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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if you would visit Northern Ireland?

240 replies

BlueFlamingoes · 10/08/2025 20:21

Would you visit NI? Why/why not? I always find it interesting how marmite of a place my home is - keen to hear some opinions and maybe dispel a rumour or two :)

OP posts:
SkeletonBatsflyatnight · 10/08/2025 20:48

My Mil is from Fermanagh. Have been multiple times. Dc1 is Titanic obsessed so we have to go via Belfast and visit both the Titanic Museum and the Big Fish (it's tradition apparently now). The only trip I've found difficult was when we were invited to a memorial for dh's grandfather who was killed in the Troubles which was tricky with young children for obvious reasons.

RIPMTV · 10/08/2025 20:47

Updated below!

materialgworl · 10/08/2025 20:47

As a black person, I wouldn’t visit but would go if work related

Original poster
BlueFlamingoes · 10/08/2025 20:45

Passwordsaremynemesis · 10/08/2025 20:35

I am there now visiting from Oz. I am visiting family though.

Very jealous! DD spent her gap year travelling around Australia and we were lucky enough to go out and visit her a few months ago. Such an amazing country - will definitely be back

OP posts:
CoconutGrove · 10/08/2025 20:45

My dds visited when they were 16 and 19. They stayed in Belfast in a premier inn and did a red bus tour. They got off at various stops such as the university and the botanic garden. They also visited Giants Causeway/Dark Hedges/ some castles on a coach trip. They enjoyed it

CustardySergeant · 10/08/2025 20:45

I've visited Northern Ireland on a cruise a few years ago, so was only there one day, but the countryside I saw between Belfast and the Giant's Causeway was absolutely stunning. I would be very happy to go back there and see more of Northern Ireland, as I would most of the places we visited on the cruise, but unfortunately age and health issues have put an end to holidays for me.

indoorplantqueen · 10/08/2025 20:44

I don’t think of it as being marmite. 99% of the people I know who have visited have loved it. I’ve not met anyone who has hated it. Belfast, the culture, the coastline, food, music scene and the people. It’s a great place.

wizzywig · 10/08/2025 20:43

As an Asian no. I've heard there's a lot of racism in NI and Rep of Ireland

Dangermoo · 10/08/2025 20:42

..but I'd like to do Dublin.

Dangermoo · 10/08/2025 20:41

No, it doesn't appeal to me.

Oscarsmom71 · 10/08/2025 20:40

Visited Belfast last year. Loved it.
Great city.

wolleywool · 10/08/2025 20:39

Family are all from the Republic and growing up it was definitely not a place to consider "visiting". One of my cousins went to Belfast uni which upset my aunt.

I went a few years ago and really enjoyed, weather was shite though!

Fragmentedbrain · 10/08/2025 20:39

I have family there and I have worked there... It's worse in social disorder terms than GB realises in many ways... But I love it

Pebbles16 · 10/08/2025 20:38

It's on my list of places I really want to visit. Just haven't managed it thus far.
I am curious as to why you think it would be Marmite.

Turneresque · 10/08/2025 20:37

Only been once but loved it. I’d like to visit again soon.

evtheria · 10/08/2025 20:37

Yes! But I have distant relatives there, and have been many times before since young. I think even if I didn’t know anyone there I’d like to go, do some walks or a cottage stay… Most of the people I know who’ve gone as tourists only go to Belfast for just a couple days, seeing the Titanic museum and pubs, which is a shame considering the lovely, blustery coast. I do struggle to think of ‘visitor attractions’ - I think they could do a music museum, a bit like the one in Seattle, covering things from traditional folk music to the more modern, famous Irish, and having special spaces to hold small gigs or larger shows. I guess there’s that GoT thing which I wouldn’t be bothered with, though I do love a ruin or creepy forest.

Awrite · 10/08/2025 20:36

Of course, it's beautiful. I visited loads during my uni years (friends and boyfriend). Then, I took my kids when they were wee a couple of times. Great place to holiday.

Passwordsaremynemesis · 10/08/2025 20:35

I am there now visiting from Oz. I am visiting family though.

Lozza70 · 10/08/2025 20:35

NI is much much more than Belfast and the north coast/Giants Causeway!

Teacaketravesty · 10/08/2025 20:33

Oh yes. For the accents alone! But it’s on my list for much more of course. Closest I’ve been is Donegal and I loved it.

MeganM3 · 10/08/2025 20:33

Yes I’d love to.

Youdontseehow · 10/08/2025 20:31

NI is fab!!! Beautiful scenery, great architecture, really easy to get to. I much much much prefer Belfast to Dublin. The Grand Opera house is absolutely stunning as is the City Hall - which you can do a tour of. Wasn’t too fussed about The Titanic exhibition if I’m honest but it was ok.

Berlinlover · 10/08/2025 20:31

I’ve been to Belfast three times and love it there. It’s irritating having to use Sterling (I’m from the west of Ireland) but it’s a great place.

Elbowpatch · 10/08/2025 20:31

Yes, I would and have visited. I worked there for a few years in the early 1990s.

nettle86 · 10/08/2025 20:30

I visited NI nearly 20 years ago and am still here! Although at the time a few of my parents friends did comment on if it was safe. I feel safer here than anywhere else.