I come from the North, live in Belfast, and these wee six counties are still top of my list for a weekend away.

I was born and brought up in County Armagh and, after years away travelling the world as a singer, I settled back in Belfast. I have a few personal favourite spots I’ve included in this guide but there’s plenty to help you navigate Belfast, the Causeway Coast and all six counties.

To make this easy, I’ve broken down the accommodation options by region, helping you choose the perfect base for your Irish adventure. Whether you’re seeking some 5-star luxury or budget-friendly options, I’ve tried to find you great places to stay based on your interests and travel style.

Quick Regional Overview

Belfast: Northern Ireland’s Capital

Front of the Titanic Hotel Belfast The excellent Titanic Hotel

Belfast has transformed dramatically over the past two decades, evolving into one of Europe’s most exciting city break destinations. I keep meeting people who visit for a long weekend and are surprised at how easy the city is to navigate and how friendly local people are. The city offers everything from converted warehouses in the trendy Cathedral Quarter to elegant Victorian hotels near the Botanic Gardens.

Best Areas to Stay in Belfast

Cathedral Quarter - The cultural heart of Belfast, perfect for first-time visitors who want to be within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and attractions like the MAC arts center.

Titanic Quarter - Ideal for those interested in maritime history, with the iconic Titanic Belfast museum as your neighbour and stunning waterfront views.

Queen’s Quarter - Near Queen’s University, this area offers a more residential feel with tree-lined streets, local pubs, and easy access to the Botanic Gardens.

Top Belfast Accommodation Recommendations

Luxury Options:

  • Grand Central Hotel Belfast - Belfast’s newest luxury addition and the tallest hotel in Ireland, featuring panoramic city views and the spectacular Observatory cocktail bar on the 23rd floor (that’s the bar in the image at the very top of the page!)
  • Titanic Hotel Belfast - A stunning conversion of the former Harland & Wolff headquarters where Titanic was designed, featuring original Edwardian features, luxurious rooms with shipyard views, and unparalleled maritime heritage

Mid-Range Favorites:

Budget-Friendly:

Local Tip: If you’re visiting during summer festival season (July-August), book Belfast accommodation well in advance as the city gets incredibly busy during festival periods.

Causeway Coast: Dramatic Coastlines and Legendary Attractions

A view along the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland A view along the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland - Copyright: Patrick Hughes

The Causeway Coastal Route is often called one of the world’s most beautiful drives, and staying along this stretch puts you within minutes of the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and some of Ireland’s finest golf courses.

Where to Stay Along the Causeway Coast

Portrush - The quintessential seaside resort town, perfect for families and golf enthusiasts. Royal Portrush Golf Club hosts The Open Championship, and the town has excellent restaurants and traditional seaside charm.

Bushmills - Home to the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, this small town puts you within walking distance of the Giant’s Causeway and offers a quieter alternative to Portrush.

Ballycastle - A charming harbour town at the eastern end of the coast, ideal for exploring the Glens of Antrim and catching ferries to Rathlin Island.

Causeway Coast Accommodation Highlights

Luxury & Unique Stays:

  • Bushmills Inn Hotel - A coaching inn dating to the 1600s with peat fires, whiskey tastings, and unmatched character
  • The Harbourview Hotel - Comfortable hotel with 2 restaurants on site and free breakfast.

Family-Friendly Options:

  • Causeway Hotel - The only hotel within walking distance of Giant’s Causeway, perfect for early morning visits before crowds arrive
  • Bayview Hotel Portballintrae - Family-run seaside hotel with excellent seafood restaurant and panoramic coastal views

Coastal B&Bs:

Causeway Coast Activity Planning

Derry: Ireland’s Walled City

Mural showing the Derry Girls Photo by Patrick Hughes: Derry Girls Mural

Derry is the only completely walled city in Ireland and offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and stunning riverside settings. The city has undergone remarkable regeneration and now has excellent restaurants, much-loved street art, and some of Northern Ireland’s must-see historical attractions.

Best Areas to Stay in Derry

City Centre (Within the Walls) - Stay inside the historic walls for maximum atmosphere and walking access to all major attractions.

Waterside - Across the River Foyle, offering great views back to the walled city and slightly more affordable options.

Surrounding Villages - Consider nearby Limavady or coastal villages for a quieter base with easy city access.

Derry Accommodation Recommendations

Historic Charm:

  • Bishop’s Gate Hotel - Boutique hotel within the city walls, converted from Victorian buildings with modern luxury
  • Everglades Hotel - Established hotel on the banks of the River Foyle with a more traditional feel

Modern Comfort:

  • City Hotel Derry - Contemporary hotel in the heart of the walled city with a well-regarded restaurant
  • Premier Inn Derry - Reliable chain hotel with parking and family rooms

Cultural Tip: Derry hosts the fantastic Halloween (Samhain) festival each October - one of Europe’s largest. If you’re visiting then, book accommodation months in advance and expect higher prices.

Fermanagh Lakelands: For a Peaceful Retreat

County Fermanagh centers around the beautiful Lough Erne, offering some of Northern Ireland’s most peaceful and luxurious accommodation options. This region is perfect for those seeking tranquility, water activities, or simply a countryside retreat.

Fermanagh’s Accommodation Gems

Ultra-Luxury:

  • Lough Erne Resort - Five-star resort that has hosted G8 summits, featuring championship golf, spa treatments, and fine dining - one of my personal favourites!
  • Escape Ordinary at Castle Hume - Unique stay in a spacious apartment near the fascinating Castle Hume.

