Northern Ireland Hotels

Northern Ireland hotels come in many shapes and forms. Some are part of well known international hotel chains, located usually in city centers and catering to business travelers and those who want something familiar.

Most, Northern Irish hotels however, are smaller family owned businesses, spread throughout the beautiful landscape of Norther Ireland. Some are located on stunning coastal areas, some on the green and sloping hills, some near main historical attractions. Apart from accommodation, most also offer fine dinning, a good introduction to Northern Irish cuisine.

Whatever your preferences accommodation wise we trust you will find what you are looking for.



The Londonderry Arms Hotel 20 Harbour Road, Carnlough, Co. Antrim, BT44 0EU. Tel: +44 (0) 28 2888 5255. Fax: +44 (0) 28 2888 5263. Email: lda@glensofantrim.com

The Kilmorey Arms Hotel 41 - 43 Greencastle Street, Kilkeel, Co. Down, BT34 4BH. Tel: +44 (0) 28 4176 2220. Fax: +44 (0) 28 4176 5399. Email: info@kilmoreyarmshotel.co.uk


To learn more detail information, click here!

Ways to Travel to Northern Ireland

 
Travel to Northern Ireland by Air, Sea and Land

Travelling to Northern Ireland is now easier than ever before. Whether you are flying in from the other side of the globe, or driving up from the Republic, Northern Ireland is accessible via land, sea and air.


Travel to Northern Ireland By Air

Northern Ireland has three airports:
Belfast International
Belfast City also known as George Best Airport
Londonderry.
 You might also want to consider Dublin airport. Though 100 miles from Belfast, the good road system and good transport services means you can be there quickly.


Travelling to Northern Ireland from America, or further afield? 

Dublin is probably your best option. Most major airlines fly to Dublin rather than Belfast so you will have more options. If you do fly to Dublin, the easiest way to travel to Northern Ireland is to take the bus. There are three bus companies that service this route: Ulsterbus, Bus Eireann, and Aircoach. Services are regular, and very reasonably priced. They stop at Newry, Banbridge, Hillsborough, Lisburn and Belfast. However, services do not always run at night and at peak travel times during the day the buses get full quickly. You might want to book in advance, or risk some delay.


London airports
Alternatively, try one of the London airports and then connect. This is easier today in that there are a number of low cost and regular airlines that have multiple flights every day to Northern Ireland airports. Beware of lost connection flights: Low cost airlines will usually not take responsibility if your inbound flight is delayed and you lose your connection. So you might want to arrange it in such a way that you spend a day in London. Or that you book your onward flight with one of the major airlines as one ticket in which case your connection is assured.


Travelling to Northern Ireland from Europe or Great Britain? 

Both Belfast airports and Londonderry have good connectivity.

Try the low cost airlines like Easyjet, Ryanair, Jet2 and BMI service over 100 routes so chances are you will find one that suits you. If you book well in advance and choose your dates carefully, you can get REALLY cheap flights.



Beware of extra costs.

Some of the low cost airlines will charge you extra for services that are standard in other airlines.

So before you make your booking check not only the advertised price, but the total price once you have made all selections.


Travel to Northern Ireland By Sea

Take the boat only if you are bringing a car. Otherwise, it is easier (and often cheaper) to fly.

There are numerous options.
Option 1: Scotland to Belfast/Larne – Stena Line or P&O Irish Sea
This is the shortest route, it takes about three hours on a normal boar, or just over an hour on a super-fast ferry.
The downside: If you are coming from the south of England it means a long drive to south-west Scotland to take the boat.

Option 2: Liverpool to Belfast/Larne – Norfolk Line or Stena Line
This trip takes over 10 hours. You can either travel overnight, or over the day.
Travelling to Northern Ireland overnight sounds ideal, you leave at night, sleep on the boat, arrive fresh and relaxed in the morning. The downside: This is probably the most expensive option.

By contrast, the day sailing can be the cheapest of all options. You can opt to have a cabin, or stay on deck. A free meal is often included with the ticket (check when you book).

Option 3: Holyhead to Dublin/Dun Laoghaire – Irish Ferries or Stena Line
Three hours on a ferry, an hour and a half on a super-fast ferry. Usually slightly more expensive than Scotland to Belfast/Larne.
The downside: You have to drive to Holyhead in north-west Wales, and then from Dublin to Northern Ireland.

Our Advice

In our five years in Northern Ireland we tried all three options, some several times.

If you don't mind spending some extra cash, the night sailing of Option 2 is the best.

If you are not pressed for time and want to save $$ or ££, the day sailing of Option 2 is the most cost effective.

Liverpool is easily accessible from most of England and you arrive at the heart Northern Ireland. You can have a cabin and rest during the trip and enjoy a good meal on the way.

If you are coming from Scotland of Wales, options 1 and 3 are best respectively.


