Northern Ireland is such an underrated destination for a UK staycation, but rather than just planning a Belfast city break, why not make your trip memorable with one of these unique places to stay in Northern Ireland?
From unique hotels in Northern Ireland to quirky glamping, Northern Ireland has so much to offer in terms of exciting accommodation options from Belfast to Ballycastle.
With the uncertainty of travel, all of these places can be booked either on Booking.com or directly with the hotel to give you the best options for free cancellations should something unexpected happen.
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Quirky places to stay: Northern Ireland – Belfast accommodation
A Barge in Belfast
What could be more unusual than staying in a beautifully converted barge in the centre of Belfast?
Not only is this boat moored in a great location, the interior is also beautifully designed and you’re just a short walk from the SSE Arena and other main attractions like the Titanic Belfast and St George’s Market. In fact, you can see the Titanic Belfast from the boat dock.
There’s a great deck to sip a drink or two while you enjoy the waterfront views from one of the most unique stays in Northern Ireland!
Funky Industrial Apartment near Belfast with hot tub
If you prefer to stay a little outside the main city, then this unique apartment just 14 miles from Belfast is perfect!
The dark wood, exposed piping and dark red accessories give this a really great moody, industrial aesthetic with the added bonus that this location has a hot tub!
If you prefer to have your own space with kitchen amenities, full bathroom, an outdoor terrace and free parking, this is a great option.
The Merchant Hotel, Belfast
If you prefer staying in hotels over apartments then this chic hotel is perfect to add some glitz and glamour to your stay in Belfast.
The Merchant is the only 5-star hotel in Belfast and it’s also home to an award-winning cocktail bar, its Great Room restaurant has 2 AA rosettes for culinary excellence and it’s also home to the only jazz club in the city of Belfast.
All rooms are either Victorian themed or Art Deco themed and the attention to detail is stunning in each, with huge beds, full in-room amenities, free standing baths and huge bathrooms.
The added bonus is The Merchant’s location right in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
The Merchant is one of the best places to stay in Northern Ireland for special occasions, romantic getaways or a special treat.
The Harrison Chambers of Distinction
If you’re looking for quirky hotels in Northern Ireland that are slightly more budget friendly, the Harrison Chambers of Distinction is ideal.
The romantic, bohemian aesthetic with four poster beds, floral wallpaper, roll top baths and baroque detail make this a really unique place to stay.
It’s not as centrally located in Belfast as The Merchant, but it’s closer to the Belfast Airport.
Cool places to stay in Northern Ireland beyond Belfast
The Old Bushmills Barn
If you’re visiting Northern Ireland, chances are you want to visit the Giant’s Causeway.
This stunning, modern barn conversion is just 2.4 miles from the Giant’s Causeway and perfect if you’re looking for unique places to stay near Giant’s Causeway.
The barn can sleep up to seven, so it’s great for those looking for places to stay in Northern Ireland for large groups.
The barn’s modern main room with vaulted ceiling is stunning and the accommodation also comes with four bathrooms, balconies, a tennis court, gardens, fully equipped kitchen and large lounge areas
Ballylough House
If you’d prefer to stay in a hotel near the Giant’s Causeway, Ballylough House is a stunning country manor with a sweeping grand staircase, modern bathrooms and charming rooms, plus breakfast is included with all bookings.
With a sun terrace, huge garden, plenty of outdoor activities nearby, this is the perfect location if you’re planning a Causeway Coast trip.
Salthouse Lodges Chalet with sea views near Ballycastle
Ballycastle is another great location to base yourself in if you want to explore everything the Coast has to offer.
The Salthouse Lodges are modern chalets with floor to ceiling windows showing beautiful views of the sea and landscape around them.
The lodges are self-contained with a terrace, full kitchen and parking. They sleep up to 4.
Duneden Bell Tent Glamping Northern Ireland
If you’re searching for the perfect Northern Ireland glamping accommodation, this gorgeous bell tent is what you need.
Located in a quiet and private garden area, guests can enjoy a terrace, picnic area, kitchenette and free parking.
