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Northern Ireland lies on the north-eastern corner of the island of Ireland. It’s boundaries contain the busy, bustling, capital of Belfast, and the world renowned Giant’s Causeway, and has created some of the world’s best known products, such as Bushmills Irish Whiskey, and built the infamous Titanic, and is home to such well known people as St. Patrick!!
Due to the ‘Troubles in Northern Ireland’, the country has been publically broadcasted all around the world for years, to the point where place names all sound so familiar, as if you’ve already been there. Places like the Mountains of Mourne, the Glens of Antrim, Londonderry, the Bogside, Falls Creek and Shankill Road!! Now of course, the ‘Troubles’ are a thing of the past, and the country has seen a revival of interest by visitors wishing to enjoy the mythology, being home to Giants and the Little People, the history, culture and scenery. The country, is familiar and yet so different, captivating and engrossing, and with the warmth, friendliness and humour of the people, Northern Ireland is a place not to be missed!!
Northern Ireland is approximately 180 kilometres by 150 kilometres, and is home to less than 2 million people. It is comprised of 6 counties all part of Ulster, 5 of which radiate around the centrally located, Lough Neagh, being County Down, Armagh, Tyrone, Londonderry and Antrim, with County Fermanagh lying in the south-west. The landscape of the region is very diverse, ranging from the wetlands of Lough Foyle and Strangford Lough, to the farmed lowlands and river valleys, to the beautiful upland regions of the Antrim Plateau and the Glens of Antrim, and windblown moors of the Sperrin Mountains, all surrounded the changeable Atlantic Ocean and the Irish Sea, pounding the rocky cliffs of the Causeway Coast, or the golden sands of Magilligan Strand.
The story of the whole island starts in Northern Ireland, where evidence has been found indicating that the area was the first place settled by humans. Migration first occurred here, with the oldest evidence of Mesolithic huts being found on a bluff overlooking the River Bann at Mount Sandel. This pre-historic site has been dated around 7000 to 6500 B.C., and has strong links with similar sites in Scotland, showing that the narrow straits between the two, was the crossing point. The country has an interesting and diverse story to tell, which can be traced through the many historical sites, cities, towns and villages, and the events and festivals, which leaves you with an appreciation of the complex and interesting culture.
Northern Ireland will leave the visitor with an inner feeling that maybe there are Little People, maybe you can return next year, maybe I should have had that extra week!!
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| Locations | Regions | Accommodation |  |
| Ballygally |
 Ballygally is a small village of 714 people (2001 census) which lies on the east coast of County Antrim, 30 kilometres north Belfast. The village is located on the shores of Ballygally Bay, facing the Irish Sea, and is overlooked by Ballygally Headland. Ballygally lies at the southern end of the ... |
| Belfast |
 Belfast is the capital and largest city in Northern Ireland with a population of 579,276 inhabitants (2001 census). It lies partly in County Antrim and County Down, at the south-west extremity of Belfast Lough, at the mouth of the River Lagan. It is the main tourist hub in Northern Ireland, having... |
| Belleek |
 Lying on the banks of the River Erne, Belleek is a small, quiet, picturesque village of only 836 (2001 census) which is located on the borders of County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, and County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. This location makes Belleek the most westerly village in Northern Ir... |
| Bushmills |
 Bushmills is a small village on the north coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland. The village is best known for its creation of the world famous Irish Whiskey ‘Bushmills’, produced to this day in the original location of the Old Bushmills Distillery. Established in 1608, after the licence was ... |
| Carrickfergus |
 Carrickfergus is located on the northern shore of the Belfast Lough in County Antrim, and is dominated by Carrickfergus Castle, a large medieval castle, built on the waters edge. The town of 32,668 (2005 census), is today part of the Belfast conurbation, being only 18 kilometres from Belfast city c... |
| Causeway Head |
 Causeway Head is located high above the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim in Northern Ireland. The area is reached via Causeway Road (B146) which follows the contours of the Causeway Coast, and lies approximately 5 kilometres north-east of the town of Bushmills. Causeway Head provides access to th... |
| Derry |
 In the far north-west corner of Northern Ireland lies Derry, the second largest city in the country with a population of 83652 (2001 census). Today, the city straddles the River Foyle, with the old, walled city being located on the western bank. Sometimes called the Maiden City, due to the fact th... |
| Downpatrick |
 The Cathedral town of Downpatrick lies approximately 35 kilometres south of Belfast, and is home to 10,316 residents (2001 census). The town lies at the southern extremity of Strangford Lough, in one of the lowest lying areas of Ireland, and is surrounded by open farmland, producing oats and flax, ... |
| Larne |
 Larne is one of Northern Ireland’s major ports, and lies approximately 35 kilometres north of Belfast in County Antrim. The town, with a population of 18,000 (2001 census), is popular due to the modern, deep water, port facilities, which provide easy access to Cairnryn and Troon in Scotland, and Fl... |
| Omagh |
