north ireland tour

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Northern Ireland Tours & Trips

Find the right tour for you through Northern Ireland. We've got 12 adventures going to Northern Ireland, starting from just 2 days in length, and the longest tour is 8 days. The most popular month to go is June, which has the largest number of tour departures.

12 Northern Ireland tour packages with 12 reviews

Giant's Causeway & Derry (Hotel) - 3 days

Giant's Causeway & Derry - 3 days

• Hiking & Trekking
• Coastal Walks

Walking the Antrim Coast

• In-depth Cultural

3-Day Discover Northern Ireland Small-Group Tour from Dublin

Stephanie was so knowledgeable and willing to share all the stories of Ireland and Northern Ireland, the history, the politics, agriculture, customs. She is a very good driver.

• Christmas & New Year

3 Day Causeway Coast, Derry & Fermanagh Lakelands from Belfast

Dublin, Belfast & Causeway Coast Small Group Rail Tour

The Antrim Coast and Glens Walking

Looking for tours beyond just northern ireland.

Explore tours with itineraries going through multiple countries, including Northern Ireland.

• Train & Rail

Independent Dublin & Belfast City Stay

• Coach / Bus

Into Northern Ireland (Hotel) - 3 days

Into Northern Ireland - 3 days

Northern Discovery

Northern ireland destinations.

• Ulster (10)

Travel Styles

• Small Group (4)
• Singles and Solo (10)
• For Couples (5)
• Seniors (8)
• Explorer (8)
• Fully Guided (7)
• Personalized (5)
• Private (5)
• 3 Day Tours (6)
• Spring 2024 (8)
• Summer 2024 (9)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (10)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (4)
• Spring 2025 (3)
• April 2024 (2)
• May 2024 (8)
• June 2024 (9)
• July 2024 (8)
• August 2024 (8)
• September 2024 (9)
• October 2024 (9)
• November 2024 (4)
• December 2024 (4)
• January 2025 (3)
• February 2025 (3)
• March 2025 (3)

Northern Ireland Tours starting in

• Starting in Dublin (5)

THE 10 BEST Northern Ireland Tours & Excursions

Northern ireland tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Northern Ireland Highlights Day Trip Including Giant's Causeway from Dublin

2. Giant’s Causeway Day Trip from Belfast

3. Dublin: Giants Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Dark Hedges and Belfast

4. Titanic Belfast Experience,Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle Day Trip from Dublin

5. Private Giants Causeway & Coastal Tour from Belfast in Luxury Mercedes

6. Giant's Causeway Tour from Belfast - Luxury Bus + Causeway Entry

7. Giants Causeway, Rope Bridge, Carrickfergus Castle and Dark Hedges Tour

8. A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour

9. Belfast Music Walking Tour

10. Titanic Belfast Entrance Ticket: Titanic Visitor Experience Including SS Nomadic

11. Cab Tours Belfast Famous Black Taxi Tours

12. Dublin: Giant's Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce and Belfast Titanic entrance fee

13. Game of Thrones and Giant's Causeway Full-Day Tour from Belfast

14. Giant's Causeway Tour Including Game of Thrones Locations

15. Unveiling Derry's Dark and Haunted Past: Private Self-Guided Tour

16. Private tour of the Antrim coast , Giants Causeway and Game of Throne locations

17. City Sightseeing Belfast Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

18. Giant's Causeway Day Tour from Dublin

19. Game of Thrones - Winterfell Trek from Dublin

20. Guided Day Tour of Giant's Causeway from Belfast by Comfortable Coach

21. Private Guided Walking Tour in Derry City

22. Shore Excursion: Giants Causeway Tour From Belfast Port

23. 2hours Belfast’s political war and peace private taxi tour

24. Giant's Causeway, Dark of Hedges & Titanic Day Tour From Dublin

25. Belfast Day Tour From Dublin: Including Titanic Experience

26. Belfast Political Tour-Conflicting Stories Walking Tour

27. Guided Day Tour: Giant's Causeway from Belfast

28. Giant Causeway, Dark Hedges & Whiskey Distillery tour from Dublin

29. Iconic Belfast Black Cab Tour

30. Giant's Causeway with the Titanic Exhibition and the best of Northern Ireland

What travelers are saying.

Welcome to our

Ireland's True North

A 5 day / 4 night tour of the North of Ireland (a very unique guided tour of Northern Ireland & Donegal)

Epic Northern Ireland

An incredible 5 day journey into the history, politics, culture and fun of the North and Donegal

Win a once in a lifetime tour of Ireland

Visit our Facebook or Instagram page to enter the competition. All you have to do is like, share and leave a comment as to what you'd most like to see on your visit to Ireland. Enter before February 1st to be in with a chance of winning a place on our April 2019 Wild Atlantic Tour.

Click Here to Enter

Black friday special offer.

Get €150 off your next  Wild Atlantic or Castles & Classics Essential Ireland Tours with this Black Friday special offer code: Ireland‍ or €115 of the True North Tours with this code: Ireland-North

Limited places so Book Now! Offer valid until 4 December

Price Per Person Sharing from only €1,099 to €1,499

Reserve place with 20% deposit, max tour sizes: 16 people.

Solo supplement of €400 applies to solo travellers, see FAQs for details. The €1,099 price applies to all our March tours  (€400 discount!)

Check Out our 2024 Dates!

Essential Ireland and Stephen McPhilemy offer a limited number of very popular tours to Northern Ireland and beautiful Ulster each year, all sell out. We are one of the few companies to offer a tour exclusively of Northern Ireland and Donegal!  Stephen McPhilemy has led Rick Steves tours through Northern Ireland for 20 years as part of longer all-Ireland tours and now, due to public demand, offers his own shorter 5 day tours focusing exclusively on the the highlights of  North of Ireland.  Book early to avoid disappointment

If a particular date does not suit your group please get in touch about organising a private tour

Click to See Dates

APRIL 2024: 1st April & 19th April - OPEN ‍ MAY 2024: 13th May & 20th - OPEN JUNE 2024: 3rd June - Open (email us to book) JULY 2024: 20th July - OPEN AUGUST 2024: 26th August - OPEN SEPTEMBER 2024: 2nd September - OPEN 23rd September - OPEN OCTOBER 2024: October 4th - OPEN October 22nd - OPEN Note: Over half of the departures for our 'True North' tours of Northern Ireland and Donegal have already sold out. To book a tour please click here or email Stephen McPhilemy and our team at [email protected]

Explore Northern Ireland with us, truly essential!

We at ‘Essential Ireland’ are passionate about including the beautiful and fascinating North of Ireland and Donegal in our tours. We highly recommend you visit!

Our tour-guests are fascinated by the story of Historic Derry, the beauty and legend of the Causeway, modern peaceful Belfast and its troubled past, the characters and the communities of this beautiful part of Ireland that only 25 years ago was a no-go zone for tourists and is now one of Europe’s top attractions.

On our Northern adventures we take pride into introducing you to the fun and endearing locals from both cultures and communities, the indigenous Irish community and Northern Ireland’s ethnic British culture.

We also venture into majestic Donegal, a remote magnificent corner of Ireland that is often overlooked by mainstream tours. Join us for a unique adventure!

Price: Only €1,150 per person

Highlights of our northern tour.

Walk the walled city of historic Derry (1613). See its fully intact 17th Century battlements

Enjoy the views from Grianan Aileach, a 3,700 year old ringfort while exploring beautiful Donegal

Experience the majestic Giants Causeway a natural phenomenon and UNESCO world heritage site

Learn of Belfast troubled past and wonderful peaceful present

Brave the famous Carrick a Rede rope bridge 100 ft above the rugged Antrim coast

Visit the world famous titanic experience and step back in time to a period of luxury & elegance

Visit Monasterboice a 5th Centruy Irish monastery and home to Muirdach's High Cross

Newgrange tombs - A 5,000 year old Tomb, a UNESCO world heritage site that is older than the pyramids of Egypt

Whats included in the tour package

All activities are fully covered in the Essential Ireland Tour Package

All Breakfasts are Included. From cooked gourmet feasts of eggs and bacon; and healthy fruit, homemade muesli and porridge

All accommodation costs are covered, you will stay in a range of luxury accommodation outlined below

All tips to guides, drivers, local guides, bar-staff, servers etc ALL covered while on a tour activity or meal

All transport , from luxury coach travel, shuttle buses, taxis etc used for tour activities are paid for.

Unlimited Snacks are provided while aboard our small luxury coach going from destination to destination.

3 picnic lunches are provided - hand-picked artisan Irish cheese board , cold meats, homemade breads and fresh-fruit

1 group meal by private chef serving local produce, this takes the form of a gala banquet.

What type of accommodation will I stay in?

We handpick quality accommodation based on quality, location, and the best customer-service on offer. We like to provide a balance between 5 star luxury hotels and also high-quality Guesthouses, to give a variety of experiences, we also offer one night in a traditional B&B to experience life with an Irish family environment ned world-class quality customer-service.

Our co-founder, Patrick, always like to remind guests that we “dont stay in generic big-brand hotels, we prefer to offer you historic and luxury homes of character, that have housed Hollywood stars and withstood sieges”.

Back to top

Overview of 5 day true north itinerary.

NORTHERN IRELAND & DONEGAL EXPERIENCE

5 DAYS AND 4 NIGHTS ( 2 NIGHTS IN DERRY & 2 IN BELFAST)

Day 1: Dublin to Belfast (2 nights) Highlights:

Welcome Irish-coffee

Tour ancient site of Monasterboice

Visit St. Peters Cathedral, Drogheda. See the head of St. Oliver Plunkett (yes, his head!)

Belfast City Tour

Day2: Belfast in-depth ‍ Highlights:

Black taxi-tour

World famous Titanic Experience

Pub tour of Belfasts pubs and drinking saloons.

Group dinner in Belfast

Day 3: Belfast to historic Derry (2 nights) Highlights:

Carrick a rede rope-bridge

The Giants Causeway UNESCO world heritage site

Dunluce Castle

Complimentary lunch at the wee cottage 

Award-winning Walking Tour of Historic Derry

Day 4: Derry in-depth ‍ ‍ Highlights:

Visit Derry’s historic guildhall & plantation museum.

Scenic day tour to rugged Donegal

Glenveagh National Park

Group lunch at ‘Leo’s’ - Enya’s family pub

Day 5: Derry/Londonderry to Dublin Highlights:

Grianan Aileach, ancient hilltop ring fort

Visit the Cathedral city of Armagh

Slane Castle & Distillery

Battle of the Boyne site.

Newgrange tombs - UNESCO world heritage site 

SEE NEXT TAB FOR DETAILED ITINERARY

DETAILED DAILY ITINERARY

a 'Welcome dinner' in ‘The Crown’

Belfast City Hall & City tour

[9am] Depart central Dublin. Pick up in one central location (for 2023 & 2024, the Leonardo Hotel at Christchurch Cathedral)

[10.30] Our first stop is the historic, and surprisingly - usually unvisited town of Drogheda. Destroyed by Oliver Cromwell in 1649. You’ll be hearing a lot about him on this tour, a lot!Visit the elaborate Chruch of St. Peter that resembles a grand medival Cathedral, maybe light a candle to invoke blessing on our travels and see the head of St. Oliver Plunkett (much different to the previous Oliver) who was hung, drawn and quartered in London in the year of Our Lord 1663 and whose head is preserved in an ornamental glass case beside the altar!

[11am] Coffee and a wee cream-bun on us!

[12 noon] Visit Monasterboice, glorious Monastic ruins deep in the countryside and lush farmland of County Louth. Learn of its majestic Round Tower and its famed Celtic-Christian High Crosses, the finest in Ireland. Your guide will help you recognise the messages and stories contained in the carvings. This is a truly special archeological site.

[2pm] Arrive in Belfast, the proud Northern capital. Free for lunch.

[3pm] We’ll enjoy a city tour and experience a good introduction to our temporary hometown, including the majestic Belfast City Hall.

[5pm] Check into our downtown hotel. Enjoy an included 'welcome dinner' together in the famous Victorian  ‘Crown Saloon’, maybe the most beautiful bar in the world!

Day 2: Belfast in-depth ‍ Highlights:

Queens University

[9.30am] After a delicious breakfast (perhaps you’ll try the traditional ‘Ulster Fry’) we will experience one of the most unique Belfast activities - the ‘Black Taxi tour’. Our hand-picked team of local black-cab drivers will bring us into the divided neighbourhoods of West Belfast. Learn of ‘the Troubles’, our 1969-1998 conflict which tore Northern Ireland apart, you’ll see the ‘Peace Wall’, the impactive political art and murals and all areas of political/historic interest. * note: every month the amount of actual London-style Black taxis in Belfast get fewer & fewer as drivers upgrade to more modern vehicles, which are not always Black! The tour will be as good as always, just not always guaranteed to be literally in a 'Black Taxi'.

[12noon]:  Visit Queens University Belfast. Free time for lunch

[1.30pm]: The afternoon is devoted to the epic Titanic Museum, voted the #1 visitor attraction in the world. (yes, the world!) . You’ll be amazed at this state of the art visitor centre, no expense has been spared to bring to life the story of one of the most famous ships in history, built in Belfast 1912.

[4pm]: Free time for shopping in Belfast’s Royal Victoria Avenue or sightseeing in gardens of City Hall, a short stroll from our hotel.

[7pm]: A free-evening to enjoy Belfast’s unique nightlife and meeting the lively locals.

Photo-stop at the Carrick a rede rope-bridge

Visit the famous Giants Causeway, UNESCO world heritage site

Tour Dunluce Castle

[9.30am]: After another tasty breakfast we’ll bid farewell to Belfast and take the scenic drive to the world-famous Antrim Coast, famed in song and story long before it hit the headlines as location for hit TV series ‘Game of Thrones’.

[11.30am]: Photostop at the carrick-a-rede rope bridge before we visit the masterpiece - the Giants Causeway, a UNESCO world heritage site and beautiful geological marvel. 60,000 Basalt pillars carved into hexagons by violent volcanic eruptions, though we’ll be happy to also share the story of how it was really built by Celtic Giant Finn McCool! Time to hike, enjoy the scenery, and explore the impressive interpretive centre.

[1pm]: Free for lunch at the Giants Causeway

[2pm]: Tour Dunluce Castle, ancestral home of the McDonnell clan and one of the most haunting ruins anywhere in Europe. Glorious scenery.

[4.30pm]: Arrive in historic Derry (founded 546 AD by St. Columba), aka Londonderry (1613). A walking tour around the city walls is the perfect introduction to Ireland’s most historic city.

[6pm] Check into our city-centre hotel and enjoy free time in Historic Derry.  Evening free for dinner, but we offer an evening of music in Peadar O’Donnells historic pub, which  Tour-Guests enjoy immensely due to our subtle small-group size, a great chance to meet the locals.

Day 4: Derry & Donegal in-depth ‍ Highlights:

[10am] Our daily offering of authentic Irish experiences and activities begins with a visit to the Guildhall, Derry’s ornate city hall that resembles a Cathedral, complete with the largest organ in Ireland.

[11am] We’ll depart on the coach for our fun, relaxing day trip to beautiful Donegal. A short drive over the border.

[12noon] Visit Glenveagh National Park. We’ll tour the castle and you’ll have free time to roam its lakeside lush gardens carved from this rugged Irish valley.

[2pm] Enjoy a group lunch in West Donegal Gaeltacht. Our friend Bartley, is brother of grammy winner Enya and runs his family pub ‘Leo’s Tavern’, far off the beaten path, fine food and great fun.

[4pm] A scenic drive through the highlands of Donegal back to the city of Derry.

[7pm] A grand finale group-dinner in historic Derry.

Day 5: Derry (a.k.a. Londonderry) to Dublin ‍ Highlights:

• Morning free to enjoy Historic Derry. Visit Armagh City. Photostop at Slane Castle

[11am] Farewell to the North-west. We shall drive through the rolling farmland of County Tyrone.

[12.30am] Visit the Cathedral city of Armagh, found by St. Patrick in the 5th century and its 2 Cathedral’s, both named in his honour, are now the HQ for both the Catholic Church and Church of Ireland (Protestant)

[2pm] Photo-stop atidyllic Slane Castle on the banks of the River Boyne, learn of the Battle of the Boyne (1690) fought long the Riverbank between Catholic James II and his Protestant nephew (and son-in-law) William of Orange.

