Little tip: if you’re heading to England, Wales or Scotland after being in Northern Ireland, it’s best to go cashless whilst you’re here (I live in Belfast). A lot of places across the water will not accept anything but Bank of England notes, even though Scottish and Northern Irish notes are legal tender.

As a Northern Irish person, my advice is: 1. Don’t discuss politics or religion, even if people raise it. 2. Refer to Northern Ireland as such. But be cognisant of the fact that some will refer to it as “the north”, “Ulster”, “the province” etc. 3. Be aware that we spend pounds, not euros. We accept Bank of England and Scottish notes. Some places will accept euros but we do not use euros as our currency. 4. Think of NI as a halfway house between GB and Ireland culturally. 5. Don’t listen to the media’s depiction of NI. We are not a war zone, nor are we constantly at loggerheads. It’s a peaceful society, with people getting on with their lives. So do not anticipate a negative time. 6. In terms of places to visit of course Belfast but also the north coast and north west. When visiting Belfast do more than taxi tours most of us didn’t live that lifestyle.

As a Belfast native, I watched your videos before going to Canada and USA last summer and it is great surprise to see you enjoying yourself over here! Anyone getting an ulster fry make sure it has potato bread and soda bread. If anyone needs tips, especially for the best pints let me know!

Lovely to see your review of Northern Ireland. As someone who grew up here during the Troubles, I am thrilled that tourists want to visit this part of the world. Other places of interest might include the Ards Peninsula - maybe not as dramatic as the North Coast but still worth a visit. The Saint Patrick’s trail is worth a look. Portaferry - get the ferry to Strangford & go for some seafood. So much to see.

Born and living in NI my whole life, this is a great video on how to visit our wee country and be respectful too ! Especially the smaller details like Great Victoria station being the best, to making sure to get an Ulster fry or a chippy, I really enjoyed the video and would urge people to give Northern Ireland a visit sometime soon : ) (P.S I’d also recommend glenariff’s mountain trail for the views, it’s just off the causeway coastal route! )

Thanks! All was fascinating and informative.

My home away from home. Heading back in the autumn on visit 25 or 26. Yes, that's right. We LOVE it there. Great video!

I love your travel advice and videos! But it's equally fun to watch your boys grow up! Love your family!

Loved visiting Belfast and finally meeting all my Irish relatives living there. Really enjoyed discovering my Irish roots.

Just visited Belfast and Giants Causeway and Dunlace Castle and was amazed at how beautiful the Coastal area was!! Great video!

Love your review, I lived here all my life and you'll not find warmer friendlier people in the world. I would say a visit to the Fermanagh lakes and the caves is a must. Enniskillen is a great base to enjoy exploring the surrounding area. And a visit to the Ulster American Folk Park outside Omagh is worthwhile to really see the shared heritage.

Been watching your videos for years, was cool seeing you film outside my work.

My 8 yr old is watching your videos while making lists of places she wants to visit. Thank you for your insight and valuable information.

Ahhh! I'm headed there next month. I just missed you. We need your travel itinerary so your people can follow you : ) Thank you for the great content!

This was cool Mark. I def will make it over to Ireland one of these days!

Mark, you always do a fantastic job of presenting our little country - appreciate it!

Hi Mark, this video is very helpful for understanding how to get around Northern Ireland and my family will be visiting Northern Ireland during the Memorial Day weekend.

Belfast..wonderful city..i've been there twice! Loveley place and friendly people 🎩 Cheers from Morocco 🇲🇦

Mark great review on my home country. I hope to bump into you next time you are here

Hey Mark,great video and I’m visiting Northern Ireland this year

Hey Mark, this video has helped me prepare for my first trip to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in the late summer or early fall of this year.

Your channel popped up and decided to check it out. This is a really good vid. Glad you showed footage of Enniskillen and others. Not just Belfast and Causeway

I agree with everything on here although I did find accommodation expensive in Belfast. People are super super super friendly for sure. The murals and Shankhill/Falls Road areas are definitely worth experiencing. I hiked the Causeway Coast last year and it was fantastic, would fully recommend. And Kelly's Cellars in Belfast is the place to go for a pint of Guinness!

