Where to stay in Northern Ireland

Thinking of planning a vacation to Northern Ireland? We would love to see you and to help you plan your trip, here's a few recommendations of where to stay.

Northern Ireland has many sights worth seeing: Belfast - City of the Titanic, the Glens of Antrim, the Antrim Coast, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, the Giants Causeway, Bushmills Distillery, White Rocks Beach, Roe Valley Country Park, Lower and Upper Lough Erne, Newcastle and Slieve Donard, the Ards Peninsula and Bangor. This will be the rough route for the Northern Ireland Road Trip and accomodation path of discovery.

Arriving in Belfast, Nothern Ireland's modest city, much smaller in scale to the typical American city, but this isn't to say it has nothing to offer. Firstly, it's where the Titanic was born in the Harland and Wolfff plant. The Merchant Hotel in the city centre is exquisite and for those with a little more spare cash. If you're on a modest budget, there are many budget hotels in the city centre. However, if you like something modern yet not a budget hotel-chain, try Tara Lodge which lies about 20 minutes walk from the centre. It's on a residential street but a short walk from popular night spots and restaurants. Ten Square is closer to the city centre and also hosts a lovely restaurant and bar.

Follow the coastline north from Belfast to the Glens of Antrim. You can chose to stay on the doorstep of the Glens, right on the coast, in the Ballygally Castle. However, heading half an hour inland why not stop off in Ballymena (the Gateway to the Glens) for some shopping and a good coffee in Northern Ireland's popular shopping spot. Ballymena is also home to the beautiful Galgorm Manor, with the relaxing outdoor hot tub overlooking the tranquil River Maine.

After staying in Ballymena, head back to the coastal road and follow the spectacular coast on round to Ballycastle and then on to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. A visit to Northern Ireland cannot be complete without stopping off at the famous Giant's Causeway. Visitors come from all over the world to see this amazing landmark. There are some lovely walks along this stretch of the coastline, so you probably won't want to rush off. Stay overnight in the Causeway Hotel which is right on the Giant Causeway's doorstep. The Causeway Hotel isn't a modern hotel, instead it portrays beautiful character and history. The food served is hearty and it's a popular eating location with locals and tourists alike. You may also wish to take a tour of Bushmills Distillery.

The next day you can drive round to Portrush where you can try your hand at surfing, or a relaxing walk along the White Rocks Beach. If you decide you want to stay a few more days in this area, the Ramada in Portrush is a good option. It's right in the town centre and with a view of the sea.

Heading on round the coastal towns you eventually reach the Roe Valley Country Park, through which the River Roe meanders. The Radisson Blu hotel lies right on the edge of this park and is a beautiful setting. There's a golf course and a spa here if you fancy either of those. This is a popular hotel for wedding receptions.

After a visit to Londonderry, head south to Lower and Upper Lough Erne. This time the recommendation is a homely Guest House - The Cedars Guesthouse. Set just up the road from Castle Archdale Country Park, this accomodation is full of character and the restaurant serves some tasty food. In Winter, the open fire may be lit which boasts its homely atmosphere.

After your stay in the Lakelands area, head across country, back to the East coast to Newcastle. Here, if you're not on a tight budget you could stay in the Slieve Donard hotel. While here, if you're feeling energetic, give climbing Slieve Donard a go. There's also Tullymore Forest Park. This is a popular area with outdoors lovers.

Head up north again to the Ards Peninsula and Bangor. The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn is where you may wish to spend the night. If you're feeling like splashing out on your last night, you could head on round to the Culloden Hotel, which is between Bangor and Belfast. It's set in lovely grounds and belongs to the same hotel group as the Slieve Donard.

This ends the journey of Northen Ireland accomodation recommendations. Happy Holidays!