Meet Our Northern Ireland Experts

Our team of local writers live and breathe Northern Ireland. From Belfast's bustling streets to the wild Atlantic coast, they bring you authentic, first-hand insights you won't find anywhere else.

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Sarah McKenna

Food & Culture Writer
📍 Belfast, County Antrim

Born and raised in Belfast, Sarah has spent the last 28 years exploring every corner of Northern Ireland's culinary scene. After completing her degree in Hospitality Management at Ulster University, she worked in several of Belfast's top restaurants before turning her passion for food and storytelling into a career in travel writing.

Sarah's expertise lies in uncovering hidden food gems across all six counties, from traditional Irish pubs serving authentic Ulster Fry to innovative modern bistros pushing culinary boundaries. She's particularly passionate about Northern Ireland's food producers, regularly visiting farmers markets and artisan makers.

When she's not writing, you'll find Sarah hosting food tours around Belfast's Cathedral Quarter or testing new recipes inspired by traditional Irish cooking with a modern twist.

Belfast Food Scene Traditional Irish Cuisine Artisan Producers Restaurant Reviews
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Connor O'Neill

Adventure & Outdoor Specialist
📍 Portstewart, County Londonderry

At 32, Connor has spent more than half his life exploring Northern Ireland's rugged coastlines and wild landscapes. Growing up in Portstewart gave him an intimate knowledge of the Causeway Coast, where he learned to surf at age 12 and has been chasing waves ever since.

As a qualified hiking guide and water sports instructor, Connor brings professional expertise to his adventure writing. He's walked every major trail in the country multiple times, from the Mourne Mountains to the Sperrins, and knows the best spots for kayaking, coasteering, and wild swimming across Northern Ireland's dramatic coastline.

Connor's mission is to show visitors that Northern Ireland is an outdoor adventure playground, whatever the weather. His practical guides include everything from gear recommendations to tide times, ensuring safe and memorable experiences.

Coastal Walks Surfing & Water Sports Mountain Hiking Wildlife Watching
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Aoife Doherty

History & Heritage Expert
📍 Derry/Londonderry City

Aoife's 35 years in Derry have given her an unparalleled understanding of Northern Ireland's complex and fascinating history. With a Masters in Irish History from Queen's University Belfast and five years working as a museum curator, she brings academic rigor combined with storytelling flair to her writing.

Her specialty is bringing history to life through the places, people, and stories that shaped Northern Ireland. From ancient monastic sites to the Troubles tourism trail, from Norman castles to Victorian architecture, Aoife connects past and present in ways that resonate with modern travelers.

She's also deeply involved in Derry's vibrant arts scene, regularly attending exhibitions, festivals, and performances. This combination of historical knowledge and contemporary cultural awareness makes her guides both informative and engaging.

Irish History Medieval Sites Cultural Heritage Museums & Galleries
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James Wilson

Rural Tourism & Local Experiences
📍 Ballymena, County Antrim

James grew up on a family farm outside Ballymena and has spent his 29 years developing a deep connection to Northern Ireland's rural heartland. While many focus on coastal attractions, James champions the authentic experiences found in the countryside - from traditional music sessions in village pubs to farm stays and artisan food trails.

After studying Agricultural Tourism at college, James worked to develop agri-tourism initiatives across Counties Antrim, Tyrone, and Armagh. He knows personally many of the farmers, craft producers, and small business owners who make rural Northern Ireland special, giving his writing an insider's authenticity.

James is passionate about sustainable tourism and showing visitors the "real" Northern Ireland beyond the major tourist sites. His guides help travelers connect with local communities and experience genuine Irish hospitality.

Farm Stays Traditional Music Craft Producers Country Walks

Why Trust NITourist?

Every article on NITourist is written by someone who lives in Northern Ireland and has personally experienced what they're writing about. We don't just copy information from other sites - we provide original insights, practical tips, and honest recommendations based on real local knowledge. All our content is regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.