Travelling to Northern Ireland

Yes. The days of winging it are long gone. Many places will already be booked up.

You will probably be able to find somewhere at short notice but it will be what is left. It may not be where you want to be, or a lot more expensive or the opposite and very basic...

If you want to ensure your first choice (or 2nd or 3rd), then yes.

Thanks I’ll take your advice!