Northern Ireland is a part of England but is located on the island of Ireland. It is famous for its mountains, Christian and Celtic monuments, glacial valleys, Norman castles and golf courses on the coast. Northern Ireland has spectacular scenery and landscape, and it shares the culture of the United Kingdom and Ireland. The heart of Northern Ireland’s topography is Lough Neagh, the biggest freshwater lake in the British Isles and on the island of Ireland. And Rathlin is the largest island of Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland had a reputation for being dangerous and violent because of hostilities, known as the Troubles, between the Protestants and Catholics.as well as between the unionists and the nationalists. However, the political condition has eventually stabilised a little. Historically, it was the most industrialised district of Ireland, but because of the social and political strife, there was a decline in the economy of Northern Ireland.
Food and shopping
Northern Ireland has an idiosyncratic food culture and tradition shaped by the country’s long history, its people, climate and geography; It is also gaining fame for the excellent reputation of its local produce. Long-established food crafts such as distilling, bakery and butchery have a proud and long history in Northern Ireland.
Although at present, Northern Ireland does not have a single Michelin starred restaurant, it does not mean that there is a dearth of good places to eat here. In Belfast and Derry/Londonderry there are fantastic places to eat that put emphasis on innovative menus using fresh local produce.
Shopping in Northern Ireland is quite extraordinary, especially in Belfast because of the fabulous Castle Court and Victoria Square shopping centres as well as the high street stores, designer boutiques, family owned businesses, and markets just minutes away from each other. But in Londonderry shopping is also great with Foyleside. Foyleside is the second largest shopping centre in Northern Ireland after Victoria Square followed by Castle Court. Victoria Square hosts more than 70 stores, restaurants and cafes. The House of Fraser is the premier tenant of Victoria Square.
Where to stay
Northern Ireland offers a fantastic collection of amazing getaways for all tastes and budget, and a significant number of the best places to stay in North Ireland are in the city of Belfast. For people looking for luxury, there is The Merchant Hotel which used to be the headquarters of the Ulster Bank way back in 1860. It is the favourite haunt of celebrities. For a mid-priced hotel, there is the Ardtara House, a country house hotel which used to be the home of a linen baron. And for guests looking for budget accommodation, the best example would be the Tara Lodge, a boutique hotel located in the green section of the University Quarter.
Things to do
Northern Ireland is well-known to be a country of natural beauty and friendly people. The countryside is reinvigorated, and the people are welcoming and warm. The attractions and activities in the country bring together these traits in an excellent package of things to do which is best enjoyed with a self-drive rental van. Northern Ireland is beautiful and amazingly scenic county jammed with attractions that are both contemporary and historical. Attractions consist of geographical and countryside sites of interest, cultural festivals, public houses, artistic and musical traditions, and sports. A visit to Giant’s Causeway in Antrim, Northern Ireland is a must, and one of the most popular places in the Antrim Coast is the Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, the oldest distillery in the world. And of course, there is the Titanic Belfast, the world’s most famous tourist attraction. Another must visit an area in Northern Ireland is the incredible city of Derry/Londonderry to discover the city’s cultural and historical background.
