Cheap Vacations to Northern Ireland
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The other Ireland
Enticing and somewhat mysterious at the same time, Northern Ireland surprises and charms all those who take the time to explore it. Proud and unique, it is a land that has fiercely preserved its traditions, while its landscapes, dotted with breathtaking hills, lakes and coasts, leave unforgettable memories of a place where beauty and tranquillity go hand in hand.
Overview
Belfast, the gateway to Northern Ireland, offers much more than what the daily news would have us believe. A visit to the capital of Northern Ireland will reveal a dynamic and artistic city that likes to celebrate and put on its best finery. You will come back home with a completely different image in mind.
Although it is much less tourist-oriented than most European cities (which is actually quite refreshing), Belfast does feature many attractions that can be visited at one's leisure and without having to endure line-ups. Several of the city's buildings exhibit a remarkable architectural style, such as its castle, city hall and university, as well as a lovely botanical garden. Belfast is also home to a multitude of pubs where visitors can savour delicious ale while chatting with locals or enjoying musical performances.
Although it is quite small in size, Northern Ireland, known here as Ulster, is more than its capital. Indeed, visiting all of its six counties is a must, as you will discover wild coasts dotted with fishing villages, inviting mountains, refreshing lakes, stunning islands and the legendary Giant's Causeway. And everywhere, men and women, proud of their roots, seem to go about their daily tasks with a slight hint of mischief and good cheer.
South of Belfast stretches the Ards peninsula, located between the choppy Irish Sea and majestic Lake Strangford. One never tires of visiting the many small, peaceful villages found along its coast. In the southwestern region, Newcastle features some of the best beaches in the area. Nearby, visitors should not miss hiking through the Mourne Mountains, even if it's only for a short while; this range is composed of some 15 mountains, including Slieve Donard (850 m or 2,789 feet), the highest mountain in Northern Ireland.
Armagh has not one but two cathedrals named after St. Patrick. The Anglican cathedral was built in the 13th century, replacing the original that had been built eight centuries before. The Catholic cathedral is much more recent, dating back to the 19th century. North of Belfast, the splendid coast that stretches from Larne to Derry, the second-largest city in the country, is an absolute must-see. The Causeway coast abounds with cliffs, beaches, villages and impressive stone columns. In this region, visitors can admire the famous and intriguing Giant's Causeway, which is made of thousands of basalt columns, a dark-coloured volcanic rock. Although this site is often packed with visitors, its beauty is truly worth the detour. Strolling below the cliff among these unusual formations is just as pleasant as climbing to the top and admiring the splendid panorama that stretches all the way to the sea.
Where on earth
Along with the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland occupies the smallest of the British Isles. Covering 14,121 km_ (5,452 sq mi), it is home to some 1,500,000 people. The country's capital is Belfast.
