Giant adventures in Northern Ireland’s unique accommodation

From voice-activated tree houses, glamping pods with all the mod cons, bubble domes perfect for star gazing and a barge docked in the shadow of Titanic Belfast, you don’t have to sacrifice luxury when it comes to quirky accommodation in Northern Ireland.

Complementing the stylish city hotels, castles steeped in history and friendly B&Bs are some wonderfully unusual holiday locations, all with bags of attitude and brought to life by the giant spirit of their owners.

Even Northern Ireland’s more opulent hotels can be unique when it comes to their history. What about a five-star hotel which was once a bank headquarters and retains the trappings of a building which was designed to be elegant, substantial and prosperous?

Perfect for a romantic break, most of Northern Ireland’s brilliant places to stay are less than two hours from Dublin, ensuring you’re only a small step from a giant adventure.

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Tourism Northern Ireland has compiled the following list of quirky and exclusive accommodation just up the road.

The Merchant Hotel, Belfast

If you prefer your retreat with a more urban piquancy, the five-star Merchant Hotel is just the place. This former bank headquarters, with an unforgettable blend of Art Deco chic and Victorian pomp, makes for a sumptuous stay. A stunning luxury spa, fine dining, glorious afternoon teas and exclusive fashion boutique await your arrival. High above the city, a rooftop hot tub and spa affords panoramic city views. And with the Cathedral Quarter on your doorstep, you can bank on a great trip.

The Grand Opera House has a long and distinguished history and is probably the best known of all Belfast theatres, so book a ticket for shows like the Life of Pi, Sister Act and Shrek the Musical this spring. Some of Northern Ireland’s finest actors have left audiences spellbound at Belfast’s famous Lyric Theatre. Highlights include Little Women and The Agreement at this riverside theatre and while there, you can visit renowned artist Colin Davidson’s permanent exhibition.

Balance Treehouse, Co Armagh

Ever dreamt of staying in a real-life luxury treehouse in an Area of Outstanding Beauty? Look no further than the Balance Treehouse in the Ring of Gullion. A unique, handcrafted property boasting a natural, rustic look with full modern connectivity (we’re talking voice commands) allowing guests to relax and immerse in nature. Accessed via a private rope bridge, the tree house boasts a hot tub, outdoor hammock, outdoor shower and a glass roof for star gazing.

Just 30 minutes away is the Game of Thrones Studio Tour, just off the A1 at Banbridge. This immersive and interactive experience takes visitors beyond the Seven Kingdoms through iconic sets. From the Great Hall of Winterfell where Jon Snow was declared “King in the North”, to hundreds of iconic costumes worn by the cast, the family-friendly Game of Thrones Studio Tour has it all. Discover the secrets of film-making, and the artistry that brought HBO’s hit TV series to life.

Aurora North Coast, Co Antrim

Crafted by hand, Aurora’s twin log cabins are the first of their kind in Ireland and offer a unique blend of rustic beauty and modern five-star luxury for year-round escapes in comfort and style. Complete with wood burners, supersized beds, outdoor hot tubs and private verandas, this deluxe self-catering accommodation is just one mile from the iconic Giant’s Causeway and the historic village of Bushmills. Check out the accommodation here.

Claim your certificate for crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge! It’s much sturdier now than when it was originally built by salmon fishermen over 350 years ago, yet this experience never fails to stir the senses. Feel the strong Atlantic breeze blowing through your hair and taste the salty ocean spray on your skin as you step out for an exhilarating experience. If you prefer to view the bridge from an alternative perspective, you can always see what it looks like from the water with Causeway Coast Kayaking Tours.

Finn Lough Resort & Spa, Co Fermanagh

At the 75-acre Finn Lough Resort & Spa you’ll drop off to sleep gazing at the stars in your exclusive, secluded and unique forest bubble dome. Lie back on your four-poster bed and marvel at the night sky. In the morning, step outside and get back to exploring nature with kayaks, bikes, fishing and bushcraft experiences all literally on your doorstep, before coming back that evening to relax in the one-of-a-kind spa. Nestled among the enchanting woodland, a new spa, Awen Springs set to open this year will feel akin to the balmy cenotes of Mexico and allow guests to enjoy a revitalising swim in a natural pool housed within a large circular glass dome.

The Boatyard Distillery is an award-winning, farm-to-bottle distillery located on the banks of Lough Erne. Local and internationally sourced organic ingredients are chosen for each product – for the gin botanical, Sweet Gale is foraged from the family bog, while the wheat used in the vodka comes straight from the nearest fields. How’s that for local? Book a tour and learn some of the secrets for yourself before enjoying a wee dram.

Sperrin View Glamping, Co Tyrone

The unique Sperrin View Glamping is situated in Northern Ireland’s only designated dark sky park. Each pod comes equipped with a viewing window allowing you to lie in bed as you witness crystal clear views of the constellations. Sleeping up to five people with a kitchenette and a hot tub, coupled with firepits perfect for toasting marshmallows and s’mores, it’s the ideal location to go ‘off-grid’ in style.

Deep within this beautiful landscape, lie three gentle and majestic giants, standing proudly in their kindred locations. Together, the trio form the Sperrin Sculpture Trail, a new art installation created by world acclaimed artist, Thomas Dambo, to showcase the geology, archaeology and heritage of the Sperrins, while also tapping into Northern Ireland’s giant legacy of myth, legend and folklore. Make sure to pack your walking boots.

Barge at Titanic, Belfast

With stunning views overlooking Titanic Belfast and boasting two lavish “apartments” inside called Harland and Wolff, Nolly is a refurbished barge sitting proudly in Belfast Marina. Imagine waking up on the water surrounded by hundreds of years of history in the famous dockland area. The classy and comfortable interior of Barge at Titanic accommodates four people and includes a livingroom with a projector, outdoor deck, master bedroom, full bathroom with onshore-style toilets and shower, a bunk room and kitchenette.

The shimmering star-shaped Titanic Belfast is the biggest and best experience of the world’s most famous ship – and it’s even better following a recent major refurbishment and the addition of new rare artefacts. Take your time and enjoy the journey over nine interactive galleries featuring special effects, dark rides and full-scale reconstructions. Pop into the old drawing office which is now the Titanic Hotel for lunch or a drink in this historic reformed building.

For great value spring offers check out discovernorthernireland.com. Sign up to the Discover Northern Ireland newsletter to get inspiration and ideas straight to your inbox