Guide to self catering and country cottage holidays in Northern Ireland

Let us guide you on the attractions and highlights of Northern Ireland for cottage holidays.  Boasting rich cultural heritage, Northern Ireland offers an excellent mix of numerous highlights, striking scenery and an absolutely stunning coastline. There are so many things to see and do during a self catering cottages stay in Northern Ireland. Bestowed with wild craggy mountains and splendid lakes, this popular country cottages holiday destination proves to be an ideal playground for sports enthusiasts, walkers, cyclists, and rock climbers alike.

There are a lot of things in the northern counties of Ireland to keep you entertained during a self catering holiday. From cultural heritage to boisterous oyster festivals and authentic horse fairs, there should be something for all tastes in Northern Ireland.

Together the six regions of Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone and the capital city of Belfast form Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is bestowed with an eclectic mix of ancient castles and elegant country houses, which all make Northern Ireland a great country to visit for a self catering short break or longer.

Northern Ireland really is a dream for sports enthusiasts with sporting activities galore.  You can enjoy golfing, rock climbing, horse racing and a varied range of water sports. Rathlin Island in Antrim is considered to be a paradise for birdwatchers, who can view different species such as grebes, petrels, swans, waders, skuas, terns, auks and kingfishers. Fermanagh Lakes and the Shannon Erne Waterway are ideal venues, where tourists can enjoy cruising and explore the picturesque beauty of the region.

Tourists enjoying a stay in a self catering cottage can visit the Fermanagh Lakes in Fermanagh, where you can take part in water sports amidst sublime scenery. There are also ample opportunities here for those wishing to indulge in activities such as fishing and water angling. Causeway Coastal Route is one of the best scenic drives in the world.

Every region and city in Northern Ireland has something unique to offer holidaymakers taking a country cottage break. The Tower Museum in Londonderry tells the story of the geological formation of Londonderry to its present day state. St. Patrick Centre in Down depicts the royal life of Ireland's patron saint. A visit to the Mount Stewart House & Gardens in Down, which is a neoclassical country house, gives you an insight in to one of the finest examples of architecture in Europe.

The mountains of Mourne are another visually stunning highlight located in County Down. This is a remote attraction, famous for granite tors, where you can enjoy amazing panoramic sea views.

From castles and cathedrals to forts and alluring gardens, Northern Ireland offers ample opportunities to visitors for spectacular sightseeing. One of Ireland’s top five tourist attractions is the Belleek Pottery in Fermanagh, which is positioned on the estuary of the river Erne. This imposing building is home to the famous Belleek Fine Parian China. 

You can also visit Devenish Island in Fermanagh, which is widely acclaimed for its perfect 12th century round tower and Carrickfergus Castle. Situated on the summit of a hill, Navan Fort in Armagh is a large earthwork, which is associated with the tales of the warrior Cuchulainn.

From glorious scenery to a magnificent city buzz, Antrim hits the mark of being a perfect self catering destination. This fascinating region is home to some of the most awesome sights such as the Giant’s Causeway, Brown’s Bay and the Glens of Antrim. A visit to the exceptionally beautiful coastline along with historic castles leaves tourists spell bound.

And if you simply adore history then there are a number of castles to visit including Stormont Castle, Dunluce Castle and Carrickfergus Castle where you can explore fascinating history, dating as far back as the 13th century. From bird watching and golfing to scuba diving and horse racing, tourists can indulge in several enjoyable activities during a self catering break in Northern Ireland. Moreover, this vibrant destination reverberates with several cultural events, fabulous festivals and a lavish opera house.

With its picturesque location between mountain and coast, along with a fascinating history, Belfast, the largest city and capital of Northern Ireland serves as a great base for a self catering holiday. The vibrant destination offers numerous things to do, right from sightseeing and shopping to activities such as fishing, golfing, horse racing and off-road driving.

If peaceful country cottage holidays appeal, then you are best escaping the city’s fast life and enjoying leisure walks amidst the natural majesty of the Botanic Gardens. The Belfast Castle Estate, Belvoir Forest Park and Musgrave Park are calmer parts of Belfast where you can experience the alluring charm of nature.

Barnett Demesne, City Hall, Helen’s Bay, Lagan Valley Regional Park and Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park are some of the spectacular sightseeing attractions in Belfast, which are worth visiting. Feast on a host of fascinating sights, St. Anne’s Cathedral, Stormont Castle, The Albert Memorial Clock and Ulster Museum are truly wonderful places to explore. This buzzing destination has lots to hold your attention.

With enthralling parks, admirable vistas, old country houses, captivating caves, castles and canoeing, Northern Ireland is teeming with all sorts of wonderful attractions. Offering so many things to enjoy and spend fun time, Northern Ireland could be the perfect place for your holiday this year.