Northern Ireland

Long-shunned part of Ireland shines with hospitality and beauty

For many years, visitors to Ireland did not travel to the North. In fact, the vast majority of Irish people have never crossed the border into Ulster, and that's a pity. This is a glorious, colorful, exciting region, filled with vibrant towns and a countryside of breathtaking beauty. The way the locals treat you may come as a surprise: Rural Northern Ireland is, in many ways, friendlier to visitors than the Republic. In part because of its relatively low tourism numbers, you'll find you are very welcome here, whereas in the southern counties the flow of visitors has taken a toll on that famous Irish faílte (courtesy).

Most train travel originates or goes through Belfast. The three main routes in the North's rail system are north and west from Belfast to Derry; east to Bangor, tracing the shores of Belfast Lough; and south to Dublin via Newry.

© 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.