Holiday rentals in Northern Ireland

Getting to Northern Ireland

There are three major airports in Northern Ireland, two of which are in the capital city Belfast. The largest is Belfast International Airport, followed by George Best Belfast City Airport. Northern Ireland’s other airport is the City of Derry Airport. All of these have strong public transport links with their respective cities, but due to the remote nature of the country’s best attractions, it usually makes more sense to rent a car and make the journey yourself. You can also travel from England by boat to reach Northern Ireland holiday lettings.

Northern Ireland weather: what to expect

You can never be too sure what weather you’ll get when planning to stay in Northern Ireland holiday homes. Things can change quickly here and it’s not uncommon for the weather to turn from sunny to rainy and back again in a matter of hours. As such, you should be prepared for wet weather and pack accordingly. Temperatures are considered mild year-round, ranging from cool in the winter to warm during summer.

Things to do in Northern Ireland

Northern Island is characterised by cultural, historic cities and natural scenery, so you can expect to have something of a combination of the two during your stay in Northern Ireland holiday lettings.

By far the most stunning place to visit is Giant’s Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site on the northern tip of the country features “columns” of cooled lava, the result of volcanic activity some 50 million years ago. This large area is otherworldly and much fun can be had exploring the formations, which fade out into the sea. Getting to this area is an attraction in itself – the Causeway Coastal Route is designated as one of the world’s most scenic journeys and is a real treat for anyone who decides on Northern Island holiday lettings.

Giant’s Causeway isn’t the only thing worth visiting up in the north of the country. Located just a short drive away is Dunluce Castle, which now lies in ruin. The castle dates back many hundreds of years (no one is sure exactly how many) and is always a hit with visitors. The two towns of Portrush and Portstewart are also fun to visit if you’re in the area.

In the capital city of Belfast, you’ll find great architecture, cultural hotspots and other fun attractions. Walk the streets and you’ll stumble upon beautiful building after beautiful building, such as City Hall, St. Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast Castle and more.

One of the best attractions in the country is the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast. This is where the doomed ship was built, and there’s plenty of information on its construction and other facts, all told through modern, engaging exhibitions. You can even take a 360 degree tour of the ship to really get a sense what it was like to be on board.

Another great museum is the Ulster Museum, which houses a large collection of art and ancient artefacts. More importantly, it does a terrific job of conveying the political troubles that have plagued Northern Ireland in the past, making it a must for visitors.

Northern Ireland’s colourful annual events

Northern Ireland likes to keep things exciting, with many events taking place across the year. There's bound to be something on during your stay, with events covering literature, music, film and local rural life taking place in the vicinity of Northern Ireland holiday homes.

The Festival of Colours takes place in April at the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast. The name reveals just what this is all about: colour! Expect a lively atmosphere filled with music, dance shows and plenty of green, red and yellow. Get into the spirit by setting off from your Northern Ireland holiday letting dressed in your brightest clothing.

Let your inner fool out during the May Bank Holiday weekend by attending the Festival of Fools in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. This energetic, slightly surreal carnival features street performances of all kinds: acrobats, musicians, magicians and dance shows, among others.

During May, step onto the other side of Northern Irish life by attending the Balmoral Show, which is dedicated to all things agricultural. Expect cute animals, delicious food and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

Northern Ireland: The Land of Giants

Ulster Museum

Artefacts from around the world and across the ages are displayed at the Ulster Museum in Belfast, with everything from Egyptian mummies to dinosaur skeletons. It's a mere 20-minute walk from the city centre.

Giant's Causeway

This natural marvel is the most famous landmark in Northern Ireland. Said to have been formed by the giant Finn McCool, these strange step-like formations developed from cooling lava around 60 million years ago.

Titanic Belfast

Located in the dockyards where the Titanic was built, interactive exhibitions bring the history of the ill-fated ship to life.

Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge

Constructed during the 18th century by salmon fishers, this bridge crosses the gorge between two cliffs. Crossing is not for the faint hearted, but the sea-views are worth it.

Belfast City Hall

This 19th-century building dominates the city centre with its impressive façade. Visitors will find a selection of exhibitions and artworks, and can read about the history of the city.