Shoppers have been flocking to Northern Ireland in recent months. But it’s not just the favourable exchange rate that is an incentive to visit writes Karen Creed
A destination with a favourable exchange rate can make a huge difference as to how far your holiday money will go. Impressive value aside, Northern Ireland has developed into an international tourist destination adhering to all types of visitors whether your focus is a scenic road trip or pampering in a high end hotel. The Northern Irish coast has scenery as good as anywhere in Ireland, the best known attraction being the Giant’s Causeway. However one should also realise that to the southeast lies some of Ireland’s loveliest landscapes recognised worldwide as an area of outstanding natural beauty. County Down in particular combines miles of spectacular coastline with fishing villages, seaside resorts, lakes, forests and the striking Mountains of Mourne.
Just thirty minutes drive away from Newry this impressive mountain range could be a holiday in itself as the surrounding area offers excellent value for money in an ideal setting. There is easy access to the Mourne Mountains from the centre of Newcastle with Slieve Donard at 849Â metres high being the highest peak in Northern Ireland. Elsewhere the region boasts four large beaches and the forest parks of Tollymore and Castlewellan. If your idea of an exciting holiday is extreme sports, you are going to the right place. The towns and villages of County Down are especially lively in the summer months and most regions boast a vast array of every outdoor activity imaginable, in the most picturesque locations. You could challenge yourself to a steep climb up the many hills and mountains or launch yourself down through a rugged forest on a mountain bike. There are many other adventures on offer from kayaking to horse riding or the Hot Rock Climbing Wall. Golfers may be keen to test out their skills on the famous Royal County Down Golf course.
Accommodation in Northern Ireland has improved dramatically in the last few years, and County Down is no different. Options range from five star (the Hastings Slieve Donard being a popular choice) to traditional B&B’s. Eating out won’t disappoint either. The restaurant landscape was average up until a decade or so ago, but now a new generation of chefs and customers have seen Northern Ireland enjoy a culinary renaissance. Natural and local produce which you should try are mussels from Dundrum and you can even enjoy lobster for €15 during the summer in Mourne Cafe Newcastle (www.mourneseafood.com). Seafood is an extremely important feature on any menu in this part of Ireland with one of the best restaurants being Buck’s Head in Dundrum. And it would not be a holiday if you didn’t wake up to an Ulster fry at least once. As well as the bacon, sausage and pudding, it has the welcome addition of soda farls and potato cakes.
Most of the shopping in Northern Ireland is reminiscent of that in the South though offering better value. Each of the cities also has their own market, with St George’s in Belfast being the most famous, filled with food stalls and also art and clothes. Touted as the next European hotspot, Belfast is a vibrant capital which has been dramatically transformed. It is just 25 miles from Newcastle making it an ideal day trip during your holiday in Northern Ireland. The compact city centre has excellent shopping and the Lisburn road, flanked by boutiques and specialist shops, is particularly enticing. Outside the main cities, there are several famous centres for pottery, including Ballydougan and Belleek.
The social scene revolves around the pub every bit as much in the north as it does south of the border and it’s not that difficult to get caught up in the party atmosphere. While there are numerous fashionable bars and lounges, there are also still traditional pubs to be found. Traditional music and dance are very strong, and there is not a town or village in Down where a good ‘session’ can’t be found. Better still are the village pubs in the countryside where you might have to wait 15 minutes for them to serve the perfect Guinness, but it will be worth it.
If you are thinking of County Down for a family holiday you can be assured there is plenty to keep the kids entertained if the weather is good, while the vast range of indoor activities will save you from being stuck in your hotel or B&B if the rain makes an appearance.
For more information on holidays in Northern Ireland check out www.discovernorthernireland.com
Unravel Travel www.unraveltravel.eu
Husband and Wife duo Bobby and Carol take a trip around the Mourne Mountains in County Down, Northern Ireland. They show us their hidden spots with some alternative activity.
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