Watching this video made me want to go back to NI. I got to visit last Aug/Sept to visit a friend and it was such an amazing experience. I loved Belfast, the Causeway and just the country as a whole! I cannot wait to go back!

Hey Mark, awesome video

As someone who is Northern Irish, I have no clue why I'm here hahahaha. You're completely right about the Causeway Costal route, I spent a lot of my childhood in that area, and I've never found anyway that could compare to its beauty

How funny! Ive recently decided to move to belfast on a visa. Went to your channel first to see your opinion, and your latest video is about it haha! And jocelyns video was on point too haha. Thank you for always being my go to and a great source of realistic knowledge!

Really comprehensive. Just a thought to visit Enniskillen (Fermanagh) and Donegal (bogland) which are beautiful.

We visited Belfast last June. We loved it.

been there twice. first time in the late 80s, I felt quite intimidated, every shop and street seemed to have a flag indicating which side they were on. so when my wife booked a long weekend there for us a few years ago I was a bit nervous about it. didn't need to be, what a fantastic city it is, just like you say in this video. and I know you are going to do a separate video about the food, but yes, we found several small independent restaurants that were all excellent. love Belfast and I would go again.

Yo thanks for the advices Wolter, I am looking forward for Belfast on my birthday week. A treat for myself 😊

Great vid!

Very good. ☘

Love all your travel tips and tricks! They’re all so useful. Can you give us some pointers about how to get around with toddlers on your vacation? Things like strollers, car seats, cribs etc if you brought any of those things with you. Thank you!!

Back in 2017 I started researching to visit Ireland. I cant tell you for sure that it was something you posted, but I swear it was. It was a recommendation for Denvir's Coaching Inn in Downpatrick, NI. I love that place and am returning this June. If it wasnt you, well I still want to say THANKS for all of you and your wife's tips, tricks, hacks, all given with humor and honesty. You guys are the bomb!!! Best wishes to you and yours ☘

Mark I see you were in Fermanagh my home county at Cuilcagh Mountain and also Enniskillen. One of the most beautiful and tranquil places on the Island. Hope you enjoyed the northwest!

i live in derry and this is so true

I live here. This video is an amazing representation of our vibe and the aesthetic of the country. We will accept anyone who wants to visit! Everyone is welcome

I came to live in NI 39 years ago fell in love with my second Casa . Another area to visit in NI is Strangford Lough ,County Down, It’s an area of outstanding beauty. ❤

Wish you did a video about derry. Would love to see what you thought about my hometown

Just come back from Northern Ireland . Stayed in Newry, Belfast and Portrush and also nipped over to do part of the Wild Atlantic Way over the border in County Donegal. Compared to rest of the UK it is quite cheaper cost of living. The people are just grand as they say and the scenery is outstanding as well. We took a car but you can get a translink freedom card which gives you unlimited travel on Public Transport for the week for 61quid. Which I thought was good value .

As a Northern Irish resident you are totally spot on with what you're saying in this video. Agree with you on all what you say. George Best airport would be a regional airport while Aldergrove would be more the international airport. (George Best airport VERY close to the city centre)

im from belfast, great video also my granny is at 4:42!

Nice to see you in NI! Haste ye back!

Thank you for all the good information. I’m heading to Northern Ireland this year. Can’t wait to hit the market and the coastal drive.

im from belfast and this videos so cool :0

1:07 it's not part of Great Britain, Great Britain is just the big island consisting of England, Scotland and Wales, but NI is part of the UK.

My mother was raised in an Irish Catholic family and they DESPISED the English and Orange. I never knew IRA was a retirement account until I was older!!

Great video Wolter! As a Derryman I do have some advice. I’d note that while Northern Ireland’s official currency is the Pound Sterling, in the border regions there are a lot of businesses that will accept Euros (the Republic of Ireland’s currency) While George Best airport is one of our airports, it is not Northern Ireland’s main airport. Our main airport is Belfast International Airport, aka Aldergrove Airport, which is located about 20 miles to the west of the city near Antrim town. Aldergrove does a lot more flights and destinations than George Best airport. So keep that in mind. Northern Ireland overall is safe, affordable and very friendly to tourists! I’d personally recommend visiting the north coast (along the Antrim coast towards Coleraine) and Derry city as well. The north coast has some of the most beautiful coastline in Western Europe (though I suppose I am a bit biased!) I’d also recommend trying an Ulster fry and some of our whiskey; some of the true beauties of our country!