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Travelling to Northern Ireland from Mainline Europe

You can either cross by boat from France to the Republic. This is nice if you want to stop over in the Republic. If, however, you are in a hurry to reach Northern Ireland, it is a long trip made on secondary roads.

Another option is to cross the English Channel by boat to England and then go for one of the three options above.

Travel to Northern Ireland By Land

Since Northern Ireland is part of an island, the only way you can come by land is from the Republic of Ireland.

However, if you are a tourist from America, chances are that you have gone to the South first and are now considering travelling to Northern Ireland.

The roads connecting South to North are generally small (as with most roads in the South) and not always in the best state of repairs. So, count on a lengthy trip even if the millage involved is not high.

However, if you are in the Dublin area, then it all becomes so much simpler.

The M1 is the main artery that leads from Dublin towards the North (just to make matters confusing, there is another road named M1 that starts is Belfast and heads south-west but the two are distinct).

If you take the M1 from Dublin and avoid the rush hour, your trip will be quicker and more pleasant.
From Dublin it is about 60 miles to the border, 66 to Newry, the first main city in the North,75 to Banbridge and about 100 to Belfast. The road is motorway until Newry and dual-carriage way from then on. Currently they are doing road works around Newry which can cause delays at rush hour, but otherwise it should be smooth driving.

Fishing in Northern Ireland: Plenty of opportunities

Fly Fishing in Northern Ireland

Fly Fishing in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland with its host of fresh water rivers and lakes is an ideal destination for lovers of angling in general and fly fishing in particular. Though I am not particularly enthralled by the sport, here is some information nonetheless. Enjoy your game, don't mind me!

How Fly Fishing got started

Hmm, yes, I must know the history behind everything. Even the history of fly fishing!
The earliest sure reference to fly fishing comes from the 2nd century Graeco-Roman writer Claudius Aelianus (Aelian).

In his work Varied History he described how Greek anglers used an artificial fishing lure made of red wool and feathers.Modern methods of fly fishing are thought to have originated in England and Scotland. Northern Ireland is not to be undone, however. With a host of rivers, brooks and small lakes you are sure to find what you are looking for.

Fly Fishing in Antrim

Antrim is anglers paradise.

The most sought after fish is the Dollaghan, a local variety of brown trout. It is found mostly in lake Lough Neagh, the largest fresh water lake in the UK at 151 sq. miles, where it spends most of the year but returns to the numerous rivers and streams that flow in and out of Lough Neagh during autumn to spawn..

Anglers love it because it is larger than most other Irish trout.

Salmon is common in many rivers in the area, especially the river Bush.

The River Foyle

The river Foyle flows on the western part of Northern Ireland through counties Tyrone and Londonderry as well as through county Donegal in the Republic of Ireland.

It is considered one of the best rivers for salmon fishing on the whole island.

The best period for salmon fishing in Northern Ireland is from the end of March to the end of September.

 A popular destination is Baronscourt estate in County Tyrone. The magnificent house of the Lord Abecorn family since 1612, it offers accommodation and conference facilities and offers access to 24 pools ideal for salmon fishing. Costs are higher from mid June to end of September due to high demand.

Other Rivers and Lakes

Northern Ireland has dozens of small rivers and lake so whether you choose a popular angling destination or a quieter location you are will enjoy a thrilling angling experience.

Permits and Licenses

Anglers need both a license and a permit which can be obtained from the Fishery Conservancy Board in different sites.

Prices

Currently (2008) a coarse fishing rod license for 14 days costs £8.50 and for 3 days £3.50.

There are special rates for those over 60 and under 19 years of age.

Permits cost £9.00 and £4.50 for 14 and 3 days respectively. For the latest prices check here.

Medieval Castles in Ireland

Medieval Castles are one of the most visible characteristics of the Middle Ages (circa AD 700-1500) in Europe. No matter where you travel on this continent, chances are you are not far away from the remains of one. The same is true of Northern Ireland, indeed of the whole island.

  List of Early Modern and Medieval Castles in Ireland

Belfast Castle
http://www.my-secret-northern-ireland.com/belfast-castle.html
 
Belfast Castle Weddings

http://www.my-secret-northern-ireland.com/belfast-castle-weddings.html

Carrickfegrus Castle

 http://www.my-secret-northern-ireland.com/carrickfergus-castle.html

Castle Weddings and Birthday parties

http://www.my-secret-northern-ireland.com/carrickfergus-castle-weddings.html

Dromore Mound

 http://www.my-secret-northern-ireland.com/dromore-mound.html

Dunluce

 http://www.my-secret-northern-ireland.com/dunluce-castle.html

Dunseverick

http://www.my-secret-northern-ireland.com/dunseverick-castle.html 

Dundrum

http://www.my-secret-northern-ireland.com/dundrum-castle.html 

Enniskillen Castle

http://www.my-secret-northern-ireland.com/enniskillen-castle.html  

Hillsborough Castle

http://www.my-secret-northern-ireland.com/hillsborough-castle.html 

Kinbane Castle 

 http://www.my-secret-northern-ireland.com/kinbane-castle.html

 Depending on how much history fascinates you, you can decide how many to visit. But a tour of Northern Ireland would not be complete without at least a casual viewing of some of them.

