The North of Ireland is comprised of the six northeastern counties of the island and is currently part of the United Kingdom. The North has two major cities, Belfast and Derry and either one of them is a great place to start your visit to this most welcoming part of the island.
Derry sits on the banks of the river Foyle and is over 1,400 years old. It is the only completely walled city left in Britain and Ireland but this isn't meant to keep visitors out! Rather it is a sign of how beautifully the people of Derry have kept their history alive while building a dynamic and energetic local community and a city well worth seeing.
Belfast is the capital of the North and the second biggest city on the island. Famous internationally for being the site of construction for the Titanic and to a lesser extent for the charm of the city itself. With over 450 places to eat and bars where the beer is always chilled and the company always warm Belfast has is transforming into a cosmopolitan city to rival Dublin to the South.
Along the border of the North and the South the mountains and history of Down provide a sometimes welcome respite from city life. From Crewe Hill where the Kings of Ulster were crowned all those years ago. For the outdoors enthusiast there's golf, hill walking, horseback riding, fishing, biking, sailing, scuba diving and much more to suit any adventurous taste.
Further west are the lakes of Fermanagh, known through Europe for their water sports. Fishing and cruising the Erne waterways and lakes are an excellent way to relax and revitalize yourself as you let your boat take you past the magnificent scenery of Lakelands country. Fermanagh is perfect country for those long, lazy, lovely holidays where one can get away from it all and recharge the batteries.
A small step from Scotland is the Glens of Antrim at the extreme northeast of the region. The rugged mountainous region along the coast is home to two of Ireland's most attractive features, the Giants Causeway with its array of hexagonal columns stretching into the sea and Bushmills Irish whiskey. With over 30 golf course and some of Ireland's longest beaches waiting to be enjoyed a trip to Antrim can never be boring.