Northern Ireland is home to a number of cities, and each one has something to offer those visiting this beautiful country. From Belfast to Derry, we share three Northern Ireland city breaks for you to choose from when planning your UK staycation.
Our Cairnryan to Larne ferry crossing will transport you from Scotland to Northern Ireland in just two hours, so when you choose to travel with us you can be confident that you’ll reach your chosen city in no time!
City breaks in Belfast
As Northern Ireland’s capital, it’s unsurprising that there’s lots to do during a city break in Belfast. An absolute must-see during your time here is the Titanic Museum. Not only will you be able to find out all about the life of the Titanic through interactive exhibitions, videos, and much more, but you’ll also be able to see the slipways where it was constructed over 100 years ago. The Ulster Museum offers another great cultural activity in Belfast. Immerse yourself in art, natural history, and science collections and see the Edmontosaurus – the only real, almost complete dinosaur skeleton in Ireland.
Close to the Ulster Museum you’ll find Belfast’s Botanic Gardens. Amongst flowerbeds, herbaceous borders and ancient oak trees you’ll find the impressive Palm House – one of the earliest curvilinear cast iron glasshouses. Striking and photogenic, the Palm House is home to plants and flowers chosen for their colours and scents and its displays can be enjoyed no matter what time of year you visit. If you’re looking for an outdoor activity in Belfast you’ll love exploring Cave Hill Country Park. Located just five minutes from Belfast Zoo, this park gives you the opportunity to have a walk, try out some orienteering, and admire some stunning views.
City breaks in Derry
Boasting Ireland’s only intact city walls, two stunning cathedrals, and a number of fascinating museums, there’s plenty to choose from during a city break in Derry. Start your visit with a walk around the 17th century walls. Approximately 1.5km in circumference, the walls offer an alternative view of the inner city and enable you to envisage how it looked centuries ago. Derry’s Peace Bridge is another city break must-see. Its S-shaped design reflects how the road to peace is never straightforward and it connects Ebrington Square, once an army barracks and now a popular public space, with the rest of the city centre.
If you want to take advantage of all that Derry has to offer, you should opt for the Visit Derry Pass. This handy pass provides access to ten fantastic attractions including museums, cathedrals, and tours, all for one affordable price. Whether you decide to purchase a pass or not, taking a Martin McCrossan City Tour is an absolute must. Often described as ‘the best value walking tour on the island or Ireland’, you’ll learn all about the history of Derry and see its top sights along the way. Tours run daily every two hours between 10am and 4pm, so you’ll easily find an option that fits into your plans.
City breaks in Armagh
A city break in Armagh offers something for everyone, and history fans in particular will love this unique destination. Head to Ireland’s first county museum, the Armagh County Museum, which is home to everything from clothing and natural history specimens to ceramics and railway memorabilia. Here, you can immerse yourself in the history of the area and discover all there is to know about its past. St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral is another Armagh highlight and boasts stunning architecture that needs to be seen to be believed. Due to its hilltop location, you can also enjoy impressive views of the city before you venture inside.
Those with a passion for science will love the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium – Northern Ireland’s leading astronomical research and education facility. Boasting a state-of-the art digital projector system, the planetarium offers the chance to explore the solar system and starts from the comfort of its domed theatre. With exhibitions, activities, and workshops to discover, plus 14 acres of landscaped grounds to wander around, you’re guaranteed to enjoy the time you spend here. Before you leave Armagh, make sure you enjoy some local cider. This beverage is so synonymous with the county that they even have their own food and cider weekend every year!
Ready to head off on one of these great Northern Ireland city breaks? Book your Cairnryan to Larne ferry crossing today and start planning your adventure!
