Once the excitement of the Commonwealth Games is over and before Autumn sets in, why not make the short trip to Northern Ireland to unwind and kick back?
With Belfast recently named as one of the UK’s top 5 city break destinations in TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards 2014, there has never been a better time to visit.
As well as the unmissable Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic Visitor experience, Belfast is packed with history, culture, great food, and superb shopping. While it’s an attraction in itself, the city is also a great base for visiting the stunning surrounding area, from the Unesco World Heritage Site of the Giant’s Causeway to the adrenaline-boosting Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. It’s all there for the taking.
COASTAL KALEIDOSCOPE
If you prefer a more rural landscape, The Causeway Coastal Route may be more your style. Known as “one of the world’s great road journeys”, this incredible route hugs the coast of Northern Ireland between the cities of Belfast and Londonderry. It is a kaleidoscope of natural landscapes, imposing cliffs, bubbling mountain streams and gushing waterfalls.
There are a number of exciting events taking place in Northern Ireland after the Commonwealth Games which provide the perfect excuse to visit. For those who haven’t quite had their fill of sport, Ulster provides the ideal setting. The world’s fastest road race, the Ulster Grand Prix takes place in the city from August 11-16, along with the thrilling Ulster Rally car race from August 15-16.
HAPPY DAYS FOR MULTI-ARTS
There are also events to suit those who are keen to take a break from speed. The annual multi-arts festival to celebrate the work and influence of Irish Nobel Prize-winning writer, Samuel Beckett, will be taking place in Enniskillen from July 31 – August 10. The Happy Days Festival is a major cultural event mixing local and international audiences and artists. And for those who love an outdoor summer festival, the ever-popular Belsonic Belfast will feature the best in international pop and rock between August 15-22.
Northern Ireland is easily accessible from Aberdeen with daily flights to Belfast with Flybe. Now is a better time than ever to visit.
To learn more about Northern Ireland or to plan your own trip, visit www.ireland.com