Just an update on the train situation in Belfast. Great Victoria Station has been closed down while the finish building a new station beside it. Won't be open until September so trains from Dublin directly into Belfast are limited, you'll have to get a bus transfer from Lisburn into Belfast. Also, Central Station was renamed Lanyon Place station, probably because it was confusing that it wasn't the main station in the city. The new station at Great Victoria will must likely be named Grand Central Station.

My mum has Ulster-Scots ancestry is why I want to visit Northern Ireland!

Really well put together review of our wee slice, tho I do feel the need to point out that there are places, such as the chain store 'Spar', that do accept Euro as legal tender. Burger King in some places here also accept it!

Thanks for the comprehensive information... I'm going to marry Northern Ireland guy and these information will be very helpful and insightful :)

I'd get the train from Dublin to Belfast. In fact, I have done so.

There are two airports near Belfast, be sure to double check which one you're going through.

1/3 of Ulster is in the republic.

Now I know where to visit when I go over to Northern Ireland because I live there

Thanks, that was very helpful. What is wife's channel for food? It wasn't linked. Thanks again, love your channel ❤

Hey, I watched a few of your videos many years ago when I was only starting off my globetrotting, and I remember you distinctly from that. As I tend to look up locally tagged videos from time to time, I was surprised to recognise you and see this video. Firstly, it's insanely bizarre to see what I see almost every day of my life on camera here with you talking about it almost from an "alien's" perspective in fluent English. But it's also really interesting. I'm just going to spend some time making comments on what you've said, including corrections (which is natural, I don't expect you to be an expert as a tourist). I also appreciate that as you're North American, you will be speaking from that perspective) 1. Perfect introduction. Yes, Northern Ireland is our 'country' and definitely the best bet as a tourist. For Americans to understand, our "countries of the UK" are like "states of the US". 2. Great Britain is an island. The largest island in the UK ,and after which the British nationality is named after. Same as how the 'American' nationality is named after the American continents. Hawaii is not a part of the North or South American continent, but is American as it is in the USA. "Great Britain" is akin to "Continental USA" or "North America". We are not on Great Britain, just like the islands of England, Wales and Scotland are not part of Great Britain, however we are all part of the UK together. 3. Yes the UK uses miles and drives on the left. Ireland switched to KM after leaving the UK to be different, but changing the side of the road would be a headache and a half. I thought Americans used miles too though so this shouldn't be confusing? Apologies if you're Canadian, as that would make sense, but I just had a weird old memory of you specifically being American. 4. Price? Yep, we're the cheapest part of the UK by far. Rent here is literally less than half of what it is in most of England or populated parts of Scotland or Wales. But yeah the UK uses UK currency unsurprisingly, however unlike in many countries, each bank prints its own notes. Bank of Ireland is a British bank issuing notes, just like Danske Bank (Danish Bank) issue notes as a British bank. Only England/Wales issue just one style of banknote. Scotland does the same as us where each bank issues a different style of £ Pound Sterling. Complete random what you get from an ATM! :D 5. So weird to see the ATM conversion thing happening in Northern Ireland. The rule of thumb, just as you said is NEVER take the conversion if you're travelling abroad. If you're outside the UK with a UK bank account, just click 'No' on an overseas ATM to get local currency. 6. Yeah the Troubles are behind us, older people even in other parts of the UK can still have that perception of us too, though it's becoming rare. We love visitors. Also about being "dangerous", I literally feel more in danger anywhere outside of Northern Ireland. After 25 years of living here, I've never experienced any kind of crime. And I've been on about a thousand nights out in Belfast. 7. Locals are super friendly - aw bless, yeah it's rare we meet an outsider and everyone I know would be so happy to help a foreigner who decided to come here to have a good time. The very few occasions I've met or overheard a foreign tourist, usually French, I've always jumped in excitedly to recommend places and welcome them to NI. 8. About the politics and talking about heritage, yeah. Exactly what you said. Don't. I personally understand the standpoint/experience of people from new world countries like Australia, North/South America, New Zealand, South Africa. It's a unique thing, but identity will just get confused. Most American people with heritage from the island of Ireland actually have heritage from Northern Ireland yet automatically make some kind of connection with the Republic of Ireland. 9. I'm glad there are good tourist transport networks, its something we don't really know about since we all have cars. But going into Belfast we often use park and rides. 10. George Best Belfast City airport isn't the main airport at all. It is domestic and mostly just goes to the rest of the UK. Belfast International Airport is our main airport, but yes you can get much cheaper flights from Dublin airport. I'm going to Dublin airport to fly to Copenhagen and visit friends in a few days. £37 return. Compared to £140 from Belfast due to no direct flights. 11. Mashed potato with 'scallions'?! You mean champ? I just learnt the word scallions as an American term for spring onion. Yeah champ is epic and made with spring onion. 12. I was the security manager of the Titanic Centre. Not anymore which is why I'm admitting that, but they officially refuse the word "museum". It's the Titanic Centre or Titanic Experience. 13. YOU NEVER CROSSED THE ROPE BRIDGE AT CARRICK-A-REDE?!??! Bro no excuses for that at all. As a kid I used to swing and shake the bridge as much as possible lmao. Maybe a dick move, but it's safe af. I don't know of any other country in the world with higher safety standards for public areas than the UK, especially National Trust places like the Rope Bridge. 14. Mourne mountains. I climb them nearly every weekend. Worth it if you're into that kind of thing. Boring now to me tho tbh. 15. LMAO Rain?? I mean, idk what standard is but no it doesn't rain every day, in fact MOST days it doesn't rain at all. Not sure what you're getting at. I've travelled the world and it's about the same. It snows? No it doesn't lol. This is the least snowiest part of the UK by far. Northern half of Britain gets literally snowed-in their house with work and school closing. We used to scrape up the tiny bits of snow at school some years in the rare occasions there was anything, making 10% snow, 90% dirt snowballs. The school would close over less than an inch of snow due to that. Thanks for your visit to Belfast. This was a cool experience, you're always welcome back, as is everyone.