[3pm] Arrive back in Dublins fair city, where we will say our goodbyes and drop you safely back to your hotel (or to Dublin airport).

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat, may the road rise to meet you.

Ireland's true north tour dates 2019

We run a limited number of tours each year, book early to avoid disappointment

July 7th to July 11th - SOLD OUT

September 8th to September 12th

Check Out our 2020 Dates!

Sunday 5th April - Thursday 9th April

Sunday 13th September - Thursday 17th September

Reserve your space with a 20% deposit 

Contact Us to Find Out More

Any Questions we are happy to help!

OUR GALLERY

One of the unique features of Essential Ireland Tours is that we bring our own in-house professional travel-photographer and videographer with us on all tours.

Stephen McPhilemy and Patrick Wade are the co-founders of Essential Ireland Tours. One Irish and one Irish-American, they met 20 years ago while Patrick was backpacking through Ireland and Stephen was his tour-guide. Two decades later they (and their Irish Wolfhounds) are experienced and respected figures in the Irish tour and hospitality scene with a passion for providing high quality tours. Authentic Irish experiences for unbeatable value.

Founded by Stephen McPhilemy and Patrick Wade. Essential Ireland's mission is to introduce its guests to wonderful Irish experiences in small groups that allow them to see the real Ireland.

Wade McPhilemy Teo, company reg # 535035, registered in Ireland

Milltown House, Dingle, County Kerry, V92DP93

[email protected]

(+353) 83 1477 363

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• Accommodation in Belfast
• Activities & Attractions in Belfast
• Food & Drink in Belfast
• What's On in Belfast
• Accommodation in Derry~Londonderry
• Activities & Attractions in Derry/Londonderry
• Food & Drink in Derry/Londonderry
• What's On in Derry/Londonderry
• Accommodation on the Causeway Coastal Route
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• Accommodation in County Antrim
• Activities & Attractions in County Antrim
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• What's On in County Armagh
• Accommodation in County Down
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• What's On in County Down
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• What's On in County Fermanagh
• Accommodation in County Tyrone
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• The Giant Spirit Experience Collection
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• Economusees - Artisans at work
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Accommodation

Welcome to Northern Ireland

We are delighted to welcome you to Northern Ireland. Take a small step and start planning your next giant adventure today.

We’ll provide trip inspiration and local tips on where’s good to go. You’re about to discover a true hidden gem which tucks in more amazing, truly memorable experiences than you could ever imagine. And they’re all just a stone’s throw away from each other. With your every step, you’ll uncover something surprising and new, filling your trip with delightful holiday memories.

We have wild, rugged coastlines that demand awe and adventure. Gently unfolding rural landscapes filled with trails, local stories and nature. Buzzing cityscapes and towns, flowing with life and urban exploration. Cafes, hotels, guesthouses, campsites, attractions and experiences that wrap you in a warm, giant welcome. You might be planning just a short getaway, but we hope you’ll be dreaming of coming back before you’ve even left. 

Discover it all in Northern Ireland

The adventure never stops, regardless of the weather. Even just down the road, it can feel like a totally different season. Plan for long sunny days spent on the magnificent mile-long beaches of Portstewart, Portrush and Newcastle, or hours of fascination exploring our industrial heritage while waiting for rainclouds to race away. You might say it’s the best of all worlds. Here we just say it’s another great day in Northern Ireland.

Giant Adventures, Giant Feasts, and Giant Welcomes

As the official tourism body of Northern Ireland, we’re not just here to inspire you. We’re here to help you make the most out of every memorable moment on your trip.

Have a look around here and see what captures your imagination. The sights, places and things you most want to see and do. Where you’d most like to stay, from the splendid luxury of our very best boutique hotels to a rambling camper van or family campsite with outrageous views. Along the way, you might stumble across something unexpected and exciting that you just have to try. We’ve plenty of inspiration and information for that too.

Explore, plan, and more

We’ve all got a different sense of adventure. Whatever you’re looking for in a break, we’ll help guide you with the right information and inspiration. From rugged backpackers and scratch golfers, to bookworms and fun-packed family holiday lovers, and everything in between. 

Beyond pure inspiration, you’ll also find practical advice, insider tips, guides, maps, and entertaining and informative blog posts for even more of a flavour of what makes this unique place tick. So, let's get started... we’re ready when you are!

• Food & Drink
• Dogs accepted by arrangement
• Dogs Welcome Inside
• Dogs Accepted Inside
• Gym On Premises
• Free (parking charges may apply)
• Car parking
• Off site parking
• On site parking
• Parking (charge)
• Parking (free)
• Restaurant on Premises
• Restaurant on site
• Indoor pool
• Outdoor pool
• Swimming Pool On Premises
• Wi-fi available

Awaken your Giant Spirit

During the construction of Belfast Grand Central Station, public transport and road users are advised to plan their journeys in advance to incorporate guidance around the ongoing engineering works.

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Explore the captivating beauty and rich history of Northern Ireland with our expertly guided tours. From the iconic Giant’s Causeway and the enchanting landscapes of the Antrim Coast to the vibrant city of Belfast , our Northern Ireland tours offer an unforgettable journey through this diverse region. Immerse yourself in the stories of its ancient castles , delve into the Troubles’ history , and savor the warmth of its people. Whether you’re drawn to natural wonders , cultural heritage , or modern urban charm , our Northern Ireland tours promise an enriching and unique travel experience .

Northern Ireland Highlights:

• City Breaks – Belfast, Derry, Armagh & Newry
• Northern Ireland Equestrian Tours
• Northern Ireland Golf Tours 
• Game of Thrones Filming Locations & Studio
• Signature Experiences – Across Northern Ireland

Private driver tours with seasoned, local experts:

• Experts with local knowledge of Northern Ireland .
• Friendly, knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated team of Northern Ireland Travel Specialists.
• Brack Tours’ staff have accumulated over 80 years travel industry experience . Beginning with tour planning and coordination. Extending to guiding and transportation.
• Our dedicated team is committed to our environmental values through our Green Tourism advocacy.
• Our tour prices are inclusive with no hidden extras .
• We instill a very flexible approach to individual requests.

Request a Quote

Northern ireland tours.

A Tale of Two Cities

Gems of scotland and northern ireland.

Equestrian Experience Northern Ireland Tour

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Client Testimonials

“It was a trip well-worth the wait! What was to be our 50th wedding anniversary trip turned out to be our 52nd, and it couldn’t have been better! The weather was definitely conducive to our enjoying ourselves wherever we traveled on our journey. Brian Cocoran and our bus driver, Dennis, were the perfect match to deliver a great tour of Ireland. We especially enjoyed our first hotel – Grand Central – in the heart of Belfast and the rest of the time we spent in Northern Ireland, other than one shower accommodation. From Galway to Dublin, the rest of our trip couldn’t have offered any more than what we always pictured Ireland to be with its high rocky cliffs along the ocean to its very green pastures and hills with plenty of cows and sheep and rock walls. The food was delicious, and we especially loved our “99s” that we looked for wherever we went. We loved it all! Thank you Brack Tours for a grand Irish tour!”

“Thanks again for the wonderful preparation work you did for us, we had a fabulous time! Notably, the driving between destinations worked out very well. As such, we didn’t have to spend so much of our time reaching the next hotel. The hotels that you had chosen for us were all very lovely with friendly members of staff and they were very informative. The Cliff House in Ardmore was beyond our expectations. We really needed to spend a few more nights here. A lot to do and see and we will plan to make arrangement to spend more time here next time we are in Ireland.”

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Amazing cliff-walks, Game of Thrones adventures, Titanic attractions – let Northern Ireland stir your soul.

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A Northern Ireland adventure

When it comes to accolades, Northern Ireland has it covered. Come here and you can experience what's been called "one of the greatest drives on earth" (The Causeway Coastal Route), "the best place to spend Halloween" (Derry~Londonderry), and Golf Digest's number one golf course in the world (Royal County Down). But there's more to Northern Ireland than epic sights and world-class experiences – there's a spirit. This is a land that resounds with myths from the Sperrin Mountains to the Giant's Causeway. It's a place of unbridled creativity, from the music scene in Belfast to literary greats both, past and present. And it's hub of great food, with cutting-edge restaurants and cosy old pubs.

Blackhead Lighthouse, County Antrim

Embrace a giant spirit

In Northern Ireland, you're never far from a memory in the making. Walk the 16th century walls of Derry~Londonderry. Paddle through the inky waters of Lough Erne, studded with islands where Celts, Vikings and Christian monks have all left their mark. Or discover Westeros on a Game of Thrones® tour of iconic filming locations. But, remember, for every showstopping sight, there's a quiet moment that will stay with you forever. If you're looking for somewhere to nourish your spirit, Northern Ireland is it.

Dunluce Castle

“The dramatic ruin of Dunluce Castle, perched on a rocky cliff above the Atlantic and accessed by a dizzying bridge, looks like the site of a fantasy novel.” – National Geographic

County Antrim

Bushmills Inn, County Antrim

“With its peat fires, cosy snugs and heavenly food, the Causeway Coast’s historic coaching inn is the perfect winter retreat.” – The Guardian

Far and Wild Tours

“Derry Girls has shone a spotlight on everything from the city’s bakery items to its distinctive lingo, and turned Northern Ireland’s second city into the latest must-visit destination for tourists.” – Irish Times

Derry~Londonderry

Enniskillen Castle

“Enniskillen, the "capital" of Fermanagh, nestles between Lower and Upper Lough Erne in a splendid region of lakes and hills.” – The Michelin Green Guide

County Fermanagh

Royal County Down Golf Course

“On a clear spring day, with Dundrum Bay to the east, the Mountains of Mourne to the south and gorse-covered dunes in golden bloom, there is no lovelier place in golf.” – Golf Digest

County Down

Armagh Food and Cider Festival

“Aptly named The Orchard County, you might say that Armagh is the perfect destination for a cider festival.” – Lovin.ie

County Armagh

Discover Northern Ireland with the locals

Delve into a giant adventure and explore a legendary coastline with local guide Flip

Three words to sum up Northern Ireland? Magnificent, mighty, and memorable! Flip, Giant Tours Ireland

Uncover the best of Northern Ireland

Explore the Causeway Coastal Route

Great days out

Great Game of Thrones® locations

10 amazing places

Explore northern ireland.

Favourite places, top trips and standout experiences

Giant's Causeway

10 top Northern Ireland experiences

Northern ireland.

Causeway Coastal Route

Belfast: top 9 attractions

Derry Girls

Derry-Londonderry

Literary legend: Seamus Heaney

Londonderry

Music in Belfast

Game of Thrones® experiences

Slow adventure in Northern Ireland

Derry~Londonderry: top experiences

The Gobbins Cliff Path

Explore Derry~ Londonderry

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Northern Ireland highlights

Get out and about with these great experiences

Cranfield Alpacas Experience

Crindle Bespoke

Discover Scuba Diving by Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Portstewart

Taste and Tour NI

Erne Water Taxi

Enniskillen

Far and Wild

Mobile Team Adventure

Strangford Lough Activity Centre

White River Charters

The Copeland Distillery Tour

Finnebrogue Woods Gourmet Wild Food and Foraging

Downpatrick

Foraging in the Foothills - Mountain Ways Ireland

Belfast Artisan Gin School

Enniskillen Taste Experience

Mussenden Unwind

Hinch Distillery Tours

Ballynahinch

Long Meadow Cider Farm Tour and Tasting Experience

The Boatyard Distillery

Économusée Artisan Chocolate Making Experiences at The Chocolate Manor

The Echlinville Distillery

Tracey's Farmhouse Kitchen Experience

Wee Buns Cookery School

Woodlab Distillery

Killowen Distillery Tour & Tasting

Bakehouse NI

Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre

Walled City Brewery

54.9923883297495 -7.30934143066406

Belfast Music Walking Tour

DC Tours - Belfast Walking Tours

Gobbins Studio Économusée - Audrey Kyle Art

Islandmagee

Jewellery Making Experience with NI Silver

Seamus Heaney HomePlace

Seedhead Arts Street Art Walking Tour

Unearthing Macha

Brook Hall Estate & Gardens

Glenarm Castle & Garden

If Buildings Could Talk Tour

Roots Revealed

Titanic Belfast

Clifftop Experience (Away A Wee Walk)

Cavehill Walking Tours

Celtic Pendant Woodturning Experience

Derrie Danders Walking and Audio Tours

OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory

Davagh Forest

Xhale: Awaken Your Senses

Belfast Traditional Music Trail

Ballycastle Traditional Music Trail

Ballycastle

Irish FA Tours

Bike Mourne

Following Seas

Carrickfergus

Waterman House Cookery School

Coast & Country Foodie Tour Experience

Wild Atlantic Distillery Gin School & Distillery Tour

The Saint Patrick Centre

Ulster Museum

Montalto Estate

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Royal Hillsborough

Ulster American Folk Park

Ulster Folk Museum

Lough Foyle Trail

Giant Tours Ireland

NearyNogs Chocolate

Feel the stresses and strains of daily life vanish in the presence of beautiful animals and majestic scenery of the Mourne Mountains.

Explore Northern Ireland with Crindle Bespoke at Crindle Stables, offering exclusive horseback rides in stunning landscapes. Whether a seasoned rider or first-timer, experience beaches, countryside, or private estates, with tailored options like picnics, dining, tea, whiskey, or photography. The Patterson family provides warm hospitality, making it perfect for elopements, family adventures, or bucket list experiences. No riding experience needed – just bring your sense of adventure!

Dive into a new and exciting world with Aquaholics. Hop aboard the Aquaholics dive vessel for a unique, world-class experience along the coastline to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Here you’ll be briefed, kitted-up and then jumping overboard for an exciting scuba dive in the stunningly clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean below the rope bridge.

Enjoy the multi award-winning Belfast Food Tour or choose from a variety of other tours including Sensorium, an interactive sensory cocktail experience, as well as bespoke private tours and corporate experiences.

See Lough Erne your way with Erne Water Taxi's chauffeur driven boats. Travel in the comfort of our covered 8- seater boat, complete with cab, without having to worry about the driving. Your tour guide will help you explore the history of Lough Erne.

Far and Wild is the leading eco-adventure company in the North West of Ireland, bringing you activities including Moonlight Kayaking, Coasteering, and Stand Up Paddle Board tours.

Experience the massive range of fun activities on offer with Mobile Team Adventure which includes paddling, canoeing or kayaking. Try out one of their bespoke guided day trips on the river or sea - the choice is yours.

Strangford Lough Activity Centre offer a variety of land and water activities throughout Northern Ireland. Whatever your adventure, we’ll help you realise it. We are run by a team of qualified experienced instructors & guides.

White River Charters offers a choice of relaxing river cruises on the River Bann in the Causeway Coast and Glens on board a vintage vessel. Explore the river at a slow and gentle pace, enjoy scenery, views of the wildlife and hear about the local heritage in comfort and style.

Truly immerse yourself at The Copeland Distillery, where you’ll hear tales of secret smugglers, savage battles and remarkable voyages, all while soaking up our coastal spirits of whiskey, gin, and rum.

On your foraging walk through the woods with our resident expert Bushman Rob, you will be safely guided through identifying and collecting seasonal wild edibles of greens, herbs, vegetables, fungi and berries. With Rob's expert eye you will explore, taste and nibble your way through the woods.

Brian from Mountain Ways Ireland is a wild food enthusiast and folklorist and have been for all of his life. Tapping into a lifetime love for the outdoors, centuries old tacit knowledge handed down through his family and years of my his research and experimentation, Brian will guide you on a foraging journey that reveals the hidden potential in even the most familiar of wild plants, those plants that surround you, the ones you walk past every day whether you live in the countryside, town or city.

Embrace the Giant Spirit of Northern Ireland by joining us for a Make Your Own Gin experience at Belfast Artisan Gin School. During this 2 hour experience you will make, bottle, label, name and seal your own full-size bottle while you enjoy a few tipples of local small batch quality spirits produced by Belfast Artisan Distillery, including our award winning London Dry Gin with a 'Belfast Twist'.

Taste the best of Fermanagh’s local produce. Indulge your inner foodie and discover a unique perspective of the only island town in Ireland on the Enniskillen Taste Experience. On this this 3-hour gourmet tasting tour, you’ll experience the tastes, sounds and sights of Enniskillen.

