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After a difficult few months of staying at home, domestic travel is starting to look ever more likely.
In Northern Ireland, there are no travel restrictions for those not self-isolating. In the Republic, you can travel anywhere within your county and up to 20km from your house.
It is expected that in the next phase of exiting lockdown there will be more scope to travel around the country.
With this freedom in mind – conditional of course to curtailing the spread of coronavirus - Tourism Northern Ireland has shared 10 things you should know if you are booking a staycation to Northern Ireland.
1. Self-catering caravan parks and campsites will open from 26 June.
2. Other accommodation, including hotels, will reopen from 3 July.
3. Restaurants and cafes will reopen from 3 July.
4. Bars will reopen from 3 July, serving food and alcohol with table service.
5. Visitor attractions will reopen from 3 July.
6. Small shops and shopping centres have reopened.
7. Public transport is available and operational.
8. Some new booking systems have been introduced. It is best to double check any locations you plan to visit as they may have introduced new measures and booking systems.
9. Social distancing measures of 2m are still in place across Northern Ireland to ensure the safety of everyone.
10. It is strongly recommended to plan your itinerary and book in advance to avoid disappointment.
In 2018, Northern Ireland was named the world’s best food destination at the International Travel and Tourism Awards in London. So, clearly, the grub is good.
Just to scratch the surface in terms of places to eat, Pyke ‘N’ Pommes in Derry city comes highly recommended, as does Holohans at the Barge in Belfast.
Obviously, there are tonnes of great spots to visit in Northern Ireland, especially in terms of museums and experiences.
If we were pinned down to pick just one though, it would have to be Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, Co Derry, where the poet is originally from. The rural setting complements Heaney’s work perfectly, and for anyone with an interest in poetry it is a must visit.
The Cuilcagh boardwalk in Co Fermanagh is one of Ireland’s most iconic hiking spots, often called the ‘stairway to heaven’. There are an array of trails making up the Cuilcagh Way for different abilities. The boardwalk and steps make up the most popular part of this route.
From the top, the meandering stairs look endless, but in fact they are not and conquering them gives a great sense of satisfaction.
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