History often developed around them and though no longer in the mainstream of political developments, the stout architecture and often dramatic locations of older ones as well as the refined elegance of some of the newer ones will give you a good overview of the rich history of this glorious land.

In my-secret-northern-ireland.com you can read descriptions and see photos of some of the better known Northern Irish castles. Our list is by no means complete. But we plan to build and expand it. So take your time, read through the relevant pages, plan to visit them and come again to our website to learn more as new pages on the castles of Northern Ireland are added.
 

Belfast Castle

Happy exploring!

A few minutes about Northern Ireland...

Irish Recipes

You hear of French restaurants. Italian. Greek. Mexican. Thai. Chinese. Indian. Lebanese. But you rarely, if ever, hear of Irish restaurants. You hear of Irish pubs. Did you now that pubs do serve food? 
Reasons
It is true that Irish food does not have the sophistication and variety of other cuisines.

Historical and geographical factors have contributed to this. Nestled on the north-eastern edge of Europe and surrounded by water, this island lacked the substantial interaction with Europe, let alone countries beyond Europe, that would have added variety and cosmopolitanism to its food culture. Furthermore, the cold and at times inhospitable climate has meant that historically Ireland has not had access to the variety of, for example, vegetables that make the Mediterranean cuisines not only tasty and varied but also healthy.
The above notwithstanding, you are fooling yourself if you think that food eaten in Northern Ireland can be gastronomically blunt. There is enough variety to keep your taste buds exploring throughout your stay and beyond. After all, who else can cook potatoes a gazillion different ways?

Potatoes at Vegetable Market

 So if you are thinking “what’s for dinner tonight?” do have a look at the tried and tested recipes we have gathered for you. Whether it is potato based dishes, soups or breads and Irish chocolate desserts, you will find something to add to your menu this week. And you will discover the taste-bud bulldozer, the Ulster Fry.

Apart from the traditional recipes, you will find their vegetarian alternative so some of these Irish recipes will be recipes with a twist; a health twist.

The strong point of Irish cooking

The allure of the irish cooking lies on its simplicity. A few fresh ingredients, a bit of love and a spark in your eyes is all you need to create wholesome food good enough for your family.

Official Flag of Northern Ireland

Official Flag of Northern Ireland? Yes or No? 

 The answer is No and Yes.

No, because strictly speaking Northern Ireland does not have its own unique flag sanctioned by government.
In official functions the Union Jack is used, the official flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

 However, Yes, because from 1921 to 1972 Northern Ireland did have an official flag, the Ulster Flag or Ulster Banner.

Why then and not now?


In 1920 the Government of Ireland Act 1920 was voted by Westminster and came into effect in 1921. It divided Ireland into two autonomous regions.
The region of Southern Ireland eventually became the Irish Republic.
The region of Northern Ireland remained an autonomous region of the UK until 1972 when the arrangement was first prorogued and then suspended under the Northern Ireland Constitution Act 1973. To put it simply, in 1972 Northern Ireland came under more direct British rule as a response to the Conflict that had recently erupted.

So what happens  now?

the Flag Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 forbids the flying of any flag on government buildings other than

• the Union Jack

• the European Union flag 
• 
  the flags of visiting heads of state

• the Royal Standard

 Ulster Flag: Northern Ireland 's ex-official flag



There was a time when Northern Ireland had its very own flag. That was the Ulster Flag or Ulster Banner or Red Hand of Ulster. You can read more about the Ulster Flag here.



Unofficial Flags of Northern Ireland

If you think you know all about the flags in Northern Ireland, you haven't seen nothing yet!

Wellcome to Northern Ireland*

This is a land of blue mountains and forest parks, mazy lakes and windswept moors, white Atlantic sands, an inland sea. In fact, it's a country that is just pretending to be small. Dozens of small towns are hidden away down among the green places of the countryside, and fishing villages string out along the shores. The towers and steeples of parish churches mark the high ground beyond trimmed hedgerows... 

Basic Facts: What is Northern Ireland?

By contrast, Northern Ireland, is a piece of land across the sea on the second of the two islands, Ireland. 

 Though it is on the island of Ireland, it is not part of the country of Ireland, the Republic of Ireland.

Complicated? Don't worry, things usually are on this part of the world.

So, Northern Ireland is not part of the Republic of Ireland but rather, together with Great Britain forms the country called United Kingdom. It is part of the same country as England, Scotland and Wales.

   
  Geographical Position

• To learn more about geographical position of Northern Ireland...