Accommodations
Lodges, cottages, and guesthouses abound around Belfast and in its neighboring counties. If flying into the International Belfast Airport, various accommodations are only a bus ride away. If you have a car, consider sleeping in nearby Bangor. Both County Down and Armagh take advantage of their pristine environments to bring you eco-lodges and country houses.
Killead Lodge
25 Killead Rd., Aldergrove, Crumlin, Co. Antrim (Belfast) 028 9445 9896
Only five minutes from the airport and about thirty from the center of Belfast, the tranquility and d écor of the inside of the Killead Lodge make it a spectacular and restful place to stay. The eastern-Asian motif for the twin-bed rooms are great for the kids, while the Africa suite might work well for the parents. For those flying into Belfast or just passing through, it's the crème de la crème in the area. Breakfasts are taken seriously — seasonal fruit, a full Irish breakfast, cereal, and even peanut butter.
Tara Lodge
36 Cromwell Rd., Belfast 028 9059 0900
This four-star lodge is located within walking distance of excellent restaurants and area pubs. Besides the handsomely decorated rooms, the real draw is the amazing hospitality one receives; the place feels more like a B&B than a small hotel.
Tory Bush Cottages(Eco-Friendly)
79 Tullyree Rd., Bryansford, Newcastle, Co. Down 028 4372 4348
The proprietor, David Maginn, is paving the way for how tourism in the area will be structured for the next millennium. His luxurious eco-lofts and apartments are just one example of how green building methods and sustainable products can be used to construct, maintain, and power our livelihoods. The walls are insulated using sheep's wool, water is heated with solar panels, central heating is provided via wood pellet boiler, and rainwater takes care of the laundry. They also run Mourne Cycle Tours (
Ballydugan Cottages
Ballydugan, Co. Down 028 4461 4151
With good weekly rates, the Ballydugan Cottages are inspired by local dairy farmers Jim and Jeanie Morrison. With obvious artistic talent, the couple has converted the once-derelict cottages into tasteful modern holiday dwellings. Their location could not be better near Downpatrick, with golfing, fishing, horseback riding, and Saint Patrick's burial place.
Dundrum House
116 Dundrum Rd., Tassagh, Co. Armagh 028 3753 1257
The Dundrum House is an impressive eighteenth-century manor amidst calming, pristine farmland. With rooms and a self-catering cottage available, it is the best-situated lodging in Armagh. Due to its popularity, excellent prices, and wonderful breakfasts, reserve ahead. Children five to eleven are half price, and those four and under are only 5.
Newforge House
58 Newforge Rd., Magheralin, Craigavon, Co., Armagh 028 9261 1255
A deserved winner of the Northern Ireland Tourism Award, the Newforge House is a Georgian country house built in the latter 1700s. With six lavish rooms that mix antique charm with magnificent comfort and amenities, they are close to area golf courses, lakes, and various castles. They are unable to accommodate children under ten years old.
Other Accommodations
Here are some other accommodations you might consider while in and around Belfast. (In the listings that follow, = around 25 pounds per person.)
Crescent Townhouse. 13 Lower Crescent, Belfast 028 9032 3340
Premier Inn. City Centre, Alfred St., Belfast 087 0850 6316
Belfast International Hostel. 22-32 Donegall Rd., Belfast 028 9031 5435
No. “108”. Seacliff Road. Bangor, Co. Down (near Belfast). 028 9146 1077
Cobbler's Yard. 135 Main St., Dundrum, Co. Down. 077 7764 2090
Hilltop Lodge B&B. 44 Barrack Hill, Banbridge, Co. Down. 028 4062 7240
Fortwilliam Country House. 210 Ballynahinch Rd., Hillsborough, Co. Down. 028 9268 2255
Hillview Lodge. 33 Newtownhamilton Rd., Armagh. 028 3752 2000
Armagh City Hostel. 39 Abbey St., Armagh 028 3751 1800
