Luxury self-catering accommodation in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has always been known for its craggy scenery and moorland; then Game of Thrones came along and a new wave of traveller started passing through. Many tours are now based around the shoot locations behind this award-winning series; with trips taking in sights such as the major city of Belfast and the iconic Giant's Causeway, a string of huge stepping stones created by a volcanic eruption. Capital city Belfast has a strong maritime history and its renovated dockland area is great for a wander; the all-new Titanic building here traces the story of the doomed ship that set off from this very town.

Derry, or 'Londonderry', the second largest city, has ancient walls ringed with cannons and lookouts, and the Tower Museum's extensive collection provides an interesting insight into the city's past. Proximity to river and sea meant that the town needed good protection and those venturing beyond the ramparts can go upriver to Lough Foyle, where mudflats house wintering wildfowl. Drivers taking the Causeway Coastal Route choose it for the varied terrain and points of interest, such as Carrickfergus Castle a medieval majesty, the Gobbins a challenging cliff walk and stunning Whitepark Bay flaunting miles of sand and sea.