When people come to Northern Ireland from Scotland and England on the ferry and from anywhere else by plane, they arrive at County Antrim. Forming the most north easterly part of Ireland, the county not only contains large parts of the capital city Belfast but also some of Ireland's most popular visitor attractions, including the seaside resort of Portrush and the geological formations of the Giant's Causeway. Inland there are many hills, wide open spaces, rivers and Belfast Lough in which to enjoy a full range of outdoor attractions and activities. County Antrim hotels serve a wide variety of purposes covering much of Northern Ireland's leisure and business requirements for visitors.
Like Scotland, which is just a short ferry ride away and with which it has strong historical connections, the county is famed for its historic monuments and castles, most notable of which are Carrickfergus Castle - a Norman structure and one of the most complete mediaeval buildings in Ireland - and also Dunluce Castle situated in a stunning position on a rocky outcrop near Portrush. The similarities with Scotland don't end there. There are some great links to golf and whiskey too, with the famous Bushmills Distillery situated in the village of the same name. Many County Antrim hotels are well placed to enjoy the country's best historic and natural charms.
The most remarkable natural attraction, and one of the most popular, is the Giant's Causeway; formed from strange and beautiful geometric basalt columns, but it forms just a part of a stunning and dramatic coastline which has long played a role in the history of Northern Ireland and in housing its best loved resorts, towns and cities. The ports at Larne and Belfast connect the country with the UK mainland and the historic sea trade from Belfast has been the lifeblood of the country and a major source of the wealth and development of Northern Ireland.
County Antrim hotels on the coast, and especially those connected with the seaside resorts, will be very much tailored for leisure travellers and may have extended facilities for families. Some will be of the grand traditional type and others of a more intimate and charming stature but all will provide convenient access to the seaside attractions and activities. There are some great country hotels which are extensive resorts in themselves and are often associated with golf courses and a myriad of other recreational and leisure options. These kinds of establishments cater well for business too, in the form of corporate retreats and for hosting conference events, employing first class contemporary hospitality which extends to private celebrations too, such as weddings.
In Belfast and the larger towns such as Lisburn, the County Antrim hotels are likely to be more business-oriented to accommodate the great numbers of people who come to Northern Ireland with work in mind. Many such hotels were built during the golden age of industry and they retain all the style and character of their age and status. They are sure to have terrific bar, lounge and dining facilities and the guest rooms and suites will be spacious and often styled with period features to suit the property. They will however be well equipped for business too through a range of guest facilities and features.
Other County Antrim hotels, situated in the main urban areas, will be of the stunning modern types which dominate all the great world cities. These will certainly be ready for business through meeting rooms and conference spaces and with business centres equipped with print, copy and fax facilities. Whether in a traditional or modern hotel of a large stature, guest rooms will generally feature internet connectivity, international direct dial telephones, work desks, and satellite televisions with access to business and finance channels as well as pay per view movies.
British Pound Currency
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