Agent Diary: It’s difficult to understand why so many have yet to visit Northern Ireland

I’m surprised when people still ask me if Northern Ireland is safe. It is, and it makes for a great wee holiday, says Thompson Travel’s Sharon Thompson

Given that it was St Patrick’s Day last Friday, I thought I would take this opportunity to tell you a bit about home, which I hope will encourage you to recommend Northern Ireland to your clients, or even to visit yourselves.

Northern Ireland was never a hot destination for tourists when I was growing up, and most people will know why. But in recent years, I’ve found it difficult to understand why so many have yet to visit. I’m often asked by fellow agents if it’s a safe destination and the question always shocks me. The answer is yes. It is a brilliant destination for a family holiday, as well as for a city break or spa weekend, and there are numerous flights from mainland UK.

Bars and beaches

Belfast is a thriving city with a lot of fantastic bars and restaurants, many of which are found in Cathedral Quarter, the hotspot at weekends. Aside from eating and drinking, there is so much to see and do and there are plenty of great hotels, including the famous Europa, which has often been featured on television.

Those wanting to venture out of Belfast can enjoy the rugged coastlines that mark the route from the city towards the white beaches of the north coast, home to famous golf courses and the popular North West 200 motorbike race every May.

Enjoy the rugged coastlines that mark the route from the city towards the white beaches of the north coast, home to famous golf courses

Northern Ireland has also been heavily featured in TV series and films in recent years, with the likes of Derry Girls, Line of Duty, Hope Street, Bloodlands and many more featuring our very own actors. It’s well known that Game of Thrones was filmed in Northern Ireland, and fans of the hit show can enjoy tours of some of its top filming locations.

An Irish Goodbye, which recently won the Oscar for best short film, was set in County Tyrone and starred James Martin from Northern Ireland, who became the first actor with Down’s syndrome to win an Oscar. I’m delighted for him and highly recommend the film.

Visitors to the castle can enjoy walking tours where they are taken through the crisp-making process – it’s a fantastic experience for all, crisp fans or not!

I grew up in the small town of Tandragee, which sits on a hill in the middle of County Armagh. It’s not the best-known place in Northern Ireland but it is home to one hidden gem: Tayto Castle. You have not lived unless you have tasted Tayto’s famous cheese and onion crisps.

They are so popular that several account managers ask us to ensure we have some available to offer them when they call.

Visitors to the castle can enjoy walking tours where they are taken through the crisp-making process – it’s a fantastic experience for all, crisp fans or not!

Lingo alert

I hope an increasing number of people will choose to visit Northern Ireland in the coming years. But before you do so, you should be aware that we have a habit of chatting to everyone, so don’t be surprised if everyone greets you, wants to help or even joins you in a bar for a chat.

Remember that everything is ‘wee’ in Northern Ireland: you can have a wee cup of tea, go for a wee walk or even enjoy a wee night out! 

With that in mind, it’s important to understand the lingo. Don’t look alarmed if someone says ‘bout ye?’ to you – they’re simply asking how you are! Oh, and remember that everything is ‘wee’ in Northern Ireland: you can have a wee cup of tea, go for a wee walk or even enjoy a wee night out! Here’s wishing you a good wee day.

Powered up with an Ulster fry

A few years back, Travel Counsellors’ Tracy Lowry and I joined the Travel Trade Crusade in Europe to raise much-needed funds for the neonatal unit of the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital in Belfast. We managed to complete it – and our gift to our fellow competitors was a good old Tayto crisp sandwich, prepared and served from the boot of our car. Needless to say, the sandwiches went down a treat.

Northern Ireland has long been famous for its spuds and ‘Ulster fry’ – a hearty fry-up with the addition of griddle-baked soda farls and potato bread. When you visit Northern Ireland, be sure to order an Ulster fry if you’ve been drinking the night before. It’s the ultimate hangover cure!