• Northern Ireland Couples Guide

Northern Ireland may not be your idea of a romantic getaway but there are many things that couples can do whenever they find themselves in Ulster.

Here are some of our suggestions on places to stay for couples, things to do, as well as pubs and restaurants where lovebirds can dine and drink.

  • Dream
  • Dine
  • Drink
  • Discover
  • Do
  • Dream

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  • Dine

    • Mama Masala

      Mama Masala

      24a Queens Quay, Londonderry BT48 7AS, Londonderry

      +44 28 7126 6646

      Does your partner have a craving for Indian but you’re craving Italian? Believe it or not, but Mama Masala offers both cuisines! Just a ten-minute walk from Maldron Hotel Derry, they also have vegan options and gluten-free dishes.

    • Nonnas Wood Fired Pizza

      Nonnas Wood Fired Pizzas

      10 Shipquay St Derry - Londonderry N.Ireland BT48 6DN

      (028) 71 22 44 22

      If you and your special someone is looking for something casual and to eat in a laidback atmosphere, Nonnas Wood Fired Pizza is your bet. They offer wood fired pizzas as well as a range of local craft beers and Italian wines. It’s also just a few minutes’ walk away from Maldron Hotel Derry!

    • AMPM Belfast

      AMPM

      38-44 Upper Arthur Street Belfast Antrim BT1 4GH

      +44 28 9024 9009

      Are you craving for French, Irish and other European dishes? No need to choose because you and your partner can have them all in AMPM, a chic, Bohemian-themed restaurant. They’re known for their irresistible food, friendly service and interesting décor.

    • The Secret Garden at Dundonald Nurseries

      The Secret Garden at Dundonald Nurseries

      78 Old Dundonald Road, Dundonald, County Antrim, BT16 1XS

      +44 (0) 2890484000

      Vaulted ceilings, majestic beams, huge fireplaces will greet you at The Secret Garden at Dundonald Nurseries. This 125-seater cosy restaurant that uses locally sourced products is also a gift shop. Make sure to look out the window to see the Stormont and the Craigantlet Hills, we have a winning combination as you take your afternoon teas served on silver cake stands. Perfect to share with your partner!

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  • Drink

    • Henrys Belfast

      Henrys

      4 Joy’s Entry Belfast Antrim BT1 4DR

      +44 28 9032 6711

      Henrys, named after historic Belfast figure Henry Joy McCracken, has been a pub for over 100 years. Refurbished in 2018, you can still enjoy great drinks, traditional food, live music and plenty of history at this site.

    • Cafe Parisien Belfast

      Café Parisien

      Cleaver House, 56 Donegall Pl, Belfast BT1 5GA

      +44 028 9590 4338

      Café Parisien offers French wining and dining in the heart of Belfast’s city centre. Sit atop a dazzling balcony overlooking Belfast City Hall while sipping delicious wine, champagne, or cocktails. To get you started, why not order some desserts or any of their authentic French dishes?

    • The Woodworkers Belfast

      The Woodworkers

      20-22 Bradbury Pl, Belfast BT7 1RS

      +44(0)2890871106

      The Woodworkers is a rotating taproom, which means it changes its alcohol selection to provide their customers with new experiences and new tastes. Aside from its diverse selection of renowned beers and ales, The Woodworkers is also known for its intimate atmosphere, making it a good venue for a hot date. Enjoy a few drinks over candlelight and flowers with your loved one here.

    • Deanes Deli Vin Cafe

      Deanes Deli Vin Cafe

      42-44 Bedford Street Belfast Antrim BT2 7FF

      +44 28 9024 8830

      Can a wine cellar be romantic? Yes it is at Deli Vin Cafe, with their yummy small plates that goes well with wine wine or specialty beers. While enjoying your drinks, you can also listen to live music sets during Friday and Saturday evenings.

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  • Discover

    • Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail

      Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail

      Marlbank Rd, Florencecourt, Enniskillen BT92 1ER

      The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, also known as Ireland’s Stairway to heaven, became viral on social media and when you see its breathtaking views, you’ll understand why. The trail, located just outside Enniskillen, goes through one of the largest areas of blanket bog in Northern Ireland which leads to a viewpoint. Climb the steep staircase and take lots of romantic photos when you arrive at the viewing platform on Cuilcagh Mountain. It’s an hour and forty minutes away from Maldron Hotel Derry but the view is definitely insta-worthy!

    • Malin Head

      Malin Head

      Ardmalin, Malin Head, Co. Donegal

      Though technically Malin Head is part of the Republic of Ireland, it’s quite close to Maldron Hotel Derry. Just an hour’s drive away, Malin Head is located at the island’s most northerly point. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and sand dunes. Check out Banba’s Crown where The Tower served as a signal station connecting America and Europe.

      Some of the locals also say that you can catch the Northern Lights from this point!