Immerse yourself in the natural sights, sounds and tastes of the beautiful Causeway Coast. In the shadow of the beautiful Mussenden Temple, you'll be welcomed by Claire from Mussenden Sea Salt to an experience that marries the ancient with the modern, and which promotes reconnection with nature, awakening your senses and offering a sense of wellbeing.

A tour at Hinch Distillery is not just an exploration of history, production and their bold range of triple distilled whiskeys; it’s an invitation to sit and learn from the characters that bring it to life through an immersive sensory journey.

Pay a visit to the family run Long Meadow Cider orchard and learn how they make their award-winning apple cider, from plant to pour.

In Enniskillen, on the banks of Lough Erne in county Fermanagh, you’ll find the Boatyard, one of Northern Ireland’s premier distilleries. Here you’ll discover how the finest spirits are made here with the highest-quality botanicals and ingredients.

Chocolate is lovely to eat but it’s also great fun to make too! Chocolate Manor offer a range of scheduled and private workshops so that you can experience the joy and wonder of creating your own chocolate treats. They have experiences just for kids, just for adults, and for families and groups of all ages and abilities.

www.echlinville.com

In Tracey’s Kitchen, people make friends as well as bread. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and start mixing and kneading dough for the soda and wheaten breads you'll be learning to make - and then eating! - all in the comfort of Tracey's delightful farmhouse.

Wee Buns offers a range of cooking and baking classes in a small purpose built kitchen for adults and children. Our classes focus on using the best quality ingredients, making the most of local and seasonal produce.

The gin school at Woodlab Distillery is a unique experience in the science of harnessing nature to extract the flavour profiles present in their gin. Using a little bit of science they source the flavours of exotic botanicals and much more in the flora found within a radius of just a couple of miles around their Distillery.

Located in the heart of the Mourne Mountains, Killowen Distillery has a ‘Kult’ following and an epic history, due in no small part to its great whiskeys and gins.

Bakehouse NI is a small cookery school set in the countryside near the village of Bellaghy. It provides “at home” cookery experiences based around traditional Irish cookery using local ingredients.

When you step into the world of Belleek Pottery you enter one of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most fascinating attractions. Unique pieces are made using traditional methods passed down from generation to generation.

Multi award winning restaurant and craft brewery at the end of the Peace Bridge.

Belfast has a rich, storied tradition in both music-making and playing, and was designated a UNESCO City of Music in 2021. Your guide around this musical city is Dolores Vischer of Creative Tours Belfast, who will accompany you to sites of musical significance across this compact city.

DC Tours run scheduled, private and group walking tours. Their flagship tour ‘A History of Terror’ is an award-winning and politically neutral city centre walking tour explaining the history of the Troubles and the path to peace and reconciliation.

Artist Audrey Kyle works from a converted barn called Gobbins Studio Économusée, nestled on top of the Gobbins Cliffs on a working family farm. She displays her original unique watercolour paintings, cards and prints in her studio/gallery and runs watercolour experience workshops.

Based in Holywood, County Down, NI Silver welcomes you to connect with a centuries-old tradition, through which you'll learn a new skill whilst creating your own unique piece of jewellery.

Seamus Heaney HomePlace takes you on an inspiring journey through the life and work of one of Ireland’s greatest writers. Situated between his two childhood homes at Mossbawn and The Wood, and only a few hundred yards from St Mary’s Church, Bellaghy, which he chose as his final resting place, HomePlace is at the heart of the area that inspired so much of the poet’s work.

Explore a changing city through its ever-evolving street art. On this gently paced, two-hour guided street art walking tour, you’ll see the incredible street art currently adding to the atmosphere of Belfast city centre. The tour will help you understand Belfast’s relationship with street art and will show you how the narrative of the city is changing.

Part city-centre walking tour, part guided tour of the Hill of Armagh, Unearthing Macha is an exciting three hour fusion of history, storytelling, and food, following in the footsteps of a legendary figure from Northern Ireland’s past

Brook Hall Estate & Gardens lies on the banks of the River Foyle on the edge of Derry~Londonderry. Unique in its heritage, sustainability, gardens, and exclusivity, our guided tours are not something to be missed.

Crowned "Historic Houses 2023 Garden of the Year", Glenarm Castle and its walled gardens are a true national treasure. One of Ireland's oldest estates, and home to the Earls of Antrim, Glenarm Castle offers incredible garden walks, with stunning planting displays year round. Don't miss the annual tulip festival which takes place every May.

Enjoy an entertaining couple of hours discovering the secrets behind some of the buildings of Belfast, from a man who used to build them.

A professional genealogy, family history research and tour guiding service.

Welcome to Titanic Belfast, an award-winning visitor experience offering the opportunity to learn about Titanic’s history, just a few minutes from where the ship herself was famously designed, built and launched in 1911. This self-guided tour tells the Titanic’s story from conception through to its first and final journey across the Atlantic, as well as the historical and cultural impact on Belfast and beyond.

The best way to avoid the crowds and get under the skin of a place is to explore it with a local friend, which is what walking the Causeway Coast with Eimear Flanagan feels like. These are ‘her’ cliffs, and she is delighted to share it with visitors.

Stone age warriors, ancient kings and quite a few cats. This is a tour packed with surprises. Situated high above Belfast, Cave Hill is visible across the city. Named for the five caves located on the side of the cliffs, it is rich in natural, archaeological and historical features.

Expert woodturner and storyteller Padraig Carragher is ready to welcome you to his private woodland forest for an exciting and memorable experience teaching you the ways of an ancient Irish craft.

Please take time to "Linger longer in Londonderry" and enjoy a "Dander around Derry". We can arrange a private or group tour to meet your needs and also many add-on visits to other local attractions.

Take a journey through time and space with a visitor experience that’s out of this world. Book your visit to Northern Ireland’s only International Dark Sky Park.

Deepen your Mindfulness Practice through forest bathing in the magic of the Ring of Gullion.

Belfast Traditional Music Trail is a unique way to experience Irish music. With two musicians as your guides, at each stop you will be treated to a performance of traditional tunes, songs and stories which make up your own personal ‘session’.

Irish FA Tours offer a special treat for all football fans with a behind-the-scenes visit to the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park. Relive great football memories at Windsor Park and remember the drama, both on and off the pitch, before heading out through the tunnel and on to the pitch for the players' perspective. This is a once in a lifetime experience which brings it all home.

Experience the Mournes by bike on road, track and trail with the guided and self-guided bike and electric bike tours or do it yourself with bike and electric bike hire. Explore the majestic mountains, dramatic coasts, stunning landscapes, enchanting forests, award winning mountain bike trails and endless year-round cycle adventures.

On the thrilling Gobbins Experience, nature isn’t content to just sit back and be admired. It completely engulfs you: from the all-enveloping Irish Sea winds and the dolphins dancing off the coastline. Pull on your walking boots and enjoy this 2.5-hour walking tour through tunnels and bridges with the waves crashing at your feet.

Depart Carrickfergus & enjoy sailing a modern, luxury yacht; be as active or leisurely as you want. Harness wind power to get close to nature, discover hidden talents, work as a team or choose to just relax and enjoy the coastal scenery.

Waterman House Cookery school is one of Irelands leading cooking schools, offering a range of day and evening classes for all ages and abilities. We aim to enable you to prepare delicious dishes to be enjoyed with family and friends at home.

Savour the fresh, fabulous tastes of the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route. Get a taste for all things local, artisan and foodie as you drink in the scenery on a six-hour guided mini coach tour of the best local farm to fork produce the Causeway Coast has to offer.

The Wild Atlantic Distillery is an award-winning whiskey, gin and vodka distillery based in County Tyrone, drawing inspiration from the spectacular rugged coastline.

The Saint Patrick Centre is the only permanent exhibition in the World about Ireland’s Patron Saint. The History of Ireland starts here in Patrick’s words, which guide you through our amazing multimedia exhibition. Located 2 Hours north of Dublin and 35 minutes south of Belfast beside Saint Patrick’s Grave with a fantastic Craft Store and incredible Garden Cafe. This needs to be your first stop in Ireland.

Ulster Museum is home to treasures past and present. There’s something for art lovers, history buffs, inquisitive kids and the culturally curious! Come face to face with dinosaurs and for a fun family day out dive into the Discovery Zones of art, history and science where you can try on costumes from the past, explore the tree of life and create your own art to take home.

Montalto Estate in Ballynahinch is a mystical and enchanting estate, set in magnificent natural surroundings. Visitor experience includes access to the estate's beautiful gardens; historic walks and trails and an exciting play area where children can engage, explore and learn.

Explore Northern Ireland's royal residence, where worlds and minds meet. Relax in 100 acres of picturesque gardens, explore the State Rooms still used today and indulge in delicious food and drink in our café.

Journey back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park, from the Old World of Ulster to the New World of America. Learn what life was like in rural Ulster, step on board the full-scale emigrant ship and enjoy craft demonstrations performed by guides in traditional costumes.

Refresh the connection at Ulster Folk Museum, a place where traditions and heritage skills are preserved and celebrated to help shape future generations.

The eastern shore of Lough Foyle between Ballykelly and Roe Estuary offers a flat coastal walk along the sea wall. This linear route has a number of access points allowing visitors to walk the entire 8km route, or walk shorter sections should you wish.

Visit off-the-beaten-track filming locations from Game of Thrones® in the company of a real expert.

Visit Northern Ireland’s most delicious and first bean-to-bar chocolate maker and learn all about their chocolate-making process. Set amongst the beautiful countryside of County Down, overlooking the coast, sits NearyNogs Stoneground Chocolate, a family business making unforgettable chocolate since 2011. Their small team of chocolate makers produces incredibly delicious, considered chocolate every single day.

Getting to Northern Ireland

Fly to either of Belfast's two airports or City of Derry Airport and you're right there. Or head to Dublin and take the scenic route northward. Coming by ferry? Belfast and Larne are your closest ports. But Dublin is a pretty easy distance, too.

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2024 Tour Packages:

• All Ireland Tours & Vacations
• Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour 18 Days | From €4390 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Iconic Britain Tour 10 Days | From €2490 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour 14 Days | €3690 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 14 Days | From €2890 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 10 Days | From €1690 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 8 Days | From €1590 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• 6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 6 Days | From €990 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Deluxe Irish Castles Tour 10 Days | From €2790 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Historic Irish Castle Tour 7 Days | From €1790 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.
• Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour 13 Days | From €5390 | 2024 | Max 8 ppl.
• Ancient Ireland Tour 8 Days | From €3390 | 2024 | Max 8 ppl.
• Discover Northern Ireland 6 Days | From €995 | 2024 | Max 26 ppl.

2025 Tour Packages:

• Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour 18 Days | From €4590 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour 14 Days | €3990 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour 9 Days | €2490 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 14 Days | From €2990 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 10 Days | From €1990 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland 8 Days | From €1690 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• Deluxe Irish Castles Tour 10 Days | From €2890 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
• Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour 13 Days | From €5690 | 2025 | Max 8 ppl.
• Ancient Ireland Tour 8 Days | From €3290 | 2025 | Max 8 ppl.
• Discover Northern Ireland 6 Days | From €1090 | 2025 | Max 26 ppl.
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Discover Northern Ireland Tour 2024

• Tour highlights
• Dates & prices
• What's included

The best of Northern Ireland in under a week

Over six comfortably-paced days, the Discover Northern Ireland Tour introduces you to the culture and countryside of Northern Ireland. Immerse yourself in the lives and histories of its people. Witness with wonderment the beauty of the wild northern coastline. This tour is fully inclusive, with no hidden extras or optional extras. Six days of discovery, and five nights of relaxation in the luxury of our hand-picked four-star hotels.

• 26 guests maximum
• Fully Inclusive Package
• Arrival & Departure in Dublin

Tour Gallery

• Belfast City Tour

On Day Two you will visit the the City of Belfast. The only city on the island of Ireland to have embraced the Industrial Revolution. You will meet up with your local Belfast City Guide who will explain all about the history of this once troubled city.

Titanic Exhibition

On Day Two you will also visit Titanic Belfast. You will have the opportunity to learn the history of the world's most famous ship, The Titanic. Completed in 1912 on Harland & Wolff's shipyard.

Derry/Londonderry

On Day Three you will visit Derry/Londonderry, a captivating city enclosed within ancient walls, possessing a rich and diverse past.

Old Bushmills Distillery

On Day Three you will also visit the Old Bushmills Distillery. It is the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery. Given a Grant to Distil in 1608 but thought to have been producing whiskey 200 years prior to that.

The Giant's Causeway

Day Three will also take you to The Giant's Causeway. One of Northern Ireland's most stunning sights. No amount of photographs can ever do the Giants Causeway justice. 37,000 basalt columns extend from cliffs down into the sea.

• Ulster American Folk Park

On Day Four you will visit the Ulster American Folk Park. Here you will hear the reasons why 2 million people left Ulster for America during the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries.

Cruise Lough Erne

On Day Five you will embark on the Lough Erne Cruise. Here you can enjoy the natural and historic sights of Northern Ireland on a leisurely cruise on picturesque Lough Erne.

• Devenish Island

On Day Five you will also visit Devenish Island. A stand-out feature of your cruise of Lough Erne. During the 6th Century, St. Molaise founded a monastery here which later became a centre of scholarship.

• Trim Castle

Day Five will also take you to Trim Castle. This is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter built it over a 30 year period until its completion in 1206.

Tour Itinerary

Six days of remarkable locations and unforgettable experiences await on the Discover Northern Ireland Tour. Click on the days below to find out what adventures you can look forward to on each day of your tour.

Day 1: Arrival (Dublin)

Day 1 itinerary.

Welcome - On arrival in Dublin Airport, reclaim your baggage and enter the Arrivals Hall. Here, you will meet your Irish tour guide (who is also your driver). There will be three group transfers this morning between 7:00 am and 1200 noon. To ensure a smooth start to your tour, it is advisable to aim for an arrival time in Dublin Airport before 11:00 am, as clearing immigration and reclaiming baggage typically takes around 1 hour.

Board your luxury air-conditioned coach and make the short transfer to your hotel where you can relax and unwind after your flight.

3:00 PM Check-in time. Hotel reception will store your luggage prior to Check-in.

At 6:00 PM this evening all participants will gather for dinner in the hotel restaurant where you can become acquainted with your fellow travellers.

Dine & Overnight at the Clayton Hotel Charlemont .

Included Today

• Welcome Dinner

Clayton Hotel Charlemont

Day 2: titanic belfast & belfast city tour, day 2 itinerary.

After some much-needed sleep and a hearty full Irish breakfast, we will depart for Northern Ireland. The province of Northern Ireland was created with the partition of the island of Ireland in 1921.

Your destination today will be Belfast City , the only city in Ireland to fully experience the Industrial Revolution. Linen, rope making, tobacco and most famously shipbuilding including the building of the Titanic Belfast on the Harland & Wolff shipyard, were the main industries. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past fifteen years of peace have returned much prosperity, while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.

Travelling north, your route today will take you through County Meath & County Louth. On arrival in Belfast, visit the Titanic Belfast . The world’s largest Titanic-themed visitor attraction, located on the very slipways where she was built in the heart of Belfast. In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Belfast City with a specialised step on local Belfast City Guide to see and hear all about the history of this once troubled city — including the Belfast Murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road and Nationalist Falls Road.

Tonight you will overnight & dine at the Clayton Hotel Belfast in Belfast City .

• Irish Breakfast
• Evening Dinner
• Titanic Belfast

Clayton Hotel Belfast

Day 3: bushmills distillery & giant's causeway, day 3 itinerary.

This morning after breakfast, you will depart for Derry/Londonderry City .

Our route today will take you via the spectacular Antrim Coastal Route through the nine Glens of Antrim and picturesque villages of Ballygalley, Carnlough, Cushendall and Cushendun to Ballycastle. Continue onto Bushmills.

Here you will visit the Bushmills Distillery . Known around the world as the oldest licensed distillery. We will stop here for a whiskey tasting. Its grant to distil whiskey was given in 1608, but it is believed that the spirit was probably made here 200 years before that!

Further north, on the coast, you will visit Giant's Causeway . This prehistoric geological phenomenon is the subject of many myths and legends. There are an estimated 37,000 basalt columns extending from cliffs down into the sea.

This afternoon you will continue west to Derry/Londonderry City for an overnight stay at the Maldron Hotel Derry . Dine at the hotel tonight.

