Northern Ireland is a paradise for budget backpackers and globetrotters, and there's lots of great accommodation options for those who like to bump into others from around the world.
Budget- and people-friendly in Belfast
Top of the pile for many is Vagabonds Belfast. One of the best hostels in Belfast, it is located in the delightful "Queens Quarter", just five minutes from the city centre, Botanic Gardens and the lively Ormeau Road. Designed by two former vagabonds who saw the best and worst of budget accommodation on their treks around the world, the accommodation is clean, relaxed, affordable and friendly. Oh, and they’ve got foosball!
It’s more than likely that the Belfast International Youth Hostel has a room that just might suit you. After all, there are two hundred and eight in total, ranging from dorms to doubles, some with private bathrooms and others shared. On top of that, they offer free WIFI, laundry facilities and a self-catering kitchen. If you don’t feel like cooking, the Causeway Café on the ground floor is open every day for breakfast, brunch and lunch.
Somewhere to stay on the Causeway Coastal Route
Speaking of causeways, if it’s time to head out of Belfast and up the Causeway Coastal Route, most backpackers will make it to Ballycastle at some point on their journey and if you need a place to stay, then the Castle Hostel in the heart of the town hits the proverbial nail on the head. One of a row of houses on a lovely Victorian seafront, this spot offers all you need and is a casual stroll from the bars and restaurants in this seaside town.
A little further up the route near Ballintoy, you’ll find the Whitepark Bay Youth Hostel, boasting spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean over to the islands of Rathlin and Islay. After a day of trekking the coastline, chill out in your room watching TV or meet new friends by the open fire in the common room.
A little further west, and in the famous whiskey town of Bushmills, is the Bushmills Youth Hostel. Slap bang in the middle of town, all rooms are on-suite and cater to groups of different sizes. As well as free wi-fi, they have a fabulous walled garden which is ideal for picnics and barbecues.
Getting your head down in Derry-Londonderry
Over the last number of years, Fairman House in Derry-Londonderry has been building a reputation for its friendly and homely vibe. It does the simple things well and its location close to the famous walled city is ideal.
Freewheeling in fabulous Fermanagh
Many wild rovers make a beeline for Fermanagh. Attracted by Lough Erne and the nearby Sperrin Mountains there is a lot to do for the lover of the outdoors. Tir Navar is a charming holiday village on the banks of the River Sillees and is close to everything fabulous Fermanagh has to offer. This old creamery now comprises more than a dozen en-suite bedrooms that can sleep up to sixty guests.
Share Discovery Village near Lisnaskea is the largest residential activity centre in Northern Ireland. They can accommodate groups varying in size in hostel style rooms or chalets. Situated on Lough Erne, this spot is for the water sports fan who wants to learn to sail, windsurf or canoe. It may not match every backpacker’s remit but is definitely worth exploring.
A top stopping place in Armagh
In 2013 the Armagh City Youth Hostel had a makeover and since then it has been doing a roaring trade in welcoming guests from around the world. Like all the best hostels, it is perfectly located in the heart of Armagh City and offers high quality accommodation with a good mix of multi-share and private rooms, all with showering facilities. You’ll also find a spacious common area as well as a top-class self-catering kitchen.
Where mountain and sea air mingle in the Mournes, County Down
A friendly atmosphere and a warm welcome awaits you at The Hutt Hostel in Newcastle, Co Down. Just a few hundred metres from the seafront and a couple of minutes from the foot of the Mourne Mountains you could not be in a better place. There are six dozen beds available including a self-contained apartment with its own kitchen, shower room, toilet and lounge. Its location on the sea front, in the centre of town makes it a great place to explore the bars and restaurants of this quaint seaside village.
Friendships will be made, group selfies snapped, Instagram handles shared - and all the while you can be sure that the people who look after the hostels in this corner of the world will look after you.