    • Portrush Whiterocks Beach

      Portrush Whiterocks Beach

      Whiterocks Beach, Portrush, Co. Derry

      “This incredible beach was awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Award multiple times and has become a favourite with locals, and a must-see destination for international visitors.

      The beach, situated just off the Causeway Coastal Route, is a unique, stunning beach with a backdrop of limestone cliffs that stretch from Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle.

      Every year, Whiterocks is a mecca for water sports enthusiasts, including surfers, bodyboarders, and surf kayakers.”

    • Bushmills Distillery

      Bushmills Distillery

      2 Distillery Rd, Bushmills BT57 8XH

      +44 (0) 28 207 33218

      Home to the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, Bushmills‘ records stretch back to 1608. Explore the landscape and terrain that creates this iconic whiskey when you take the tour around the distillery. Get to meet the people that represent centuries of knowledge, and experience the craft firsthand. Though it’s an hour away from Maldron Hotel Derry, it’s definitely worth the drive.

    • Florence Court

      Florence Court

      Florence Court House, Marble Arch Rd, Florence Court Demesne, Enniskillen BT92 1DB

      028 66348249

      Florence Court is considered as one of the most beautiful Georgian houses in Ulster. The former home of the Earls of Enniskillen, it is one of the most important Georgian Houses in Ireland, and holds a fascinating collection of Irish Furniture and some of the best Rococo plasterwork in Ireland. After a house tour, you can also promenade on their grounds, which includes a walled garden where you can find Florence Court Yew, reputedly the ‘parent’ of all Irish yew trees. There’s also a holiday cottage, sawmill, and an ice-house.

    • 17th Century City Walls

      44 Foyle Street, Derry, Co Londonderry, BT48 6AT

      A city full of history, heritage, and a vibrant cultural scene. That’s Derry. Located near Maldron Hotel Derry are the historic city walls, the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. Built circa 1613-1618, these walls are approximately 1.5km in circumference. Take a romantic walk with your partner in this historic walkway around the inner city as you take in the views of this town which still preserves its Renaissance Style street plan to this day.

    • Exploris Aquarium

      Exploris Aquarium

      The Rope Walk Castle Street Portaferry BT22 1NZ

      028 4272 8062

      We often see scenes in aquariums in romance films and we completely understand why they’re included! Exploring giant aquariums and admiring beautiful sea creatures is quite a romantic and unique date idea! Want to see a sunken galleon, friendly sharks and a snappy crocodile? You can visit them all at Northern Ireland’s only aquarium and seal rehabilitation centre, Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry. It’s just an hour’s driva away from Belfast but the trip is worth it! You can even get ‘hands on’ with our native species as you touch small sharks or a sea urchin!

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  • Do

    • St. Georges Market Belfast

      St. George’s Market

      St George’s Market, East Bridge St, Belfast BT1 3NQ

      St. George’s Market is the last surviving Victorian market in the city. Before the turn of the 20th century, it was actually an open meat market! Now, it’s host to over 300 traders, creatives, and food vendors! For the shopaholics in your family, they will surely love the variety of trinkets and other goodies sold here.

    • Open Canoeing

      Open Canoeing

      The Grange Yard Forest Park, Castlewellan BT31 9BU County Down Northern Ireland

      +44 (0)28 4377 0714

      Go with the flow and have a relaxing, romantic time rowing at Go Open Canoeing in Northern Ireland! They have a canoe hire service located at their Lakeside Centre, with self-guided packages to get you and your significant other started. It’s one of those activities you can do when you feel like having a quiet time with your partner.

    • Soak Seaweed Baths

      Soak Seaweed Baths

      5 South Promenade, Newcastle, Co Down, BT33 0EX

      +44 (0) 28 4372 6002

      Soak Seaweed Baths is a multi-award-winning Alternative Seaweed Bath House and Spa in Northern Ireland. Take a quick trip away from the city. Just fifty minutes from Maldron Hotel Belfast City, this is a place where you can rest, relax, and be spoiled in a silky hot seaweed bath. You and your partner can enjoy a spa treatment in bespoke treatment rooms and you can also refuel with a hot drink and snack in the tea room.

    • Sheans Horse Farm

      Sheans Horse Farm

      38 Coolkeeran Road, Armoy, Ballymoney, County Antrim, BT53 8XL

      +44 (0) 7759 320 434

      Saddle up and have a unique date experience at Shean’s Horse Farm. Just forty minutes away from Maldron Hotel Belfast International Airport, go out and about the North Coast on a horse with the sea wind on your face as you take in the fantastic views of the surrounds.

    • Ulster Whiskey Tasting Tours

      Ulster Whiskey Tasting & Tours

      9 Donegall Square North Belfast Antrim BT1 5GB

      +44 (0)77 388 77 359

      Go on a whiskey tasting and tour with professional Blue Badge tour guide Marty McAuley, owner of UlsterWhiskey.com. Discover the past, present and future of Ireland’s best-loved spirit!

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