Northern Ireland country guide: Everything you need to know before you go

It’s home to a dramatic coastline, expansive Lakelands and one of the most striking Unesco World Heritage sites in Europe. But despite its many attractions, Northern Ireland is still distinctly off the radar for a lot of travellers. All the more reason to head there now, so you can explore its lively cities, pretty countryside and picture-perfect beaches without finding yourself elbow to elbow with crowds of jostling tourists. Whether you‘re tempted by a wild weekend in Belfast or hop around the area’s Game of Thrones filming locations, there’s sure to be something to get your travel juices flowing.

Travel restrictions and entry requirements

There are currently no restrictions when it comes to getting into Northern Ireland. On the ground, there are no mask mandates in place, though it is still recommended you wear them indoors or in crowds. As such, you may still see some people wearing them on public transport or in busier shops.

Best time to go

May is the absolute best time to go – it’s the sunniest month for the country and you’ll get to see the bigger attractions, like the Giant’s Causeway, without the summer traffic. Belfast is also a great city break for December, when the Christmas lights and market stalls around City Hall illuminate the old stone buildings and bring a festive glow to the streets. Otherwise, the climate is delightfully unpredictable – as with the Republic of Ireland, you can expect to see all four seasons in a day.

Top cities and regions

Belfast

The entry point for most visitors to Northern Ireland, Belfast is a cracker of a city with ramshackle old pubs, a thriving food scene and intriguing sights like Titanic Belfast and the Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC). If you visit over a weekend, don’t miss a trip to the 19th-century St George’s Market, where you can sample the best of the local produce, from goat bacon to potent Young Buck blue cheese. While Belfast has worked hard to emerge from its tumultuous past, that doesn’t mean its history should be ignored. Take a drive around the city on one of the infamous Black Cab Tours, which are led by locals who lived through the Troubles and tell their stories in a captivating way.

Derry-Londonderry

This city has experienced something of a renaissance in recent years, which is down to a few things: a flurry of exciting new restaurants and…