Short breaks are just great for stepping off life’s treadmill and re-setting yourself. In whatever way works for you. Whether that’s a weekend of lazy luxury, wetsuits in the surf or candlelit dinner in the city. Though, in Northern Ireland, everything is pretty close by so you could probably pack a few ideas in. Or save some for your next trip.
Spa days and nights
It’s a happy coincidence that some of Northern Ireland’s best hotels are also home to some of Northern Ireland’s best spas. The magnificent Culloden Estate and Spa (5*) is one such spot. Ten minutes from Belfast city, yet a world away, this former Bishop’s Palace sits in 12 acres of gardens and woodland. Super-luxurious bedrooms and a beautifully appointed Spa area make it the perfect place to unwind.
There’s a Thermal Village and Serenity garden with private tubs at the Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort (4*) - the only kind in the UK & Ireland. Just the thing to relax you before dinner in the beautiful River Room restaurant. Slieve Donard Resort and Spa (4*) has golden beaches on one side and Royal County Down Golf Club on the other. And an award-winning Spa inside. While Corick House Hotel & Spa (4*) in Tyrone has all the glamour of a country house, with a decidedly modern flourish.
Beach breaks on the coast
The North Coast’s run of stunning beaches – Portrush, Whiterocks, Benone and Ballycastle among them - are a magnet for surfers, bodyboarders, kayakers and more. Take a trip to Rathlin Island – it’s Puffin paradise. Then spoil yourself with a night or two at the luxury eco Salthouse Hotel (5*), an oasis of calm with spectacular coastal views.
The great outdoors
This is a weekend for setting your own pace. Whether it’s a country walk, a drive along the Causeway Coastal Route or tackling Slieve Gullion, Armagh’s highest peak. If a race to the top isn’t for you, a leisurely stroll round the base could be just the thing. Or try forest walking trails and a Red Squirrel Safari.
Then, discover the great indoors at the regal Killeavy Castle Estate (4*) – a Grade A listed castle, converted mill and coach house, and a self-catering Gate Lodge. The perfect base for an activity weekend.
A shopping break in Belfast
Belfast is shopping central, home to Victoria Square, its 70-plus shops and its Dome with 360 degree views across the city. Find independent designers along the Lisburn Road and seasonal, local and artisan food in the markets. Hotels are plentiful and central too. Such as the bold and quirky Malmaison (4*) in the Cathedral Quarter or the Merchant Hotel (5*) with its roof top hot tub. The Flint simply offers the best beds in beautifully designed rooms. There’s a kitchen in your suite, breakfast comes in a bag and Belfast’s busiest restaurants are on your doorstep.
Shop on in Derry-Londonderry
Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland’s famous walled city, is right up there when it comes to bagging something special. Start in the delightfully Dickensian Craft Village. An inviting mix of artisan shops, local crafters, restaurants and coffee shops. Right in the heart of the city.
Foyleside, Richmond and Quayside Shopping Centres are all within easy reach. As is a friendly welcome at the boutique Station B&B (4*). Or the luxurious Bishops Gate Hotel (4*) within the city walls. Make sure you fit in a city tour of this historic spot before you leave.
If you want to go - but not too far - the White Horse Hotel, just six miles outside the city makes a great base for exploring further afield.
The Causeway Coastal Route
One of the world’s greatest drives, the Causeway Coastal Route winds along the Antrim clifftops, with jaw-dropping views to the sea below. It’s dotted with places to pull in and stop, so you get full value from the vista. And dotted with castles and things to tempt you even further. Carrickfergus Castle, an imposing Norman structure on the northern shore of Belfast Lough has, in its time, stood strong against sieges by the Scots, Irish, English and French. If you’re up for a battle yourself, take on The Gobbins Cliff Path. A feat of engineering, it’s a meticulously constructed network of undersea tunnels, bridges and walkways along the cliff face. Hard hats and walking boots required.
If you need some recovery time afterwards, the traditional and characterful Dunadry Hotel & Gardens (4*) is not too far away.
In the Armagh orchards
Armagh City may be famous for its associations with St. Patrick – well, it does have two cathedrals dedicated to him. The countryside, however, is dedicated to the wonderful apple. The Bramley Apple rules and ‘blossom to bottle’ is the promise of the Armagh Cider Company. You can see how it’s done on a cider-making tour. And, if you happen to get here in autumn, you’ll find even more apple-related fun – that’s when the Food and Cider Festival is in full swing.
A stay at the Armagh City Hotel (3*) puts you within walking distance of all the city’s attractions - historical and otherwise.
Living in a Bubble at Finn Lough, Fermanagh
There’s nowhere quite like home and nowhere quite like Finn Lough Resort – your weekend home, should you want something very, very different. It’s a luxury bubble dome – in the midst of a beautifully landscaped activity park. And fully equipped with all the essentials – a four poster bed, Nespresso machine and transparent walls. So much easier to see the stars that way.
A luxury stay in the west
If you’re venturing out west, there’s no better destination than the five star, Hotel of The Year, The Lough Erne Resort. A stay at this luxury paradise, nestled among a 600 acre peninsula with spectacular views of the Fermanagh Lakelands offers the ultimate get-away weekend whether you are planning a romantic escape, corporate outing, family trip or a holiday with friends. This beautiful hotel has magnificent accommodations with access to golf, spa services and gourmet special offers.
Whatever you’re in to, indoors or out, there’s a weekend break waiting for you here in Northern Ireland. And the best bit is, you can pretty much make it up as you go along. Because, of course, it’s always easy-going here.
