General Information

Northern Ireland is located on the island of Ireland.  Ireland is an ancient land, with traces of its early inhabitants scattered across the green hills like snapshots of history.  Comprising of 26 districts and County's of Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone - all together they are known as Ulster.  Although having a reputation in the past of being a violent and dangerous place to visit, the political situation of Northern Ireland has stabilised quite a bit.   There are a few extremist paramilitary organisations still active but the country is a lot safer for visitors than before.

Northern Ireland was born in 1921 when the British government split Ireland into two sovereign territories.   Its capital and largest city is Belfast.  It is the fifteenth largest city in the United Kingdom​, and having undergone a revitalisation in recent years, it is now a vibrant and modern city.

The climate Northern Ireland is completely unpredictable, with all seasons of weather happening in one day!  This may be a small country, but it is a land of blue mountains, forests, glassy lakes and windswept moors, all of which makes you believe you are in the biggest country in the world.  There are plenty of small towns hiding away in the green countryside with fishing villages strung out along the shores.  You are never more than about half an hour from the sea, in any direction.  

Activities in Northern Ireland

There are plenty of activities to keep the whole family occupied whilst visiting this beautiful country.  Northern Ireland is largely rural with the locals mostly enjoying the outdoor life.  The rivers are filled with fish, a favourite past time.  The three most historic cities are Belfast, Derry (Londonderry) and Armagh.  

Some of the things to do:-

• The Mountains of Mourne and the sea lough of Strangford
• Causeway Coast and the Glens of Antrim
• The Fermanagh Lakeland in the south-west
• The Sperrin Mountains and the empty moors of western Ulster 
• Bangor  — a beautiful coastal resort in North Down, home to the island's largest marina​
• Coleraine  — situated on the River Bann in County Derry, is an excellent shopping town and also has a major performance theatre located at the University of Ulster 
• Omagh — the Ulster American Folk Park, an outdoor museum which tells the story of emigration from Ulster to America in the 18th and 19th centuries
• Fantastic golf courses located at Portstewart, Castlerock and Portrush (Royal Portrush)
• Unspoilt sandy beaches extending along the coast
• Rathlin Island  — Northern Ireland's only inhabited off-shore island, connected to the mainland by a regular ferry service
• Sea fishing off Strangford and the Antrim coast

Please see the activities directory for more information on things to do in Northern Ireland.

Accommodation in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland offers a wide variety of accommodation options from Bed & Breakfasts, Self-catering units, camping to some wonderful Hotels.  Please see the Accommodation Directory for more information on what is available.

Business Directory

The Northern Ireland Information Directory offers a broad range of information on accommodation, activities, restaurants and businesses in Northern Ireland.  Please view the Business Directory for more information, or add your own free business listing.