With everything that’s happening in the world right now, a holiday probably isn’t the first thing on your mind. Then again, thinking about going away when things finally open up might be what’s getting you through these difficult times, even if you’ve no idea when you’ll be able to travel again.
Hopefully, it won’t be too much longer until it’s safe for all of us to hop on a plane and explore the world. When that fateful day finally arrives, where’s the first place you plan on visiting?
If you don’t know the answer to that question yet, why not consider a staycation in Northern Ireland? There’s so much about the country to love, as these six excellent reasons prove.
Exceptional Landmarks
No matter where you go in the world, there’s usually some incredible landmarks to see. Northern Ireland is no different, with the country home to things like Belfast Castle and Giant’s Causeway.
Fans of Game of Thrones may be particularly interested in taking a tour of Northern Ireland’s landmarks, as quite a few of them appeared in the show. This includes Castle Ward in County Down, the Dark Hedges in County Antrim, and Downhill Strand in County Derry. You can find more information about Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland here.
Amazing Hiking Opportunities
While Northern Ireland has plenty of amazing urban areas to visit, it’s also an incredibly rural country. For that reason, it’s an excellent place to visit if you love a bit of hiking.
There are plenty of mountain ranges in the area that are relatively low-lying, so even the most inexperienced of walkers can manage the challenge of climbing them. Of course, if you want something that will test your abilities, you can always take a trip to County Down. There, you’ll find the Mournes which has some tricky terrain for you to traverse. It’s also home to the Mourne Wall which spans 22-miles for those with a lot of time on their hands.
Perfect For a Scenic Drive
If you want to enjoy Northern Ireland’s wealth of scenery but aren’t much of a hiker, that’s okay. You can just hop in a car instead and take in what the country has to offer from behind the wheel.
Anyone who plans to see Northern Ireland this way will do well to travel across the Causeway Coastal Route. Stretching an incredible 120 miles, it’s one of the most popular routes in all of Europe. We can understand why, especially with so many opportunities for stops in places like Portstewart, Rathlin Island, and of course Giant’s Causeway.
Obviously, if you’re going to be driving around Northern Ireland, you’ll want to ensure that you have suitable car insurance. There are plenty of companies out there all offering different options, so to work out what suits you best, be sure to check out Compare NI. Respected by 98% of their reviewers, they’ll ensure you get the car insurance you need with exclusive deals you won’t find elsewhere.
Festival Atmosphere
Right now, Northern Ireland’s festival atmosphere probably isn’t anything to write home about given how many events have been cancelled because of the pandemic. However, once things calm down on the virus front, you’ll be able to see for yourself just how great of a party the locals can throw.
From the Belsonic Music Festival to the Belfast International Arts Festival, there’s a lot to get involved with for celebrants of all ages. Going to one of these events will remind you just how much you’ve missed being surrounded by other people.
So Many Delicacies
Northern Ireland may not be the first country that springs to mind when you think of food. However, they have plenty of mouth-watering delicacies there, as well as a lot of delicious food that’s homegrown.
For instance, Northern Ireland is the home of Abernethy butter which is used in restaurants all around the world. Among its wealth of potatoes, for which the country is relatively well-known, is the comber potato which is also a highly sought-after ingredient. These foods, combined with some of Northern Ireland’s water-based dishes like Strangford Lough oysters, give the area plenty of excellent meal options for you to enjoy.
Plenty to Drink
It’s hard to savour a good meal without a refreshing drink to wash it down with. Luckily, Northern Ireland isn’t without a wide variety of beverages, thanks to its breweries and distilleries.
With plenty of locally-produced gin, whiskey, beer and cider selections available, you’ll never be short of something to drink here. A glass or two of these in the evening can be a fantastic way to top off an exhausting day of hiking and sightseeing.
Whatever it is about the country that most speaks to you, there’s something for everyone in Northern Ireland. It’s hard not to enjoy yourself here, which is exactly why you should make it your next holiday destination spot.