• Bushmills Distillery
• Giant's Causeway

Maldron Hotel Derry

Day 4: derry city tour & ulster american folk park, day 4 itinerary.

This morning, after breakfast, you will be joined by a specialised local guide for a walking tour of Derry/Londonderry City . The city fortifications are amongst the best preserved in Europe and were completed in 1618 to defend the city from Gaelic chieftains in Donegal.

We will depart for the beautiful town of Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, which occupies an island between Upper and Lower Lough Erne.

Your route will take you via Strabane and Omagh in County Tyrone, to the Ulster American Folk Park . An open-air museum located on the restored boyhood home of Judge Thomas Mellon, founder of the Pittsburgh banking dynasty. The Park's permanent exhibition, called 'Emigrants', examines why two million people left Ulster for America during the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries.

Dinner and overnight will be in the Westville Hotel located in the heart of Enniskillen's waterside historic quarter.

• Derry Walking Tour

Westville Hotel

Day 5: lough erne cruise & trim castle, day 5 itinerary.

After breakfast this morning, enjoy a Lough Erne Cruise . Boasting a rich combination of natural and historic sights, a haven for many species of water birds.

You will visit Devenish Island, where St. Molaise founded a monastery in the Sixth Century. The most spectacular sight on this tiny, windswept island is a perfectly preserved Twelfth Century round tower that stands 82ft high.

Your journey through Northern Ireland ends today when you cross the border into County Cavan and travel through the rounded hills called Drumlins that are typical of the border region between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The route will take you through Meath, known as the Royal County due to its history as the seat of the High King of Ireland. Your last stop today will be at Trim Castle . The largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter built it over a 30-year period and finished it in 1206. Trim Castle was also a film location for the movie "Braveheart".

• Lough Erne Cruise

Day 6: Departure (Dublin)

Day 6: departure.

Today marks the end of the Discover Northern Ireland Tour.

After the final Irish breakfast this morning transfer by taxi (not included) to Dublin Airport for your return flight home. Turas sàbhailte dhuibh (safe journey).

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• What's Included

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We are still Ireland's best-reviewed tour operator, with 97.3% five-star reviews.

herb chemerika

October 2023  •  Discover Northern Ireland

we did the discover northern Ireland tour on September 6Th Coln Clarke was the Bus tour guide /driver he was wonderful very knowledgeable about Irish history he also had a great sense of humor the trip was great the hotels ,meals and services was top notch the Tours in Belfast , the walking tours of Derry all gave a insight to the troubled times the tours of the titanic memorial was super all in all well worth the price and would recommend this trip

Robin Henry

We took the Northern Ireland tour this time and to our amazement, Colm Clarke was again our driver and guide. It truly felt like returning to see old friends. The tour was great, again Colm was so and made things so fun. Our guide in Belfast, Nollaig, was full of information and kept things lively even while talking about things like The Troubles. In Derry, our guide was Theresa, again a knowledgeable and passionate guide. We loved Bushmill's and Giant's Causeway. The Lough Erne Cruise and the trip to Devinish Island was almost magical with the mist rising up off the river as the sun got higher. Shannon set us up with a private tour from our wish list after Northern Ireland and it was everything we could have hoped for. We got to stay in the places we wanted to explore, stayed at great placed and the food was unbelievable good. We saw a lot in 6 days - Kilkenny Castle, Cobh and the Titanic Museum and the statue of Annie Moore, then on to Kinsale and the Lusitania Museum and Old Head, all the shops (such wonderful little hidden gems. Then we went to Dingle Peninsula and spent 2 days in a delightful BNB and explored. Our last days, we revisited the Cliffs of Moher and then to Galway and a day on the largest Aran Island. We couldn't have asked for a better day - water calm, no wind, and sunny. Our driver and Guide, Pat C. was great. He stopped for photos and had suggestions for others, always made sure we were well settled in our hotels and knew his stuff. Thanks for making our trip to Ireland, once again, a delightful and experience packed trip. We'll be back!

Alan Leathem

September 2023  •  Discover Northern Ireland

This is my second tour with this company. I did the Northern Ireland tour in September and Colm was the guide driver of the bus. He brought Irish history alive. The additional guides we had in Belfast and Derry were fabulous sharing their knowledge of these two cities and 'The Troubles'. Great hotels and meals also included in the tour. I would recommend this company and this tour.

Philip Mcmahon

July 2023  •  Discover Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland tour was great!

Steve Warfield

We took the Northern Ireland tour in early July 2023, and it was a fantastic experience. Setting aside the fantastic price, our tour bus was spacious, clean, and, comfortable, as were all our hotel accomodations. The breakfasts and dinners were consistently excellently tasting, and there were numerous choices for both. Our driver/tour guide, George, was definitely one of the best we have experienced in our travels, as he was personable, highly knowledgeable, and a very skilled driver. The excursions were included in the tour price (as was the lodging and morning/evening meal) and there was more than enough time at each location to do some exploring after the day had come to an end.

Jennifer MacLeod

October 2022  •  Discover Northern Ireland

My husband and I travelled to Northern Ireland with My Ireland Tours in September 2022. Our driver/tour guide, Garey, provided very concise instructions as well as informative commentary every step of the way. We had two interesting activities every day. While I booked the tour primarily for the Giants Causeway, every part of the trip provided us with fabulous scenery. The drive along the Antrim coast was spectacular. The Step-on Guides in Belfast and Derry were very informative, as they helped us to understand the turmoil in their cities. The travel between each stop was reasonable and we always arrived at our final destination in good time. Having our breakfast and evening meal included in our tour simplified everything. Lunch stops included the Titanic Experience, the Giants Causeway and the Ulster American Folk Park. We cannot praise Garey enough for the way he took charge of our group and his amazing talent for maneuvering the full-size coach. It would have been a far more stressful journey if we had attempted to do it on our own. The ease with which our booking was managed was also great. Kevin kept us posted on the payment deadline and ensured that our arrival and departure information was complete. Although we arrived two days early, he arranged for us to remain in the same room when we joined the tour group. If you haven't been to Ireland before I would highly recommend using My Ireland Tours. Your vacation will be trouble free.

July 2022  •  Discover Northern Ireland

In the past five years I have used My Ireland Tour twice, and they do not disappoint. First you can design your own itinerary, if you desire, if you do they will help you with suggestions, that will enhance your trip. They will book you into hotels that have great reputations, sometimes even 5 star at a reasonable trip cost. Last, they provide well respected tour guide drivers in great coaches. A great tour guide/driver makes all the difference in a tour. The most recent tour of Northern Ireland with driver guide Raymond Wilson was truly a great experience. The support and communication with the office staff was always helpful and professional. I would never consider a trip to Ireland without using My Ireland Tours.

Michael Hughes

May 2022  •  Discover Northern Ireland

Delayed by the pandemic, we've finally been able to take our THIRD tour with My Ireland Tour. This time we went to Northern Ireland and the experience was as wonderful, if not more so, than our previous two tours. As has been the case in all of our previous tours with My Ireland Tours, the superb service came into play even before our trip began. The staff provided all of the assistance we needed to arrange our journey and guided us skillfully through all of the new processes and procedures for travel. The tour itself was absolutely delightful! Our driver / guide, Garey, was knowledgeable and entertaining. He demonstrated great skill driving the coach on the sometimes narrow roads of the countryside and through the congestion and tight quarters on the cities. The schedule provided ample time to enjoy each of the sites that we visited and the walking tour of Derry was a highlight of the tour. We continue to prefer My Ireland Tour because of the value for money, excellent customer service, well crafted tours, smaller group sizes and superb driver / guides. When it comes time for our fourth visit, we won't look to any other tour company for our travel needs!

My very first trip with my ireland tours..booked a northern Ireland tour with them..was a little apprehensive as being a single elderly lady traveling on my own was not sure how it would be..I can't tell you it was one of the best tours I have taken..from the very start..the prompt interaction with eric via email was very reasureing as all my questions were answered promptly..it was good to be met by our guide/driver Garry at dublin airport..after that it was smooth sailing all the way to Northern Ireland! He took good care of us and gave us a full insight into the Irish way of life with stories and historical details of the places we visited..we were kept at very good comfortable hotels each night..all in all..a great memorable trip..will definitely book with them again..many thanks

October 2019  •  Discover Northern Ireland

Tour of Northern Ireland. Brilliantly organised, right amount of time in each place. Led by Kieran who was extremely knowledgeable and personable. Very safe and professional driving. Good attention to detail throughout. Hotels of good standard. May well choose your company for another trip. Thank you.

Bob and Verna Wiebe

August 2019  •  Discover Northern Ireland

Our experience with our My Ireland tour of Northern Ireland was very good. We appreciated the well planned itinerary, which included interesting stops as well as some down time each day. The accommodations and food exceeded expectations. Our specialty guides were very informative and personable. Our bus driver/guide was outstanding, one of a kind – do you get me? We will take a piece of Northern Ireland home with us in our hearts.

Julie Heiple

March 2019  •  Discover Northern Ireland

What a marvelous experience! My husband and I were on the 5 day Northern Ireland tour from March 20-25, 2019 and enjoyed every minute of it! Our tour guide, Nigel O'Connor, was so professional and attentive to the group, always conscious of our schedule for the day but also allowing for slight changes as necessary. For example, two guests wanted to attend St. Michael's early mass one morning and that request was accommodated with an alternate pick up location for them. Thanks so much for a terrific, memorable vacation!

Brenda Holden

October 2018  •  Discover Northern Ireland

On our 24 day trek through the UK, Chuck and I picked up the Northern Ireland Tour through My Ireland Tours at the Belfast Titanic and continued on with the group of 26. Our driver /guide Nigel was entertaining and knowledgable about the history of the area we travelled through and answered questions for us. The countryside was spectacular, the people of Ireland warm and welcoming and the bus family entertaining. This was our first group trip in our 64 years and we both enjoyed leaving the thinking to a well organized company to do that for us for part of our trip. Cead Mile Failte is just one Gaelic saying we learned, but to all of you Go Raibh Maith Agat.

Alice Williams

September 2018  •  Discover Northern Ireland

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our tour of Northern Ireland with My Ireland Tours. Accomodations were excellent and the driver was very knowledgeable and entertaining.

July 2018  •  Discover Northern Ireland

What a great tour. We were fortunate enough to meet our daughter and son-in-law for the Northern Ireland tour. The weather was great, the food was good, and the scenery was fantastic. Our driver guide was David Breen. His knowledge and driving skills were brilliant. He was patient, informative, and funny. Not mentioned on the website is an included train ride along the coast from Coleraine to Derry-beautiful. We met some very nice people on our tour, as well as in the places we visited.

Teresa Donohue

30 October 2019  •  Discover Northern Ireland

We took a tour of Northern Ireland, and it was wonderful! Harry (the hat) our tour guide and bus driver was very good. He was knowledgeable, had a great sense of humor, and was totally unflappable. The tour guide we had in Derry (Ronan) was also very good during our walking tour. The hotels were great - very nice rooms and meals. Although, the menu offerings at each hotel were either the same or very similar so we were definitely ready for something else by the end of the tour. We will definitely utilize this tour company again!

Julie Magee Heiple

29 March 2019  •  Discover Northern Ireland

What a marvelous experience! My husband and I were on the 5 day Northern Ireland tour from March 20-25, 2019 and enjoyed every minute of it! Our tour guide, Nigel O'Connor, was so professional and attentive to the group, always conscious of our schedule for the day but also allowing for slight changes as necessary. For example, two guests wanted to attend St. Michael's early mass one morning and that request was accommodated with an alternate pick up location for them. The tour was just the right pace with drives no more than 2 hours at a time with an opportunity to stop and stretch once during the drive. The sites we visited were beyond our expectations... Titanic museum in Belfast, Giants Causeway, Derry/Londonderry wall tour, boat tour on Loche Erne, and Trim Castle were all highlights. Our accommodations and the meals were exceptional every night. Thanks so much for a terrific, memorable vacation!

Rita Donahue

10 October 2018  •  Discover Northern Ireland

I usually travel on my own with friends, but this Northern Ireland tour was way beyond my expectations. Nigel was an excellent tour guide and Peter, our guide in Derry, explained everything for me about The Troubles and how the area has moved forward. All the hotels were top notch, and plenty of choices for breakfast and dinner. I especially liked the train ride from Coleraine to Derry. I chatted with a Irish woman on her way home from work. The people on this tour were so friendly and fun to be with on each of the outings and we had wonderful conversations at meal times. I highly recommend this tour and My Ireland Tour.

Joanne Philips

25 August 2018  •  Discover Northern Ireland

We were thrilled with our Northern Ireland Tour thanks to our fantastic guide and driver, Barry Loe. He took excellent care of us and provided great information. We highly recommend both the tour and Barry to anyone considering touring Northern Ireland. Also,there were only 12 of us on the tour, making it a great experience.

Margie Boeangiu

09 August 2018  •  Discover Northern Ireland

After a lot of research with different tour companies, we decided to book the 6 day Discover Northern Ireland tour with .My Ireland Tour.. It was well worth it. Very well organised from the moment we were picked up from the airport. All local guides that the company used were amazing, as we were also pleased with our driver/guide Roy. The sights were well chosen, and the country is absolutely fascinating. It was a wonderful trip, also because we got to meet other group members from all over the world.

Popular on this tour

Acting as a memorial of the ill-fated ship and a symbol of Belfast's past. Read more...

See how Belfast grew from its past political & religious divisions. Read more...

Derry City & Walls

Enjoy a tour of this historic city alongside a specialist guide. Read more...

Enjoy a little taste of history in Ireland's oldest licensed distillery. Read more...

40,000 basalt columns make up this UNESCO World Heritage site. Read more...

Cruise the serene waters of Lough Erne to the holy Devenish Island. Read more...

Prices, Availability & Payment

Reviews • What's included • Other tours

Payment terms

For payment terms click here . Alternatively, you can also view our full terms and conditions .

Flexible Cancellations

We have added extra flexibility to our cancellation timeline. This means you can now make unlimited changes to your chosen tour up to 60 days before your arrival . Our cancellation timeline is as follows. For more details, see our terms and conditions .

Up to 60 days before the start of tour:

The Deposit is non-refundable. However, before 60 days you can make unlimited changes for free, including changing your tour dates (including transferring to a tour in 2025), changing your tour and changing tour participants.

59 to 40 days before start of tour:

25% of total price is forfeited on cancellation

39 to 14 days before start of tour:

50% of total price is forfeited on cancellation

Less than 14 days before start of tour:

100% of total price is forfeited on cancellation

The Deposit for the Discover Northern Ireland Tour 2024 is €250 per person.

Single Occupancy Supplement

For guests who are travelling alone and are therefore not sharing a room, the single occupancy supplement for the Discover Northern Ireland Tour 2024 is €250.

Balance Payments:

The full balance is due 60 days before your tour.

All payments are in Euros.

Credit Cards & Fees:

We do not charge any fees for paying by credit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express.

Children's Rate:

Children ages 8 yrs - 17 yrs inclusive receive a 10% discount on the prices. Children must share a room with a least 1 adult. Our tours do not cater for children 7 yrs or younger. You must be 18 or over to travel on our adults-only tours.

Participant Cancellation:

Once a partial or full payment has been made, cancellations will only be accepted in writing (either by email or standard mail) to My Ireland Tour. Cancellation terms will be applied based on the date that the written cancellation is received and based on the following dates prior to tour commencement. Cancellation fees apply as indicated below. All cancellation fees include the initial deposit.

About your Tour Guide

45% of our reviews mention their tour guide by name

Perhaps the most vital ingredient of any tour is your tour guide. Acting not only as your guide but also as your driver, their knowledge and experience, passion and personality form the foundation on which any successful tour is built.

That's why we only work with the very best guides in Ireland. As our past guests know, our tour guides are a big reason why we're Ireland's best-rated tour operator, with 1294 five-star reviews out of a possible 1330.

Irish born and bred

All of our driver-guides were born in Ireland and have lived here all their lives. What's more, they are passionate about our country, its culture and its heritage.

Qualified and experienced

Our driver-guides are qualified, experienced professionals who are committed to impeccable customer care and making your vacation memorable for all the right reasons.

Experts in Irish history & culture

Our driver-guides are true experts in their field. Their knowledge of Irish history, culture (and where to get the best pint of Guinness) is second to none.

Committed to your safety and care

Your safety and comfort are paramount to us and to all our driver-guides. All our guides are experienced coach drivers with impeccable safety records.

