Northern Ireland

No matter where you travel around the island of Ireland, you’re always going to find something to put on your bucket list of things to see and do. A host of new attractions and experiences are open or will be ready to open for 2022, so make this year the one you find something different to explore on the greenest,...

Good things come to those who wait – and that was certainly the case for Northern Ireland as The Open finally made a historic return to Royal Portrush for the first time in 68 years.

Have you ever spent the night on the coast’s edge, under the guiding beams of one of Ireland’s many lighthouses? Or been king or queen of a romantic castle for two? Well the Irish Landmark Trust has been saving and restoring heritage buildings throughout the island of Ireland that were at risk of being lost through neglect or inappropriate...

Some are used for affairs of State, others are must-sees on Ireland’s tourist travel, and many more converted into the living quarters for eccentric artists or American actors. And while scores remain in ruin along the coastal shores north and south of the island, many more have been converted into luxury hotels and guesthouses allowing visitors to step back...

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...

On a clear day you can view the Mourne Mountains from Dublin's Howth Head. But on the other 350-odd days, an hour's drive will take you out of the Fair City and into the heart of spectacular County Down countryside, where you will wind and meander through hills and valleys, with jaw-dropping scenery awaiting around every turn in the road. Head...

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...

Howard Hastings, Managing Director, Hastings Hotels makes his predictions for travel in 2022. Hastings Hotel Group is the largest independent hotel operator in Northern Ireland with six luxury hotels, including the Grand Central and Europa Hotels in Belfast and the five-star Culloden Estate and Spa just outside the city. It also co-owns the five-star Merrion in Dublin. “Last year we enjoyed...

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...

For a romantic, classy and relaxing getaway with your Valentine, Hastings Hotels has a range of packages on offer.  Ranging from £150 per room (approx. €170), each of the Northern Ireland hotel group's six unique locations offer luxurious accommodation, delicious meals, fizz and a quirky touch of romance with their "Kiss me Quack" love duck. In addition, some packages offer late...