HI Hostels Blog

A warm welcome in Northern Ireland!

Hostelling International has hostels located all over Northern Ireland – each offering much more than a comfy, clean bed for the night.

Northern Ireland Attractions are among some of the best and most unique in the world.

Start by staying right in the heart of the bustle of Belfast, a city reborn; steeped in history, yet boasting new vibrant hubs, allowing its visitors to uncover its thriving cultural scene. The history of the city is everywhere to be seen, from the architecture of magnificent buildings such as the sumptuous City Hall to other civic gems such as the Grand Opera House and The Crown Bar. Titanic Belfast, a tribute to the RMS Titanic which tragically sank on her maiden voyage, is another popular attraction and well worth a visit to learn about the city’s maritime heritage and the facts and myths behind the ill-fated Titanic.

Follow the 120 mile long breathtaking Causeway Coastal Route towards the North Coast, which boasts some of Ireland’s most popular attractions including the magnificence of the Dunluce Castle, Mussenden Temple, Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, Giants Causeway and other heritage sites all calling out to be explored, while the beaches beckon for a leisurely stroll or exhilarating surf.

Take in the panoramic views at our hostel in Whitepark Bay which is situated right on the coastline. At night sit by the fire and look out over the ocean and let yourself be carried away by the folklore of the surrounding area.

Continue on a short journey to the quiet retreat of Mill Rest situated in the picture postcard village of Bushmills. Visit the old fashioned fruit shop in the heart of the village with produce so shiny it looks surreal! Have a yarn with the locals and dander along the street, soaking in the ambience, before visiting The Bushmills Distillery to unlock the secrets of 400 years of distilling at the home of Irish whiskey. Rathlin Island, with its striking lighthouse and backdrop, lies just six miles off the coast and is reached by a regular ferry service from Ballycastle, which is only a short journey away.

Travel to the Marble Arch Caves – one of Europe’s finest showcaves and explore the fascinating natural underground world of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers both by boat and on foot. Step back in time and visit Enniskillen Castle. Fought over and captured many times, it dates back to the early fifteenth century. Situated beside the River Erne – this historic site houses Fermanagh County Museum and the Inniskillings Museum. Take a tour of Belleek Pottery and discover its secrets that have made it famous the world over. Fermanagh is also home to three National Trust properties – Castle Coole, Crom Estate and Florence Court.The Fermanagh Lakelands is also a haven for anglers. With its abundance of Loughs and Rivers, the waters offer game anglers the opportunity to catch their dinner – fish for salmon as well as stocked rainbow and brown trout.

A visit to our Armagh Hostel leaves you on the doorstep of a city and area that has a unique sense of place in Ireland. Armagh is at the heart of celebrating the life of Saint Patrick and is also a major destination on the Saint Patrick’s trail. The city is the Ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, stroll through this dignified city, enjoying the elegant Georgian streets and tree-lined malls. The imposing twin spires of the Catholic Cathedral overlook the city and are a magnificent sight to behold. Follow Saint Patrick’s Trail and its connecting related sites throughout Counties Armagh and Down.

Nearby Bryansford and Tollymore are centres for outdoor adventure – from the sublime to the extreme. There is pony-trekking, bouldering, canoeing, abseiling, hillwalking and even Ireland’s only mountain boarding facility! Both Tollymore and Castlewellan have outstanding forest parks..You won’t want to leave…..To book your accommodation and stay with HI check out our hostels in Northern Ireland.

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