Below you can find my latest posts about my experiences of plus-size travel in Northern Ireland! Plus scroll down for practical information on travelling to Northern Ireland, including entry requirements, luggage storage, how to use the public transport, and more.
Latest Posts
Northern Ireland Travel Advice
Practical information to plan your trip
Entry Requirements
If you are an EU national and own a valid passport, you are able to stay in Northern Ireland for up to 6 months.
Coronavirus
Passengers arriving in Northern Ireland currently do not need to show proof of COVID vaccination, a negative COVID test, or a certificate of recovery from COVID.
VISA
If you are not an EU citizen, you may need to apply for a VISA if you intend to travel to Northern Ireland. You can read more information on the requirements and whether you need to apply for one here.
ETIAS Waiver
From Mid-2025, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe and the UK will need to register with ETIAS. ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will become a mandatory entry requirement.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
If you’re entering the UK as an EU resident, you can apply for an EHIC. It is completely free, and entitles you to essential medical care during a temporary stay in the UK. You can apply for one within your home country.
Northern Ireland Weather
These are the average highs and lows of the temperature in Northern Ireland throughout the year:
| City | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast | 3° / 7° | 3° / 8° | 4° / 9° | 5° / 11° | 7° / 14° | 10° / 17° |
| Derry | 3° / 7° | 2° / 7° | 3° / 9° | 5° / 11° | 7° / 14° | 9° / 16° |
| City | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belfast | 12° / 18° | 12° /18° | 10° / 16° | 8° / 13° | 5° / 10° | 3° / 8° |
| Derry | 11° / 18° | 11° / 17° | 10° / 15° | 7° / 12° | 5° / 9° | 3° / 7° |
When to visit
The best time to visit Northern Ireland is in the Summer, between June and August, as the weather is warmer and dryer at this time. It will be more crowded with tourists however.
Getting around in Northern Ireland
Children under 5 travel for free. Visitors to Belfast can purchase a Belfast Visitor Pass, which costs £6 per day and provides unlimited travel on all metro, train, bus and glider services.
Trains
The railway and bus network is operated by Northern Ireland Railways and the rail network service connects Bangor, Belfast, Larne Harbour, Derry, Coleraine, Portrush, Newry and Portadown.
Buses
Ulsterbus, operated by Translink, serves Northern Ireland, and you can look up fares and timetables here. Enter through the front door and pay the driver (you may need to use exact change, but in most instances you can use contactless card) for your ticket. In most cases, you can purchase a day ticket for unlimited travel on that day.
Belfast has a bus rapid transit system called Glider, also operated by Translink, that connects East and West Belfast, and also the City Centre to the Titanic Quarter. A single ticket costs between £1.60 – £2.50 for an adult, and can be bought from a machine at a Glider stop by cash or card.
Taxis
Taxi fares vary wildly depending on where you are and the time of day or week it is, and in general are reasonably expensive. The majority of taxis will take card as well as cash, but always check with them before you set off. The easiest way to take a taxi is to either walk to a taxi rank, or contact a taxi company directly by app, online, or by phone. Uber is a popular option.
Bikes
By following the National Cycle Network, you can explore some of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful scenery by bike. You can find all the available routes at sustrans.org.uk.
Luggage storage
The Visit Belfast Welcome Centre has a left luggage facility that costs £4 for half a day or £6 for a full day per bag. The opening hours are 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday, and 11am-3:30pm Sunday.
Other useful luggage storage solutions in Northern Ireland include Vertoe, Stasher, Nannybag, and Radical Storage, who all offer different locations and pricing options.
Further practical information for travelling in Northern Ireland
What language is mainly spoken in Northern Ireland?
Irish is the official language of Northern Ireland, but the main language spoken is English.
What is the main currency of Northern Ireland?
The currency of Northern Ireland is the Pound Sterling (£).
What is the emergency number in Northern Ireland?
If you need emergency services in Northern Ireland, you can dial 999 and ask for an ambulance, the fire service, or the police. In a non-emergency, you can call 101 to report a crime.
What kind of plug adapter do I need in Northern Ireland?
You will need a Type G system adapter for plugs in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland operates on a 230V supply voltage & 50Hz.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Northern Ireland?
Yes, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Northern Ireland.
Are public toilets free in Northern Ireland?
Generally, public toilets are free to use in Northern Ireland, but can sometimes cost a small charge around 20p. It’s worth carrying around a little pocket change just in case.
Is there free public wi-fi in Northern Ireland?
There are lots of free wi-fi spots in Northern Ireland. Look for it in places like stations, museums, parks, cafes and other public locations.
Is tipping expected in Northern Ireland?
Tipping isn’t expected in Northern Ireland, but if you feel you’ve had an exceptional service, a usual tip is around 10% of the total bill.
What is the drinking age in Northern Ireland?
The legal drinking age is 18 in Northern Ireland.
Are there are venomous or dangerous animals in Northern Ireland?
There are no animals of concern in Northern Ireland, but always research the area you’re travelling to, to see if there’s anything there that might pose a threat to you.
Updated 01/01/2024
Looking to book a hotel in Northern Ireland? Use Booking.com to browse hundreds of hotels in the area you want to stay, using filters like price range, star rating, facilities and much more to find your ideal room. By signing up to their free loyalty program, the more you travel, the more you save, with exclusive discounts, free breakfasts, free room upgrades and more.
Alternatively, Expedia and Hotels.com also offer hotels comparisons, with handy apps which offer exclusive discounts on thousands of hotels, and other rewards when you book.
Check out where else I’ve travelled in the British Isles!