Northern Ireland: Where Magic Meets Luxury

Still dreaming about our incredible mother-daughter adventure in Northern Ireland last month! My 17-year-old daughter and I spent an unforgettable few days exploring this stunning destination. Here's everything you need to know about why Northern Ireland should be at the top of your travel list.

The Culloden Estate & Spa: Luxury Redefined

We stayed at the gorgeous Culloden Estate & Spa in Belfast, a Virtuoso property that absolutely exceeded every expectation. From the moment we walked into our Abercorn Suite, we knew this was something special. Welcome cupcakes awaited us, along with the most soothing music playing softly in the background - such a thoughtful touch that immediately made us feel pampered.

Our package included afternoon tea and breakfast at Vespers, and both experiences were absolutely fabulous. The breakfast alone was worth the stay, but the afternoon tea was a highlight that had my daughter and me feeling like royalty. The Prosecco and little sandwiches were my favorite!

What made Culloden truly special:

• The beds - honestly, some of the best we've ever slept in. We both commented multiple times about how comfortable they were.

• Live pianist in the lounge each evening we were there, creating the perfect ambiance for relaxing after our adventures.

• Rotating art exhibitions - currently featuring stunning statues that appear every two years for 90 days. My daughter was absolutely captivated by these artistic installations.

• Van Morrison is apparently a frequent guest - how cool is that?

• The staff - incredibly helpful and accommodating throughout our stay.

• The location - gorgeous views and just a 2 minute walk from Translink, making it incredibly convenient for getting into Belfast to explore.

• Perfect wedding venue for those considering a destination wedding. Every bride would love to walk down that staircase!

The soothing music greeting us in our room and the nightly piano performances really elevated the entire experience. It's these thoughtful details that set luxury properties apart.

Game of Thrones Tour: Walking Through Westeros

The real adventure began with our Game of Thrones tour, which took us to some of Northern Ireland's most breathtaking locations, as well as a number of other beautiful sites in Northern Irleand along the Causeway Coastal Route. This tour was booked with my travel partner, Project Expedition.

Here's where we explored:

• Dunluce Castle (House of Greyjoy) - This dramatic clifftop ruin was absolutely stunning, even more so knowing it served as the backdrop for the Iron Islands.

• Ballintoy Harbour (Iron Islands and Pike Island) - The rugged beauty of this small harbor perfectly captured the harsh landscape of the Iron Islands.

• Carnlough (Braavos) - This charming coastal village transformed into the exotic Free City of Braavos. The picturesque harbor with limestone buildings created the perfect backdrop for Arya Stark's storyline.

But the real thrill here was walking across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge! This suspended rope bridge stretches 20 meters across a 30-meter-deep chasm to a tiny island. It was both terrifying and exhilarating - an incredible experience that had my daughter and me feeling like true adventurers. (Did I mention that I'm afraid of heights? I slowly made my way across without letting go...I couldn't leave and not try, even with the fear).

• Larrybane Quarry (Stormlands) - The dramatic coastal scenery here was breathtaking, and the Cushendun Caves at this location were the mysterious setting where Melisandre gave birth to the shadow assassin. The caves, carved naturally into the sandstone cliffs, are surprisingly accessible near the rope bridge. However, we decided not to hike down.

• The Dark Hedges (The Kings Road) - Perhaps the most recognizable location, this tunnel of intertwined beech trees is absolutely magical in person.

• Giant's Causeway - This UNESCO World Heritage site was the crown jewel of our tour. The hexagonal basalt columns are truly a natural wonder that photos can't fully capture.

Pro Tip: There is a lot of walking, both up and down the cliffs to get to the Giant's Causeway. Wear sunscreen (my daughter found this out the hardway when we were on the top of the cliffs - the sun was brutal) and comfortable shoes. Take the "Red Path" down and the "Blue Path" or shuttle back.

• Carrickfergus Castle - This is one of Ireland's best-preserved medieval structures. This Norman castle has been continuously occupied for over 800 years and offers fascinating insights into Northern Ireland's complex history. Right nearby, we saw the impressive life-size statue of William of Orange - a significant historical monument that commemorates his landing at Carrickfergus in 1690, who was only 5'6" tall.

