The city of Belfast and the Causeway Coast have been named the number one region in the world to visit by Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2018 guide.
The travel year book highlights the top ten countries, cities, regions and best value destinations that Lonely Planet’s experts recommend travellers experience in 2018.
The book praises the Causeway Coast "whose timeless beauty and high-grade distractions - golf, whiskey and some of the world’s most famous rocks - are more popular now than ever".
Lonely Planet also hails the transformation of Belfast, proclaiming that the city is now "…full of hip neighbourhoods that burst with bars, restaurants and venues to suit all tastes" while the old docklands are now the vibrant Titanic Quarter, "home to fancy apartments and a sensational museum".
The guide suggests that in order to get a sense of the region travellers should take a black taxi tour to discover the political legacy of the troubles, before heading north for golf on Portstewart links, with food at nearby Harry’s Shack and a visit to the Giant’s Causeway.
James Smart, Lonely Planet’s Destination Editor for Britain and Ireland, said: "Belfast & the Causeway Coast topped our list of the top ten regions because it is deservedly now recognised as a must-visit destination by travellers from across the globe.
"Dynamic Belfast has put its troubled past behind it and is a city transformed, its streets packed with buzzing bars and great stories, while the coastline beyond boasts spectacular scenery and plenty of great diversions".
