Europe
Northern Ireland
Europe
Northern Ireland
Overview
Northern Ireland captivates with its dramatic landscapes and vibrant culture. From the otherworldly Giant's Causeway to Belfast's Titanic Quarter, it's a land of contrasts. Explore medieval castles, hike the Mourne Mountains, or savor a pint in a cozy pub. The Causeway Coastal Route offers breathtaking sea views, while Game of Thrones fans can visit iconic filming locations. Belfast's transformation shines through its thriving food scene and street art. Don't miss the peaceful Fermanagh Lakelands or the ancient Navan Fort. Northern Ireland's warm hospitality and stunning scenery make it an unforgettable destination.
Best time to visit. Visit from May to September for milder weather and longer days. Summer offers lively festivals, while spring and early autumn provide quieter exploration with stunning landscapes. Avoid winter's short days and frequent rain, unless seeking cozy pub experiences.
Cities
We don't have any cities for Northern Ireland yet. Use the link below to request a city guide.
Country stats
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 45°F - 36°F | 41°F - 32°F | Cloudy | 8:30 am | 4:30 pm | 18 days 3.3 in | 3 days 0.5 in | 13 mph |
| February | 46°F - 36°F | 42°F - 32°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:45 am | 5:30 pm | 15 days 2.6 in | 2 days 0.3 in | 13 mph |
| March | 50°F - 39°F | 47°F - 35°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:45 am | 6:30 pm | 16 days 2.7 in | 1 days 0.1 in | 13 mph |
| April | 54°F - 41°F | 52°F - 39°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:00 am | 8:00 pm | 14 days 2.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| May | 59°F - 46°F | 58°F - 44°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:15 am | 9:15 pm | 13 days 2.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| June | 63°F - 51°F | 63°F - 50°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:45 am | 10:00 pm | 12 days 2.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| July | 66°F - 54°F | 66°F - 53°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:00 am | 9:45 pm | 13 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| August | 66°F - 54°F | 66°F - 53°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:45 am | 9:00 pm | 14 days 3.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| September | 62°F - 51°F | 61°F - 49°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:30 am | 7:45 pm | 14 days 2.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| October | 57°F - 46°F | 55°F - 43°F | Cloudy | 7:15 am | 6:30 pm | 16 days 3.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 11 mph |
| November | 51°F - 41°F | 48°F - 38°F | Cloudy | 8:00 am | 5:00 pm | 17 days 3.3 in | 1 days 0.1 in | 13 mph |
| December | 46°F - 37°F | 42°F - 33°F | Cloudy | 8:45 am | 4:15 pm | 18 days 3.4 in | 2 days 0.3 in | 13 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebration of the new year. Many people attend parties or watch fireworks displays. | Expect closures. Plan ahead for events. | ||
| St. Patrick's Day | March 17 | Celebration of Ireland's patron saint. Parades and festivities across the country. | Busy but festive. Join celebrations. | ||
| Good Friday | Varies (March/April) | Christian holiday commemorating crucifixion of Jesus. Many businesses close. | Expect closures. Plan religious sites visits. | ||
| Easter Monday | Varies (March/April) | Public holiday following Easter Sunday. Banks and many businesses closed. | Limited services. Plan outdoor activities. | ||
| Early May Bank Holiday | First Monday in May | Public holiday. Many people enjoy outdoor activities and community events. | Busy parks and attractions. Plan ahead. | ||
| Spring Bank Holiday | Last Monday in May | Public holiday. Often marks the start of summer season with outdoor events. | Popular travel time. Book accommodations early. | ||
| Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen's Day) | July 12 | Commemorates Protestant victory in 1690. Parades and bonfires, mainly Unionist. | Be aware of local sensitivities. Expect crowds. | ||
| Summer Bank Holiday | Last Monday in August | Public holiday. Many people take short trips or enjoy local events. | Busy travel period. Plan activities in advance. | ||
| Halloween | October 31 | Celtic festival origin. Costume parties, trick-or-treating, and themed events. | Festive atmosphere. Enjoy local celebrations. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian holiday celebrating birth of Jesus. Family gatherings and gift-giving. | Most businesses closed. Avoid travel on this day. | ||
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Public holiday. Traditional day for sporting events and shopping sales. | Busy shopping areas. Consider outdoor activities. |
1 | Learn about the Troubles, but avoid discussing politics. Many locals are sensitive about this topic, so let them bring it up first if they want to talk about it. |
2 | Don't assume everyone identifies as Irish. Northern Ireland has a complex identity, with some identifying as British, Irish, or Northern Irish. Respect individual preferences. |
3 | Tipping isn't as common as in North America. In restaurants, 10% is standard for good service. Tipping in pubs isn't expected unless table service is provided. |
4 | Be mindful of religious symbols. Wearing certain colors or symbols can be seen as taking sides in ongoing conflicts. Avoid wearing orange or green in certain areas. |
5 | Try local cuisine like Ulster Fry, champ, and soda bread. Northern Ireland has a unique food culture distinct from the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain. |
6 | Respect pub etiquette. Buy rounds when drinking with locals, and don't rush your pint. Pubs are social hubs, so engage in conversation and enjoy the craic (fun atmosphere). |
7 | Learn a few local phrases. 'Wee' means small, 'grand' means fine or good, and 'what's the craic?' means 'what's happening?' Using these can help you connect with locals. |
8 | Be prepared for changeable weather. It can rain unexpectedly, so always carry a light raincoat or umbrella. Locals often joke about experiencing all four seasons in one day. |
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