The gorgeous tent has all the VIP festival vibes but in the calming Northern Irish countryside.
The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat
The quirky name instantly sets the tone for this cosy yet stylish hotel and spa located lakeside in Templepatrick.
The warm, earthy tones with industrial touches gives this a comfortable but modern vibe with beautiful amenities including an open-air spa facility.
Rooms are cosy but spacious with exposed beams and some even come with a private terrace and outdoor spa bath in your own secluded oasis.
This is a real treat that combines some of the most quirky accommodation Northern Ireland has to offer with the most welcoming and homely setting.
The Big Tiny House
If you’re on the hunt for places to stay in Northern Ireland with hot tub facilities – this is the perfect spot!
It sleeps 4 people so it’s perfect for a couples weekend or a girls getaway break!
The unique a-frame style is spacious but cosy with a log burner, outdoor terrace area and a loft plus full kitchen amenities.
There’s a covered deck area too, satellite tv and wifi, so whether you’re looking for a cosy winter escape or quirky places to stay in Northern Ireland during the summer, this is a great option.
Mourne Mountains Luxury Glamping Pods
Looking for unique stays in Northern Ireland’s Mourne Mountains? Look no further than the Leitrim Lodge glamping pods.
These compact and quirky pods come with EPIC mountain views from the floor to ceiling glass windows, private bathrooms, kitchenette and can sleep up to 4 with a double bed and bunk beds available in some of the pods.
These pods are a great option if you’re looking for unique places to stay in Northern Ireland for families where you can really connect with nature and make the most of your proximity to the beautiful Mourne Mountains.
The View 44 Newcastle
Another charming wood cabin, just a few miles from Slieve Donard and another great option for places to stay in Northern Ireland with a private hot tub.
This cute cabin sleeps up to 4 with two bedrooms, a private terrace and garden, kitchen and patio deck with hot tub.
The warm and cosy interior is complemented by the stunning mountain views from the deck and windows.
If you’re looking for a secluded option without being too remote, this is a great option for a romantic weekend break or a family staycation in Northern Ireland.
Dog Friendly Luxury Glamping Pods in Downpatrick
With stunning mountain views, a deck area and fire pit, cosy cabin interiors and dog friendly, this is the perfect family getaway in a unique stay in NI.
Close to Downpatrick and the coast, it’s a great option for a staycation from the city or a longer break to discover more of the area.
Secluded luxury country cottage with hot tub
If you’re ready to escape it all with a quiet weekend in the countryside, complete with a hot tub, this luxury cottage in the Northern Ireland countryside is for you!
In fact it’s so secluded, it’s perfect for stargazing!
This charming country cottage looks unassuming from the outside, but inside it’s a stunning combination of cosy cottage and modern amenities with a modern kitchen and bathroom, cosy aesthetic living space and stunning views from every single window!
It’s also very well located for exploring the Dromara Hills and the Mourne Mountains as well as plenty of cycle routes – perfect if you’re an outdoorsy couple looking to escape it all for a few days in one of the quirky stays Northern Ireland has to offer.
Rustic Log Cabin
Last but by no means least, this stunning rustic log cabin feels like you’ve escaped straight to the mountains of Colorado!
Located conveniently close to the border with Ireland, Greenvale Cabins offer this rustic log cabin as well as other cottage or cabin options which accommodate up to 8 people!
With a log burning stove, dark wood interior, exposed brick walls, stone sinks set on whiskey barrels in the bathroom and a hot tub in the garden, this really is a stylish but rustic escape for couples or families.
Summary: Unusual Places to stay in Northern Ireland
It’s easy to feel spoilt for choice when it comes to quirky accommodation options, especially with so many in Northern Ireland in stunning locations.
There are of course countless other options on Airbnb, Coolstays or QuirkyAccom, but Booking often offers the best options in terms of cancellations policies, fewer prepayment requirements and they’re very responsive should anything go wrong – making them a preferred choice in a time when travel can feel very uncertain.
Hopefully these locations have given you plenty of inspiration for making your Northern Ireland holiday memorable with one of these quirky stays and cool places to stay in Northern Ireland.
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