The Best Beginners Guide to Northern Ireland
Have you ever wanted to explore Northern Ireland? Your answer should be yes!
I spent three and a half weeks in Northern Ireland and it was just lovely. The country is so beautiful – I often have flashbacks of exploring the countryside, walking around Belfast and learning more about the history and culture of the country.
If you are planning a trip to Northern Ireland, have a read through this blog and ask any questions that you have in the comments.
Important things to know before you go:
- Northern Ireland is not Ireland
This is probably the most important thing to know before you start your trip. Northern Ireland is not Ireland, it is its own separate country. Northern Ireland is apart of the UK. They use the British pound for currency and fly the Union Jack as their flag.
Ireland is not apart of the UK. Ireland is a country in the EU, has its own government, they use the euro as their currency and they have their own flag – The Tricolour – the orange, white and green flag.
I am assuming that you do not want to offend anyone while you are on your trip, so make sure you do not mix the two up while you are talking to locals.
- The Troubles
Another thing that you are going to want to know before heading to Northern Ireland is The Troubles. This refers to a period of about 30 years (1960s-1990s) where there was a lot of conflict in Northern Ireland due to Unionists, mainly Protestants, who wanted to remain loyal to the UK and Irish Nationalists, mainly Catholics, who wanted Northern Ireland to leave the UK and rejoin Ireland.
The 30 years were violent, dark and complicated. This time period has greatly shaped the history and culture of the area.
Although this period is technically over, there is still unresolved conflict in the county. When you are in the country, I recommending avoiding getting into conversations about The Troubles, and tourists are advised to be alert of their surroundings especially in places like Belfast and Derry aka Londonderry.
Before taking a trip to Northern Ireland, consider learning more about The Troubles and how to stay safe while exploring here.
5 Must-Do Activities in Northern Ireland
- Explore Belfast
Belfast is the capital and largest city. It is a great city filled with a lot of attractions and history to learn about. While you are in the city you can visit the Belfast Markets and the birthplace of the Titanic (queue My Heart Will Go On). You can also check out The Victoria Square Dome and get a unique 360° view of the city, take a stroll through the botanical gardens, visit C.S. Lewis Square (which has a statue of Aslan), and admire the street art.
- Explore Castles
Like many locations in Europe, Northern Ireland is home to some stunning castles that are perfect for you to explore while you are there. Here are some castles:
- Dunluce Castle
- Kinbane Castle
- Kilwaughter Castle
- Carrickfergus Castle
- Belfast Castle
- Shane’s Castle
- Killyleagh Castle
- Audleys Castle
- Glenarm Castle
- Dundrum Castle
- Visit Local Pubs
Pubs are an important part of UK culture. While you are exploring, take some time to pop in a few pubs listen to some live music and enjoy a pint of beer. I personally, really enjoyed visiting the local pubs in small towns. I found them very welcoming and charming.
- Explore Nature
Northern Ireland is stunning, while you are there you must take some time to explore the gorgeous outdoors. I recommend heading over to the town of Rostrevor, and hike in the forest that CS Lewis said was Narnia. You can also enjoy Northern Ireland’s most beautiful beach, Portrush Whiterocks Beach, Co., enjoy the haunting beauty of The Dark Hedges (as seen on Game of Thrones), and try surfing on the Causeway Coast.
- The Giant’s Causeway, Co. Antrim
While visiting the country you want to make time to see The Giant’s Causeway. According to UNESCO, “The Giant’s Causeway is made up of some 40,000 massive black basalt columns sticking out of the sea…Geological studies of these formations over the last 300 years have greatly contributed to the development of the earth sciences, and show that this striking landscape was caused by volcanic activity during the Tertiary, some 50–60 million years ago.”
This beautiful and inspiring site has inspired countless folklore tales about giants coming across the sea from Scotland.
Packing List For Northern Ireland
As you prepare for your trip to Northern Ireland you are going to want to make sure that you pack the following:
- Travel Insurance – World Nomads is my go-to company for travel insurance. Make sure you are prepared for anything by having insurance.
- Raincoat
- Rain boots
- Umbrella
- Camera
- Portable charger
- UK outlet converts
- Layers
- Travel Journal
As I said before, I absolutely loved my time in Northern Ireland. The country is stunning and the people were so friendly. If you get the chance to go, I hope you take it!
Be sure to share this blog with your travel partner and get planning your next trip.
Love you always,