Important tip for GOT fans: Keep in mind that many locations won't look exactly like what you expect from the show due to CGI effects. The natural beauty is still incredible, but don't expect to see dragons flying overhead!

Exploring Belfast: History and Culture

Our Belfast exploration was equally rewarding. We took the Translink to and from the city center, which was incredibly convenient and cost-effective.

Belfast City Hall was beautiful from the outside, though we arrived too late to go inside and see the gorgeous stained glass windows - definitely something to plan for if you visit!

We walked past the Grand Opera House, an architectural gem that speaks to Belfast's rich cultural heritage. For dinner, we dined at the historic Crown Liquor Saloon, a beautifully preserved Victorian pub from the 1880s that's now owned by the National Trust. The atmosphere was incredible, and it felt like stepping back in time.

One of the most moving experiences was seeing the Peace Walls - these historical barriers serve as powerful reminders of Northern Ireland's complex past and journey toward peace. We learned a lot about the conflict between the Protestants and Catholics on the Irish island from our driver, as well as the different view points on Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. That night, midnight leading into July 12, Protestant folks commenorated the Battle of Boyne with bonfires around the town. Unfortunately, we were too jet lagged to get out to see any of them.

Titanic Belfast: A Must-Visit Experience

On our last morning in Belfast, I visited Titanic Belfast, and what an experience it was! This world-class visitor attraction tells the story of the famous ship that was built right there in Belfast. The museum is incredibly well done, with interactive exhibits that bring the Titanic's story to life in a way that's both educational and emotionally moving. I enjoyed the 6-minute ride they have showing how the ship was built. I wish Natalie had come with to see it but she took the morning to sleep in befor we caught our train to Dublin.

Pro tip: Get there early to avoid the crowds and plan for 1.5 hours to explore. The museum gets quite busy, especially during peak tourist season, so an early arrival will give you a much better experience with shorter lines and more space to explore the exhibits properly. The museum is about a 12-minute walk from the Trainlink stop. I recommend the audio guide; however, this is a lot of additional audio playing in the exhibits.

And a very neat Game of Thrones glass piece outside of the Titanic Belfast.

Practical Travel Tips

Customs: Getting through customs in Belfast was surprisingly easy and efficient - much smoother than we expected.

Transportation: The Translink system is fantastic for getting around Belfast. It's reliable, affordable, and connects you to all the major attractions.

Timing: July was perfect weather for our visit, though Belfast can be busy during summer months.

Why Work with a Travel Advisor?

This trip perfectly illustrates why working with a travel advisor makes all the difference. I did the site inspection, tested the experiences, built relationships with local partners, and discovered all the insider tips that will make YOUR trip flawless.

From securing the best accomodations and suite upgrades for preferred properties to knowing which restaurants work for families, understanding transportation options, and timing your visits to avoid crowds - I handle every detail so you can focus on making memories.

Ready to Explore Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland truly offers something for every generation. Whether you're a Game of Thrones fan, history buff, luxury traveler, or simply someone who appreciates stunning natural beauty, this destination will exceed your expectations.

The combination of luxury accommodations, rich history, dramatic landscapes, and warm hospitality makes Northern Ireland an absolutely magical destination. Seeing these incredible locations through my daughter's eyes reminded me why I love this job - there's nothing quite like experiencing the wonder of a new destination with someone you love.

Ready to explore Northern Ireland's castles, coastlines, and legendary hospitality? Contact me to start planning your magical escape. Let my experience become your perfect vacation!

Things Happen!

We've had an unexpected change in plans right after we left Belfast for Dublin...and a good example to go with the flow. Somehow on our train ride from Belfast to Dublin, I managed to get myself locked out of my cell phone (long story!)...and could not get back into my phone until I did a factory reset the next night, after our first day and a half in Dublin. Thankfully, Natalie had also taken photos with her phone (most of the photos above) but to fill in the gaps, I have also used here photos from Unsplash and other royalty free sites.