Why 72 hours in Northern Ireland is a Getaway You’ll Want to Savour

With three days to spare and a taste for meaningful escapes, travel writer Hayley Hamilton set out to explore Northern Ireland’s contrasting landscapes—from dreamy ‘Cloud Beds’ and elevated dining in Belfast to bracing sea dips on the Antrim Coast.

After an hour’s flight from Stansted and a scenic descent over patchwork-green fields we arrive at Belfast International Airport. Part of the common travel area with no immigration required for British travellers, it’s just minutes before we’re making tracks again, this time towards the golden sands and rugged curves of the Causeway Coastal Route.

The Nature Retreat

Our accommodation for the night is Ballygally Castle, a 35-minute drive from the city. A 17th Century Castle overlooking the wind-tossed expanse of the Irish Sea—and ranked among Tripadvisor’s top 20 UK hotels in the Travellers’ Choice Awards—it’s the kind of property where character and charm meet you at the gate, and where open fires and salt-stung air make unwinding feel instinctive.

Interiors are warmly furnished, with subtle touches that nod to the site’s heritage. Guests can visit the infamous Ghost Room housed in an original turret, while other areas feature beamed ceilings and historical details. We sink into a hearty meal in the Lounge and the enduring magic of Irish hospitality begins to work its wonders. By the time we head out for the afternoon’s activities, I’m already feeling very much at ease.

Located along the Antrim coastline just three miles from Larne, Ballygally Castle offers prime access to some of Northern Ireland’s most iconic horizons, from the unfolding drama of North Antrim Cliff Path to the myth-infused formations of the Giant’s Causeway. We spend our afternoon snaking the timber boardwalk around the waterfalls of Glenariff Forest, before a breath-stealing cold plunge in Ballygally Bay and a soul-warming dinner. 

One of the great things about Belfast and its surrounding areas is just how much is achievable in such a short space of time. No sooner do we awaken from a restful night’s sleep and slip into our transfer, than we find ourselves in the warm embrace of The Grand Central in Belfast. A 300-room, five-star landmark in the heart of the city shaped by a £53 million investment by Hastings Hotels, it’s every inch the modern luxury stay that speaks to a global audience.

Elevated Dining

Signature offerings include Afternoon Tea at The Observatory—a decadent spread of champagne and crafted petites served against a floor-to-ceiling, 360-degree city vista backdrop—and The Cavern, an exclusive Chef’s Table dining venue hidden behind a sliding piece of artwork. Here, personalisation is architected into the entire concept, with tailored menus and a chic, adaptable interior that collectively set a strong benchmark for intimate hospitality in Belfast.

A Cloud Bed Above the City

With 23 floors, the Grand Central is Northern Ireland’s tallest hotel. It feels particularly fitting therefore that lying in bed feels akin to floating on air. Combining hand-filled cushioning, body-conforming pocket springs and a reinforced spinal zone, the renowned ‘Cloud Beds’ are an experience in themselves. Produced by award-winning manufacturer King Koil and overseen by Hastings Hotels’ sleep expert Phil McCartan, this investment into quality is a convincing signal to guest care and a key differentiator for the chain’s portfolio.

A City of a Thousand Stories

During our 48 hours in Belfast city we encounter more and more dimensions of Irish heritage. Threaded with the legacy of elite shipyards and echoing with voices of a deep and complex past, it’s a place that has a great deal to express. We delve into Titanic Belfast, a world-leading visitor attraction charting conception to voyage of the immortal ship, followed by an expert-led Black Cabs tour that traces the history of the Troubles.

Lasting Impression

From wind-swept shores and skyline views to exceptional dining and warm hospitality, a getaway in Northern Ireland offers a perfect blend of comfort and discovery. Pathways into Belfast’s past are thoughtfully shaped to foster curiosity and understanding, while proximity to the Antrim coastline and unspoilt nature give the region a distinctive edge as a truly multi-faceted destination.

Northern Ireland is part of the common travel area, meaning there are no travel restrictions for British travellers. For more information visit: Ireland.com/northernireland