Northern Ireland Tours

• In 1921, the island of Ireland was split into two parts: Northern Ireland stayed within the United Kingdom, while the remainder became the Republic of Ireland.
• The Titanic was built in Belfast.
• Although the offical name of the region is Northern Ireland, it has many other names including The Six Counties, The Province, or Ulster. Many of these names carry political implications, so if you're uncertain which one to use, it's safest to go with "Northern Ireland."
• Game of Thrones was filmed in various locations across Northern Ireland, including Ballintoy Harbour, Downhill Strand and the Dark Hedges.
• The symbol of Belfast is a seahorse.

Australian passport holders travelling to the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, do not need a visa at this time.

We require that your passport is valid for travel for at least six months from the date you are planning to return to Australia. Your passport must be valid to travel internationally and must be machine-readable. You also need to carry a valid return ticket on you.

Whether travelling on an Australian passport or the passport of another country, all travellers require visas for a number of countries, and it is your responsibility to secure what may be required before departing Australia. You can consult with your travel agent, but it is also recommended that you check the foreign embassy website for your respective destination as it can also provide you with useful information.

The Australian High Commission in the United Kingdom also serves Australians visiting Northern Ireland:
Australia House
The Strand
London WC 2B 4LA
Ph. +44 20 7379 4334
Fax. +44 20 7887 5558

The official currency of the United Kingdom is the Pound Sterling. Notes come in denominations of £50, 20, 10 and 5.

The recommended currency to take to Northern Ireland is the Pound Sterling. Ensure you change a small amount into small denominations.

Advise your bank of your travel plans so that they can make a note of it, otherwise they may cancel your credit card as a safety measure due to the overseas transactions. Also make a note of the 24-hour emergency contact number of the bank or building society which issued your credit card in the unlikely event that your card is lost or stolen.

Whenever possible use ATMs when the banks are open (Mon – Fri) so that if a machine ‘eats’ your card you can then deal with it straight away. It is always advisable to carry a supply of cash in addition to your credit card.

If you don’t have Pound Sterling with you on arrival, we advise you to exchange some money into the local currency at the airport even if the exchange rate is not the best, this way you’ll have money to get a drink, snack or give a tip during those first few hours of arrival. Your guide will be able to advise you on the best places to exchange money.

Small change is also useful for paying for toilets while on tour which is customary in many places outside of Australia.

• The price of a cappuccino in Belfast is approximately £3.50
• The price of an inexpensive lunch is approximately £15
• The price of dinner in a moderate restaurant is approximately £25
• The price of a beer in a local pub is approximately £5.50

Considering Northern Ireland's position between the Irish Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, it's not surprising that it has a relatively mild climate, with cooler summers and somewhat mild winters. However, rain is frequent throughout the year, contributing to the lush green landscapes we think of when we think of Northern Ireland. Catagorised as a temperate maritime climate, summertime temperatures normally sit in the high teens to low twenty degrees. 

Want to get out and explore on your own?

Getting out and about in Northern Ireland is relatively easy with an extensive public train and bus network, connecting cities and towns with ease. Belfast is a beautiful old city, therefore simply getting out and having a wander is a wonderful way to explore here.

For those with a little more time, hiring a car is good value and a great way to discover those harder to reach corners of Northern Ireland.

When catching taxis, make sure you have small change on you and choose one with a meter, if not make sure you negotiate the price before getting in. Ask your guide or hotel concierge for the names of reputable taxi companies.

So, you'd like to bring home a special souvenir from Northern Ireland...

Visitors to Northern Ireland have an array of locally made souvenirs to choose from, including Irish linen, pottery, ceramics and hand-knitted woollen items, all reflecting the region’s artistic traditions. Alternatively, no visit to Northern Ireland would be complete without a piece of iconic Irish jewellery, such as a Claddagh ring or a Celtic knot design, which symbolises love, loyalty and friendship. For the food lovers and those that like a wee tipple, there’s no going past local Irish whiskey, delicious cheeses and preserves made with native fruits, but please keep in mind that food, alcohol and wooden items are always subject to Australian border and customs regulations.

In Northern Ireland, like much of the United Kingdom, politeness and hospitality are highly valued. Generally speaking, locals are friendly and outgoing and love to make small talk, especially about the weather! Like Australians, locals in Northern Ireland value their personal space, so ensuring appropriate distances during conversations is appreciated. Overall, displaying kindness, respect and courtesy towards others, including ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ is a big key to navigating social situations here.

In Northern Ireland, cultural celebrations are a vibrant reflection of the country’s rich heritage and historical significance. One of the most well-known and beloved celebrations is St Patrick’s Day, celebrated on March 17th with parades, music, festivities and the colour green, honouring the patron saint of Ireland.

Northern Irelanders also celebrate July 12th, the date of the victory of Protestant King William of Orange over the Catholic King James II at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 and is commemorated with colourful parades by the Orange Order.

Other noteworthy Public Holidays include:

New Years Day (1 January)

St Patrick’s Day (17 March)

Easter (including Good Friday and Easter Monday)

Various ‘Bank Holidays’ throughout the year (usually first Monday in May, the last Monday in May and the last Monday in August)

Battle of the Boyne (12 July)

Christmas Day (25 December)

Boxing Day (26 December)

A small group tour of Northern Ireland ensures you see hidden secrets in Londonderry/Derry, Giant’s Causeway and Belfast, including Ireland’s oldest working fine china pottery and other historical venues.

Plan at least three days for Northern Ireland, though you will easily fill more. Must-see destinations in Northern Ireland include Londonderry, Giants Causeway and Belfast.

Yes, absolutely. From stunning, rugged landscapes to cosy towns to the famous and mythical basalt columns of UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, the natural beauty of Northern Ireland is unsurpassable.