48 hours in Northern Ireland

City Lights

A city break is a perfect quick win - recharge those batteries and explore all that's on offer. With Northern Ireland you've got choices. Let's begin with Belfast, the Titanic city has reinvented itself so successfully that it's a Lonely Planet 'city on the rise' and is regularly winning other travel and media awards. The impressive 19th century architecture frames the welcoming restaurants, bars, clubs, shopping, and world-class culture. Derry is one of the finest walled cities in Europe with a heritage to match. On a modern note, it's home to a thriving musical and literary scene that celebrates the past and welcomes the future.

Take a glance at history and enjoy the Georgian elegance of Armagh, the 'cathedral city' of St Patrick at heart of St Patrick's Country? Or base yourself in historic Newry, a thriving city nestling between the Mourne Mountains and the scenic Ring of Gullion in South Armagh. Not far from Belfast and also on the banks of the River Lagan is Lisburn with an architectural townscape that lends itself perfectly to café culture and relaxation.

Night Lights

Wherever there are people, there's a buzz. If food is your passion, there's delicious, diverse dining with well prepared and well presented local and artisan food. There are funky bars and cutting-edge clubs in cool surroundings with even cooler cocktails. There are old fashioned traditional pubs often with live music that can tap you into the soul of Northern Ireland. To really experience the legendary craic, look no further than an evening out in the North.

Cultural Highlights

The cultural and entertainment choices in modern day Northern Ireland are just a delight: catch big names in music, theatre and drama, solo comedy shows, Celtic music and dance, plus an amazing selection of events and festivals from jazz to opera. Contemporary venues include Belfast's Waterfront Hall and the Odyssey complex; Derry's Millennium Forum and Armagh's Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre.

Shoppers' Paradise

Wannabee shopaholics and fashionistas should look no further than Northern Ireland for retail therapy. It's a revelation - big name stores, boutique designers, innovative arts and crafts, shopping centres and rejuvenated markets. Whether you're a motivated shopper or just shopping around, you'll find something to suit your taste and budget. Belfast (home of Ireland's first Ikea outlet and the new Victoria Square) and Derry are two of the finest shopping cities to be found anywhere, plus there's the Outlet shopping centre just off the A1 outside Banbridge. If quirky shops and boutiques are more your thing then Armagh City is a must visit.

Legendary Coasts

Step away from the cities (and it's really not much more than a step), and straight into landscapes that have inspired and captivated for centuries. Natural wonders are the essence of life here. The spectacular Glens of Antrim and the Causeway Coastal Route have been called an 'essential Irish journey'. A journey which includes Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and World Heritage Site of The Giant's Causeway (40,000 interlocking stones - no wonder it is the stuff of legend).

Inspirational Mountains and Lakes

Ireland's largest sea Lough, Strangford Lough, is compelling in its beauty and staggering in its marine diversity. Within sight of this are the Mountains of Mourne; feel the force, just as CS Lewis did when inspired to create Narnia. To the west of the province lies the serene tranquillity of the emerald Fermanagh Lakelands. Visually enthralling by any standards, the lakes are a mecca for watersports and have a hidden underworld in the Marble Arch Caves.