monastic remains. However, to get to grips with the history of the North, a visit to its cities is essential: Belfast, with its grand public buildings, was built on the profits of Victorian industry; Derry has shed the security barriers and barbed wire that formerly shrouded its medieval walled town; and the cathedral town of Armagh, set on seven hills, is where St Patrick established Christianity in Ireland.
Main Attractions
Titanic Trail
The most famous ship in history began its life in Belfast; follow the trail from a Belfast perspective.
Giant’s Causeway
Situated on the northern coast of Ireland, the Giant's Causeway is a unique geological feature consisting of a protrusion of basalt hexagonal columns jutting into the sea.
Belfast Zoo
Popular sections of the zoo include the Monkey Island, the African and Elephant Enclosures, the Penguin and Sea Lion Pools, the Gorilla Enclosure and the Children’s Farm.
Exploris Aquarium (County Down)
Look out for the Open Sea Tank - the largest tank at Exploris, with species including shark, conger eels as well as smaller fish such as cod, halibut and bass.
W5 (Belfast)
W5 is a science and information attraction where visitors can learn more about science and the world around them through the many interactive exhibits.
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