As winter starts to lose its grip, as flowers and trees bud into life and as we enjoy a stretch to the evenings, it’s the perfect time to indulge in a short break in Northern Ireland packed with unique cultural experiences and world class food and drink.
With St Patrick’s Day and a later than usual Easter, providing the perfect opportunity for a romantic break or short trip with family or friends, Northern Ireland welcomes you to embrace its giant spirit.
Why not explore Armagh, the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland; visit the Co Derry home of Nobel Prize-winner Seamus Heaney; or open the door into the dark and view the night skies from the splendour of Tyrone’s Sperrin Mountains.
Whether you want to join the well-heeled at the shopping haven of Victoria Square, experience why foodies love the city or find out more about the legends who called this neat little town, home, Belfast never disappoints.
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Celebrate St Patrick in Armagh and Down
Armagh – the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland and the only city in the world with two cathedrals dedicated to St Patrick – is gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors for its Home of St Patrick Festival.
The weeklong celebration (March 9th-17th) will honour the life and legacy of the patron saint with an exciting line-up of music, art, theatre and cultural experiences that promise to captivate and inspire.
The Pilgrim’s Walk, a 132km trail that stretches from Navan Fort in Armagh to Down Cathedral in Downpatrick is an experience inspired by St. Patrick’s time in the area. Celebrating 10 years in 2025, the trail offers visitors the unique opportunity to retrace St Patrick’s steps and connect with the spiritual trip he once made.
On your journey explore places like Ulster’s ancient capital, Navan Fort, the pretty railway village of Scarva, or Newry Canal, a man-made waterway built in the 1700s, and of course St Patrick’s Centre in Downpatrick where you will find the world’s only permanent exhibition about the patron saint.
- Stay: The Armagh City Hotel is within walking distance of the city’s narrow lanes and open spaces. It is the perfect base for exploring Armagh’s grand Georgian architecture and to venture out into the county’s famous apple orchards as they prepare to captivate with their stunning blossom displays.
- In Co Down, the pet-friendly Briers Country House in Newcastle has nine en suite refurbished bedrooms and a private cottage with hot tub, while the Strangford View Mews in the countryside outside Downpatrick provides the amenities of a stunning self-catering home for up to 12 guests with its own wellness pavilion.
- Don’t miss: Handmade to Last at Mount Ida Pottery in Banbridge. Create your own ceramic piece, perhaps one of their high-quality glazed Co Down farm animal inspired by those in the nearby fields. With expert guidance you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve in just a few hours as you enjoy the therapeutic effects of kneading clay in this calm and beautiful place.
Belfast short break
Belfast always packs a punch for whatever type of short break you’re looking for. With iconic places like Titanic Belfast, a black taxi tour and St George’s Market usually on the list, don’t forget about some of the other great things to do.
Why not soak up the city’s maritime history and step on-board HMS Caroline, a restored first World War battleship, indulge in a Sensorium Cocktail Experience or embark on an epic food tour with Taste and Tour NI.
Victoria Square is a shopper’s dream with more than 70 stores, restaurants and even an eight-screen cinema. Take the lift to the top for spectacular 360 degree views across the city from the glass-topped dome.
Don’t forget the east of the city where a number of legends once called home. Check out the George Best House or the Van Morrison Trail, or both if you’ve a passion for sport and music! Then head west to visit Áras Uí Chonghaile on the other side of the city, an inspirational visitor centre located only yards from where James Connolly lived on the Falls Road.
Belfast’s bustling bars, cafes, food courts and restaurants offer something to delight every palate and pocket.
For a taste of the city’s best street food, head to the lively Common Market, where you’ll find it all under one roof. Amelia Hall is a buzzing bar, pizzeria and beer terrace in the Linen Quarter or for your caffeine kick first thing in the morning, it’s got to be Established or the newly opened Nine Squared. Daisies is a little hidden gem near the City Hall with artisan award winning hot chocolate and baked goods.
- Stay: Four-star Malmaison Hotel is one of the best-known restored Victorian hotels, renowned for its decor, bold sense of style, quirky fixtures and fittings. Its handy location next to the Cathedral Quarter means that you’ll find yourself within walking distance of some of the best bars, nightclubs and restaurants in Belfast. mrDeanes Bistro Bar and Social was recently awarded a Bib Gourmand and a spot in the Michelin Guide reserved for places offering “best value for money”.
- Don’t miss: An epic pit stop for families on the way to Belfast is High Rise Lisburn, an indoor adventure centre just off the M1 motorway. Northern Ireland’s largest climbing wall, the Clip and Climb has 24 exhilarating challenges to blow off some steam (adults too) as well as a soft play and interactive sensory rooms.
Dark skies and stargazing in Tyrone & Derry
Wild, untouched and beautiful: the Sperrin Mountains, with 10 summits more than 500m high, are a natural antidote to busy city life, a hub for walking and also an area boasting some of the darkest skies on the island.
With many astro events in March and April including a partial solar eclipse; it is an ideal time to check out the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory in Tyrone for breathtaking views of the night sky, including the Milky Way, countless stars, and even planets.
You’ll find a gentler pace in the Gortin Glen Forest Park with only the sounds of babbling brooks, splashing waterfalls and birdsong in the air. At the top you will find a giant named Darach, part of the Sperrin Sculpture Trail and one of three majestic giants created by world-acclaimed artist, Thomas Dambo.
Lose yourself in the life and works of the Nobel Prize-winning poet at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace. Just 40 minutes from Belfast, it brings together personal stories, photographs, artefacts, videos, audio recordings and readings by the poet himself over two floors.
- Stay: Sleep under the stars at luxury glamping sites Sperrin View or Carntogher Cabins. Or for a touch of country house elegance, check out the Victorian four-star Ardtara House in County Derry with award-winning fine dining, afternoon tea, or a casual bar menu all available.
- Don’t miss: A tour of the Wild Atlantic Distillery in Co Tyrone is a must for gin, vodka and whiskey enthusiasts. You’ll enjoy a neat tasting of the full range and a distillery cocktail. Perhaps you’d like to enrol at the gin school for the afternoon to distil your own?
Whether you’re celebrating St Patrick with family and friends or contemplating a romantic Easter break, embrace giant adventures in Northern Ireland this spring. Visit discovernorthernireland.com
