And, as often from great tragedy, it became a turning point. Mere months later, the Good Friday Agreement, a major peace accord, went into effect, and Northern Ireland has not looked back.

The Unesco Heritage Giants of Causeway in North Ireland, United Kingdom — Photo by lspencer

While it might feel a bit strange to open a travel guide with such a morose tale, it nevertheless has to be told in order to put modern Northern Ireland in context. If you take stroll down the main thoroughfares of Belfast city centre, you will see throngs of French, Spanish, Canadian and American tourists. Massive cruise ships now arrive at Belfast docks – beside the shipyards were the Titanic was built – on a daily basis.

One of golf’s Majors – The Open – was played in the seaside resort of Portrush during the summer of 2019. Huge cranes dominate the skyline of the capital Belfast, building office blocks for the burgeoning I.T industry. Dotted across the country are film studios and shoot locations; much of Game of Thrones was filmed in Northern Ireland.

“The Dark Hedges”, Game of Thrones film location. Image by Mick Bostens from Pixabay.

The point is that all of this would be unthinkable to the people of Northern Ireland over a decade ago. Conflict will scare away tourists, of course, but it will also cause a halt to business investment. Had there not been 20 years of peace, there is no way the producers of Game of Thrones would have settled on Northern Ireland as the main location to shoot the series. The peace dividend is plain to see.

So, what should you do in Northern Ireland and how do you get around? Check out our guide below.

How Do You Get to Northern Ireland?

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights between Canada and Northern Ireland. Many international visitors to Northern Ireland will visit as part of a leg of a longer European trip. Cheap flights can be booked from UK and European airports to Belfast International Airport.

Alternatively, direct flights can be booked from North America, including Toronto and Vancouver, to Dublin Airport. Travel time from Dublin to Belfast is just over two hours by bus or car, and there are no restrictions on crossing the border. This should still remain the case even after Brexit occurs, because it is part of the Good Friday Agreement mentioned above. A return ticket on a coach from Dublin Airport to Belfast should cost around $30 CAD.

What’s the Best Way to Get Around Northern Ireland?

Coastal highway in Ireland. Image by DESI MAXWELL from Pixabay

Infrastructure isn’t perfect in Northern Ireland. Mainly the problem is that there is a lack of motorways connecting the major attractions, towns and cities. So, be prepared for some long bus and train journeys, albeit with some picturesque views outside.

Still, free Wi-Fi is usually available on public transport, so you will be able to stream Netflix shows, play games like Jungle Giants at casino.com, check in on Facebook or do whatever it is you do on your smartphone to pass the time. Transport around the country isn’t too expensive. For example, you could get the bus from Belfast to Derry city for around $20 Cad. In cities like Belfast, tickets for buses will cost around $3 CAD per journey. Uber is also available in Belfast.

What are Some places to Eat and Drink in Belfast?

Irish stew made with beef, potatoes, carrots and herbs. Traditional St patrick’s day dish — Photo by fotek

There is no end of fine dining opportunities in Belfast, including the Michelin-Starred OX Restaurant. Deanes has become a Belfast institution, and one of the best affordable dining experiences.

However, tourists are often looking for authentic local cuisine, and The Garrick Bar should be top of anyone’s list. It is a vibrant gastropub, just a stone’s throw from Belfast City Hall, serving traditional food from local suppliers. It’s also a good spot to hear traditional Irish music and to try local beers and whiskeys, with the bar stocking 100s of different ales and fine spirits from across the island of Ireland. Outside of Belfast, Mourne Seafood in the town of Dundrum is surely worth a visit to experience some of the finest catches from the Irish Sea. The Parson’s Nose in Hillsborough and Pyke “N” Pommes in Derry are also worth checking if you are passing through those areas.

What are the Best Things to Do in Northern Ireland?

Titanic Visitor Centre, Belfast. — Photo by surangastock

Touring the locations used in Game of Thrones has become a huge business, and you can book tickets for official tours with ease at various locations in Belfast city centre. The Titanic visitor centre is also an incredible experience, but you should be aware that it gets booked up quickly during the peak months of summer, so book it in advance online.

If you want something truly different, then perhaps check out the array of Black Taxi Tours. These are guided trips around some of the darker elements of the city’s past, taking in murals, local history and the sites of some gruesome events of The Troubles.

Outside of Belfast, a trip to Rostrevor is an enchanting experience. Nestled in the Mourne Mountains, it is a village of outstanding beauty. An array of walks and hikes through the valleys, hills and mountains can be organised. C.S Lewis was said to have taken much of his influence for the land of Narnia from Rostrevor, and it is easy to see why. The Giant’s Causeway is at the north of the country, and while it can be a difficult bus journey of a few hours from Belfast, the scenery en route is outstanding.

Top Tips for Travellers

Belfast Castle at night, Northern Ireland — Photo by fujji

Here are some tips for travellers heading to Northern Ireland.

• Northern Ireland’s trading laws are still dominated by traditional Christian values, so alcohol is heavily restricted over Easter weekend. If you are hoping to taste a Guinness and oysters, then perhaps look for a different time of year to travel. Sundays, too, can see restricted trading hours for shops, bars and restaurants.
• In Belfast particularly, the tourist industry is growing faster than the construction industry can build hotels. Therefore, rooms can be booked up quite quickly in peak times of the year (May-September). City centre hotels can be expensive, but you should remember that the city is quite compact, so staying outside the centre is not a logistical problem.
• Crime against tourists in Northern Ireland is incredibly low, and you should visit the towns and cities with much more confidence than other major European cities. However, there is still political tension in some areas, so make sure you know where you’re going and plan ahead.

And One Last Thing

In Northern Ireland, you’ll find a welcoming atmosphere regardless of where you’re from. The people are proud to have become a modern, outward-looking part of Europe and the United Kingdom. Indeed, they are well aware of what it means to have come out of a troubled past. Approach them, talk to them and you will find they will offer you some insider knowledge and the warmest of welcomes.

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