After a brief visit to Belfast earlier this year, I decided to delve deeper into the charm of Northern Ireland by spending a week exploring its quaint towns, excellent roads, and breathtaking coastal vistas.
Despite having driven thousands of miles across the globe, my journey through Northern Ireland offered a rare surprise.
Tourism in Northern Ireland has bounced back from the pandemic-induced slump, changing perceptions about this lesser-known region compared to England, Scotland, and Wales.
During my trip, I was taken aback by the laid-back atmosphere that was evident even during the school holidays, despite the increased traffic on the roads.
The beaches were bustling with families, and despite the occasional drizzle, outdoor activities remained popular.
Whether it was fishing, boating, seal watching, or enjoying playgrounds, both locals and tourists alike were indulging in a variety of different past-times. The people were incredibly friendly, always ready to offer recommendations for the next stop on my journey.
The landscape transformed as I journeyed through Mid Ulster, heading towards Eniskillen. The route was dotted with farmlands, mountains, and even a couple of striking lakes as we gradually shifted our direction from west to north.
Next, we traversed parts of the Sperrin Area, an Outstanding Natural Beauty spot, before passing through Coleraine and arriving at Port Stewart. The coastal views here were breathtaking, and soon we found ourselves in Portrush, where the Open Golf Tournament had recently taken place.
Portrush was charming, but the winds were so strong that people were literally being swept along when we paused on nearby cliffs to take in the vistas. The rugged coastlines, reminiscent of those in Iceland or parts of Australia, embraced the country’s magnificent northern edge.
Our journey continued until we reached the Giant’s Causeway, then we slowly made our way towards Ballycastle before heading back to Belfast along the western coast.
Throughout our trip, we were warmly welcomed everywhere we went and enjoyed excellent hospitality. We had several fantastic dining experiences, including the Mill Race Restaurant at the Dunadry hotel in County Antrim, a previous recipient of an AA Rosette.
The roads were very good throughout the entire journey and I only came across potholes a handful of times, which considering the number of miles covered was a great result.
Even the airport had a more relaxed atmosphere compared to many others across the United Kingdom, which only increased our desire to return to the region soon.