Country Houses & B&Bs:

  • Lusty Beg Island - Private island accommodation accessible by boat, perfect for special occasions
  • Finn Lough Resort - Luxury lodge accommodation with floating pods and forest domes for a unique glamping experience

Enniskillen Base:

Fermanagh Activity Guide

The Fermanagh Lakelands have unique activities you won’t find elsewhere in the North:

  • Marble Arch Caves - Underground boat tours through stunning cave systems
  • Crom Estate - National Trust property with ancient woodlands and lakeshore walks
  • Devenish Island - Monastic ruins accessible by ferry from Enniskillen

Mourne Mountains: Where Mountains Meet the Sea

The Mourne Mountains region combines dramatic mountain landscapes with beautiful coastal towns. I was lucky enough to live at the Warrenpoint end of the mountains and never grew tired of the stunning views. This area is perfect for hikers, beach lovers, and anyone seeking the famous “where the mountains sweep down to the sea” scenery.

Best Bases in the Mournes

Newcastle - The main resort town with the best selection of accommodations, restaurants, and direct beach access.

Warrenpoint - A charming Victorian seaside town with a more authentic local feel and beautiful promenade walks.

Rostrevor - Between mountains and Carlingford Lough, offering forest walks at Kilbroney and mountain access.

Mourne Mountain Accommodation

Seaside Hotels:

B&B:

Good Value Options:

Mourne Mountains Hiking Access

County Tyrone: Heartland Adventures

County Tyrone offers an authentic taste of rural Northern Ireland, away from the main tourist trails. This is where you’ll find ancient stone circles, pristine forest parks, and some of the friendliest hospitality in Ulster. Tyrone serves as an excellent base for exploring the geographical heart of Northern Ireland while enjoying significantly better value than coastal areas.

Where to Stay in County Tyrone

Omagh - The county town and your best bet for accommodation variety, putting you within easy reach of the Ulster American Folk Park and Sperrin Mountains.

Cookstown - Perfectly positioned in the center of Northern Ireland, ideal for day trips in any direction and close to the mysterious Beaghmore Stone Circles.

Dungannon - Rich in history and culture, offering easy access to Lough Neagh and the Hill of The O’Neill.

Tyrone Accommodation Options

Country Hotels:

Rural Retreats:

Budget-Friendly:

Why Choose Tyrone as Your Base

Authentic Ulster Experience: Away from tourist crowds, you’ll experience genuine Northern Irish hospitality and culture

Central Location: Perfect for day trips to any other region - you’re never more than 90 minutes from major attractions

Value for Money: Accommodation costs are typically 20-30% lower than coastal or city areas

Unique Attractions:

  • Beaghmore Stone Circles - Seven Bronze Age stone circles older than Stonehenge
  • Ulster American Folk Park - Interactive museum telling the story of Irish emigration to America
  • Sperrin Mountains - Northern Ireland’s largest mountain range with gold mining heritage

Tyrone Activity Planning

Hidden Gem Tip: The Sperrin Mountains are one of Northern Ireland’s best-kept secrets. Stay in Omagh and drive the scenic route through Gortin to discover waterfalls, mountain views, and traditional Irish music sessions in remote pubs.

Newry & South Armagh: Gateway to Ancient Ireland

Often overlooked by tourists, the Newry and South Armagh region offers excellent value accommodation and serves as a perfect gateway to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This area boasts the mystical Slieve Gullion, ancient archaeological sites, and charming market towns.

Accommodation in Newry & South Armagh

Newry City:

Slieve Gullion Area:

Armagh:

Why Choose South Armagh as Your Base

  • Strategic Location: Easy access to Belfast (45 minutes), Dublin (90 minutes), and the Mourne Mountains
  • Cultural Richness: Ancient Ring of Gullion with Neolithic sites and stunning landscapes
  • Value for Money: Generally lower accommodation costs than tourist hotspots
  • Authentic Experience: Less touristy areas where you’ll meet locals and experience authentic Irish culture

Practical Accommodation Tips for Northern Ireland

Booking Strategies

Best Times to Book:

  • Summer (June-August): Book 2-3 months in advance, especially for coastal areas
  • Festival Periods: Belfast in summer, Derry at Halloween - book 4-6 months ahead
  • Off-Season (November-March): Often 30-50% cheaper, book closer to travel dates

Money-Saving Tips:

  • Look for packages including breakfast - Northern Irish breakfasts are substantial (the “Ulster fry”) and will fuel your day
  • Many B&Bs offer significant discounts for stays of 3+ nights
  • Consider staying slightly outside main tourist centres and driving in

Transportation Between Regions

Essential Booking Platforms

For the best deals and selection, I recommend checking these platforms:

  • Booking.com - Widest selection of Northern Ireland properties with good cancellation policies
  • Hotels.com - Excellent loyalty program and often better rates for longer stays
  • Expedia.com - Great for unique properties and longer stays, especially in countryside areas

What to Expect

  • Check-in/Check-out: Most accommodations follow standard 3 PM check-in, 11 AM check-out
  • Breakfast: The Ulster fry is famous for breakfast here: don’t miss the soda bread and potato bread
  • Parking: Always confirm parking availability with your hotel, especially in Belfast city, where it’s usually an extra charge.
  • WiFi: Generally excellent throughout Northern Ireland, even in rural B&Bs

The Last Word

Northern Ireland’s accommodation scene has evolved dramatically, offering something special for every type of visitor. From converted mills to castle hotels, from seaside B&Bs to luxury resorts, your choice of where to stay will significantly shape your experience in this part of the world.

Remember that Northern Ireland is compact, so you’re never more than a few hours from anywhere else. Don’t feel you need to pack in every region; instead, choose a base that matches your interests and use it to explore thoroughly. Some of my best memories come from staying longer in one place and truly getting to know an area.

Have you decided on your Northern Ireland base? Read more about visiting Northern Ireland or share your questions in the comments below, and I’ll help you choose the perfect accommodation for your Irish adventure.