Luxury is not only about expensive hotels in Northern Ireland. Luxury can be spending nights in the historic estate, relaxing at the spa surrounded by the countryside, playing golf on the coast, eating in the high-class restaurant, or just having a relaxing weekend.
The tourism industry of Northern Ireland portrays their luxury product as one based on personal attention, local culture, scenery, craft and experience rather than excessive expenditure.
Luxury Hotels and Resorts
There are several hotels of four and five stars in Northern Ireland, including urban hotels, country retreats and coastal accommodations.
The following locations should be considered:
The Merchant Hotel in Belfast for historic Victorian and Art Deco surroundings.
Galgorm near Ballymena for a resort and spa experience.
Culloden Estate and Spa near Belfast for an elegant country-estate setting.
Dunluce Lodge on the Causeway Coast for a newer five-star experience beside Royal Portrush Golf Club.
Slieve Donard in Newcastle for a coastal and mountain setting.
Luxury in Belfast
Belfast is an excellent option when looking for luxurious accommodations with restaurants, shopping, museums, and city attractions.
Belfast boasts of various high-end hotels such as The Merchant and the Fitzwilliam. Tourism Northern Ireland also mentions Belfast as the best place to have five-star accommodations, fine dining, and city experiences.
For an individual traveling to Northern Ireland for the first time, Belfast can be a perfect place to start from.
A Luxury Countryside Escape
If peace and solitude are what you’re after, then maybe it’s time to think about escaping the urban environment.
In Northern Ireland, there are places such as country houses, spa hotels, cottages, and unique accommodation in an agricultural setting.
This kind of getaway will definitely suit you if luxury to you means having lots of space around and some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of a city.
Luxury Along the Causeway Coast
Northern Ireland's coastline provides another type of luxury.
The Causeway Coastal Route has spectacular scenery and facilities for lodging, dining, golfing, and outdoor activities. Tourism Northern Ireland showcases the luxury lodging available on the route, such as accommodations in Bushmills and Portrush.
A luxury experience on the coast would involve:
Staying near Portrush
Exploring the Giant's Causeway
Visiting historic castles
Playing golf
Enjoying seafood
Taking scenic drives
Relaxing at a spa
Luxury Spa Experiences
Luxury for a lot of people involves relaxation and not touring.
A spa resort can be the place where you slow down through the facilities offered.
Many excellent hotels can be found including Galgorm, and some alternatives that can be found there include Corick House Hotel & Spa and Dunamoy Cottages.
The main thing is to look at the facilities offered now before booking your stay there.
Luxury Golf
Golf tours are also attracted to Northern Ireland.
It is because of the presence of internationally recognized golf courses such as Royal County Down and Royal Portrush. There are some luxury hotels that are especially designed to attract tourists on golf trips.
Luxury travel for golfers may include:
Luxury Accommodation + Golf + Fine Dining + Sightseeing
This is an entirely new experience from merely staying at a luxury hotel.
What Makes Northern Irish Luxury Different?
One such characteristic is the fusion of luxury and landscape.
You don't have to stay in a large urban city in order to enjoy the luxury hospitality.
In the morning, you can have a spa session and drive through the coastal area and end your day with an outdoor dinner.
According to Tourism Northern Ireland, this type of luxury has its roots in local culture, landscape and hospitality.
How to Plan a Luxury Trip
Before booking, decide what type of luxury you actually want.
For a city break
Choose Belfast and combine a high-end hotel with restaurants, shopping and attractions.
For relaxation
Choose a countryside spa resort and spend more time at the property.
For scenery
Explore the Causeway Coast and combine luxury accommodation with coastal sightseeing.
For golf
Look for accommodation close to the course you want to play.
For romance
Consider a country estate, boutique hotel or secluded accommodation rather than a large city property.
Final Thoughts
Luxury travel in Northern Ireland does not necessarily imply spending for the sake of spending.
The most luxurious part might be having a view from a gorgeous room looking out over the coastline, staying in a serene country estate, having a delicious meal, relaxing in a spa or just having an enjoyable day out discovering the area.
From luxury accommodation located in Belfast to County Down and County Antrim and even Causeway Coast, there are many ways of creating an indulgent visit to Northern Ireland.
Luxury travel is about making choices that allow you to take some time off and discover Northern Ireland in style.