introduction

There are four provinces in Ireland and Ulster is one of them. Ulster consists of nine counties, six of those are part of Nothern Ireland and three are part of the Republic of Northern Ireland.

The name is often used as a synonym for Northern Ireland, one of the constituent countries of the United Kingdom, although Northern Ireland covers only two thirds of Ulster. 

surfing

Home to Donegal Bay, probably the best-known area of Irish surfing or in any event the only one really truly explored. Don't loose heart though, 'explored' doesn’t instantly equate to 'crowded' in Ireland. The requirement for hoods, booties and gloves tends to thin things out a bit. The coast here is ideally placed to take full advantage of all passing swell systems. Those passing clear to the north west will offer the best and cleanest results though the amphitheatre like structure of Donegal Bay means that what is onshore in the north of the region will be offshore in the south. Various mini peninsulas mean that even direct NW winds will clean up a few inner harbour locations and novelty spots in largish swell conditions. Sligo is your main base here, a real cracker of an Irish town to boot.

travel

All the options are available in Ireland: plane, car, boat, bike, bus, tram, train, bicycle..what else?..taxi! So it's a matter of your personal choice. Ireland is beautiful for biking, but you will need a good bike for it, as road conditions are not always excellent.

Most trains operate to and from Dublin. Renting a car is very similar to the processes elsewhere and you will need a credit card in your own name and a full driver's license for a minimum of two years without endorsement. By the way, in many cases you will need to be 28 in order to rent a full size car.

where to stay

Belfast being Ulster's biggest city would be easiest place to find your ideal accommodation.
Madison's Hotel is a rather sexy boutique hotel just a steps away from the Belfast City Centre, Queens University & Botanic Gardens. The hotel serves early morning breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Guest should expect great food, fine wines, amazing cocktails and fabulous entertainment from Madison's.

The Parador Hotel offers the best budget accommodation in the city starting for a low cost of £30 per night for a single room.

Arnies Backpackers is a small independent hostel, with a good atmosphere and good location. Rates starting from £8.

The Ark Hostel is another small independent hostel with rooms available to rent by weeks or months.

Day's Hotel is designed as a suburban house and stretched upwards by twelve storeys. The colourful kerbstones of the loyalist Sandy Row are just a few feet away in the other direction, however tourists need not be worried.

For a more comfortable stay, Europa Hotel has a long history and is famous for having been bombed more times than any other hotels. It is located right beside Great Victoria Street train station and the Europa Buscentre, across from the Crown Liquor Saloon and next door to the Belfast Grand Opera House.
Presidential Suites are also available where Bill Clinton has stayed in, twice. Popular with business folk, politicians and package tourists.

what to pack

Going to the northern part of the Ireland, you won't regret taking some warm clothes. Don’t forget to take waterproof clothes/gear/backpack for the rainy season. All the gear if you plan to camp: a good sleeping bag and a waterproof tent that are good for low temp; special gas container u can use for heating food and water; a sturdy backpack or a cargo pack with a good daypack.

A small backpack makes a good carryon bag and will be useful in daily life. Women: remember to take a good flat pair of shoes.... And for everybody: pair of comfortable walking shoes will be great for walking.

Pack some basic toiletries so that you do not need to spend unnecessary money to purchase these basics. You may want to just buy a travel pack and bring it. And of course, bring a camera, there're plenty of photo opportunities here to impress your mates with back home. And take a good protection for your camera from the sand.

You must be a registered user to comment. Click here to register.