Family Holidays in Northern Ireland 2017

Holiday Parks, Caravan Parks, Cottages and Family Friendly Hotels in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland may not be the obvious choice for a family holiday, but there are lots of things for families to enjoy there. There are the well-known tourist destinations such as the Giant's Causeway, fabulous unspoilt beaches and historic locations including Carrickfurgus Castle and Dundrum Castle.

However there has been a recent surge in the popularity of holidays in Northern Ireland. This is firstly because of it's extensive use as filming locations for the massive hit TV series Game of Thrones. Secondly the opening of The Titanic exhibition in Belfast which coincided with the 100th anniversary of that ill-fated ship's voyage.

Holiday Parks In Northern Ireland

Causeway Coast Holiday Park in Ballycastle, County Antrim is close to the Giant's Causeway and has accomodation in a range of static caravans, lodges and partments. Enjoy a splash in the indoor heated swimming pool, or the sea breeze from the outdoor children's play area.
Rockmore Caravan Park & Self Catering In Ballywalter, Co Down, this park is close to many museums and National Trust properties and is located oposite an harbour. Aparments look out onto a sea veiw.
Drumhoney Holiday Park offers static caravan hire and lodges as well as camping pitches. This peaceful park offers facilities from an animal farm to fishing lakes, kids play area and go-karting.
Blair’s Holiday Parks in Portrush have static caravans to rent as well as caravan and camping pitches. The park has childrens play areas and the park is located for easy access to the Giant's Causeway.

Cottages In Northern Ireland

Imagine Ireland Cottages in all areas of Northern Ireland, including baby friendly, child friendly and teenage friendly accomodation. They also have dog-friendly cottages so every member of the family can go away together.
The Cottage Guide has holiday cottages al lover Northern Ireland to book directly with the owners.
National Trust Ireland offer 12 cottages to rent from the NT in beautiful historic locations.
Barnwell Farm Cottages have 7 self catering cottages in County Down with accomadation for dogs and horses. yes, really. The farm offers it's own themed walking trails of varying lengths which include badger watching and birdwatching. Well placed to see many of Nothern Ireland's best tourist locations.
Holiday Lettings is the rental arm of Trip Advisor, so all properties are rated by people who have stayed there. Hundreds of holiday homes all over Northern Ireland.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Northern Ireland

The Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

Image Credit: Eva Shuster

The Giant's Causeway is managed by the National Trust and is a UNESCO world heritage site. The absolute must-see if you are holidaying in Northern Ireland.
Titanic Belfast is an iconic peice of architecture and the world's largest Titanic visitor experience, exploring the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way. See the slipway where the Titanic was launched and visit the Titanic Quarter to try anything from a segway to a boat trip around the harbour.
Ulster Folk & Transport MuseumStep back in time 100 years and discover cottages, farms, schools and shops as you wander through the beautiful parkland of the Folk Museum. Then climb on and off majestic steam locomotives at the Transport Museum which is bursting with horse drawn carriages, electric trams, motorbikes, fire-engines and vintage cars.
Game of Thrones Tours are a must for fans of George R.R. Martin's books and the massively popular TV series that they spawned. See the filming locations with knowledgable guides and they will even lend you a costume to wear while you are on the tour.
Belfast Zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals and 150 species, the majority of which are facing increasing danger in their natural habitats. See elephants and giraffes, reptiles, birds and primates.
The Parliament Buildings, Stormont is the home of Northern Ireland's devolved governnment. Housed in one of the most striking pieces of architecture in Northern Ireland, you can also find out about the work of the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Carrickfergus Castle is a Norman castle in County Antrim. Besieged in turn by the Scots, Irish, English and French, the castle played an important military role until 1928 and remains one of the best preserved medieval structures in Ireland. The castle now houses historical displays as well as cannons from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
Ulster American Folk Park is the world famous story of Irish emigration to the United States. Follow the emigrant trail as you journey from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full scale emigrant sailing ship leading to the log cabins of the American Frontier.
Dundrum Castle in County Down is an important example of Norman architecture stands on the top of a rocky hill commanding fine views south over Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains.
City Sightseeing Tour of Belfast Book a hop-on-hop-off ticket valid for 48 hours and you could see everything Belfast has to offer. From the Titanic Quarter to the Ulster Museum and the Botanic Gardens as well as the W5 Interactive Science Centre and Belfast Zoo, one of Northern Ireland’s top visitor attractions.

More Northern Ireland Holiday Information

Best Loved Hotels lists family friendly hotels that don't just tolerate kids, they positivly encourage them.
Discover Northern Ireland is the Northern Ireland Tourist Board official website. Tourist information on holidays in Northern Ireland including ideas for activities, places to visit and things to do, plus booking information on hotels, and other holiday accomodation in Northern Ireland.
CycleNI is your guide to cycling in Northern Ireland, with information on cycle routes for both the touring cyclist and for those taking a short bike ride.
Outdoor NI Guide to every type of outdoor activity in Northern Ireland.

About the Author: Jacqui O'Brien is the Editor of eParenting.