When it comes to planning a trip to Northern Ireland, one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is where to stay. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, Northern Ireland has a wide range of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. From luxurious castles to cozy B&Bs, and from bustling cities to picturesque countryside villages, the right place to stay can make all the difference in your travel experience.
Overview of the Best Places to Stay in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is a treasure trove of exciting destinations, each with its unique character and charm. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, there’s a perfect place to stay that will meet your needs. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the best places to stay in Northern Ireland, covering the top cities, towns, and villages that offer an unforgettable experience.
From Coastal Delights to Urban Excitement
In the following sections, we’ll delve into the top regions to stay in Northern Ireland, including the stunning Causeway Coast, the vibrant cities of Belfast and Derry, and the picturesque countryside villages of County Down and Fermanagh. We’ll also explore the best accommodations in each area, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels, and provide insider tips on what to do and see in each location.
Get Ready to Explore the Best of Northern Ireland
So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you discover the best places to stay in Northern Ireland and make the most of your trip. So, sit back, relax, and let’s start exploring the Emerald Isle together!
Best Places to Stay in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the stunning coastline to the rolling hills and picturesque villages, there’s no shortage of amazing places to stay in this incredible region. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to stay in Northern Ireland, covering everything from luxury hotels to cozy B&Bs and self-catering apartments.
Luxury Hotels
If you’re looking to indulge in a little luxury during your stay in Northern Ireland, there are plenty of top-notch hotels to choose from. Here are a few of the best:
- The Merchant Hotel, Belfast – This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of Belfast and offers opulent rooms, a rooftop gym, and a world-class spa.
- The Culloden Estate and Spa, Holywood – This luxurious hotel is set in a stunning 19th-century estate and features beautifully decorated rooms, a spa, and an award-winning restaurant.
- Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen – This 5-star resort is set on a private island in County Fermanagh and offers luxurious rooms, a spa, and a range of outdoor activities.
Boutique Hotels
If you’re looking for something a little more unique and intimate, Northern Ireland’s boutique hotels are the perfect choice. Here are a few of the best:
- The Bullitt Hotel, Belfast – This stylish hotel is located in the heart of Belfast and offers chic rooms, a rooftop bar, and a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.
- The Muddlers Club, Belfast – This boutique hotel is set in a beautifully restored 19th-century building and features stylish rooms, a cocktail bar, and a restaurant serving modern Irish cuisine.
- The Inn at Dromoland, Newmarket-on-Fergus – This charming hotel is set in a beautifully restored 18th-century inn and offers cozy rooms, a restaurant, and a range of outdoor activities.
Bed and Breakfasts
If you’re looking for a more personalized and homely experience, Northern Ireland’s B&Bs are the perfect choice. Here are a few of the best: (See Also: Best Places To Stay In Hood River)
- The Old Rectory, Bushmills – This beautifully restored 19th-century rectory is set in a stunning location and offers cozy rooms, a delicious breakfast, and a warm welcome.
- Tara Lodge, Belfast – This award-winning B&B is located in the heart of Belfast and offers stylish rooms, a delicious breakfast, and a warm welcome.
- The Coach House, Derry – This beautifully restored 19th-century coach house is set in a stunning location and offers cozy rooms, a delicious breakfast, and a range of outdoor activities.
Self-Catering Apartments and Cottages
If you’re looking for more independence and flexibility during your stay in Northern Ireland, self-catering apartments and cottages are the perfect choice. Here are a few of the best:
- The Old Mill, Bushmills – This beautifully restored 19th-century mill is set in a stunning location and offers stylish apartments, a range of outdoor activities, and a warm welcome.
- The Village Apartments, Belfast – These stylish apartments are located in the heart of Belfast and offer modern amenities, a range of outdoor activities, and a warm welcome.
- Crofter’s Cottage, County Fermanagh – This charming cottage is set in a stunning rural location and offers cozy rooms, a range of outdoor activities, and a warm welcome.
Castle Hotels
If you’re looking for a truly unique and unforgettable experience, Northern Ireland’s castle hotels are the perfect choice. Here are a few of the best:
- Hilton Templepatrick Hotel and Country Club, Templepatrick – This stunning castle hotel is set in a beautifully restored 18th-century castle and offers luxurious rooms, a spa, and a range of outdoor activities.
- Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Bushmills – This charming castle hotel is set in a beautifully restored 18th-century castle and offers cozy rooms, a restaurant, and a range of outdoor activities.
- Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel and Chalets, Enniskillen – This stunning castle hotel is set in a beautifully restored 19th-century castle and offers luxurious rooms, a spa, and a range of outdoor activities.
Glamping
If you’re looking for a more adventurous and unique experience, Northern Ireland’s glamping options are the perfect choice. Here are a few of the best:
- Ballymacrea Luxury Yurts, Bushmills – These luxurious yurts are set in a stunning rural location and offer cozy rooms, a range of outdoor activities, and a warm welcome.
- The Glamping Hub, Belfast – This glamping site is located in the heart of Belfast and offers luxurious bell tents, a range of outdoor activities, and a warm welcome.
- Cabu by the Lakes, Enniskillen – These luxurious cabins are set in a stunning lakeside location and offer cozy rooms, a range of outdoor activities, and a warm welcome.
Hostels
If you’re on a budget or looking for a more social experience, Northern Ireland’s hostels are the perfect choice. Here are a few of the best:
- Vagabonds Hostel, Belfast – This award-winning hostel is located in the heart of Belfast and offers dorms and private rooms, a range of outdoor activities, and a warm welcome.