Tour accommodation

The hotels on this tour offer amazing quality and value to match. We are very selective in getting just the right accommodation for each specific tour, and we are very proud of the selection of hotels we have put together. Some of these hotels are family-owned, just like ourselves, and we have a long-standing relationship with them all.

Tour Vehicles

On a tour vacation, the journey can be just as important as the destination. That's why our tour buses are all of the highest standards, both in terms of luxury and reliability.

We choose our tour vehicles carefully. All our tour buses offer plenty of space to spread out, tinted windows, air conditioning and on-board fridges. It's what you should expect.

We deliberately leave some seats empty. In fact, we use 34-seater coaches, but limit the number of participants to 26. That's because we want all of our guests to be able to spread out, relax and enjoy the journey. This smaller group size is a core principle in our tours.

Please note: the bus shown in the gallery is one of the 34-seater coaches used on our tours for max. 26 guests. For any reason, should one of these become unavailable for your tour, we will endeavour to provide an equally luxurious and comfortable touring bus.

What's included in my vacation?

Tour attractions, hospitality.

• 5 nights accommodation
• 5 Full Irish Breakfasts
• 5 Evening Meals
• Irish Tour Guide
• Airport Arrival Transfers
• All local taxes
• Porterage of one suitcase per person
• Luxury Air-Conditioned Coach

Not Included

• Airport Departure Transfer on Day 6
• Airfares to and from Ireland
• Gratuity for your Tour Guide
• Travel Insurance (required)
• Beverages, except Tea / Coffee with Breakfast & Evening Dinner
• Room Service
• Telephone Charges

• Sample Itineraries
• Transport Options
• Genealogy Tours

Other 2024 Tour Packages

• Iconic Britain and Ireland (18 Days)
• Iconic Britain Tour (10 Days)
• Iconic Ireland and Scotland Tour (14 Days)
• 14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (14 Days)
• 10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (10 Days)
• 8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (8 Days)
• 6-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland (6 Days)
• Deluxe Irish Castles Tour (10 Days)
• Historic Irish Castle Tour (7 Days)
• Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour (13 Days)
• Ancient Ireland Tour (8 Days)

2025 Tour Packages

• Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour (14 Days)
• Highlights of Ireland and Scotland Tour (9 Days)
• Discover Northern Ireland (6 Days)

Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

About Adare Village and Thatched Cottages

Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.

Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way .

• Belfast City

About Belfast City

Since peace returned to Belfast in the late 1990s, Northern Ireland's capital has undergone an astonishing transformation. Once tied in with sectarian violence and, perhaps cruelly, lumped in with Bosnia, Beiruit and Baghdad on the list of places for globe-trotting tourists to avoid, the city is now a modern, thriving and cosmopolitan hub of hotels, restaurants and family-friendly attractions.

Find out more

Belfast Tour & Murals

About Belfast Tour & Murals

You will be joined by a local specialist guide on a city tour of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. You will see and hear all about the history of this once troubled city including the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road and Nationalist Falls Road.

Black Taxi Tour Belfast

About Black Taxi Tour Belfast

Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.

• Blarney Woollen Mills

About Blarney Woollen Mills

Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.

Visit their website...

About Bushmills Distillery

In the village of Bushmills, you will visit the old distillery, which was first permitted to distill whiskey in 1608 by King James I. Enjoy a whiskey tasting in what is thought to be the oldest licensed distillery in the world. Although its grant to distill was given in 1608, it is believed that the spirit was probably made here 200 years before that!

Culloden Battlefield

About Culloden Battlefield

The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.

Derry / Londonderry City

About Derry / Londonderry City

Although Derry's recent transformation is perhaps less dramatic than that of Belfast, visitors who come to Derry expecting a city still darkened by the long shadows of The Troubles will almost certainly be pleasantly surprised. In anticipation of the city's status as UK City of Culture 2013, Derry received considerable investment and underwent a rejuvenating makeover. The famous city walls are up to 8 metres in height and, in places, are 9 metres wide. They were completed in 1618 and were never breached.

Derry City Tour & Fortifications

About Derry City Tour & Fortifications

You will be joined by a local specialist guide on a city tour of Derry and the famous city walls. The city fortifications are among the best-preserved in Europe and were completed in 1618 to defend the city from Gaelic chieftains in Donegal. Standing at up to 25 feet tall and thirty feet wide, it is little wonder that these fortifications were never breached.

About The Giant's Causeway

Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage site, known in Gaelic as Clochán na bhFomhórach or Clochán an Aifir, The Giant's Causeway is an area of 40,000 basalt columns, formed into a regular interlocking pattern by an ancient volcanic lava flow.

Glenveagh Castle

About Glenveagh Castle

Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.

Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum

About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.

King John's Castle

About King John's Castle

Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.

Lough Erne Boast Cruise

About Lough Erne Boast Cruise

To reach the Devenish Island monastic site, we will be travelling by boat across the beautiful Lough Erne, a journey taken by all visitors to this sacred place across the centuries, from faithful pilgrims to marauding invaders.

About Moriarty's

Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Mount Congreve Gardens

About Mount Congreve Gardens

Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.

Mount Stewart House & Gardens

About Mount Stewart House & Gardens

Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.

Muckross House

About Muckross House

Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.

Muckross House Traditional Farms

About Muckross House Traditional Farms

Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.

The Quiet Man Museum

About The Quiet Man Museum

The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.

Titanic Belfast Exhibition

About Titanic Belfast Exhibition

An extensive multimedia tribute to the world's most famous ocean liner. The Titanic Experience is located at the top of the slipway from which the ship made its first and only descent into the Belfast Lough and the waters of the Irish Sea beyond. Opened in 2012 for the centenary of the ship's launch and tragic demise, the museum has rapidly become Ulster's most visited tourist destination, outstripping even The Giant's Causeway.

About Trim Castle

Located in County Meath, Trim Castle is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter built it over a 30 year period, finished in 1206.

About Ulster American Folk Park

Ulster American Folk Park, in County Tyrone, is an open-air museum located on the restored boyhood home of Judge Thomas Mellon, founder of the Pittsburgh banking dynasty. The Park's permanent exhibition, called 'Emigrants', examines the reasons why two million people left Ulster for America during the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Centuries.

About Clayton Hotel Belfast

Clayton Hotel Belfast is located a short walk from the centre of Belfast City, close to the Botanic railway station and the Grand Opera House. Warmly decorated rooms and a fitness centre with an indoor pool and hot tub.

About Clayton Hotel Charlemont

With a location along the Grand Canal and a short walk to the city centre, Clayton Hotel Charlemont is a modern hotel in an ideal location for visitors to the city. Warm, comfortable rooms, a chic bar and a top class restaurant.

About Maldron Hotel Derry

Maldron Hotel Derry is a laidback, casual hotel in the centre of Derry City. Ideal for a quick stop or for a relaxing weekend stay. It's also the ideal location for anyone exploring the attractions of the city.

About Westville Hotel

Located just outside the idyllic town of Enniskillen in County Fermanagh, Westville Hotel is a modern, stylish hotel with a relaxed atmosphere, a cosy bar and a chic terrace restaurant.

18-Day Iconic Britain & Ireland Tour

• 34 attractions
• Max. 26 ppl

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime 18-day adventure as you behold the most famous and captivating attractions that Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England have to offer.

• Free time in London
• Shakespeare's Birthplace
• Manchester River Cruise
• Tour of York City
• York Minster
• Jedburgh Abbey
• Tour of Edinburgh City
• Holyrood Palace
• Tour of Glasgow City
• Tour of Belfast City
• Kylemore Abbey
• Cliffs of Moher
• Ring Of Kerry
• Blarney Castle
• Irish Emigration Museum
• Christ Church Cathedral
• Guinness Storehouse
• Departure flight home

10-Day Iconic Britain Tour

• 14 attractions

Embark on a unique and unforgettable 10-day journey as you explore the most renowned and captivating attractions that England and Scotland have to offer.

• Roman Baths
• Broadway to Cheltenham Railway
• Afternoon Tea at Broadway Hotel
• Chatsworth House
• Edinburgh Castle
• Stirling Castle
• Loch Lomond Cruise
• Glasgow City

14-Day Iconic Ireland & Scotland Tour

• 25 attractions

Discover the best of Ireland and Scotland with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Compare the cultures of these historic Gaelic nations during a magical fortnight.

• Arrival at Edinburgh Airport
• St. Andrews Golf Club
• Kingsbarns Distillery Tour
• Loch Ness cruise
• Glasgow Cathedral
• Belleek Pottery
• Sheepdog Demo
• Blind Piper Pub
• Rock of Cashel

14-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

Discover the Island of Ireland, North and South with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Spend 4 days in Ulster, and 10 more in Eire.

• Belfast Murals
• Hillsborough Castle & Gardens
• Derry City Walls
• Jameson Distillery Midleton

10-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• 22 attractions

Experience all that is Ireland in this 10-day adventure. Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets, including the Wild Atlantic Way.

• Dublin Airport
• Clonmacnoise
• Free time in Galway City
• Killary Fjord
• Free time in Cork City
• Charles Fort
• Irish National Stud
• Traditional Farm Lunch

8-Day Iconic Scenes of Ireland

• 17 attractions

Take in the essence of captivating Ireland as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure, immersing yourself in the Emerald Isle's beauty and charm.

• Mikey Ryan's Bar
• Killarney National Park
• Hazel Mountain Chocolate Factory
• Galway City
• Free time in Dublin City
• St Patrick's Cathedral

• 13 attractions

Experience the true essence of Ireland in under a week. Ireland's unmissable destinations and the Wild Atlantic Way in one unforgettable hub-and-spoke tour.

• Glendalough Monastic Site
• Ring of Kerry

Ancient Ireland Tour

• 19 attractions

An exclusive tour capped at max. 8 guests, travelling through the idyllic scenes of The Wild Atlantic Way. Including an overnight stay in an Irish castle.

• Dublin Airport arrival
• Waterford Crystal
• Kilkenny Castle

Ancient Ireland & Scotland Tour

• 24 attractions

Embark on a unique and intimate journey through the Celtic heartlands of Ireland and Scotland on this exclusive tour designed for a maximum of 8 guests.

• Arrival in Edinburgh Airport
• Edinburgh City tour
• Dalwhinnie Distillery
• Eilean Donan Castle
• Isle of Skye
• Glasgow City tour
• Belfast City tour
• Derry City tour
• Dublin City tour

Deluxe Castle Tour

Live like royalty for 10 days across Ireland, staying in real Irish castles and country manors. Enjoy the finest all-inclusive tour Ireland has to offer.

• Lough Eske Castle
• Derry City Tour
• Free time in Derry City

Historic Irish Castle Tour

• 15 attractions

A truly unique tour of Ireland. Visit the must-see attractions whilst discovering unique experiences beyond the tourist trail. All woven together by Ireland's historic castles.

• Pearse Lyons Distillery
• Traditional Music Night

Discover Northern Ireland Tour

• 8 attractions

Northern Ireland's natural beauty awaits on this six-day fully-inclusive tour of Ulster. Picturesque towns, untamed coastlines and friendly locals await.

• Derry City walking tour

9-Day Highlights of Ireland & Scotland Tour

Explore the wonders of Ireland and Scotland on this remarkable 9-day tour. Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of these historic Gaelic nations as you embark on a captivating journey.

• Cruise Loch Lomond
• Clydeside Distillery Tour
• Glasgow City Tour
• Ferry to Belfast
• Glenshane Country Farm
• Giants Causeway
• Hillsborough Castle
• Carlingford Lough Ferry
• Farewell dinner and show

My Ireland Tour:

My Ireland Tour is a family business based right here in County Cork. Thanks for visiting our website: we're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the country we call home. As an independent Irish business, we're proud that we can give each guest the kind of service that has made us Ireland's top-rated tour operator. We hope to offer you a real Irish welcome soon. Our family business (My Ireland Tour Limited) is registered in Ireland, Company Number 547775.

Contact Us:

• 5 Church Hill  Carrigaline  Co. Cork  P43 X376  Ireland

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What travellers are saying.

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Northern Ireland

An exploding food scene, hip cities and the stunning Causeway Coast: there's plenty to pull visitors to the North. When you cross from the Republic into Northern Ireland you'll notice a couple of changes: the road signs are in miles and the prices are in pounds sterling – you're in the UK. At the time of research, there was no border checkpoint and not even a sign to mark the crossing point.

Best Things to Do

Leave the planning to a local expert.

Experience the real Northern Ireland. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Titanic Belfast

The stunning, star-shaped Titanic Belfast is the city's number-one tourist draw. Standing majestically at the head of the slipway where the Titanic was…

Dunluce Castle

This medieval castle ruin is perched on top of a dramatic cliffside overlooking the glorious Causeway Coast.

Ulster American Folk Park

Counties Fermanagh & Tyrone

In the 18th and 19th centuries more than two million Ulster people left their homes to forge a new life across the Atlantic. Their story is told here at…

Giant’s Causeway

County Antrim

This spectacular rock formation – Northern Ireland's only Unesco World Heritage site – is one of Ireland's most impressive and atmospheric landscape…

Belfast's classical Renaissance-style City Hall was built in fine, white Portland stone in 1906. Highlights of the free, 45-minute guided tour include the…

Ulster Museum

You could spend hours browsing this state-of-the-art museum, but if you're pressed for time don't miss the Armada Room, with artefacts retrieved from the…

Crown Liquor Saloon

There are not many historical monuments that you can enjoy while savouring a pint of Guinness, but the National Trust's Crown Liquor Saloon is one of them…

Cave Hill Country Park

The view from the summit of Cave Hill (368m) takes in the whole sprawl of the city, the docks, Belfast Lough and the Mourne Mountains – on a clear day you…

Top picks from our travel experts

10 top things to do in mythical northern ireland.

Dark Hedges

Planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century as the formal entrance to their property, these shadowy, gnarled, entwined beech trees are now among…

Glenarm Castle & Walled Garden

Glens of Antrim

Since 1750, Glenarm has been the family seat of the McDonnell family, earls of Antrim; it's currently the home of Lord and Lady Dunluce. The castle itself…

People's Gallery Murals

Derry (Londonderry)

The 12 murals that decorate the gable ends of houses along Rossville St, near Free Derry Corner, are popularly referred to as the People's Gallery. They…

Castlewellan Forest Park

County Down

Castlewellan Forest Park offers gentle walks around the castle grounds, one of the world's largest hedge mazes, the Peace Maze (entry free), and, from…

Free Derry Corner

The Free Derry Corner, where the gable end of a house painted with the famous slogan 'You are Now Entering Free Derry' still stands, is all that remains…

Old Bushmills Distillery

Bushmills is the world's oldest licensed distillery, having been given permission to produce whiskey by King James I in 1608. The whiskey is made with…

Bloody Sunday Memorial

A simple granite obelisk that commemorates the 14 civilians who were shot dead by the British Army on Bloody Sunday, 30 January 1972.

Carrickfergus Castle

The central keep of Ireland's first and finest Norman fortress was built by John de Courcy soon after his 1177 invasion of Ulster. The massive walls of…

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

This 20m-long, 1m-wide bridge of wire rope spans the chasm between the sea cliffs and the little island of Carrick-a-Rede, swaying 30m above the rock…

Plan with a local

Experience the real Ireland

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

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Northern Ireland and beyond

7 Day Magnetic North Adventure Tour

Get active in northern ireland & the northwest.

Head north on our most active adventure tour yet!

Spend 7 days on an unforgettable adventure vacation in Ireland. Go cliff hiking, trail biking, horseback-riding and sea kayaking on your way around the rugged countryside of Northern Ireland and the northwest.

You’re about to uncover the wonders of the Giant’s Causeway, the wild beaches of Donegal, the craic in Westport and the fascinating history of Belfast and Derry/Londonderry.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This was the best group tour I have ever taken - anywhere in the world ... Everything about the experience was top notch ... Over the course of the week, we did a little mountain climbing, a good amount of hiking, some sea kayaking, a 30 km cycling excursion, and so much more." Guest Review , June 2023

August 2024

September 2024, october 2024, august 2025, september 2025, october 2025.

*Price displayed is the discounted price for Mar, Apr and Oct.

If the date you want is full please contact us  and we will do our best to accommodate you.

A €250 deposit per person is all we need to secure your tour online. All our departure dates are guaranteed .

