Belfast and the Causeway Coast named No 1 region in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel for 2018

The travel bible has named Northern Ireland's capital city and its glorious coastal getaway top of the Best in Travel list for 2018.

Not surprising, really, Belfast’s world-renowned restaurants, phenomenal historical experiences re-enacted for the 21st century explorer, and a friendliness that simply shines, this compact city is the epitome of great things coming in small packages. But Lonely Planet’s number one best in travel destination doesn’t stop at the city limits. Travel north to the Causeway Coast – also known as the Causeway Coastal Route – and be swiftly enveloped into a land of legends, magnificent natural wonders, and for fans of the fantastical, several locations for HBO’s Game of Thrones®. And did we mention, this little slice of heaven can be served with some of the world’s finest whiskeys?

To celebrate the inclusion of Ireland, Lonely Planet will be giving away a free download of an extract featuring the region from our Ireland's Best Trips title on the Lonely Planet website. Visitors to the relevant pages will just need to register their details and sign up to the Lonely Planet newsletter.

Here’s where to find out more…

Fast Facts:

1.    Unlike anywhere in the world, it's here in Belfast that Titanic’s soul, story and sorrow are etched not just on the city, but in the history books, too. After all, it’s the city that designed, built and launched the Ship of Dreams. The locals are known to say: “It was fine when she left here”

2.    There’s a critically acclaimed culinary scene playing out in Belfast. Try the Michelin-starred Ox and Eipic for fine dining; enjoy a more relaxed vibe at James Street South, Town and The Muddler’s Club, or get your caffeine fix at Established.

3.    Embark on an urban adventure with a difference by hopping on a Black Taxi Tour. Unique to Belfast, this tour is run by people that know the place best and takes you into the city’s past with visits to the political murals.

4.    Hugging the Atlantic coast from Derry~Londonderry to Belfast – or vice versa – the Causeway Coastal Route is studded with sandy beaches, fishing villages, gorse-covered valleys and fuchsia-edged clifftop paths.

5.    On the Causeway Coast, check out the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, suspended almost 100ft/30m above the sea, it has linked tiny Carrick Island and the County Antrim mainland for around 350 years.

For more information about Belfast and the Causeway Coast, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.