Forget Love Island… Love Northern Ireland

This summer as we tune into Love Island and watch the blue skies and summer sunsets you could easily be forgiven for enviously wanting to join them… but forget Love Island… here is why Northern Ireland will be 100% your type on paper.

The view from the Villa may be impressive but it isn’t a patch on our spectacular coastlines. While the guys in the Villa get ‘grafting’ we suggest you ‘crack on’ and make a date to explore the Causeway and County Down Coastline with some of these suggestions…

• The Catch and Sea experience is run by Causeway Coast Foodie Tours from the 16th March to 21st September 2019.

Leaving Portrush Harbour, just before daybreak you catch your breakfast in the crystal clear waters of the Causeway Coast, as the sun slowly rises over The Mull of Kintyre and Rathlin Island. 

• The Gobbins Cliff path, the most dramatic walk in Europe will take you along a narrow path hugging the dramatic cliff face; across spectacular bridges amid the crashing waves, traversing hidden Tunnels under the Irish Sea; up and down rugged staircases carved into the cliff face and into caves that were once home to smugglers and privateers. The 2.5 hour tour isn’t for the faint hearted and must be booked in advance.

• This summer explore over 80 square nautical miles of island-studded sea Lough by kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding Strangford Lough. With many specially designed routes to choose from it is easy to see why the Strangford Lough Canoe Trail has been described as ‘one of the must go canoeing destinations in Europe.’

• Northern Ireland is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in Europe, with naturally stunning long stretches of golden sand and impressive sand dunes. Our favourites include Murlough National Nature Reserve in County Down, a fragile 6,000 year old sand dune system located at the edge of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains and Portrush Whiterocks Beach in County Antrim which limestone cliffs and recognisable headlands have made it a popular destination for tourist and locals. (Check out discover Northern Ireland’s top beach recommendations https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/attractions/beaches/spectacular-beaches/)

While the Villa continue to ‘lay it on factor 50’ we are more 50 shades of green here in Northern Ireland, with and abundance of forest parks and areas of natural beauty to explore. Here are some of our top picks guaranteed to turn your head this summer.

• The Mourne Mountains are not only just iconic for walking in with routes for all abilities and levels available but also, for the thrill seekers, the Mournes have become synonymous with mountain biking. Hit up Rostrevor’s two iconic purpose built DH trails, or tear into the mouth-watering 27km of red XC trails. If that isn’t enough, Rostrevor also has 19km of black trail to raise the heartbeat! When you're finished there, visit the incredibly popular trails at Castlewellan, home to 19km of flowing red trails, incredible panoramic views, and a variety of options for all riders.

• The Glens of Antrim, an area of outstanding natural beauty, comprises of nine stunning glens (valleys), stretch from the Antrim Plateau to the coast. Steeped in history and culture, we recommend a guided walking tour by legendary local story teller Mark Rodgers from Dalriada Kingdom Tours  and of course a stop off at Ballygally Castle to check out the oldest inhibited Castle in Ireland.

• Northern Ireland has some sensational National Trust properties including Castle ward, a unique 18th-century mansion which sits in acres of beautiful landscape. Made famous as one of the prime filming locations for the hit TV series Game of Thrones, many fans of the show will best know Castle ward as Winterfell and would enjoy exploring with a special Game of Thrones Tour.

Summer wouldn't be the same without a stay in one of our amazing hotels. Each of the Hastings hotels are the height of luxury and with prices starting from just £55 per person sharing, including overnight accommodation, full Irish Breakfast and complimentary extras where else would you rather stay? 

For further information on our Summer offers contact us on 028 9047 1066 or click here for more information.