WALES & NORTHERN IRELAND
Celtic soul, dramatic landscapes, and stories carved into stone. Wales and Northern Ireland offer a striking blend of wild coastlines, sweeping mountains, and towns where history is stitched into daily life. From Anglesey’s windswept shores to the Giant’s Causeway and Belfast’s buzzing food scene, these regions invite both adventure and indulgence—whether you’re hiking Snowdonia’s rugged trails, settling into a countryside manor, or savoring seafood straight from the source.
Where We Eat
Dining here is deeply tied to land and sea. Expect ingredients pulled from the coast, mountains, and market stalls—served with Celtic warmth and a strong sense of place.
Our Dinner Go-Tos
-
Set outside City Hall each winter, this lively market draws food vendors from across Europe. Think bratwurst from Germany, paella from Spain, and artisan cheeses from Northern Ireland.
-
A rotating, festival-style street food market that transforms warehouses, fields, and city spaces into themed food playgrounds. Expect independent vendors, from bao buns to wood-fired pizza.
-
In the heart of Belfast’s cultural district, you’ll find a tight mix of food trucks, casual cafés, and pop-ups—ideal for a quick, flavourful bite between sightseeing.
-
Operating since 1914, this no-frills chippy is a Belfast icon. Think golden, crispy cod, hand-cut chips, and a nostalgic, old-school dining room.
-
A cult classic café chain in Belfast known for hearty fry-ups, massive milkshakes, and comfort food served from breakfast till late.
-
A proper family-run chippy beloved by locals, serving flaky cod, scampi, and mushy peas without any fuss.
2a Chapel St, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4NH, United Kingdom
Street Food
-
A brightly painted harborside favorite serving modern Welsh dishes with a focus on fresh seafood and local produce. Expect laid-back charm and a dining room with views over the water.
-
Casual yet refined, this local gem celebrates Pembrokeshire ingredients with seasonal menus—think lamb from nearby farms and fish fresh off the boat.
-
A Belfast institution for unfussy but exceptional seafood, sourced daily from the nearby coasts and served in a relaxed, friendly setting.
-
Modern bistro by celebrated Welsh chef Bryn Williams, offering approachable yet elegant dishes with panoramic sea views.
-
A lively Italian-inspired spot in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter with small plates, fresh pastas, and a buzzing atmosphere.
-
Rustic seaside dining at its best—lobster, crab, and fish caught that morning, paired with simple, seasonal sides.
Go All Out
-
An intimate, Michelin-starred gem in Anglesey serving an ever-changing tasting menu crafted from the best of North Wales’ larder. Seats are limited, and the kitchen is just steps away from your table.
-
A bold, two-Michelin-starred destination where chef Gareth Ward serves a 30-course tasting experience blending Welsh produce with Japanese techniques. Remote, unconventional, and unforgettable.
-
Tucked down a discreet alley, this Michelin-starred Belfast restaurant delivers seasonal, artful plates in a moody, design-forward space.
-
Guests arrive via a discreet doorbell and enter a refined, intimate space where chef‑owner James Sommerin and his daughter prepare a fixed tasting menu in tandem—no choices, just beautifully orchestrated flavour and service. The atmosphere feels personal, thoughtful, and unhurried.
-
One of Wales’ most enduring Michelin-starred destination restaurants, nestled in Monmouthshire’s rolling hills. Helmed by chef Shaun Hill, this inn blends the spirit of a countryside classic with culinary confidence.
Best Desserts
-
A bean-to-bar chocolate shop and café crafting small-batch truffles, hot chocolates, and rich flourless chocolate cake with obsessive attention to detail.
-
Part deli, part café, with a changing line-up of indulgent cakes made from seasonal Welsh produce — think courgette loaf, berry sponge, and decadent chocolate tortes.
-
A family-owned Welsh institution since 1927, Cadwaladers is famed for its house-made ice cream, sundaes, and super-chilled hot chocolate—an indulgent visit steeped in regional nostalgia.
-
A modern dessert shop offering more than 50 rotating flavors of in-house gelato, plus waffles, crepes, and sundaes—ideal for a stylish, satisfying sweet treat.
-
Belfast’s only true classic French patisserie, known for impeccably-made pastries—think eclairs, macarons, tarts, and viennoiseries hand-crafted on-site.
-
A charming artisan pastry stall inside St George’s Market, serving elegant, artful pastries inspired by family traditions—that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Where We Wake Up
-
A bright, contemporary café opposite Queen’s University known for its inventive brunch plates and speciality coffee. Dishes lean seasonal and modern—think house-made kimchi on avocado toast or slow-cooked pork with poached eggs.
