Frequently Asked Questions (click on the question for the answer)

1. Is Northern Ireland Travels a travel agency?
2. Does Northern Ireland Travels sponsor group tours in Northern Ireland?
3. Is it safe to travel in Northern Ireland?
4. When is the best time of year to visit Northern Ireland?
5. What is the best way to travel around Northern Ireland?

6. What documentation do I need to enter Northern Ireland?

1.  Is Northern Ireland Travels a travel agency?

No, Northern Ireland Travels is a travel planning service. We specialize in planning personalized, self-guided trips in Northern Ireland for clients interested in traveling on their own, typically by car. Since we are not a travel agency, our clients are responsible for making their own flight, car rental and accommodation arrangements.

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2.  Does Northern Ireland Travels sponsor group tours in Northern Ireland?

A.  Typically, we create travel plans for individuals, couples or families who are traveling together and have similar interests. At this time we do not offer group tours.

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3.  Is it safe to travel in Northern Ireland?

A.  Yes. We’ve been visiting Northern Ireland since 1991 and have witnessed remarkable changes over that time. Statistics show that Northern Ireland is now one of the safest places to visit in all of Europe.  Click here for recent statistics (PDF file format). 

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4.  When is the best time of year to visit Northern Ireland?

A.  Overall, Northern Ireland has a moderate climate, never too hot or cold. The best weather is generally during the summer months (June through August.) A typical day at that time of year will include some sun, some rain and moderate temperatures. Another advantage of traveling in Northern Ireland during the summer months is the long days. (Belfast is almost as far north as Sitka, Alaska in the U.S. and Churchill, Manitoba in Canada). And, while there are more tourists visiting Northern Ireland in the summer, it rarely feels crowded.

 We actually prefer visiting Northern Ireland in the spring and fall. The days can be a bit cooler and wetter, but we love seeing the flowers bloom in the spring and the leaves change in the autumn. For the lowest prices, traveling “off-season,” during the winter months is best. Of course, some might describe winter in Northern Ireland as “dreary.” We describe it as cozy! And even in January, the grass is green and the sun does peak through the clouds, occasionally.

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5.  What is the best way to travel around Northern Ireland?

A.  We recommend traveling by car. It gives you the most flexibility and allows you to visit smaller towns and villages that can be time-consuming to reach via public transportation. There is a bus system (Ulsterbus) that operates throughout Northern Ireland. Train service, provided by NI Railways, is more limited. Most of the train lines are commuter routes in and around Belfast. There is train service between Belfast and Derry and Belfast and Dublin.

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6.  What documentation do I need to enter Northern Ireland?

A.   The documents required vary, depending on your country of origin. All U.S. and Canadian residents are required to have a valid passport, but generally do not need a visa to enter Northern Ireland.  It’s always best to check with the British Embassy in your country to confirm your visa requirement. 

•  Click here for the British Embassy in Canada.

•  Click here for the British Embassy in the USA.

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