My dad is from Northern Ireland.

❤❤❤❤

Perfect! I'm going to Ireland and Northern Ireland in September! Have you been to Isle of Man?

I've lived in Belfast for 14 years all my life and its a great city Then there is Londonderry/Derry which is not so great

wolters u might want to mention on highways the fast lane is the right lane over there

I’ve been lucky enough to visit NI many times with work but I haven’t really seen much outside of Belfast (which I think is a great city). Definitely want to bring the family over and do the coastal drive

Is that the Ballysaggart Lough in Dungannon Co Tyrone at 1:25 ? If so, it’s a lovely spot

I'm a descendent of Sorley Buide Boy MacDonnel of county Antrim. We were there in March of '20 to see the family castle (Dunluce), the Giant's Causeway, and the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge.

I loved Northern Ireland but it was also one of the most confronting places I’ve ever been

I live in N.I and I recommend one of the best places to visit is the Cex in Belfast somewhere in the middle near the doc martens or something boot store

Some years ago (pre-Brexit), my wife and I were on a tour of Crumlin Road Gaol (jail) while there was an Orange Parade quite nearby. (I think it was right outside the jail.) Several of us were interested in seeing it, but our tour guide flat out forbade it. We were somewhat ticked off, but obeyed. Later, after we returned to the bus, our guide explained in detail why it wasn't such a great idea. It was sobering. In short, parades in Northern Ireland are more of a political statement, not a celebration. That tour was phenomenal. If you're in Belfast, I strongly recommend a tour that covers the Troubles. It'll be an eye-opener. Then get a tour that covers other attractions.

Glad you touched on the politics topic. It is important. I have been told not to exchange too many $ into Irish Pounds as they may not be accepted in Scotland or England if you are traveling there afterward.

