A virtual tour of Northern Ireland with its stunning Causeway coast, castles, beautiful sheer cliffs, Guinness and ultra-friendly locals. If you’re a Throner (if you don’t know what that means, then you’re not) you will definitely have a few GoT-related places on your bucket list.
Northern Ireland was created in 1921, when Ireland was partitioned between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland by the Government of Ireland Act 1920.
- Belfast is the capital and largest city of Northern Ireland.
- Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom in the north-east of the island of Ireland.
- The weather in Northern Ireland is notoriously unpredictable, and it is not uncommon to experience a full range of meteorological conditions in a single hour.
- What currency does Northern Ireland use? Northern Ireland uses the £ sterling.
- Will I be able to use Euro in Northern Ireland? Most large stores will accept Euro currency, however please enquire first to confirm if there will be a charge attached to this service and to confirm exact rate.
- Is Northern Ireland safe? Yes. Northern Ireland has the second lowest crime rate in Europe.+
- The hit television series Game of Thrones was produced in Northern Ireland, which is also home to many of its filming locations.
- Northern Ireland was created in 1921 when Ireland was partitioned by the Government of Ireland Act 1920. The larger part of the island became independent in 1922 as the Irish Free State (now the Republic of Ireland).
- Carrick-a-Rede
- Castle Ward (Winterfell)
- Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail
- Giant’s Causeway
- The Dark Hedges
- Marble Arch Caves
- Titanic Belfast
There’s no shortage of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, ranging from luxury 5* hotels to budget 2* starting from £49 to £149 a night, airbnb, hostels or camping. I stayed in an Airbnb just outside of Belfast city centre for £50, split between 5 of us was only £10 a night for an entire private house to ourselves.
- Get £25 off your first Airbnb trip of £55 or more click here.
When in Ireland it goes without saying you have to have a guiness or 10, but there are others I tried that I would recommend. Smithwick’s Red & Pale ale, Open Gate Summer Ale were nice if your like me and enjoy ale and If your a lager drinker then check out Harp or Citra. If you like Gin try Jawbox and Shortcross. You have to sample the local cuisine I highly recommend a Boojum Burrito.
We hired a car as we had a fair distance to travel to our destinations. When in the city though It was easy to book a local taxi or walk.
- Translink is Northern Ireland’s main public transport provider.
- Buses are usually the most common form of public transport due the small rail network. Depending on where you are going, you may find that parties of two or more may save money by renting a car if planning on travelling throughout the province.
- Car, M1 / N1 / A1 links Dublin to Belfast and there are multiple other crossing points from the Republic. There are no checks, and all you see at the border is a reminder northbound that speed limits are in miles per hour. Southbound you’re offered a choice of speed limits in km / hr. It’s up to you to check that you’re eligible to enter the UK, that you have any necessary travel documents with you, and that your car insurance or rental agreement is valid for Northern Ireland – this should be automatic on any rental from the Republic.
- Fly, Almost all direct flights to Northern Ireland are from UK, Western Europe and the Mediterranean.
- Ferry, Foot passengers should always look for through-tickets by bus / train and ferry, as these are considerably cheaper than separate tickets.
- From Birkenhead near Liverpool, Stena Line sail daily to Belfast, 8 hr.
- Ferries sail to Dublin from Birkenhead, Holyhead (this is the quickest route from the UK) and the Continent. Dublin port is connected by tunnel to the motorway north, so motorists dodge the city centre traffic and reach Northern Ireland within 3 hours.
- English
- Tip: Don’t be insulted if someone calls you love, dearie, or darling. These are commonly used and not considered rude.
- Tip: “Please” and “Thank You” are very important in the UK. Say “Please” and “Thank You” to everyone for even the smallest kindness.
- Tip: Say “Pardon me” or “Excuse me” if you bump into someone or even get close to someone. The British also say this if they sneeze, cough or do not understand something someone has said.
In UK power sockets are Type G: This socket has no alternative plugs. The voltage in the UK is 220/240 AC, 50 Hz. Electrical plugs have three rectangular pins and take fuses of 3, 5 and 13 amps.
Your need for a power plug adapter depends on the power plugs used in your own country. Visitors from abroad will need an adaptor for appliances that have been brought from home, such as laptops, hairdryers and phone chargers. Most hotels will have two-pronged European-style sockets for shavers only. What you need to keep you covered is a Worldwide travel adapter, check out what i’m currently using on my travels here. I always travel light and my adaptor stays in my bag all the time. It doesn’t matter where you go in the world this will have you covered and will keep you charged up and ready to go.
It is easier and cheaper to purchase a PAYG (pay as you go) SIM card locally and top it up with credit. This will allow you to use the local mobile-phone networks, though you can only do this if your handset is not locked to a specific network.
Most of the time Wi-fi is freely available. If you’re staying in a hotel they may include Internet facilities as part of their service. Wi-fi is often available for free at libraries, many pubs, cafés and museums, so you can sit down and use your laptop, tablet or phone.
- Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom in the north-east of the island of Ireland.
- What currency does Northern Ireland use? Northern Ireland uses the £ sterling.
- Will I be able to use Euro in Northern Ireland? Most large stores will accept Euro currency, however please enquire first to confirm if there will be a charge attached to this service and to confirm exact rate.
- Is Northern Ireland safe? Yes. Northern Ireland has the second lowest crime rate in Europe.
- Get £25 off your first Airbnb trip of £55 or more click here.
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Originally posted on 29 Sep 2018 @ 00:35