Hotels in Northern Ireland

Whether you are visiting for a short city break in lively Belfast or a wild adventure in the rugged green hills or along the coast, hotels in Northern Ireland will provide a cosy and welcoming base for your travels.

Historical, cultural and beautiful: breaks in Northern Ireland are enjoyed by all sorts of visitors...

And one trip just won't be enough. From the amazing natural sights of Giant's Causeway and the haunting Mourne Mountains, to the man-made castles and museums of Northern Ireland's bustling cities, such as Belfast, Derry (or Londonderry) and Lisburn, there is plenty to do and see in this pretty part of the United Kingdom.

In Northern Ireland, hotels range from hostels and budget hotels to the very best five-star hotels...

You are certain to find a hotel to suit you in Northern Ireland. In cities, towns, villages and in the wild and weathered landscape are hotels to match all tastes and budgets, from the simplest rooms with basic facilities to luxury hotels in buildings that are draped with sumptuous furnishings as well as layers of history.

Most visitors land in Northern Ireland at Belfast International Airport (BFS), George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD), or the City of Derry Airport (LDY). From these airports, the gate to the treasures of Northern Ireland is wide open. It takes around only two and a half hours, for example, to traverse the nation from north to south between Ballycastle and Enniskillen. Car hire in Northern Ireland is a great option to make seeing the sights cheap and easy.

Most hotels in Northern Ireland are in Belfast, a city crammed with sights and unbeaten in terms of culture and nightlife.

For a traditional taste of this nation's hospitality, check into friendly B&Bs and guesthouses anywhere in Northern Ireland, where you're likely to be welcomed with a cup of tea and a slice of cake. There are plenty of big-brand chain hotels, which are perfect if you like to stick with a reliable name. You'll also be tempted by excellent spa and golf hotels that are enveloped by some of Northern Ireland's finest scenery. The very best hotels in Northern Ireland are either perched in a prime city location or situated in rural spots. Four- and five-star country house hotels offer sublime food, wonderful views, and excellent amenities.

The diverse attractions of the nation range from ancient castles and glorious natural wonders to modern entertainment venues...

Visit Northern Ireland and be wowed, whatever you're into. Focus on just one of the ancient counties - Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone - or take a trip around all of Northern Ireland's best bits.

Top five attractions

Belfast

You'll need more than a couple of days to see the sights in this attractive city. Those not to be missed include Titanic Belfast, the castle, the zoo, and St Anne's Cathedral, plus shopping and tasting the city's mix of timeless and cutting-edge cuisine.

Giant's Causeway

Journey to Antrim to see Northern Ireland's premier tourist attraction. The result of a volcanic eruption some 60 million years ago, the hexagonal columns of basalt draw millions of visitors, many of whom prefer to believe the more romantic notion that the stones were formed by mighty giant Finn McCool.

Mourne Mountains

Said to have inspired CS Lewis to create the mythical land of Narnia, the peak of Slieve Donard stands tall in this mountainous setting. The Ring of Gullion also attracts tourists.

Derry

2013's UK City of Culture, Derry, also known as Londonderry, features a walled historic centre plus plenty of centuries-old architectural riches. It's also got a lively and modern feeling and it's a pleasure to simply drink in the city's atmosphere for a few days and nights.

Carrickfergus Castle

The arresting sight of this castle in Antrim, which can be found just a few miles north of Belfast, must have dissuaded many a marauder. Families can explore the castle's past and have a go at activities such as archery.

Find out what's happening and when in Northern Ireland...

This nation hosts a variety of annual events. Some show off traditions and costume, some celebrate Northern Ireland's natural beauty, while others will simply make you want to get up and boogie.

Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival; May-June: Celebrate the sea with the locals around Rathlin Sound, which connects Ballycastle and Rathlin Island. There are plenty of water-based activities for everyone to try, as well as food from the sea and time-honoured entertainment.

Dalriada Festival; July: Inspect Northern Ireland's rich patchwork of heritage and culture at this popular event, which is held at Glenarm Castle in Antrim. There's cookery, art, music, entertainment for the children, Highland Games and much more.

Belfast Music Week; November: Hundreds of events take place around Belfast and offer visitors the chance to tap their feet along to the tunes created by local musicians.