-
A chic seaside café that’s part artisan coffee shop, part all-day brunch spot. Minimal interiors keep the focus on the view and the menu, with locally sourced produce and simple, flavour-forward plates.
-
Urban cool meets wholesome in this Cardiff favourite. Known for its strong flat whites, soft scrambled eggs, and rotating specials, it’s a laid-back but stylish stop before a day of exploring.
-
A cosy café-deli hybrid championing local Welsh produce. The menu changes with the seasons, but expect hearty granola bowls, cheese-heavy breakfast plates, and excellent locally roasted coffee.
-
Historic pub turned welcoming breakfast hub, serving hearty morning plates alongside fresh pastries. Grab a seat by the window for sea views with your coffee.
-
One of the most respected coffee spots in the country, with a minimal, airy space and a serious focus on brewing precision. The brunch menu is simple but elevated—perfectly poached eggs, sourdough, and seasonal sides.
The Evening Pint
-
A Belfast icon, this pub is known for its fairy-lit alleyway, walls plastered with vintage advertising, and an old-world charm that makes every pint feel earned. Expect live music on weekends and a loyal local crowd.
-
One of the most ornate pubs in the UK, The Crown is a Victorian masterpiece with stained glass, carved wood, and private snugs perfect for intimate conversations. It’s National Trust-owned, so the heritage is well preserved.
-
Dating back to the 16th century, this historic inn-pub hybrid is a maze of tiny rooms, oak beams, and roaring fires. The Welsh ales on tap are reason enough to stay the night.
-
One of Wales’ oldest pubs (open since the 14th century), The Blue Anchor is famed for its thatched roof, low doorways, and a hearty pint of its own brew, The Reverend James.
-
A beloved seafront pub that’s been serving since 1872, The Harbour Bar blends maritime history with a laid-back coastal vibe. Known for its Guinness, live music, and views over the North Atlantic, it’s a Portrush staple.
-
Quirky, charming, and unapologetically local, this corrugated-iron pub sits in the Preseli Hills and is filled with sawdust floors, rural memorabilia, and conversations in Welsh.
Where We Sleep
Harrison
A creatively restored Victorian townhouse turned boutique hotel, fusing history with eclectic interiors.
It’s bold, playful, and refreshingly different from your standard Belfast stay. The owner’s vision has turned the property into a living gallery, with vintage furnishings, rich textures, and witty nods to local legends. You feel immersed in Belfast’s creative scene from the moment you step in.
Image courtesy of The Harrison
From ~£160/night
16 individually styled rooms.
Set in Belfast’s leafy Queen’s Quarter.
Locally sourced breakfast served in-room or in the parlour.
Close to the Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens.
Curated minibar with Irish artisan snacks and drinks.
In-room record players with vintage vinyl.
Parking available on request.
Owner Melanie Harrison personally curates the décor, sourcing antiques and artwork from across Ireland to give each room its distinct story.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
Roch Castle
A 12th-century Norman fortress reborn as a luxury boutique stay, in a rocky outcrop with panoramic views.
Why We Like It
It’s rare to stay in a real castle that doesn’t feel like a museum. Roch combines ancient stone walls, original arrow slits, and dramatic turrets with sleek furnishings and spa-style bathrooms. The setting is pure Pembrokeshire magic—close to wild coastal walks, sandy beaches, and charming market towns.
Image courtesy of The Roch Castle
From ~£280/night
Six individually styled luxury bedrooms.
Located near St Davids and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.
Complimentary breakfast featuring local produce.
On-site treatments available with advance booking.
Adults-only property for a peaceful stay.
Lounge with open fireplace and sweeping views.
Free on-site parking.
The castle’s rooftop viewing platform offers one of the most dramatic sunset panoramas in all of Wales.
Details To Know
Details To Know
Fitzwilliam
A contemporary property in Belfast, The Fitzwilliam delivers polished luxury with a Northern Irish warmth.
Why We Like It
It’s urban sophistication without pretension. Service is crisp but friendly, the location puts you minutes from Belfast’s best restaurants and cultural sites, and the in-house bar is a stylish spot for a nightcap. Rooms feel indulgent with plush beds, deep tubs, and chic modern design. Interiors are sleek yet comfortable, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the city skyline.
Image courtesy of Tablet
From ~£240/night
146 rooms and suites
Centrally located next to the Grand Opera House.
Signature cocktails at the hotel bar.