 Omagh is the county town of County Tyrone, and has an estimated population of 21,700 (2006). The town is located at the juncture of the Drumragh and Camowen Rivers, where the rivers become, the River Strule. With a long, steep main street, the town is dominated by a classical styled courthouse, an... |
| Portaferry |
 On the southern shores of the Ards Peninsula in County Down, lies the small village of Portaferry (2467 residents 2001 census). The village is best known as the ferry crossing point from the peninsular to Strangford, for Northern Ireland’s Aquarium, ‘The Exploris’, and the seal sanctuary. This com... |
| Portavogie |
 Portavogie is a small, charming, picturesque, fishing village, home to 1594 residents (2001 census), and is located on the Irish Sea coast of the Ards Peninsula in County Down. The village is famous for its large, traditional fishing fleet, that catches prawns and herrings, which fills the marina w... |
| Antrim |
| County Antrim is one of the 6 counties of Northern Ireland, and forms the north-east corner of the country. Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland, and lies partly in County Antrim, and partly in County Down. County Antrim has an estimated population of 566,000, with the majority living in the... |
| Derry |
| County Londonderry is one of the six counties that comprise Northern Ireland. The county lies in the far north-west of the country and is bordered by County Antrim, County Tyrone, and the Atlantic Ocean, and contains the historic, walled, county town of Derry, historic sites and spectacular scenery... |
| Down |
| County Down lies on the east coast of Northern Ireland, bordered by County Antrim, County Armagh, and the Irish Sea. Belfast, the capital city of Northern Ireland lies across the border of County Down and Antrim, adding considerably to the population of the county of 516,000 (estimated). The count... |
| Fermanagh |
| County Fermanagh is the most westerly county in Northern Ireland, and is a predominately rural region, with large grassland and forested areas. The county is home to 57,527 (2001 est.), with the main town being Enniskillen (13,599 2001 census), an island town located between Upper and Lower Lough E... |
| Tyrone |
| County Tyrone is the largest county in Northern Ireland, with an estimated population of 166,500, and has its county town at Omagh. Located in western Northern Ireland, County Tyrone is bordered by the counties of Amagh, Fermanagh and Londonderry, and the Republic of Ireland. With the waters of Lo... |
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Tower Hotel Derry
Derry
 |  Tower Hotel Derry is the only hotel located within the historic city walls and it occupies a unique central location just off the Diamond. Tower Hotel is a stylish contemporary hotel, and although only open since May 2002, it has won a number of awards.
The hotel is within walking distrance of a... |
Everglades Hotel
Derry
 |  The Everglades hotel, situated on the banks of the River Foyle with superb views across the City to the Donegal Hills, is the ideal base from which to discover the 17th Century walled City of Derry. The Everglades remains one of Derry's leading 4 star hotels and is within 5 minutes drive of the City... |
Europa Hotel
Belfast
|  This international 4 star hotel is superbly located in the heart of Belfast, convenient to the business and commercial districts, and ideally positioned amongst Belfast's entertainment and shopping areas. Next door to the famous Grand Opera House and close to the Waterfront and Odyssey concert venue... |
Stormont Hotel
Belfast
|  The Stormont Hotel has an enviable position adjust to Stormont Castle and Parliament Buildings, and just four miles from Belfast City. Guests can enjoy a cocktail in the Lounge or enjoy their famous afternoon tea. La Scala Bistro serves a modern European menu in delightful surroundings. The guest... |
Holiday Inn Belfast
Belfast
|  Holiday Inn Belfast is located in the heart of Belfast city centre's 'Golden Mile'. The hotel is an ideal base to discover an array of shops and restaurants, and to visit the many popular tourist attractions which include the Grand Opera House, Botanic Gardens and the Ulster Museum.
If you have ... |
Ballygally Castle Hotel
Ballygally
|  Ideally located on the scenic Antrim coast only 20 miles from Belfast and close to Larne, the Ballygally Castle hotel faces the soft, sandy beaches of Ballygally Bay and is an ideal base for touring. The Ballygally Castle dates back to 1625 and the hotel is unique in that it is the only 17th Century... |
Bushmills Inn Hotel
Bushmills
|  Bushmills Inn Hotel is a 'living museum of Ulster hospitality', in a village that is home to the world's oldest distillery. Between the Giant's Causeway and Royal Portrush Golf Club, this award winning hotel and restaurant with open turf fires, gas lights and even a secret room, is a must visit for... |
Da Vinci's Hotel
Derry
|  Da Vinci’s Hotel Derry is the ideal base for sightseeing breaks in the North West of Ireland. Ramada Da Vinci’s is located just one mile from Derry City Centre and just a 15 minute walk to the historic Derry City Walls. Our guests are also conveniently located to visit the Giant’s Causeway, Royal ... |
City Hotel
Derry
|  The City Hotel in Derry enjoys a lovely location perched on the banks of the River Foyle and within walking distance to the historic Derry Walls. It is a great place to stay for either the business or leisure traveller.
The hotel caters for business meetings and conferences with a dedicated confe... |
Days Hotel Belfast
Belfast
|  The Days Hotel is a new city centre hotel and located just off the Great Victoria Street and the "Golden Mile". The hotel provides free on site car parking for guests and is only a five minute walk from Belfast's shopping and theatre districts.
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