Northern Ireland is one of the most rewarding and exciting destinations for that summer escape or mini break. Compact yet remarkably diverse, it offers travellers the chance to experience a vast array of activities on their getaway ensuring they make the most of their valuable time. With dramatic coastlines, lively cities, a rich literary history and, most importantly, a deeply ingrained sense of hospitality, Northern Ireland has you covered.For those seeking to experience the region in style, Ireland’s Blue Book offers a selection of hotels to choose from. The properties range from luxurious coastal retreats to elegant country houses, to historic city landmarks.Why not begin your journey in picturesque Co Down at The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, a charming old-world village, just a short drive from Belfast City.Dating back several centuries, The Old Inn has long been woven into the social fabric of the village- its beautiful architecture combining low-beamed Elizabethan lodge charm and contemporary comfort. With a spa, roaring fires, and delicious dining options, it encourages ultimate relaxation and revival for your jam-packed visit to Belfast city. Belfast continues to evolve into one of the island’s most compelling cities, offering a range of cultural experiences, excellent restaurants, and wonderful choices for some retail therapy.Titanic Belfast for example, is a world leading visitor attraction and a must-see when visiting the city.The Old Inn Make sure to check out Belfast’s beautiful Cathedral Quarter, humming with cafes, galleries and pubs offering live music throughout the summer months, then head to the charming St George’s Market, which remains one of the city’s most enduring pleasures. Returning to the quiet comfort of The Old Inn at the end of your day creates a satisfying balance between city exploration and countryside retreat.If you wish to venture further west, travellers can find Ardtara Country House in Co Derry. Hidden among mature woodland near Maghera, this 19th-century mansion embodies the gracious elegance of a traditional country house. There is an immediate calmness to Ardtara that feels restorative; guests are encouraged to slow down, settle into comfortable surroundings, and enjoy a style of hospitality that feels very special.Ardtara Country House The surrounding landscape is deeply connected to Northern Ireland’s literary and cultural identity. A short drive away is Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy, which will take you on an inspiring journey through the life and work of Ireland’s Nobel Prize-winning poet and one of the world’s most loved writers.Beyond Bellaghy, the Sperrin Mountains unfold in sweeping green ridges and quiet roads ideal for scenic drives and leisurely exploration. From the tranquillity of the Sperrins, the route north towards Derry reveals another side of the region altogether. Few cities on the island possess such a layered sense of history as Derry, and Bishop’s Gate Hotel places visitors at its very heart. Located within the historic city walls, the hotel occupies a handsome Edwardian building where period grandeur meets contemporary luxury.Bishop's Gate Wig and Gown Restaurant Browns Bonds Hill Derry itself has undergone a remarkable cultural renaissance in recent years. The 17th-century walls, among the finest preserved in Europe, provide panoramic views across the city and the river Foyle. Walking the walls is a fantastic way to experience not only the perspective of the city’s layout but also its complex history. The Museum of Free Derry, the Peace Bridge, and the Tower Museum each tell part of that story, while the city’s thriving arts scene and summer festivals lend it an increasingly cosmopolitan atmosphere. For dining options in the city, the award-winning Browns Bonds Hill comes highly recommended from Ireland’s Blue Book. Renowned for its sumptuous food and impeccable service in smart yet unpretentious surroundings, it is a restaurant not to be missed.North from Derry, the coastline becomes steadily more dramatic as the Causeway Coastal Route winds towards Portrush and Bushmills. Here, Ireland’s Blue Book offers two very different but equally compelling places to stay: Dunluce Lodge and Bushmills Inn.Dunluce Lodge, perched close to Portrush, represents the more contemporary face of Northern Irish luxury. Elegant and understated, the five-star property sits amid one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in Europe. The scenery here is instantly recognisable: cliffs battered by Atlantic waves, broad beaches filled with surfers and ancient ruins balanced precariously above the sea.Dunluce Lodge, within walking distance of the Royal Portrush Golf Club Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the magnificent Royal Portrush Golf Club, renowned internationally due to its hosting of The Open Championship and within walking distance of the hotel. Just minutes away you’ll find the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s most iconic natural landmark, where thousands of basalt columns descend into the ocean in geometric formations that seem otherworldly. Nearby, the ruins of Dunluce Castle cling dramatically to the cliff edge, while the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge offers a more exhilarating encounter with the coastline. The area has also become synonymous with Game of Thrones, with filming locations scattered through villages such as Ballintoy and Cushendun.By contrast, Bushmills Inn leans into a more traditional sense of hospitality. Situated in the centre of Bushmills village, the hotel is filled with cosy snugs, crackling turf fires and intimate corners that invite guests to settle in after a day exploring the coast. There is a timelessness to the property that perfectly suits its surroundings.The nearby Old Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, remains one of the area’s defining attractions and a natural stop for visitors offering guided tours and of course tasting experiences. Together, Bushmills Inn and Dunluce Lodge offer two distinct ways to enjoy the Causeway Coast: one steeped in heritage, the other in contemporary luxury. Despite its global profile, the Causeway Coast has retained its distinctly local character, with quaint villages, seafood restaurants and quiet beaches just waiting to be discovered.Newforge House No Northern Ireland itinerary, however, feels complete without venturing south towards Co Armagh and Newforge House, the smallest and perhaps most intimate of the region’s Blue Book properties. This beautifully restored Georgian country house offers something increasingly sought after in modern travel: genuine quietness and personal hospitality.With just six individually designed bedrooms, Newforge House feels less like a hotel and more like an invitation to a private home. Guests are greeted with home-made treats, open fires and gardens that spill into the surrounding countryside. The atmosphere is relaxed yet deeply attentive. Seasonal menus showcase produce from the gardens and orchards, alongside the best of local suppliers and sumptuous seafood, plus breakfast here - particularly the celebrated Ulster Fry - has become a highlight of the experience. Visitors to Co Armagh can explore the shores of nearby Lough Neagh, wander through the gardens at Hillsborough Castle, or visit National Trust estates such as Rowallane Garden. What ultimately defines Northern Ireland as a summer destination is not simply its scenery or attractions but the sense of warmth that accompanies travel here: the conversations in hotel bars, the generosity of local hosts and the sensation that, despite its growing popularity, much of the region still feels genuinely undiscovered and absent of manufactured tourism. Ireland’s Blue Book hotels capture that spirit perfectly, with places rooted in their surroundings, each with its own story to tell, and each offering an unforgettable experience and adventure far richer than simply somewhere to stay. Discover more summer stays at Ireland’s Blue Book.