Northern Ireland’s leading collection of hotels has a fantastic selection of offers in each of its seven stunning properties including the luxurious Grand Central Hotel in Belfast, the magnificent Slieve Donard Resort & Spa in Newcastle and historic Ballygally Castle located at the beginning of the Causeway Coastal route.
Northern Ireland has lots of natural wonders that can make you gasp in sheer appreciation of their beauty and are an absolute must-see. The Giant’s Causeway is a true national icon, with the columns of rock reaching out into the wild Atlantic Ocean. The mystical atmosphere of Causeway stirred our ancestors to believe in a magical otherworld of giants and flying chunks of rock, and it is every bit as inspirational today.
The iconic Mourne Mountains – 12 shapely summits peppered with lakes, granite tors, forest and incredible views. Or why not visit Rathlin Island in Co Antrim with stunning views, rugged landscape and a tranquillity and beauty that is so unexpected. The ferry to Rathlin island travels just six miles across the Sea of Moyle. Visitors can enjoy the walks the Island has to offer or hire a bike to explore.
In recent years, Northern Ireland has become a popular location for smash-hit films and TV series. Game of Thrones was filmed in various locations across Northern Ireland and visitors can immerse themselves in unique experiences and tours. Two of Hastings’ fabulous properties, Slieve Donard Resort & Spa and Ballygally Castle, are ideally located close to some of the filming locations.
Stay at the Slieve Donard and you can visit some of the most iconic scene locations. Walk where the White Walkers first appeared (and also where the Starks discovered the direwolves), visit Team Stark’s home at Winterfell, go to Rob Stark’s battle camp, step foot where the ‘Red Wedding’ unfolded and pay your respects to the Tullys when arriving at Riverrun. The hotel is near Tollymore Forest Park (Wilding Pit and Direwolves) and Castle Ward (Winterfell).
When staying at Ballygally Castle, you’ll be able to take in the stunning Causeway Coast and Glens which was used to represent everything from Winterfell to the King’s Road, The Iron Islands to Stormlands. You can stand on the spot where Lannisters schemed, stroll in the footsteps of the Starks, and gaze on grasslands crossed by the Dothraki horde.
Calling all foodies… From traditional tastes such as Ulster fry and The Comber Potato, to food from Northern Ireland’s waters, there’s a lot of heritage and delicious recipes ready to be shared. There are lots of tasty food tours to avail of including Toast The Coast – a celebration of local Northern Ireland food on the Antrim Coast Road & Glens. Enjoy local people, stories and the sunning coastal scenery. Taste and Tour NI offers the Belfast Food Tour which takes you ‘off the eaten track’ on a 4-hour food and fun-filled walk through the city centre. The enthusiastic, local expert guides will ensure you get a flavour for the city and the magnificent authentic produce of Northern Ireland.
Grand Central Hotel
Why not book a break in Belfast City Centre and stay at the Grand Central Hotel, home to Ireland’s tallest cocktail bar, the Observatory. The Grand Central Hotel has a delightful range of dining options including the Grand Café and the Seahorse Bar & Restaurant. The Observatory on the hotel’s 23rd floor, is the most luxurious cocktail lounge in Ireland, where guests can sit back, relax and sip on the finest cocktail and drinks selection and enjoy the breathtaking views of Belfast and beyond.
Slieve Donard Resort & Spa
Nestled at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa in Newcastle stands in six acres of immaculate private grounds. A golden strand of beach borders one side while the mighty Royal County Down Golf Links frames the other. There’s lots of places to go walking and exploring nearby including Tollymore Forest Park, Silent Valley, Castlewellan Country Park and Murlough Bay Nature Reserve.
Ballygally Castle
Perched on the tip of the famous Causeway Coastal Route, this stunning 17th century castle overlooks Ballygally Bay with uninterrupted views towards Ballygally Castle has a range of delightful dining options and is home to one of the Game of Thrones doors made from fallen trees of the iconic Dark Hedges. If you’re brave enough, take a trip to the Ghost Room to see if you can spot Ballygally Castle’s friendly ghost, Lady Isabella Shaw.