Please update your info. Great Victoria rail station closed to trains on 10/5/24. Trains now run to Lanyon Place, new name for Belfast Central station. Translink are building a big hub at Great Victoria street. Metro buses take you into the city centre if you want transport, otherwise it is walkable. I wish there were more videos on Northern Ireland as we need more tourists! They drive on the left down south too! Though rest of Ireland is European.

have you done a video on haunted castles in the England, Ireland and Scotland? if not, will you consider it? we're planning on visiting the UK, and we'd love to visit a haunted castle.

love the vids wolter but one piece of advice is to be very careful you dont say british isles to the wrong person because some people dont take it well

If you are going by train from Belfast to Dublin great Victoria St is not the right train station

they renamed central station to lanyon station to avoid that confusion just fyi

I did Dublin and Belfast last October, and I was surprised that Dublin will never take the pound and Belfast will never take the euro. This was a surprise to me because being from Toronto, I know retailers will readily take American currency, regardless if US currency happens to be worth more or less than Canadian currency. However, I loved the open border between Ireland and Northern Ireland. My plane landed in Dublin, but if you looked at my passport, you'd never know I had also been to the UK. And I also absolutely agree about crossing the street. If you're North American in Ireland or Northern Ireland, obey the lights because you're habitually used to looking at traffic on the right side of the road.

Late Gary Moore from Northern Ireland.

Here’s my biggest advice as a belfastian Don’t. Leave while you can

I ♥ NORN IRON _(a former Croatian)_

☘️☘️☘️

Everything was spot on with what you said. Its a very safe country just dont wear anything with a irish or british flag on it outside the city centre.

Dont forget when you go into the chippys or pubs ask for the bobby sands supper.

As someone who grew up in N. Ireland and has been back many times over the years I can tell you that this video is spot on. Great video great advice.

Which side of the road do they drive on?

The English writer Dr. Samuel Johnson described the Giants Causeway as worth seeing but not worth going to see. Sometimes the English get it right. As everybody in Ulster knows, it was originally part of a causeway, built by giants, which linked Ireland to Scotland. Fingal's Cave is at the Scottish end. I am sure you will find this information to be of some. But if you want to go to Scotland now you will need to fly or get the boat.

Thank you for the most beautiful videos and trips. You are the owner of the most beautiful content and professional photography. I have an important question. I will visit 15 countries Brazil and Argentina Uruguay, Peru, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Cuba and Mexico. My question is, what are the dangerous and unsafe countries that are not recommended to visit because of the danger of gangs? I also have an important question. Do I need a yellow fever vaccine or do I not need a vaccine? Thank you.

We will be there in September 2024. We'll be using cabs, ubers to get around. Do they take cashless payments? Visa is the card we use. Or, should we have cash on hand for the transportation? And, how does tipping work in NI? We're staying in Belfast, so what are a couple of local pubs? Not touristy as we want to mingle with the locals and hopefully hear some Irish music while there.

Point of information: Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom but not part of Great Britain. And the Isle of Man is the other way round.

Do they use the British pound when you're NOT there, too?

Enniskillen!

How much are the local SIM cards and prepaid plans for your cell phone?

north east of Ireland.

Head out of Belfast to Derry and Donegal... No tourists, amazing beaches and amazing pubs. Aslo the most ridiculously friendly people ever. Even when the marching season is going on we tend to live and let live. Get out of Belfast! Go explore

The "We don't care if your great great great family member is from Ireland" is so true haha. It's not that we don't care per say, its the passion of which the person is saying it is too cringe. What do they expect our response to be? It's just awkward.

In ULSTER there are Nine counties , six of those counties are under the UK Government. The other three counties are part of the Republic of Ireland.

I know you know, but just to be clear since once or twice you interchange them even when warning about them....NI is NOT part of Great Britain. It's part o the United Kingdom of Great Britain (which is the island where most, but not all of England, Wales, and Scotland are) and Northern Ireland. However, you can use British as a general term, well, mostly.

People are amazed by the 12th when they visit so please do not be put of visiting during marching season.

For a start, it is not part of Great Britain which comprises England, Scotland, Wales & possibly some islands. 'Northern Ireland' orginated as an artificially contrived entity with a built in protestant/unionist majority so that Britain could continue to have a foothold in Ireland. In America you call it gerrymandering. Now it has a Catholic/nationalist majority so its future as a viable political entity is in some doubt. BTW the most northern part of Ireland is in the Republic, the so called 'south'. I do however agree that Six County jails are super cool places - as 'could' as you will get.. I hope all this helps!

I spent 2 weeks in N Ireland and still we did not see it all , we are going back 2024 to see the republic