Northern Ireland City Breaks

With its proximity to Scotland and the north of England and excellent selection of city break destinations, Northern Ireland is a great choice for city breaks from the UK. Bright cities, stunning natural scenery and welcoming locals make a city break in Northern Ireland fun and relaxing whilst those in search of a historic or cultural city break will have plenty to keep themselves occupied. A city break in Northern Ireland is also a good option for those looking for a short weekend break or last minute city break with convenient transport links by both air and sea allowing you to arrive at your chosen city break destination within just hours of setting off.  

Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland and the country’s largest city as well as its most popular city break destination and one of the most visited cities in the UK. Situated on the east coast at the mouth of the River Lagan, Belfast benefits from attractive riverside promenades and nearby scenic coastal areas as well as good transport links by ferry from Scotland and the north of England. The city is home to a medley of architectural styles from Edwardian to contemporary with areas such as the Cathedral Quarter giving it an impressive sense of history while modern buildings such as the Waterfront Hall add dynamism to the cityscape. A wide range of national museums and galleries can be found throughout Belfast as well as stunning parks and gardens including the pleasant Botanic Gardens in Queen’s Quarter. Belfast Zoo is a good option for those taking their children on a city break in Belfast.

Northern Ireland’s unique history stretches over the centuries with monuments and museums throughout the cities telling the story from its ancient roots to the much more recent and turbulent past. Belfast’s Ulster Museum, located in the Botanic Gardens is a good way to learn more about the history of Northern Ireland whilst on a city break with a range of social history exhibits alongside some of the country’s natural history. Alternatively, Northern Ireland’s second largest city Londonderry in the north-west is another good option for historic city breaks in Northern Ireland. The only remaining fully walled city in Northern Ireland and one of the best examples of a walled city in Europe, Londonderry has plenty to offer the interested visitor on a city break. A vibrant nightlife and cultural scene also add to the city’s appeal for a city break in Northern Ireland.