Belfast International (BFS) - approximately 30 minutes from Royal Hillsborough
Dublin International (DUB) - approximately 90 minutes from Royal Hillsborough
FLYING IN
Whichever airport you choose, we recommend renting a car and exploring the Irish countryside. It is peak of lambing season in March, so you can expect to see sweet baby sheep all over the hills.
We recommend picking a small rental car as roadways in some areas can be narrow and you will be driving on the opposite side of the road - a small learning curve! We found drivers in Ireland to be exceptionally kind as we got used to the roads.
There are taxi services between the airports, however, we think Ireland is best explored on your own wheels and own time.
GETTING AROUND
For non-immediate family or friends attending that are not staying on property, we can recommend the below as options for hoteling.
There are a endless VRBO and AirBnB properties in the surrounding areas that may be options as well.
Arthur’s of Hillsborough
4-6 Main St, Hillsborough BT26 6AE, United Kingdom
3-star hotel
The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast
1-3 Great Victoria St, Belfast BT2 7BQ, United Kingdom
5-star hotel
LODGING
Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and the Great British Pound (GBP) is the most widely-used currency.
If you are traveling around the country and are in the Republic of Ireland, the Euro is used instead.
See current exchange rates.
Most major credit cards are accepted and we encourage you to use one with no foreign transaction fees. Please be aware that American Express is not widely accepted across the UK and Ireland so plan to have an alternative form of payment (Mastercard, Discover, Visa).
INTERNATIONAL CURRENCY
WEATHER EXPECTATIONS
In late March, Northern Ireland's weather is transitioning to spring, with average highs around 47−50∘F and lows in the mid-30s∘F
It is a period of changeable conditions, so be prepared for rain showers, with about 12-15 rainy days in the month. Expect cool and breezy weather and pack layers.
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a digital travel document for visitors who don't need a visa for short stays in the UK, allowing them to travel or transit through the country.
The UK ETA is digitally attached to your passport and takes only a few minutes to apply for.