- The Paddy’s Palace Hostel, Belfast – This popular hostel is located in the heart of Belfast and offers dorms and private rooms, a range of outdoor activities, and a warm welcome.
- The Enniskillen Hostel, Enniskillen – This charming hostel is set in a beautifully restored 19th-century building and offers dorms and private rooms, a range of outdoor activities, and a warm welcome.
Caravan and Camping Sites
If you’re looking for a more adventurous and flexible experience, Northern Ireland’s caravan and camping sites are the perfect choice. Here are a few of the best:
- Ballyness Caravan Park, Bushmills – This award-winning caravan park is set in a stunning coastal location and offers pitches for caravans and motorhomes, a range of outdoor activities, and a warm welcome.
- The Meadows Caravan and Camping Park, Enniskillen – This charming caravan and camping park is set in a stunning rural location and offers pitches for caravans and motorhomes, a range of outdoor activities, and a warm welcome.
- The Castle Ward Caravan and Camping Park, Strangford – This beautifully restored 19th-century castle is set in a stunning coastal location and offers pitches for caravans and motorhomes, a range of outdoor activities, and a warm welcome.
Regional Guide
Northern Ireland is a diverse and beautiful region, with a range of different areas to stay in. Here’s a regional guide to help you choose the best place for your needs:
Belfast
Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland and is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the region. From the stunning City Hall to the vibrant Cathedral Quarter, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this incredible city.
The Causeway Coast
The Causeway Coast is one of Northern Ireland’s most stunning regions, with a range of beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, and picturesque villages. From the iconic Giant’s Causeway to the stunning Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, there’s no shortage of natural beauty in this incredible region. (See Also: Best Places To Stay In The Big Island)
The Mourne Mountains
The Mourne Mountains are a stunning range of mountains in County Down, offering a range of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery. From hiking and mountain biking to fishing and horse riding, there’s something for everyone in this incredible region.
Fermanagh
Fermanagh is a beautiful county in western Northern Ireland, known for its stunning lakes, picturesque villages, and rich history. From the iconic Enniskillen Castle to the stunning Marble Arch Caves, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this incredible region.
Derry
Derry is a charming city in western Northern Ireland, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. From the iconic Derry Walls to the stunning River Foyle, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this incredible city.
Summary
In conclusion, Northern Ireland is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From luxury hotels to cozy B&Bs, self-catering apartments, and glamping options, there’s something for everyone in this incredible region. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Northern Ireland has it all. So why not start planning your trip today and discover the best places to stay in Northern Ireland?
Recap:
- Luxury hotels offer opulent rooms, spas, and award-winning restaurants.
- Boutique hotels offer stylish rooms, rooftop bars, and modern Irish cuisine.
- B&Bs offer cozy rooms, delicious breakfasts, and a warm welcome.
- Self-catering apartments and cottages offer modern amenities, flexibility, and independence.
- Castle hotels offer luxurious rooms, spas, and a range of outdoor activities.
- Glamping options offer luxurious yurts, bell tents, and cabins, as well as outdoor activities and a warm welcome.
- Hostels offer dorms and private rooms, outdoor activities, and a social atmosphere.
- Caravan and camping sites offer pitches for caravans and motorhomes, outdoor activities, and a warm welcome.
- Northern Ireland’s regions offer a range of different experiences, from the vibrant city of Belfast to the stunning natural beauty of the Causeway Coast, Mourne Mountains, Fermanagh, and Derry.
We hope this article has helped you plan your trip to Northern Ireland and find the best place to stay for your needs. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions about Best Places to Stay in Northern Ireland
What are the most popular areas to stay in Belfast?
Belfast city centre, particularly around Donegall Square and the Cathedral Quarter, is a popular area to stay due to its proximity to main attractions, restaurants, and bars. The Titanic Quarter is another popular area, offering a range of accommodation options and stunning waterfront views. Additionally, the Lisburn Road area is known for its boutique hotels and trendy cafes. (See Also: Sorrento Best Places To Stay)
Are there any good budget-friendly options in Derry?
Yes, Derry has a range of budget-friendly accommodation options. The city has several hostels, such as the Derry Hostel and the Paddy’s Palace Hostel, which offer dorms and private rooms at affordable prices. There are also several budget-friendly hotels, like the Maldron Hotel Derry and the Travelodge Derry, which offer comfortable rooms at a lower cost.
What are the best areas to stay in the countryside of Northern Ireland?
The countryside of Northern Ireland offers a range of charming towns and villages to stay in. The Fermanagh Lakelands, with its picturesque lakes and rolling hills, is a popular area to stay. The Sperrin Mountains, with its scenic landscapes and outdoor activities, is another great option. The coastal towns of Portrush and Portstewart are also popular, offering stunning ocean views and a range of accommodation options.
Can I stay in a castle in Northern Ireland?
Yes, Northern Ireland has several castle hotels and B&Bs that offer a unique and luxurious stay. Some popular options include the 15th-century Ballygally Castle Hotel, the 17th-century Lough Eske Castle Hotel, and the 19th-century Glenarm Castle. These castle hotels offer a range of amenities, including fine dining, spas, and stunning views.
Are there any eco-friendly accommodation options in Northern Ireland?
Yes, Northern Ireland has a growing number of eco-friendly accommodation options. The Beech Hill Country House Hotel in Derry, for example, has a strong focus on sustainability and offers organic food and a natural swimming pool. The Bushmills Inn Hotel in County Antrim has a biomass boiler and uses locally sourced produce in its restaurant. There are also several eco-friendly B&Bs and self-catering cottages throughout the region.