**All tours are charged in EURO. Exchange rates quoted are online rates and may differ to the rate our payment partner Flywire and banks offer.

Single Supplements apply to Single Room Occupancy.

Genuine Guest Reviews

TripAdvisor - 7 Day Magnetic North Tour

My wife and I chose to spend our 20th wedding anniversary in Ireland with Vagabond Tours on the 7 Day Magnetic North Adventure Tour. It was a grand adventure!

Phillip, our tour guide, was an absolute legend - as friendly as they come and with an impressive wealth of knowledge.

The scenery was stunning, with breathtaking views, especially along the incredible coast and the awe-inspiring Slieve League cliffs.

We can't recommend Vagabond Tours enough – it exemplifies the true spirit of Ireland!  

We loved everything about our 7 Day Vagabond Magnetic North Tour.

Every day was an adventure—unforgettable hikes, fascinating history and stunning scenery.

We had a great group on our tour and our driver/guide Dave was certainly an asset to the trip. He was so easy going, a great storyteller and always made us feel safe both on the hikes and in the van along those winding Irish roads.

This was our second tour with Vagabond and we look forward to our next adventure with them.

Our expectations were high ... [Our guide] Andrew blew us away.

Really, the whole group was absolutely in love with Andrew, who was full of interesting and educating stories about Ireland and put up with all our shenanigans.

At all times he made sure everyone was safe, well fed and enjoying themselves.

With the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger: we'll be back!

Find answers to questions about the 7 Day Vagabond Magnetic North Adventure Tour itinerary.

What Currency Will I Need On Tour?

Euro is the main currency you'll use while touring in the Republic of Ireland.

If your tour visits Northern Ireland, you'll also use Pound sterling (£).

Which Small Group Tours of Ireland Visit Donegal?

Donegal is one of our favourite places to visit in Ireland. We know you'll love it too!

The following tour itineraries explore Donegal.

When & Where Do Vagabond/Driftwood Tours Depart From?

All of our tours leave from our pick-up/drop-off point at the Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin .

Our pick-up times from the Grand Canal Hotel vary by tour:

Who Guides The Tours?

All of our tours are fully guided by our team of expert driver guides.

We call them VagaGuides .

What Activities Have Weight Limits?

We always put guest safety first on Vagabond Cultural Adventures.

For this reason, when engaging in kayaking and horseback-riding activities, the following personal weight limits apply:

🐴 Horseback-Riding

Male weight limit: 238lbs / 17 stone / 108kg

Female weight limit: 225lbs / 16 stone / 102kg

Per person Double Kayak weight limit: 110kg / 17.5 stone / 245lbs

Total Double Kayak weight limit for 2 guests: 190kg / 30 stone / 420lbs

Per person Single Kayak weight limit: 92kg / 14.5 stone / 200lbs.

Are There Any Luggage Restrictions?

Yes, we do operate a limit on luggage.

Owing to the compact nature of our small-group tour vehicles , your luggage limit is one suitcase per person (no bigger than 30” or 75cm along their longest side).

Which Small-Group Tours Visit Northern Ireland?

We love introducing our guests to the wonderful cities and surprisingly wild coastline of Northern Ireland.

The following four small-group tour itineraries visit Northern Ireland:

What Day Do Tours Return To Dublin?

To help you plan your return flights, here are the days and times that our tours return to Dublin.

The return point for all tours is Dublin's Grand Canal Hotel

Where Can I Do Laundry On Tour?

Serviced laundry facilities are available on tours that stay 2 nights in the following towns:

• 🧺 Dingle - Check which tours visit Dingle

Do All Hotels Provide Separate Bathrooms?

Yes, all hotel rooms on Vagabond and Driftwood Tours of Ireland are ensuite.

Expect your own separate bathroom with toilet, sink and shower and/or bath.

Where Is My Luggage Stored On Tour Vehicles?

The answer depends on which tour style you have chosen.

Driftwood vehicles have space for luggage onboard. Vagabond vehicles tow a trailer.

Which Small Group Tours Visit The Wild Atlantic Way?

The Wild Atlantic Way is one of our favourite routes to tour.

Here are all of the small-group tour itineraries that explore the Wild Atlantic Way.

A hot shower after a mountain hike. A real fire. A pint. We assure you that wherever you stay with us, you’ll love it.

We put great effort into selecting accommodation on Vagabond tours. Your tour will overnight in locally-owned establishments (in some cases for generations). Receive a heartfelt welcome, often from the hoteliers themselves. No hotel chains here!

Londonderry Arms Hotel

A warm welcome awaits you at the Londonderry Arms Hotel, once owned by none other than Winston Churchill.

Ideally situated midway between Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway, the Londonderry Arms is an ideal base for exploring this beautiful region.

Sit back and relax in front of an open log fire, bask in breathtaking scenery and a unique atmosphere of warmth and comfort.

Bishops Gate Hotel

Originally built in 1899, Bishop's Gate occupies an historic building in the centre of Derry/Londonderry.

Our lucky Vagabond and Driftwood guests who stay here tend to love the blend of stunning Edwardian architecture with stylish rooms.

Historical Derry/Londonderry is a fully walled city in Northern Ireland.

It is famous for its intact walls, featuring 7 gates; hence the name Bishop's Gate!

Arnolds Hotel

If you’re a beach lover, you’re in for a treat at Arnolds Hotel.

Here on Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way, you can do as little — or as much — as you like.

Curl up by an open fire, then relax with a drink in the hotel bar.

Alternatively enjoy the many craft shops, bars, cafes and watersport opportunities on your doorstep..

Gateway Lodge Donegal

Nestled amid the enchanting landscapes of Donegal, the Gateway Lodge Hotel is a beacon of hospitality and tranquility.

The welcoming atmosphere will immediately put you at ease, with a warm Donegal welcome from the moment you arrive.

Comfortable beds and plush furnishings ensure a restful night's sleep, while panoramic windows offer breathtaking views of the lush northwestern greenery that stretches as far as the eye can see.

Mount Falcon Estate Hotel

Situated in the heart of the Moy Valley, the 4 star Mount Falcon Estate offers 100 acres of magical woodlands to add to the adventure of the day.

If you have time, make sure you experience the hotel's spa and a falconry experience

This Victorian Gothic manor house was originally built as a wedding gift.

It's widely recognised as one of the the most romantic historic hotels in Ireland; perfect if you have an anniversary while on tour.

Wyatt Hotel Westport

The Wyatt is a charming hotel located at the heart of Westport town.

Grab a snack in the upmarket brasserie, enjoy live music in a traditional Irish bar or dine in the hotel's award winning restaurant.

We chose the Wyatt as the final night destination for guests on our 7 Day Vagabond Magnetic North Adventure Tour .

All Vagabond tours are flexible. Your 7 Day Vagabond Magnetic North Adventure is no different.

Unmissable activities are included. Where there are great options, we’ve left the final decision up to you. Feel free to choose your evening meals and lunches. All additional tour options are marked clearly below. Please read the Activities & Fitness FAQs for further information.

• Off The Beaten Track Adventure in 4x4 VagaTron Tour Vehicle
• Services of a Highly-Trained VagaGuide Tour Guide
• 7 Full Days on Tour
• 6 Nights' Accommodation
• 6 Delicious Hot Irish Breakfasts
• Most Daily activities and Visits (see Optional Extras)
• Guided Walking Tour of Derry/Londonderry
• Guided Sheepdog Demo
• Entrance into Dunluce Castle
• Entrance into The Giant's Causeway

All details of prices and suppliers listed here are correct at time of publication. Our suppliers occasionally increase prices for optional tour activities during the touring season. This is a rare occurence. In the unlikely event of a major price increase, we will do our utmost to update you.

• Black Cab Tour** £20.00 Guided Belfast tour. Recommended. Cash Required (£GBP Sterling).
• Titanic Experience £24.95 Self-guided tour of the world's largest Titanic visitor experience.
• Bushmills Whiskey Tasting £10.00 Tasting at the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery.
• Sea Kayaking Donegal** €45.00 Guided sea kayaking along the Donegal coast. 2 hrs. Cash only.
• Glenveagh Castle Tour €7.00 Guided historic tour of Glenveagh Castle Tour in Donegal
• Glenveagh Bike Rental €15.00/€20.00 Rent regular bikes or e-bikes at scenic Glenveagh National Park
• Slieve League Boat Trip** €25.00 Guided boat trip in the shadow of 2000ft high sea cliffs. Cash required.
• Entrance to Donegal Castle €5.00 Self-guided tour of 15th century Donegal Castle.
• Surfing in Sligo €40.00 Experience an exhilarating surf lesson at Strandhill near Sligo town
• Horseback-Riding Mayo** €40.00 Ride a horse along a scenic Atlantic beach in Mayo. Cash Required.

7 Day Vagabond Magnetic North Adventure Tour Intro & Highlights

• Hike the Northern Ireland coastline to the Giant’s Causeway , with sea stacks, chalk cliffs and hidden coves along the way.
• Choose your adventure activities, such as sea kayaking off remote Donegal
• Leave your mark on Belfast , as part of a local-led, guided historical tour of Northern Ireland’s capital city.
• Take a boat trip in the shadow of Slieve League , the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe.
• Conquer the summit of Slieve Gullion to discover an ancient mountaintop passage tomb and hear ancient myths.
• Experience the contested histories of Derry/Londonderry — Ireland’s only intact walled city — on a guided walking tour.
• Taste the real Ireland with overnights in quality independent hotels, located in remote locations and quaint villages.
• Explore parts of Ireland even Irish people rarely visit! Expect clifftop castle ruin , authentic villages, craft studios and traditional music.

Day 1: Scenic Hike & Guided Belfast Tour

Begin your Northern Ireland cultural and adventure tour in Dublin, bound for Belfast and Northern Ireland.

It's Day 1, so let's hike! Slieve Gullion mountain features Ireland's highest passage tomb at the summit.

In Belfast, choose from the following activities:

OPTIONAL EXTRAS (Choose A, B, C)

• A . A highly recommended Black Cab Tour, explaining the history of the Troubles era.
• B . Or a self-guided visit to the Titanic Centre.
• C . Alternatively, explore Belfast at your own pace.

Accommodation tonight is at The Londonderry Arms.

The average driving time today is 4 hours.

Day 2: Giant's Causeway Coastal Hike

Experience one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives: the Causeway Coastal Route .

Hike the stunning Causeway Coast Way to the Giant's Causeway World Heritage Site (Fee Included).

Raise a glass of Irish whiskey at Bushmills, the oldest licensed distillery in the world (Optional Extra).

Travel back in time with a stop at the clifftop ruins of Dunluce Castle  (Fee Included).

Accommodation tonight is at The Bishop's Gate Hotel.

The average driving time today is 3 hours.

Day 3: Derry/Londonderry & Donegal

Guided walking tour of Derry/Londonderry (Fee Included).

A panorama awaits from Grianán of Aileach , a Celtic stone ringfort.

Hike along a scenic lake in Glenveagh National Park with the choice of a self-guided castle tour (Optional Extra). Rent regular bikes or e-bikes to explore Glenveagh (Optional Extra). Minimum numbers apply.

This evening — weather permitting — choose from these options:

OPTIONAL EXTRAS (Choose A or B)

• A . Sea kayaking (Optional Extra)
• B . A scenic local hike

Accommodation tonight is at Arnolds Hotel Dunfanaghy.

The average driving time today is 2 hours.

Day 4: Slieve League Cliffs Boat Trip

Enjoy flexible activity options in of Ireland's most beautiful regions.

• Take a scenic drive to explore the wild wonderland that is Donegal .
• Take a boat trip at Slieve League , the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe (Optional Extra).
• Enjoy live traditional music in Donegal town , after a great day of adventures.

Accommodation tonight is at Gateway Lodge.

The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.

Day 5: Farm Tour & Sheepdog Demo

Starting in Donegal, your adventure tour moves into Sligo and Mayo.

• Explore craft shops in Donegal town or take a self-guided tour of 15th century Donegal Castle (Optional Extra).
• Watch shepherd and dog working perfectly in tandem during a sheepdog demo (Fee Included).
• After lunch — weather permitting — choose from a scenic hike or an exhilarating surf lesson (Optional Extra).

Accommodation tonight is at The Mount Falcon Estate & Spa.

The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.

Day 6: Horseback-Riding & A Holy Hike

On Day 6, you'll experience northwest Mayo , finishing in Westport , for foodie delights and live Irish music in an array of traditional pubs.

• Start slowly this morning, exploring the grounds — or the hot tub — at Mount Falcon .
• Lose a sin with every step as you hike the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick . You'll be following an ancient pilgrimage route.
• Jump onto a trusty steed to explore the Mayo  coast on a guided horseback ride (Optional Extra).

Accommodation tonight is at The Wyatt Hotel.

Day 7: Iron Age Road Trip

There are still shenanigans to be had on the last day of your Northern Ireland adventure tour...

• Explore Ireland’s rich rural heritage at the Museum of Country Life ; a modern exhibition space amid landscaped gardens.
• Discover an Iron Age trackway at Corlea . Europe's oldest oak road was constructed nearly 2200 years ago.
• Disembark your Vagabond tour vehicle back at the Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin between 5-6pm.

The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.

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Ireland's Legendary North

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Dates & prices

7 Day Northern Ireland Tour of Dublin, Belfast and Londonderry

7 days, 2 countries and 7 cities

Accommodation

6 Breakfasts, 1 Welcome Reception, 1 Be My Guest, 1 Dinner, 1 Farewell Dinner

View day-by-day trip itinerary

Ride into history on this most epic of Northern Ireland trips and discover all the secret gems along the way. Hear the ill-fated history of the Titanic, taste the creamy goodness of Guinness in its home in Dublin and trace the mammoth steps of Giant’s Causeway.

Looking to book in a group of 9 or more?

Deals, savings and exclusive private touring options available plus if you need a different date or itinerary change we can create a custom trip. Contact us for more details

Trip code: 

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Trip map & itinerary

Day by day itinerary

7 days itinerary trip from Dublin to Dublin visiting 2 countries and 7 cities

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About this trip

Sightseeing highlights.

Explore Dublin, Belfast and Londonderry with a Local Specialist

Discover  Enniskillen

Visit Titanic Experience in Belfast, the Giant's Causeway, Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh and Belleek Pottery

See the Murals of Londonderry

Travel highlights

Specific transfer information can be found here:

Airport Transfers

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Every one of our tours includes at least one conscious travel experience that supports one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). Look out for yours within the day-by-day trip itinerary.

Find out more

Net-zero by 2050

Travel knowing our 4-point climate action plan will ensure net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Support Local

Your tour directly supports local communities by visiting family-run businesses, UNESCO sites and places of cultural significance.

Sustainable Practices

Every part of our business, from trip design to how we run our offices, aligns to our 5-year sustainability strategy which ensures a positive impact on people, the planet and wildlife.

Philanthropic Efforts

Our not-for-profit, the TreadRight Foundation, invests in nature-based solutions to address climate change.

You’ll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

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Shades of Ireland

About this tour.

Experience Ireland in all its vibrant shades as you travel from the lively city of Dublin to the untamed natural beauty of Northern Ireland. Explore Dublin with a local guide. Kiss the Blarney Stone at historic Blarney Castle. See Killarney National Park on a boat ride. Experience the world-famous beauty of the Ring of Kerry. Marvel at the stunning 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy tea and scones on a traditional family farm. Tour the walled city of Derry. Stand on the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway. Uncover the legend of the Titanic at Belfast’s famed Titanic Experience. From breathtaking nature and stunning coasts to a captivating culture and friendly locals – this is Ireland.

Your Tour Includes

• 7 Handpicked Accommodations
• 4 Choice on Tour Options

Included Highlights

• Irish Evening
• Choices on Tour

Your Tour at a Glance

11 Breakfasts

2 - Moderate

Travel Style

Best time for travel, customize your tour.

Optional Excursions

Starting at $75.00

Activity Level

• Level This Tour

For specific details about this tour's activity level and other info to know before you book your trip, click here.

Extension Style

Best time for travel shades of ireland featuring northern ireland.

While just about any month is great to visit Ireland, there are a few prime times of the year for the Shades of Ireland tour. Here are some recommendations from our destination experts.

Spring: There is no better time to be in Ireland than March, for Saint Patrick’s Day! With spring weather, places like the Cliffs of Moher feel a bit warmer and have a clearer view for photographs.

