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Northern Ireland Destination guide

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Northern Ireland in a way like no other. Carved out on the edge of the North Atlantic Ocean, Northern Ireland is a divine slice of the Emerald Isle. From the captivating cliffs of Donegal, to the monumental steps of the Giant’s Causeway, the beauty of Northern Ireland is truly staggering. After Ireland was split in two in 1921, the northern partition became part of the United Kingdom, and our Northern Ireland tours will help you gain a deeper understanding of the region. The dramatic landscapes are dotted with gorgeous villages, where ancient castles and fortifications stand in near perfect condition. The urban showpiece is the capital of Belfast, with a twinkling waterfront, regal Victorian architecture and affable locals with a quick-witted sense of humor. Our trips to Belfast will take you from the thrilling museum in the Titanic Quarter, where the ill-fated ship set sail, to the top of Cave Hill with sweeping views over the city. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Trafalgar Highlights.
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5 million happy guests and counting

Overall Rating

4.6

Out of 5

Based on 93,839 independent reviews
"From the stunning, secluded lakes of Fermanagh to the monumental steps of the Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland affords luscious green scenery, charming countryside, vital cities and friendly locals"
Emma, Travel Director.
Northern Ireland at a glance
From the captivating cliffs of Donegal, to the monumental steps of the Giant’s Causeway, the beauty of Northern Ireland is truly staggering. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and explore the dramatic landscapes, gorgeous villages and ancient castles of this divine slice of the Emerald Isle.
Currency
Pound sterling
Winter avg temp
6°C
Summer avg temp
14°C
Time Zone
GMT+1
Capital City
Belfast
Language
English
Good morning
Good morning
Good evening
Good evening
Northern Irish Food

Our top 5 things to do in Northern Ireland

We show you the best things to do in Belfast and beyond, from the ancient Derry City Walls to the spectacular natural columns of the Giant’s Causeway.

See the City Hall in Belfast

Originally built to celebrate Belfast’s new status as a city, the City Hall is one of the most beloved Belfast tourist attractions. We’ll show you around this grand monument to history, or you can relax on the grassy grounds, with the Belfast Wheel in the background.

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Walk on the Derry City Walls

We’ll take you on a journey through history to the Derry City Walls, one of the most historically important places to visit in Northern Ireland. Surrounding the old city center of Derry, the city walls are a 17th-century fortification with panoramic views of the region. Incredibly, most of the original structure is still standing.
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Feel the Irish Spirit at St George's Market

Completed in 1896, St George’s Market is the last surviving Victorian market in Belfast and one of the oldest Belfast attractions. There are markets every Friday and Sunday and you can explore local produce, secondhand treasures, traditional arts and crafts, Irish homewares, and live music in this beautiful building.
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Explore the town of Donegal

With its wild mountains, sandy beaches and glittering lakes, Donegal is one of the most remarkable places in Europe. The scenic highlight of any Northern Ireland travel experience, we’ll take you through pretty Donegal Town, with a serene harbour, the 15th-century Donegal Abbey and the ancient Donegal Castle.
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Admire 40,000 basalt columns at Giant's Causeway

Take a drive with Trafalgar up the gorgeous Antrim coastal road to the Giant’s Causeway, where you can see the natural spectacle of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. It’s one of the most iconic things to do in Northern Ireland, and your trip will also ‘Make a Difference' by helping to preserve this natural wonder.
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Best museums in Northern Ireland

Our Belfast tours take in the best museums and galleries in Northern Ireland. See an ancient Egyptian mummy at the Botanic gardens and discover the vivid history of the Titanic.
Belfast

Ulster Museum

Located in the Botanic Gardens in Belfast, the Ulster Museum is a vast display of fine art, botany, geology, culture and local and European history. It’s the largest museum in Northern Ireland with everything from dinosaur skeletons to an ancient Egyptian mummy.
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Belfast

Titanic

The Titanic Belfast is an incredible museum, dedicated to telling the story of the Titanic, from her design and construction in Belfast in the early 1900s to her disastrous voyage. Located in the Belfast docklands, where the original Titanic was launched, you can explore over nine interactive galleries.
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Belfast

Down County Museum

We’ll take you back through 9,000 years of history at the Down County Museum, a former prison now dedicated to documenting the history of Downpatrick. You can visit the original cells used to house prisoners in the early 1800s, and learn the legendary history of St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
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Best food in Northern Ireland

Our trips will let you in on the best places to try Northern Irish cuisine, filled with grilled bread, potato pancakes, bacon and sausages, and generous dollops of creamy butter.

Ardglass potted herring

This classic Northern Irish dish consists of Ardglass herrings rolled in a dish with vinegar, spice berries, raw onions, salt and pepper. It’s baked until the top of the fish becomes crispy, then served with crusty bread and butter to mop up the tasty juices.
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Ulster fry

One of the most well-loved dishes in Northern Ireland, Ulster fry is a traditional cooked breakfast with griddle breads (potato bread and soda bread fried until golden), small pancakes, bacon, eggs, sausages, tomatoes and mushrooms, served with tea and toast.
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Boxty

Traditionally found in the north midlands such as Fermanagh and Donegal, Boxty is a Northern Irish potato pancake made with a blend of grated raw potatoes and cooked mashed potatoes with flour and buttermilk. Served with a smear of butter, this is a delicious favorite.
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What to pack for Northern Ireland

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Water and windproof jacket

Northern Ireland is one of the wettest and windiest regions in Europe, with temperatures averaging just 15°C (59°F) in summer. Stay cosy with a sturdy jacket and warm layers.

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A big appetite

With a hearty cuisine filled with delicious breads, meats, pancakes and potatoes in every form, you’ll need to bring your appetite for a tour of Northern Ireland.

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Pound sterling

Although the Republic of Ireland (the southern partition of Ireland) uses the Euro, Northern Ireland uses the Pound sterling, so you’ll need to change currencies at the border.

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An adapter plug

Voltage in Northern Ireland is 230V, and the sockets are of Type G, with standard British 3-pin plugs.

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Camera

Northern Ireland is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world, and you’ll want to bring a camera to capture all of this wild beauty.

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

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Our Europe & Britain destinations

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Ireland

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