Hotels

Northern Ireland has always had a warm welcome for the visitor to these shores. It also has a long history in the hospitality trade and a canny knack of knowing the needs and wishes of guests. Add to that the beautiful scenery, some clean fresh greenery and you have all the right ingredients for some of the best hotels and locations for hotels in the world.

Hip, high-class hotels in Belfast and beyond

The Merchant Hotel (5*) in Belfast’s trendy Cathedral Quarter hits all the right notes for those who want to travel in style and submerge themselves in comfort. The city is right on your doorstep as are some of its best bars, cafés and restaurants. After a day out on the town, you can return to chill out in the hotel thermo lounger and hydro pool before stepping onto the roof for a view of Belfast from a bubbling hot tub.

Malmaison (4*) is one of the best-known hotels, renowned for its décor, bold sense of style, quirky fixtures and fittings and also its handy location next to the buzzy Cathedral Quarter. Ten Square (4*) is an older building reimagined as a modern luxury hotel that oozes elegance and character in every nook and cranny, and sits right in the heart of Belfast.

The legendary Europa Hotel (4*) offers comfortable spacious rooms right in the heart of Belfast and, most importantly, right across the road from one of the wonderful pubs of the world, The Crown Liquor Saloon. Staying here you won’t miss a beat of the heart of Belfast.

You won’t miss out on anything either with a stay at The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast (5*) with its world-class standards of service and style alongside plenty of friendly local touches, plus jaw-dropping city views.

Heading out of Belfast, the Culloden Estate and Spa (5*) sits on a slope overlooking Belfast Lough. It has to be one of the most idyllic locations for a place to stay on the whole island. The friendly staff always have a warm welcome for visitors and indulging yourself in the hotel spa is highly recommended.

A little further away from Belfast you’ll find Ballymena’s Galgorm Resort (4*) which is all about relaxation. With two swimming-pools and a multitude of relaxation pods, massage rooms, mini-jacuzzis and hot tubs, you’ll never run out of things to do, or should that be, things in which to do nothing. Just don’t relax too much or you might forget to eat and you don’t want to miss out on the River Room restaurant.

At your service in County Down

Those looking for their little piece of heaven will find it in County Down. Slieve Donard Resort and Spa (4*) sits overlooking the beach and under the Mountains of Mourne. Golfers will love its proximity to the world-renowned Royal County Down Golf Links while those looking to relax can indulge in some pampering that is well and truly par excellence.

Killeavy Castle Estate (4*) near Newry in County Armagh offers more of the same in different, more secluded countryside. Here you’ll be surrounded by woodlands on the Ring of Gullion. You’ll be close to nature and cut off from the world if you want to be.

Comfort in the cathedral city of Armagh

If you're looking to build some muscle while on holiday, then the gym at the Armagh City Hotel (3*) is the right spot for you. There are Premier League football clubs with less impressive gyms than this place and the pool is not too shabby either.

Once you’ve burnt all that off, you can indulge in putting it back on again in the award-winning Friary Restaurant before getting out to explore the history of this fine Georgian city.

Fresh linen and fine dining in County Fermanagh

Meanwhile, in County Fermanagh, the Lough Erne Resort (5*) outside Enniskillen is a luxurious getaway nestled on 600 acres with spectacular views over the eponymous local lakelands. As well as a Nick Faldo designed golf course and an award-winning restaurant, this lakeside hideout offers a gym, infinity pool, sauna and jacuzzi in their Thai spa.

Take a hotel break in County Tyrone

Tullylagan Country House Hotel (3*) is just ten minutes from the historic village of Cookstown and is a great spot to base yourself in the heart of Northern Ireland. From here you can reach the majestic Sperrins to the west, Lough Neagh to the east or the Causeway Coastal Route to the north. All the while knowing that there is fine food and a warm welcome back in this lovely sanctuary.

Another great spot in County Tyrone is the award-winning Corick House Hotel and Spa (4*). This place has an intriguing mix of old and new in its forty-three rooms spread across the wonderful old Georgian mansion and the newer extension. Each is a suite of decadence and comfort. This place won the Spa Hotel of the Year in the 2019 Irish Hotel Awards and after five minutes in their care, you’re sure to find out why.

A warm welcome within the walled city of Derry-Londonderry

Follow in the footsteps of Winston Churchill and W.B. Yeats with a night in Derry-Londonderry’s Bishop’s Gate Hotel (4*). Accommodation includes a very spacious penthouse suite and cosy junior deluxe suite. There is a well-equipped gym on site where you can work off the food from their top-class restaurant. The great advantage of this spot is its location right in the heart of the walled city.

Just outside that same historic balustrade, you’ll find the City Hotel (4*). If it's a good pool, relaxing jacuzzi and great food you’re after then check in here. A top-notch spot to see this city and everything that surrounds it.

Creature comforts and sleeping giants on the Causeway Coastal Route

There has been a hotel on the site of The Causeway Hotel (3*) in Bushmills since 1836. Through the years, visitors who have stayed at this charming outpost on the coast have enjoyed its sea views and warm hospitality. No wonder it has lasted so long. This is about as close as you can sleep to the legendary Giant’s Causeway.

If your voyage to Northern Ireland is all about sea air and fine dining, The Salthouse (4*) in Ballycastle is a luxury eco hotel that will satisfy your quest. Sitting on its own private grounds, this spot includes a soothing spa and a laid-back bar and restaurant - all surrounded by the natural beauty of the County Antrim countryside and dramatic views of the coastline.

There are hundreds and hundreds of hotels to choose from here in Northern Ireland and you’re sure to find the one that’s just right for you, whether you’re planning a short break or a longer stay.