On-site fine dining restaurant with a focus on Irish ingredients.
24-hour room service.
Concierge for private tours and experiences.
The Fitzwilliam’s “secret” whisky menu at the bar offers rare Irish pours you won’t find elsewhere in the city.
Grove
A restored house surrounded by meadows and woodlands, blending elegance with design.
Why We Like It
This is the kind of country retreat that feels genuinely personal—owner-run, highly detailed, and effortlessly refined. The interiors mix period features with bold, contemporary art, while the restaurant celebrates Welsh produce at Michelin-star level. Quiet, intimate, and deeply connected to its setting, it’s the sort of place where you could easily extend your stay.
Image courtesy of The Grove
From ~£220/night
26 individually designed rooms and suites.
Two acclaimed restaurants, including one with a Michelin star.
Set in 26 acres of gardens and meadows.
Full Welsh breakfast included.
Spa treatments available in-room.
Close to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Curated wine list with focus on small producers.
The glass-walled dining room offers a front-row seat to the changing colours of the Preseli Hills at sunset.
Details To Know
Dunluce
Lodge
A pristine, all-suite 5-star retreat offering design-led comfort with sweeping views of the Antrim coastline.
Why We Like It
Dunluce Lodge isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s the region’s most sophisticated new lodgement, crafted for guests who admire quiet luxury rooted in extraordinary surroundings. Suites immerse you in plush, contemporary interiors filtered through natural light and muted palette tones, while the private spa, curated whiskey vault, and intimate dining rooms make each moment feel intentional. It’s a refined, coastal retreat that merges architectural elegance with place-driven storytelling.
Image courtesy of Dunluce Lodge
Details To Know
From ~£720/night
Suites feature sweeping sea views and private terraces
On-site restaurant helmed by a Michelin-trained chef
Minimalist interiors with natural stone and glass framing the coast
Exclusive guest access to Royal Portrush Golf Club
Spa with seaweed baths, Nordic-inspired rituals, and wellness hikes
Curated excursions to the Giant’s Causeway and coastal landmarks
Whiskey tastings in nearby Bushmills
The lodge was conceived as a new benchmark for ultra-luxury in Northern Ireland, and it’s already being compared to Europe’s most elite design resorts.
What We Do
From windswept coastal trails to world-class golf, whiskey tastings, and design-forward craft studios, Wales and Northern Ireland invite exploration that feels both grounded in tradition and quietly luxurious. Here, the landscapes are as much a draw as the culture—rugged mountains, cinematic coastlines, and storied towns where heritage comes alive in deeply rooted experiences.
Culture & Shopping
Culture & Shopping
Caernarfon Castle
A UNESCO‑listed medieval fortress of soaring towers on the River Seiont—Wales at its most cinematic and imposing.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Caernarfon, North Wales
Price: Summer 2025 adult £15.20
Vibe: Monumental, photogenic, deeply historic
Need to Know: Guided tours run select days for an extra £5; Cadw Explorer Pass can be good value if you’re castle‑hopping.
Titanic Belfast
An architecturally striking museum telling the ship’s story through nine interactive galleries, with access to the SS Nomadic.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Titanic Quarter, Belfast
Price: Book online & save; adult currently from £24.95
Vibe: Design‑led, experiential, world‑class storytelling
Need to Know: Pre‑book timed tickets; standard admission includes SS Nomadic. Allow ~2–3 hours.
National Slate Museum
Set beneath the Eryri (Snowdonia) peaks, this free museum brings Wales’s slate‑quarry heritage to life with workshops and live demonstrations.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Llanberis, Gwynedd
Price: Free entry
Vibe: Industrial‑romantic, hands‑on, educational
Need to Know: Part of the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales UNESCO World Heritage Site; check seasonal hours.
Richard Booth’s Bookshop
The flagship of Wales’s famed “book town”: three floors of new & second‑hand titles, plus an indie cinema around the corner.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Bro44 Lion Street, Hay‑on‑Wye
Price: Free to browse
Vibe: Literary, indie, collectible‑leaning
Need to Know: Combine with other Hay bookshops; hours extend during Hay Festival.
St Fagans National Museum of History
An open‑air museum charting Welsh life through relocated historic buildings—farmhouses, a schoolhouse, a chapel—set in leafy parkland just outside the city.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: St Fagans, Cardiff
Price: Free entry; on‑site parking £7 per day
Vibe: Immersive, outdoorsy, quietly scholarly
Need to Know: Book parking or bring contactless; allow 2–3 hours to wander the grounds.
