NOW GO THERE

Where to stay, eat and what to do along the Northern Ireland Seafood Trails

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HOW TO GET THERE

Aer Lingus has flights to Belfast from 20 UK cities, including Edinburgh, Cardiff, Manchester and London.

aerlingus.com

For a no-fly option, Stena Line operates daily car ferry sailings from Cairnryan, in Dumfries and Galloway, and from Liverpool. From £149 one way with a car and from £36 on foot.

stenaline.co.uk

GETTING AROUND

• Distances between ports along the coast roads are short so car hire - or bringing your own car on the ferry - is a convenient option.

• Ulsterbus operates a good timetable of buses along the coast roads, from Rostrevor to Londonderry. Cost-saving day, weekly and monthly travelcards are available. For timetables, routes and tickets, see translink.co.uk.

• The car and passenger ferry from Strangford village to Portaferry sails 364 days a year (weekdays, 7.30am to 10.30pm; Saturdays, 8am to 11pm; Sundays, 9.30am to 10.30pm); £7.70 one way for a car and driver; £1.30 for passengers. nidirect.gov.uk/ articles/strangford-ferry- timetable#toc-1.

• Reach the Giant's Causeway from Belfast's Grand Central Station by taking a train to Coleraine then the 402 bus. translink.co.uk.

• Book in advance for the Rathlin Island ferry crossings, up to nine sailings daily. The summer timetable ends on 30 September. £8 for an adult, £4 child. (Bring cash for the bus to the RSPB reserve; £6pp return.) rathlin-ferry.com.

ACCOMMODATION

HILLYARD HOUSE HOTEL, CASTLEWELLAN

Next to Castlewellan Forest Park, this boutique hotel has comfy rooms, a stylish bar and a classic menu at its ground-floor restaurant The Yard. Dinner, bed and breakfast deals available.

hillyard-house.co.uk

STORMONT HOTEL, BELFAST

This hotel adjacent to the Stormont Estate and the historic Parliament building offers a super comfy four-star treat with cloud-like beds.