Summer: Summer is a very busy time of year, but perfect for enjoying the buzz and excitement of Dublin. As the sun sets late in the evening, longer days mean having more time to explore, and you’ll see the Emerald Isle at its greenest.

Fall: After the summer months, major sites become much less crowded. Enjoy the changing colors and still-moderate temperatures of the rolling hillsides.

Travel Styles

Highlights and inclusions.

Must-See Inclusions:

Stand in awe of the stunning 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher.

Kiss the famed Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle.

• See Northern Ireland's famous phenomenon — the spectacular Giant's Causeway.

Cultural Experiences:

Overnight on the grounds of a historic manor house.

Experience the daily life of an Irish family during a visit to a local farm.

Explore the walled city of Derry.

Culinary Inclusions:

• Choose from a "menu" of Derry’s best restaurants.

Savor a hearty dinner and night of traditional Irish entertainment.

Enjoy a whiskey tasting and dinner at a whiskey distillery.

• Blarney Castle
• Ring of Kerry
• Cliffs of Moher
• Donegal Town
• Giant's Causeway
• Glens of Antrim
• "Titanic Experience"

Book with Confidence

* With Insurance Purchased

• *No Hassle Refunds
• Traveling Well Safety
• No booking fee, *no change fees
• Top Rated Travel Protection

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Getting Prepared

Know before you go, travel tips, enhance your tour.

Pre and Post Tour Extensions

• Choice On Tour

Pre and Post Night Stay

Unique Experience

Cultural Experiences

Enhance Your Trip

• Tour Extensions

Today in Waterford, you have the choice between two activities. First you may choose a behind the scenes tour reveals the century’s old tradition of Waterford Crystal making. Your guide will detail the step-by-step phases of creating this beautiful product, including sculpting, engraving and design inspiration. Meet high-end crystal makers. Visit the Waterford retail store, home to the largest collection of Waterford Crystal found anywhere in the world. Your other option is to enjoy a privately guided tour of Waterford’s Medieval Museum, the only museum of its kind in Ireland. Discover the story of Ireland’s oldest city through the middle Ages. Your tour will take you down into centuries old vaults, through the 13th century Choristers Hall, past the magnificent Cloth of Gold and High Mass Vestments, and culminate in the 15th century Mayor’s Wine Vault. Here, enjoy a glass of wine.

Today in Dublin, you have the choice between two activities. First you may choose to join a local expert and familiarize yourself with the “Fair City” of Dublin during a tour highlighting the top sights! Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, O’Connell Street, Grafton Street and Phoenix Park, and see the city's trademark – magnificent rows of stately Georgian town homes. Your other option is to join a local guide on an intimate walking tour of Dublin’s historic center. Explore O’Connell Street and the Grand Central Post Office, site of the 1916 Uprising. Walk along the River Liffey and learn about the important role this river played in Dublin’s history. Explore Grafton Street before discovering the rich history of St. Stephen’s Green.

Extend your tour with 3 nights in the capital of Scotland – Edinburgh. This is a city where history is layered on top of history, and there is something to discover down every cobblestone street. Explore the Old Town and its charming architecture, the Royal Mile and its shopping, Edinburgh Castle and its history. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s always the 18th century underground vault tours, or a hike up to Arthur’s Seat for incredible views of the sea and the city. You’ll have the perfect balance of free time and guided excursions to show you exactly what Edinburgh is all about.

• Belfast - Edinburgh, Scotland
• Fly* to Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland and a city steeped in history. Here, you’ll find charming pubs, quaint shops, and friendly faces all under the watchful gaze of Edinburgh Castle. Dig into Scottish cuisine with dinner at a local restaurant tonight.
• Delve into the heart of Edinburgh as you take a guided walking tour of the famous Royal Mile. Peruse the many shops, learn about the storied history of these streets, and make your way to the peak of the city – Edinburgh Castle. Inside the walls of Edinburgh Castle, you’ll be able to see medieval armor and the Scottish Crown Jewels. The rest of the day is at leisure.
• Today is yours to explore Edinburgh how you’d like. Take advantage of this day at leisure – maybe take a tour of Edinburgh’s infamous vaults, or stop by The King's Edinburgh residence, the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
• Edinburgh - Extension Ends
• Give a farewell pat to Greyfriars Bobby as you depart for home.

Hotel-Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge

Hotel-Europa Hotel Belfast

Explore one of Ireland's best-kept secrets. Enjoy a fun and engaging evening with a local singer/songwriter and discover how the tale of Derry is intertwined with many of Ireland's most important events. Come and experience a three-course dinner at a restaurant serving pub-style food. See first-hand why Derry was named the UK City of Culture in 2013.

In a beautiful land of rolling green fields, ancient battlefields and medieval fortresses once inhabited by generations of clansmen, you can conjure up a world filled with lords and ladies, knights and damsels as you experience a true medieval banquet hosted in a real castle! The 15th century magically comes to life the moment you enter the castle. Sip honey-rich mead and admire the ornate tapestries and royal furnishings before sitting down for a sumptuous four-course meal and some fine wine suitable for toasting the royal court. Spirits run high with delightful song and dance performances reminiscent of this unique period.

This culinary and cultural adventure begins at the Guinness Storehouse, Ireland's top international visitor attraction. This self-guided tour allows you time to wander over 7 floors with your audio guide, learning about how Guinness is brewed, it's various advertising campaigns over the years, and of course you get to taste the iconic drink at its spectacular Gravity Bar. Enjoy a sweeping 360º view of Dublin as you savor a complimentary pint. Then, indulge in a quintessential Irish dinner at a contemporary restaurant that explores “New Irish Cuisine,” serving up cutting-edge dishes using the freshest, local ingredients.

See Northern Ireland's famous phenomenon — the spectacular Giant's Causeway.

Choose from a "menu" of Derry’s best restaurants.

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• 3 Day Tour Of Northern Ireland (Belfast, Derry and Giant's Causeway)
• Tours of Ireland
• 3 or 4 Day Tours

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• 07:50am - 5 Beresford Pl, Mountjoy, Dublin 1, D01 V2V4, Ireland
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Day 1: Dublin - Belfast city (overnight Belfast)

Day 2: belfast - giant's causeway - derry, day 3: derry - wild atlantic way - galway - dublin, additional info.

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Northern Ireland

An irrefutable spirit.

Sometimes a place has a spirit. An undeniable force that draws you in, sinks into every morsel of your being, and stays with you forever.

That's Northern Ireland .

A panorama of indescribable beauty envelopes you as both legend and history are discovered. You might coast along one of the greatest drives on earth, the Causeway Coastal Route . Maybe you'll relive the harrowing history of Derry/Londonderry. Perhaps you will track down every location used in franchises like  Game of Thrones .

Whatever draws you in, you'll be sure to want to stay .

Explore Northern Ireland tours

Why you'll love Northern Ireland

Nature At its Primal

Stretching 314 km, the Causeway Coastal Route will get your heart racing with its imposing cliffs, crumbling castles and mind-boggling natural wonders.

Titanic Belfast

From grand Victorian architecture to the modern interactive Titanic experience, Belfast knows how to blend the old with the new.

Where Legends Meet Geology

A result of an ancient volcanic eruption or a path built by a giant? You decide. But one thing’s for sure, these hexagonal-shaped pillars have been captivating people’s imagination for centuries.

Exciting Filming Locations

You don’t have to be a Game of Thrones fan to adore the stunning locations where the hit TV series was filmed. But if you are, your thirst for behind the scenes trivia will certainly be satiated.

Northern Ireland Tours

Belfast & Northern Ireland Tour

"northern ireland - a short step to a giant adventure".

This breathtaking tour will allow you to witness first-hand the natural beauty of Northern Ireland. You will travel in a luxury air-conditioned Mercedes Sedan E Class or MPV to the 8th wonder of the world The Giants Causeway: Travelling along one of the most picturesque coastal roads in the world you will also visit beautiful towns, villages and harbours including: Glenarm, Carnlough Cushendun, Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, Ballintoy harbour, Whitepark Bay, Dunluce Castle, Bushmills and last but not least the beautiful Dark Hedges! Once our tour of the North coast is finished we will drive south back to Belfast city and takes in its wonderful sites including the Belfast political murals and its world-famous peace wall with a photo stop at the Titanic Belfast visitor’s attraction.

Places you will visit include: Glenarm, Carnlough, Cushendun, Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, Ballintoy Harbour, Whitepark Bay, Bushmills and the beautiful Dark Hedges. Belfast city – downtown Belfast – Belfast murals and the peace wall. Comfort stops are included during the tour.

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Upon arrival you will be greeted personally and conveyed in our Mercedes E Class Sedan or if your party exceeds 3 passengers, MPV Class 6/7/8 Seater vehicle available.  (Please request a quote)  Fully insured, air conditioned, In-Car WiFi, Mobile charging units, complimentary Water, umbrella’s, field Glasses, binoculars.

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The Perfect 3, 4 or 5 Days in Northern Ireland Itinerary

Last Updated on February 12, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning out a Northern Ireland itinerary is an excellent option for those who want to see more of this area than a simple day trip along the Causeway Coastal Route or a day or two exploring Belfast.

If you have 3, 4 or 5 days to dedicate to exploring Northern Ireland, you can see a lot of the country and experience some of the island of Ireland’s most incredible scenery and learn about the heartbreaking recent history.

If you’re planning on visiting Northern Ireland and are curious about what to see and do here, this route will help you map out up to five days of exploring this corner of the United Kingdom.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Northern Ireland?

Before jumping into this route, you’re likely wondering how many days to spend in Northern Ireland. This can really depend on what kind of trip you’re after, however, if you’re interested in spending time in the city along with seeing the iconic natural sites, then plan to spend at least 3 days in Northern Ireland.

With 3 days, you will have the time to explore Belfast and learn about that city while also having time to get to take in the basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway and some of the other highlights of the Antrim Coast.

However, if you have 4 days in Northern Ireland, you will have more time to take your time on the Causeway Coast and to spend time at attractions other than the Giant’s Causeway.

For those who want quite a holistic experience, then plan to spend 5 days. This will allow you to add on a visit to the city of Derry and learn about the history here.

Getting To & Around Northern Ireland

There are a range of options available for you when it comes to arriving in Northern Ireland. First and foremost, Belfast is home to its own international airport that connects it to a number of destinations within the UK, Europe and further afield.

Though flying into Belfast is certainly an option, you will find that there are far more flight options going into Dublin airport. Dublin is located only about a 2-hour drive from Belfast and there are also lots of stops along the way . The two cities are also well-connected by bus or train.

It’s worth noting that there is no hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and it is likely you won’t even notice that you’ve crossed. However, if you are driving, keep in mind that speed limits in Northern Ireland are listed in miles per hour while they’re listed in kilometres per hour in the republic.

It’s also possible to arrive into Belfast via ferry from Liverpool in England and from the village of Cairnryan in Scotland.

Once in Northern Ireland, you’ll be wondering how to get around whilst there. In Belfast and Derry, you can certainly plan to get around on foot and via public transport – in fact, it’s probably easier than planning on driving.

Those venturing outside of the cities have a couple of options. The easiest and most convenient option to get around is by having your own vehicle as it will give you the flexibility to visit where you want when you want without having to reckon with bus timetables and routes. Doing a Northern Ireland road trip is easygoing, fun and incredibly scenic and generally the most recommended option.

And if you’ve decided that a Northern Ireland road trip itinerary is the choice for you, you can browse car hire options on Rentalcars.com to compare prices across major companies.

However, you can also get around regional Northern Ireland by bus and train, where applicable. For instance, there is a regional bus system connecting the sites along the coastline so it is possible to travel independently in this area even if you don’t drive.

3, 4 or 5 Days in Northern Ireland Itinerary

Without further ado, here is how to spend 3 to 5 days exploring Northern Ireland. This route is meant to be built upon each day so if you’re only seeing Northern Ireland in 3 days, then plan to spend the first 2 in Belfast before heading onto the Causeway Coast. And if you’re spending 4 days, it’s best to leave a visit to Derry for another time.

Day 1 – Belfast

Begin your time in Northern Ireland in the capital city of Belfast . Though this city has a bit of a dark reputation and something of a rough-around-the-edges vibe, it’s very much worth exploring and it has a lot to offer visitors – especially for those interested in learning more about its recent history.

On your first day in Belfast, make sure to learn as much about the history of the city as possible by embarking on a black cab tour . On these tours, you can learn about the Troubles from knowledgeable guides and also get a good feel for the geography of this divided city.

After your tour, head to Belfast City Hall and then visit the historic Crumlin Road Gaol before rounding out your day.

Where to Stay in Belfast

The Warren Belfast – Those looking for luxury will love this plush, centrally-located hotel in the heart of Belfast. They have several luxe rooms to choose from, great amenities, breakfast each morning and an unbeatable location in the Queen’s Quarter

Central Belfast Apartments: Citygate – If you’re looking for a self-catering option while visiting Belfast, then these apartments are the perfect choice. Centrally located, they have many fully-furnished flats available along with free parking for guests.

Vagabonds – Budget and solo travellers will love this cool, highly-rated hostel in Belfast. Offering both private rooms and dorms, there are also clean facilities and great common areas making it easy to meet other travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Belfast hotels!

Day 2 – Belfast

On day 2, it’s time to visit one of the Northern Irish capital’s top museums – the Titanic Belfast. The infamous ocean liner was actually constructed in Belfast before it embarked on its fateful 1912 journey across the Atlantic.

This iceberg-shaped museum will take you through a range of exhibits explaining all there is to know about the Titanic and the history surrounding both the construction of the ship itself and also some information about the crash and its repercussions. It’s truly a great experience to have while in Belfast. You can book tickets in advance here.

Spend the rest of your day in Belfast exploring some of the sites that you didn’t make it to the first day. For instance, you can grab a bit to eat at St George’s Market, get the views from the Victoria Square Dome or even head to CS Lewis Square to take in some statues dedicated to the late children’s author and theologian.

Day 3 – Causeway Coast

On day 3 of this trip, it’s time to head out of the city and make your way to the north of the country – to the iconic Causeway Coast. We highly recommend leaving Belfast as early as possible to make it to the Giant’s Causeway before the tour buses arrive – it takes about an hour to drive here from the capital.

If you don’t have a car, there are a number of guided tour options such as this full-day tour or this full-day tour that will pick you up from Belfast in the morning.

The Giant’s Causeway is the name for a collection of roughly 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns that were likely formed as part of an ancient volcanic eruption.

However, in Irish myth, it is said to have been formed when an Irish giant built a causeway in order to fight a Scottish giant — there are similar rock formations on the island of Staffa just off the Hebridean Isle of Mull in Scotland.

Note that the Causeway is free to enter, however, it is not free to park at the visitor’s centre or go inside unless you’ve paid for that. If you’re up for a bit of a (beautiful) walk, we recommend parking at the Salmon Rock Beach car park in the town of Portballintrae and walking to the Giant’s Causeway – that way you can visit entirely for free!

Plan to spend a couple of hours at the Giant’s Causeway as there is more here than just the rock formations. Take the time to walk on all of the trails and really take in the views of this gorgeous place. It’s a truly spectacular experience and an essential inclusion on any Northern Ireland road trip itinerary.

After visiting the Giant’s Causeway, you can take the time to take in some other sites on the Northern Ireland Coast. Head over to the town of Bushmills and tour the Bushmills distillery. You can also make your way over to some viewpoints and maybe even go on a few more walks.

If you’re only spending 3 days in Northern Ireland and want to maximise your time here, you can take in some of the other sites in this area, such as the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Dunluce Castle and the Dark Hedges. However, if you are planning a 4- or 5-day itinerary, then you can take your time more at go at a slower pace.

End your day in the town of Portrush. This makes a great base in the area and the town itself is a popular seaside resort complete with its own amusement park and lovely beach. There are also plenty of pubs and restaurants to unwind in at the end of the day with a pint of Guinness and a good meal.

Where to Stay on the Causeway Coast

Anvershiel House – Located in the town of Portrush, this bed and breakfast is an excellent mid-range option for those exploring this part of Northern Ireland. They offer several clean and bright rooms, an excellent breakfast available in the mornings, and a location within walking distance of the beach and town centre.

Elephant Rock Hotel – Those looking for a luxury hotel while on the Causeway Coast will love this chic hotel in Portrush. Centrally located, they have a range of lovely rooms to choose from, an on-site restaurant and bar along with plenty of other great amenities.

