County Antrim Northern Ireland, Ireland Travel Guide
You can purchase SIM cards from UK providers like EE, Vodafone, O2, Three, and giffgaff. Find these at airports, mobile phone shops, and supermarkets.
Wi-Fi is widely available and often free in hotels, B&Bs, cafes, restaurants, and public libraries. Many city centers, especially Belfast, offer free public Wi-Fi networks.
English is the main language spoken. You will encounter various local accents and dialects, like Ulster Scots and the Belfast accent. Communication is generally straightforward for English speakers.
Irish (Gaelic) is an official minority language but rarely spoken by the general public. No significant language barrier exists for English-speaking travelers.
English is universally spoken, but engaging with local phrases can enrich your cultural experience.
timings and important travel considerations for your Northern Ireland trip.
Generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM or 6:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Larger supermarkets often stay open until 8:00 PM or 10:00 PM. Many shops close earlier on Sundays, or are closed entirely in smaller towns.
Typically open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Some branches may open on Saturday mornings. ATMs are widely available outside banks, in supermarkets, and at petrol stations.
Hours vary greatly by season. Most open from 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM in summer. They have shorter hours or closed days in the low season. Always check specific attraction websites for current times.
New Year's Day (Jan 1), St. Patrick's Day (March 17), Good Friday & Easter Monday, Early May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday, Battle of the Boyne / Orangemen's Day (July 12th), Summer Bank Holiday, Christmas Day (Dec 25) & Boxing Day (Dec 26).
Some coastal and rural attractions, B&Bs, or restaurants may close entirely or have very limited hours during the low season (November-March).
Always check specific operating hours for attractions and businesses, especially on public holidays.
Navigate local customs with courtesy and appreciation.
A simple "hello," "hi," or "how are you?" is sufficient. Handshakes are common for introductions. People are generally friendly and may engage in light conversation.
Avoid initiating discussions about the political situation ("The Troubles"), religion, or sectarian issues. If locals bring it up, listen respectfully and avoid taking sides.
Be mindful of terminology. For example, some prefer "Northern Ireland" while others use "The North of Ireland." Similarly, some identify as "British" and others as "Irish." "Northern Ireland" is generally a safe term.
Generally, photography is permitted in public spaces. Be mindful and respectful of people's privacy; always ask permission before photographing individuals. Certain areas in Belfast, especially around the Peace Walls and murals, require sensitivity.
Disability Action Northern Ireland offers advice and advocacy. AccessAble details online guides on the accessibility of venues across the UK, including Northern Ireland.