Giant’s Causeway
Otherworldly basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity—a UNESCO icon on the dramatic Causeway Coast.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Near Bushmills, County Antrim
Price: Access to the stones is free; Visitor Experience (parking, visitor centre, tour/audio) ticketed—pre‑book for best rates
Vibe: Wild, elemental, unforgettable
Need to Know: Early or late entry slots are quieter; NT members get Visitor Experience access included.
Adventure & Nature
Adventure & Nature
Pembrokeshire Coast Path
186 miles of wild headlands, seal‑dotted coves, and Atlantic panoramas; even a short stretch delivers classic coastal Wales.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: St Dogmaels to Amroth, Pembrokeshire
Price: Free
Vibe: Rugged, windswept, photogenic
Need to Know: Cliff‑top footpath with natural surfaces—proper footwear essential; check tide/wind before committing to longer sections.
Carrick‑a‑Rede Rope Bridge
A swaying rope bridge linking the mainland to a tiny island above turquoise water and basalt cliffs on the Causeway Coast.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Near Ballintoy, County Antrim
Price: Adult from £15 (NT member access included; pre‑book advised)
Vibe: Iconic, high‑exposure, exhilarating
Need to Know: Timed tickets include parking and access; queues build at peak times—early slots are calmer.
Slieve Donard
Sea‑to‑summit scenery on Northern Ireland’s highest peak, where granite paths and the historic Mourne Wall lead to sweeping coastal views.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Newcastle, County Down
Price: Free
Vibe: Mythic, granite‑hewn, rewarding
Need to Know: Popular Glen River route takes ~4–5 hours round‑trip; carry layers and check forecast—weather shifts quickly.
Zip World Velocity 2
Fly face‑down over a flooded slate quarry at speeds that redefine “adrenaline,” with Snowdonia ridgelines as your backdrop.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda, North Wales
Price: From ~£109 per person (varies by date/session)
Vibe: High‑octane, bucket‑list, cinematic
Need to Know: Height/weight restrictions apply; pre‑book prime times and pair with Blondin Restaurant for views post‑ride.
Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
Craggy peaks and glassy lakes define Wales’s highest mountain; hike one of the classic routes or ride the heritage railway from Llanberis for cinematic summit views.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Eryri (Snowdonia), North Wales
Price: Trails free; Snowdon Mountain Railway adult return currently £60
Vibe: Majestic, elemental, quintessential Wales
Need to Know: Railway is seasonal and weather‑dependent; pre‑book tickets, and carry layers even in summer.
The Gobbins Cliff Path
A guided route of bridges and tunnels bolted to sheer cliffs with waves thundering below—Northern Ireland’s most theatrical coastal walk.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Islandmagee, County Antrim
Price: Adult about £21.50
Vibe: Dramatic, engineered, unforgettable
Need to Know: Guided tours only; pre‑book is essential and fitness is required—expect steps, exposure, and spray.
Sample Itinerary
If You Have 48 Hours
PART ONE: Cardiff And Castles
Begin your morning at the towering Caernarfon Castle, one of Wales’ most majestic medieval fortresses, before winding through the slate landscapes of Snowdonia National Park for a scenic hike. Pause for lunch in the pastel-hued seaside town of Portmeirion, known for its whimsical Italianate architecture.
As evening falls, check into Palé Hall, a Victorian country house hotel with lavish interiors and Michelin-star dining that feels perfectly rooted in North Wales.
PART TWO: Coastal Glamorgan
Head south to the capital, Cardiff, where historic and contemporary Wales meet. Begin with a walk through Cardiff Castle and the Victorian arcades before dinner at Heaneys, a relaxed fine dining spot helmed by chef Tommy Heaney.
End the night with cocktails at Lab 22, a creative bar blending science and mixology in the heart of the city.
PART THREE: Belfast And The Causeway Coast
Fly or ferry over to Northern Ireland’s lively capital, Belfast, where industrial history meets modern culture. Start with the immersive Titanic Belfast experience, then explore the Cathedral Quarter with its murals and indie shops.
Lunch at Ox, a Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the River Lagan. In the afternoon, venture up the coast along the Causeway Coastal Route for cinematic cliffs and castle ruins.
PART FOUR: Giant’s Causeway And Bushmills
Conclude your trip with the iconic Giant’s Causeway at sunset, where interlocking basalt columns meet the Atlantic in a surreal natural wonder. For your final night, enjoy dinner paired with a dram from the neighhood haunt Old Bushmills Distillery.
