Northern Ireland Tours

Yes, Northern Ireland is one of the 4 countries that make up the United Kingdom (UK), along with England, Scotland, and Wales. It’s located on the island of Ireland, which it shares with the Republic of Ireland, a separate, independent country.

Home to the iconic Giant’s Causeway, lush hills, and centuries-old castles, Northern Ireland is a place you’ll love exploring. Expect warm hospitality, cosy pubs with traditional Irish music, and spectacular landscapes at every turn.

Northern Ireland is also packed with Game of Thrones filming locations. You’ll find around 25 across the country, including the atmospheric Dark Hedges – an avenue of beech trees that doubled as the Kingsroad. In Belfast, you can even take a Game of Thrones studio tour to see authentic sets, costumes, and props from the series.

Find more reasons to visit with this guide to the best things to do in Northern Ireland.

We recommend visiting Northern Ireland between April and October, when the weather is at its best and longer daylight hours give you more time to sightsee. Read our best time to visit Ireland guide and plan your trip around the experiences you don’t want to miss.

How long you spend in Northern Ireland depends on your interests and how much time you have. We recommend 2 to 4 days to see the main highlights. This will give you plenty of time to explore Belfast and visit the Giant’s Causeway on the Antrim Coast.

If you have more time, you could extend your stay to discover Northern Ireland’s hidden gems.

Northern Ireland is full of stunning natural landscapes, ancient landmarks, and charming towns. Here are some of the best places to explore during your trip:

Uncover other top castles to visit on the Emerald Isle in this guide.

The best way to travel around Northern Ireland depends on what kind of experience you’re after.

A popular way to explore the country is on a self-drive tour of Ireland. You’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace and get off the beaten path. Plus, when you book your Ireland road trip with Nordic Visitor, you’ll get a hand-marked map with the suggested route and recommended attractions.

Alternatively, you could join a guided small group tour. Let a dedicated driver take you to Northern Ireland’s best spots, while your knowledgeable tour guide shares local stories with you. What’s more, the group size is capped at just 15 people, so you can enjoy a personal experience.

If you prefer something more exclusive, choose a privately guided tour of Ireland. Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or with a small group of friends or family, you’ll have a local guide all to yourselves.

Yes, our Northern Ireland tours run from April to October, so you can pick dates that work best for you. Once you’ve chosen your tour and are ready to book, select a start date from the availability calendar on our website.

Please note, self-drive and privately guided tours are available to start on any day. Guided group tours have a limited number of set departures, so make sure to secure your spot soon.

Absolutely! When you book with Nordic Visitor, you can tailor your tour to suit you. For example, you can extend your Northern Ireland adventure with extra nights at the beginning or end of your trip. And if you’ve booked a self-drive tour, you can choose your preferred rental car.

You can also customise your itinerary by adding optional excursions. For instance, learn about the history of Belfast from a local guide on a Black Cab city tour around Northern Ireland’s capital.

If you'd like to personalise your trip further, just ask your dedicated travel consultant.

The weather in Northern Ireland can change quickly, so it’s best to come prepared. Here are a few essentials we recommend bringing along:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Warm fleeces and lightweight layers
• Hat, scarf, and gloves
• Camera
• Binoculars for wildlife watching
• Reusable water bottle

Get more handy packing tips in our Ireland packing guide.