Planning a trip to Northern Ireland? Our comprehensive travel guide covers everything from when to visit and getting around to the top attractions and insider tips.
Northern Ireland — the northern part of the island of Ireland and a constituent nation of the United Kingdom — is one of Europe's most undiscovered travel destinations. With dramatic scenery, rich history, world-class golf, Game of Thrones fame, and one of the world's great coastal drives, it punches well above its weight.
When to Visit Northern Ireland is a year-round destination, though summer (June–August) is peak season with the best weather and longest days.
- **June–August**: Best weather, longest daylight, busiest. The Giant's Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede can be very crowded. Book everything in advance. - **April–May & September**: Shoulder season — good weather, fewer crowds, excellent value. - **October–March**: Fewer tourists, dramatic stormy coastal scenery, lower prices. The Dark Hedges is particularly atmospheric.
Getting to Northern Ireland - Belfast International Airport (BIA): Served by easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, Aer Lingus, and others from UK, Europe, and North America. - George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD): Mainly UK domestic routes. Very convenient — 10 minutes from Belfast city centre. - Dublin Airport (DUB): Many visitors fly into Dublin and travel north by private transfer (1 hour 45 minutes) — a good option if you can't find direct flights to Belfast.
Getting Around Northern Ireland has a reasonable public bus network, but to properly explore the country at your own pace — particularly the Causeway Coast, Mournes, and Fermanagh Lakelands — private transport is strongly recommended.
Our private transfer and tour service covers every part of Northern Ireland from both Belfast airports.
Top Destinations 1. Belfast — Capital city, Titanic Belfast, political murals, Cathedral Quarter 2. The Causeway Coast — Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Dark Hedges, Carrick-a-Rede 3. The Glens of Antrim — Nine glacially carved valleys meeting the sea 4. Londonderry/Derry — The only completely walled city in Ireland 5. The Mourne Mountains — C.S. Lewis's inspiration for Narnia 6. Strangford Lough — AONB with Castle Ward (Winterfell) and Portaferry 7. The Fermanagh Lakelands — Marble Arch Caves, Lough Erne, island monasteries
Currency Northern Ireland uses the British Pound (£), not the Euro. If you're crossing from the Republic of Ireland, change your currency in Belfast (most banks are on Donegall Square).
Language English is the primary language. Irish (Gaelic) is spoken in some areas of Northern Ireland, particularly West Belfast and parts of County Antrim.
Tipping Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated: 10–15% in restaurants is considered generous. Taxi and transfer drivers appreciate a tip of £2–£5 for good service.
Health and Safety Northern Ireland is a safe destination. The conflict (the Troubles) ended in 1998 with the Good Friday Agreement. The political murals in Belfast are tourist attractions in a peaceful city.
Do I Need a Passport? Citizens of the Republic of Ireland do not need a passport to travel to Northern Ireland (both are part of the Common Travel Area). Citizens of other countries should check requirements.
Driving Northern Ireland drives on the left (like the rest of the UK). Roads are generally good and well-signed. Many B roads are narrow — take care on rural routes. Parking in Belfast city centre is pay-and-display or multi-story car parks.
Planning Your Trip For the best Northern Ireland experience, we recommend: - Day 1: Belfast city tour (murals, Titanic Quarter, Cathedral Quarter) - Day 2: Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle (full-day private tour) - Day 3: Mourne Mountains or Strangford Lough - Day 4: Londonderry (Derry) or Fermanagh Lakelands - Day 5+: Golf, additional tours, or cross into the Republic
Belfast Transfers and Tours can arrange private tours and transfers for every day of your Northern Ireland visit. Contact us at Airporttransfersni@gmail.com to plan your perfect trip.