Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, which means different currency (sterling, not euro), different phone networks, and slightly different road signage. But the border is invisible - you’ll barely notice crossing it except for the speed limit signs changing from kilometres to miles.
Belfast
Belfast has been transformed in the past two decades. The Titanic Quarter is world-class, the food scene is excellent, and the city has an energy that feels genuinely exciting. The murals and political history tours are sobering but essential.
The Causeway Coast
The drive from Belfast to Derry along the north coast is one of the best in Ireland. The Giant’s Causeway is the headline attraction - 40,000 interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic activity - but the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the Dark Hedges (Game of Thrones’ King’s Road), and the Bushmills distillery are all within easy reach.
