Northern Ireland Travel Guide

Northern Ireland is a small country that is geographically part of Ireland but politically part of the United Kingdom. It is most commonly associated with “The Troubles,” a violent conflict between the country’s Protestant Unionists and Catholic Nationalists that lasted for over three decades during the later half of the 20th century.

However, Northern Ireland is much more than its past. This small country is home to beautiful scenery, historic cities, and friendly people.

Northern Ireland quick facts

Population: 1.88 million
Language: English
Currency: Pound sterling (GBP)
Capital city: Belfast
Country size: 5,456 square miles
High season: June through August

Top 10 things to do in Northern Ireland

Take a black taxi tour in Belfast to learn about the city’s history
Visit Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland’s most famous castle
See where the Titanic was built at the Titanic Belfast museum
Explore the unique landscape of Giant’s Causeway
Visit the Dark Hedges, the most photographed spot in Northern Ireland
Take a road trip along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route
Walk the well-preserved city walls in the historic city of Derry
Go hiking in Northern Ireland’s Mourne Mountains
Visit the rugged and beautiful Rathlin Island
Go on a Game of Thrones tour (lots of filming took place in Northern Ireland)

Getting around

Translink is the national train line in Northern Ireland and is a good option for getting between larger cities like Belfast and Derry, as well as popular tourist sites like Giant’s Causeway.

Renting a car is another good option for seeing Northern Ireland (and the rest of Ireland). One important thing to keep in mind is that drivers in Northern Ireland drive on the left side of the road, which might come as a shock to American or Canadian drivers.