Closer to home: Northern Ireland
Each time I've flown from Manchester. It’s a very quick flight of less than an hour. There are several airlines to choose from including Aer Lingus and easyJet. I've mostly landed at George Best Belfast City airport (BHD) which is well connected, right next to a train station and lots of buses and taxis. The other month I flew into Belfast International airport (BFS), which is in the middle of a field! Again, it's easy to get into Belfast. It took less than an hour on the bus to City Hall.
Belfast is perfect for a weekend break. Lots to see and do. I first visited with a friend in 2018. Belfast City Hall is massively impressive and absolutely worth a visit. We did an open top hop-on, hop-off bus tour to see some of the main sights including the murals and the International Peace Wall. We enjoyed a pint in the famous Crown Liquor Saloon, with all its gorgeous tiles and decor. We had a nosey inside the Cathedral. We visited Titanic Belfast to learn more about Titanic, surely one of the world’s most famous ships. We saw The Big Fish art installation, St George’s Market and enjoyed good food & drink and live music at various bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants. I've since walked up from Belfast Castle to Cave Hill Country Park and admired views across the city and out to sea.
A good friend now lives in Bangor hence my visits there. The marina right in the centre is nice to walk around. I’ve been to the seaside at Donaghadee a bit further east along the coast. I've done day trips to Strangford Lough and Castle Ward, a National Trust property on the shores of the Lough with lovely views across the parkland. I’ve been walking along the gorgeous coastline in Crawfordsburn Country Park near Bangor. I’ve hiked up to Scrabo Tower on a very grey November day (must go back on a clear day to fully appreciate the fabulous views from the top) and I’ve had a mooch around Newtownards.
Most recently I spent a weekend in Derry. A fabulous, small city, packed with history. I enjoyed a guided walking tour along the City Walls, visited the Bogside area to see all the murals and learnt more about the city’s complicated history at the Museum of Free Derry. There's the Peace Bridge across the River Foyle and the Hands Across the Divide bronze sculpture, both a nod to the current climate of peace and reconciliation. The Guildhall is a fabulous building and a must-visit. Ebrington Place is across the river on the ‘other’ side. Again, I enjoyed delicious food, a few drinks and met lots of friendly locals. It's very easy to get around as everywhere is about a 5–10-minute walk.
There's lots more places in Northern Ireland I'd like to visit. I've yet to visit the Giants Causeway and would like to explore the coast further west from there at places such as Portrush and Portstewart.
I’m always happy to share my knowledge and experiences. Please ask if you’re thinking of visiting Northern Ireland and I’d be happy to help.
