Northern Ireland

Tens of thousands of traditional music-loving folk gathered in the town of Cavan for the 2010 Fleadh Cheoil and less than 24 hours into my maiden festival visit, I found myself smack bang in the middle of Lough Oughter. Dating back to the early 1950s, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (Festival of Music in Ireland) was established to promote Irish traditional...

The International North West 200 motorcycling spectacle is revving up for a return to Northern Ireland’s famous Causeway Coastal Route. Following a two-year hiatus, the road-racing spectacular will be on the starting grid from Sunday 8 May, with a hugely entertaining Race Week Festival running right up until the main race day of Saturday 14 May.The International North West 200 is one...

One of Ireland's most famous hotels is celebrating its 50th anniversary - and how it withstood the Troubles to emerge as an iconic beacon of hope for Belfast. Whilst often referred to as ‘the world’s most bombed hotel’ - having been targeted 33 times due to its visibility as a landmark building - The Europa Hotel has been transformed into a...

Belfast’s Continental Christmas Market is one of the best on the island of Ireland and is sure to fill you with Christmas cheer. Until 22 December, the grounds of Belfast’s imposing City Hall will be transformed into a sparkling Christmas market, which will welcome over a million visitors. Famous for its extensive range of international cuisine, the market is a wonderful spot...

A breeze to navigate and full of music, culture and culinary delights, Belfast also offers plenty of attractions for travellers who are watching their pennies. From admission-free museums and wonderful public parklands to Game of Thrones® highlights and arts attractions, you can enjoy quite a lot of Belfast without having to spend a thing. Check out the top 10 free...

Dramatic diving on display on Northern Ireland’s stunning Causeway Coast In July, Northern Ireland’s spectacular Causeway Coast will be the backdrop to the fourth stop on the adrenaline-charged Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. The famous Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series has chosen picturesque Ballycastle, County Antrim, as the location for a mid-season stop (19–20 July) that is expected to...

As Northern Ireland kicked off the celebrations for the 148th Open return to Royal Portrush, this short cinematic film celebrates just how far Discover Northern Ireland has come to establish themselves as a leading tourist destination. Set to an original poem by local poet Paula Matthews, the film is narrated by leading actors Ian McElhinney, Bronagh Waugh, Saoirse-Monica Jackson...

Northern Ireland’s ascent as a must-visit tourism destination   A push towards green tourism and an unprecedented wave of international investment is reinvigorating Northern Ireland’s tourism industry. In the last few years, a number of major investments in Northern Ireland’s hotel stock has added more luxury options for visitors to this small region. In a story worthy of a Hollywood movie, Mick Boyle,...

The Slieve Donard Resort & Spa in Newcastle, County Down has been named Northern Ireland’s Best Golf Hotel at this year's prestigious World Golf Awards. The hotel's neighbouring Royal County Down Golf Club picked up the award for Northern Ireland’s best golf course.Ireland picked up the accolade of Best Golf Destination in Europe. Now in its seventh year, the World Golf...

There are loads of new and refurbished places in Northern Ireland that make for a perfect St Valentine’s Day getaway. This year, why not embrace each other and the giant spirit of Northern Ireland at the same time in the country’s wide selection of ultra-romantic hideaways? Choose from quiet hotels and snug cottages with log burners to cosy self-catering apartments...