Causeway Hotel – If you’d like to stay within a stone’s throw of the Giant’s Causeway and see it without the tour buses, then this hotel is a great option. Located adjacent to the visitor’s centre, booking a night here will also grant you free entry to the centre along with plenty of other perks.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Causeway Coast hotels!

Day 4 – Causeway Coast

Those who have more time to devote to the Causeway Coast will be energised to hit the road early and start exploring again.

Start your day by touring the lovely and striking Dunluce Castle. This ruined castle is perched on striking cliffs not far at all from the town of Portrush and it makes for an excellent place to visit.

Next, you can make your way over to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. This place was used as a filming location for the HBO series Game of Thrones and it is now very popular amongst visitors – so make sure to book your tickets online in advance and also to arrive relatively early if you want to beat the crowds.

You can spend a fair amount of time hiking around here and it’s worth doing this on your second day so that you don’t feel rushed.

Of course, no visit to this area of Northern Ireland is complete without heading to the Dark Hedges. Again, this was used as a filming location for Game of Thrones and it is an incredibly popular tourist attraction. It’s simply a country laneway that is lined with intertwining trees.

Keep in mind that it is definitely a lot more beautiful in the late spring and summertime when there are leaves on the trees and it can seem a bit lacklustre in the winter to about mid-May.

Day 5 – Derry

If you’ve got five days to devote to your Northern Ireland road trip, then make sure not to miss the city of Derry (Londonderry). As Northern Ireland’s second-largest city, Derry can be overlooked by visitors here, however, it has a lot to offer visitors and can provide important cultural context.

Though the city has been popularised as a destination because of the sitcom Derry Girls (you can even tour filming locations ), it doesn’t get the same amount of attention as Belfast.

Derry is a small city and you can certainly take in the majority of the sites and points of interest within the confines of a day. Take the time to walk the city walls – Derry is, in fact, the only walled city in Ireland and this is a great thing to do here.

Of course, no visit to Derry is really complete without taking the time to learn about the city’s more recent history and what life was like during the Troubles. You can visit the Bloody Sunday memorial to learn more about the 1972 massacre and you can also opt to take a walking tour of the Bogside murals with a knowledgeable local guide.

Those who want to learn even more about the city’s history will also find the Free Derry Museum interesting.

Another top Derry attraction is the Peace Bridge. The pedestrianised bridge connects the majority Unionist east side of the city to the majority Republican west side of the city and was meant to be an emblem of bridging the gap of a centuries-long political divide.

Have More Time?

If you have more time after this Northern Ireland itinerary, why not continue on from Derry into the Republic and visit County Donegal ?

If you’re coming from Northern Ireland and only have a day, then driving the Inishowen 100 is an excellent way to explore this part of northwestern Ireland. However, you could easily spend more time exploring this area, as well.

You can reach the town of Muff in County Donegal in about 15 minutes or you can drive north and take the ferry across Lough Foyle to the town of Greencastle. The latter option would also give you the opportunity to make a stop at Mussenden Temple.

For those who want to tour more of the Emerald Isle, then consider heading further south and enjoying some of (or the entirety of) the Wild Atlantic Wa y. County Donegal is absolutely gorgeous, but other highlights include Benbulben in County Sligo, Achill Island in County Mayo, Connemara in County Galway and more.

When planning a trip to Northern Ireland, you may not realise just how much this small country has to offer visitors. From vibrant and historic cities to some of the most spectacular natural scenery there is to offer in this world, spending a few days exploring Northern Ireland is never a bad idea.

Are you planning to visit Northern Ireland? Have any questions about this route? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Dublin or Belfast: Which Irish City to Visit?

10-Day Ireland Itinerary: 3 Road Trip Routes

The Perfect 1, 2, or 3 Days in Belfast Itinerary

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hi, I enjoy reading your travel blogs and find them informative. Living in Northern Ireland I’d like to let you know that not only do we have an airport some 20 miles away from the city centre but there is also George Best Airport less than 2 miles from the City Centre and is great for those arriving to the city for its convenience. Also please note that St George’s market is only open from Friday to Sunday . I have seen many disappointed tourists arrive to the market on other days only to find it closed. Finally if you are travelling from Britain and have a National Trust membership this will allow free entry at the Causeway centre and other attractions – their website would provide more detail.

Thanks for those insights, Barbara!

Thank you so much Barbara Would not have thought about our N T membership. We are thinking about driving, any suggestions??

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

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Hello, thank you for sharing your experience with us regarding your Shades of Ireland tour. We have forwarded your feedback to our Traveler Relations team and the member of the team will reach out to you to discuss your specific issues and concerns. Your feedback is very important to us, we appreciate your patience as we work to resolve your issues.

Review on 05/13/2023

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Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We have forwarded your feedback to our Traveler Relations team and the member of the team will reach out to you to discuss your specific issues and concerns. Your feedback is very important to us, we appreciate your patience as we work to resolve your issues.

Review on 04/10/2023

Thank you for sharing your experience with us on your tour to Ireland.

Hello, thank you for sharing your experience with us regarding your tour to Ireland. We hope to travel with you again soon!

Review on 04/07/2023

Hello, thank you for sharing your experience with us regarding your tour to Ireland. We have forwarded your feedback to our Traveler Relations team and the member of the team will reach out to you to discuss your specific issues and concerns. Your feedback is very important to us, we appreciate your patience as we work to resolve your issues.

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Thank you for choosing us for your recent tour. We are so sorry to hear about your recent experience. We have forwarded your feedback to our team. They will be reviewing this feedback and using it to enhance this tour for our future guests. If you would like to set up a time with one of our customer care representatives to share more about your experience we would be happy to set that up for you. We appreciate you being a loyal traveler with us and hope to travel with you again soon.

Review on 05/13/2022

Hello, we have passed along your comment to members of our product team to review so they can improve the tour for future guests. We appreciate your business and for sharing your feedback. If there's anything else you would like to share about the tour, please be sure to reach out.

We are so happy to hear you had a wonderful time on tour with us! We look forward to traveling with you again soon.

Nothing but good things to say!!

Dream of a lifetime, fabulous tour, one of the best we ever taken, top notch tour , fantastic trip, loved ireland and the shades of green tour, excellent experience for first ireland tour., am ready to return, wonderful trip, wonderful cultural, historic and scenic tour of ireland, it was fun and there was an enormous amt of great info given while touring., fun in ireland 🇮🇪, first european trip, ireland, the trip was wonderful great guide and coach driver. hotels were 1st class, great trip with a great company, this is the way to “see” ireland., outstanding local guide in ireland.

Trip of a lifetime!

Tour felt like being invited into someone's home, fun trip until we were bumped off of ourreturn flight. added ten hours., i would totally recommend colette tours. they exceeded my expectations., tour guide was extremely helpful and knowledgeable., great bus driver and tour director. great group to be with,lots of fun., dublin and s ireland, my dream trip, in my opinion despite very good service,there were too many hotel changes.

Thank you for traveling with Collette on our Shades of Ireland tour. We're sorry to hear about the issues you experienced with the airlines and the amount of hotel changes on tour. Your feedback will be reviewed by our internal department managers so that the overall touring experience for our guests can be improved.

AMAZING TOUR OF THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND

Ireland: a pretty green island - and so much more, all aspects of the tour were excellent, it was our first tour ever. david was amazing with all the history., tour guide knowledgeable and friendly made us feel as a family, the whole trip was great, great but unfortunate towards the end., enjoy touring with collette.

Less time in Dublin, more time in the counrty side.

Thank you for traveling with Collette on our Shades of Ireland featuring Northern Ireland tour. We're very sorry to hear that you were disappointed with the amount of bus time and with one of the optional tours. Your feedback will be reviewed by the Product Design Team so that the overall touring experience for our guests can be improved.

Damian - L, John - R

Our days were jam packed. We learned a lot and the scenery was breathtaking

Thank you for traveling with Collette on our Shades of Ireland featuring Northern Ireland tour. We're very sorry for the issues you experienced on tour with us. Your feedback will be reviewed by our Air and Product Design Team's so that the overall touring experience for our guests can be improved.

Collette Tours was fantastic!

A very thorough tour, outstanding., outstanding, a relaxed trip to ireland with collette tours., great tour manager and tour.

Thank you for traveling with Collette on our Shades of Ireland tour. When purchasing your own airfare, transfers are not an included service. Our records indicate we added a departure transfer to your reservation in July 2019.

Shades of Ireland

Well worth the effort., absolutely gorgeous, itinerary was choppy and schedule was chaotic and sometimes confusing..

Thank you for traveling with Collette on our Shades of Ireland tour. We're sorry to hear about the issues you experienced while on tour with us. Your feedback will be reviewed by the Product Design Team in order to improve the overall touring experience for our guests.

Exceeded my expectations

45 pp too large a tour.

Thank you for traveling with Collette on our Shades of Ireland tour. Your comments on the size of the group will be reviewed by our Product Design Team in order to improve the overall touring experience for our guests.

Fantastic opportunity to see special places!

Tour managersarah was excellent and so knowledgeable., collette's a fun tour, why we loved ireland with collette, a once in a lifetime experience, beautiful scenery, i wrote it above..., fabulous adventure in ireland, comfortable & picturesque tour of the perimeter of ireland--wonderful, a spectacular vacation in ireland and northern ireland., definitely a trip to remember, outstanding trip, this was a well planned trip hitting all the must see places in ireland, wonderful experience, excellent service, the best vacation ever, great trip..

Thank you for traveling with Collette on our Shades of Ireland tour. We appreciate you expressing your feedback on the number of hotels used on this tour. While we can't guarantee a change, your suggestion will be reviewed by the Product Design Team so that the number of properties used on this tour can be looked at.

Collette Tours are Awesome!

5th trip a success, exceeded our expectations. bucket list item checked off in full., our trip of a lifetime, all the food eas excellent. aall llwas very well planned., awesome trip, a terrific trip with so may sights. very enjoyable. a beautiful country., collette tours,mr murphy & mr o'donnell made this trip to ireland wonderful, terrific trip, ptofessional, a wonderful tour of ireland, fabulous time, i really enjoyed our shades of ireland tour this summer, good tour but poor departure planning., good tour but bad departure experience., the best tour of ireland and fun out of the places along the way., lacking value for money, great but improvements could be made, amazing experience, organized and relaxing, a wonderful trip to ireland & northern ireland, beautiful country and the tour was very educational loved the choices of w, fantastic, the best trip so far, the shades of ireland including northern ireland was an amazing tour., my last collette tour.

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Ireland. We're very sorry you had a poor experience on tour. A member of the Guest Relations Team will be reaching out to discuss your feedback.

Service was amazing! Every need was met!

Outstanding

Terrific tour mgr and driver. excellent coverage. hectic schedule., top notch travel company., pretty good. could use some feedback on length of stay in some places, this trip was amazing michael and john were the best tour guide/driver., good, but for me, a bit tiring. i would prefer staying longer at the diffe.

Wonderful experience.

Good guide & driver. too much bus riding to see so little. i would not reco, terrific travels, ireland in 12 days, wonderful vacation thanks to collette, we saw everything we wanted and more., wonderful trip, i was very pleased and felt i learned a lot about the irish history takig t, pretty good tour.

"Shades of Ireland" tour met my expectations and beyond!

Everything was great from the accommodations to the food to the bus driver, unforgetable, wonderful trip, happy every day, excellent company, guides were great and the tour covered everything..

Fantastic ireland

Collette did what a travel agent historically has done, the most memorable trip, great experience, five star presentation., amazing trip, great ireland tour.

I Would Select This Tour Again!!

Collette does a great job..

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Ireland. Your feedback will be reviewed by supervisors in our Client Care Center in order to improve the overall touring experience for our guests.

Loved the trip. Collette was on top of everything.

Responsive, even anticipating needs., fantastic tour of ireland, beautiful country and great guide, overall, a very nice trip., fantastic experience in the land of charms and smiles., great tour and great tour guide., excellent. would select collette again and recommend to others., it was a great fully planned experience of all the best sights of ireland, wonderful trip to ireland, my ireland trip was amazing., no better travel company anywhere., one of the best trips we have taken, top notch service & trip, fabulous experience with wonderful food and hotel accomodations., to fast. i like to see thing of interest. not rushed., great information, friendly staff, clean hotels, wonderful tasting food, wonderful experience, best tour i have ever taken, another fabulous collette tour, i would travel with collett again, a perfect irish experience, perfect trip to ireland, patient and informative, advance prep needed.

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Ireland. Your feedback will be reviewed by the Tour Management Team in order to enhance the overall touring experience for our guests.

Good by not great

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Ireland. Your feedback will be reviewed by the Air and Product Design Team's in order to improve the overall touring experience for our guests.

Suggest doing group welcome meal & entertainment not in first night. All da

Do a better job on choosing you airlines and then become more involved in h.

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Ireland. Your feedback will be reviewed by our Air department in order to enhance the overall touring experience for our guests.

If you want the best travel experience, go with Collette.

Incredible scenery; knowledgeable guides

All of the above, great time, awesome experience., the best way to see ireland for the first time.

Totally awesome trip, five star for sure!!!!

Best travel tour group, ireland excursion, best trip ever, breathtaking ireland, ireland was fabulous, need more or closer pickups and need to follow through i'm sending pictures, a trip of a lifetime, perfect ireland tour, a wonderful experience, ireland was a ball, excellent tour of ireland., i loved ireland, excellent tour, super service from start to finish, make better arrangements..

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Ireland. Your feedback will be reviewed by the Air and Tour Management Teams so that the overall touring experience can be improved.

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Ireland. Your feedback will be reviewed by our Logistics and Product Design Team's in order to improve the overall tour experience.

Incredible trip!

Collette and sean superior; delta failed, love collette, great experience., memories to last a lifetime, irish tour guide was fantastic, very good experience for a first time visitor to ireland., i liked the convenience of being chauffeured from my home to the airport an.

OUTSTANDING TOUR and Guide!!!

Tour great, to and from, meh....

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Ireland. Your feedback will be reviewed by the Groups department to ensure guests are aware they can make their flight own arrangements

Bus Trip with Collette Amazing

Collette - consistant value, quality and service.

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Ireland. Your feedback will be reviewed by your tour guide's Team Leader in the Tour Management department. We will also mail a survey to your address on file.

Great service

Lovely sights of ireland/northern ireland, great ,wonderful, beautiful, exciting, fun in ireland, collette tour was well planned, events well paced, wonderful tour manager., perfect trip, all aspects exceeded our expectations., absolutely the best trip ever., probably won’t choose collette again.

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Ireland. A member of the Guest Relations Team will follow up with you

Poor pre-arrival planning

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Ireland. A member of the Guest Relations Team will be reaching out to discuss your feedback.

First class just too fast!

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Ireland. Your feedback has been forwarded to the Product Development Team so that they can review your comments on the timing and pacing of the itinerary. This feedback will be used to enhance this tour for our future guests.

outstanding

Irish tour guides, wonderful shades of ireland, don't miss this trip, everything was amazing. tour guide was very personable and informative., unforgettable., one of the best vacations ever, an amazing and beautiful honeymoon in ireland, enjoyed the trip with few exceptions, well run tour and erin, our guide, did an outstanding job., always a great tour . this was my 13th trip with collette , i would do it again in a heart beat, if i wasn't 78 years old.., great trip. well worth the expense, superbly planned and managed.

Best Vacation EVER!!!!

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Ireland . A member of the Guest Relations Team will follow up with you.

Great trip!

Take the beauty of Ireland, add fun, food and Fiona.

Wonderful and exciting., great tour director and driver top notch, collette helps make touring fun and easy., this was absolutely the best trip of our lives and we have been everywhere., fantastic trip, collette definitely delivered on this tour, wonderful trip., had the most wonderful vacation to ireland with my daugher.

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Ireland. A member of the Guest Relations Team will follow up with you.

Wonderful experience touring Ireland with Collette

Great time had by all., nil response.

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Ireland. Your feedback has been forwarded to our Client Care Center and will be used to avoid similar issues in the future. 

will travel with colette again

Everything was terrific. great guide, great driver, great hotels, great foo, let collette handle the details.

Thank you for traveling with Collette to Ireland. Your feedback has been forwarded to the Tour Management department and the Client Care Center. They will use your comments to enhance the tour process for our future guests. 

Mostly a good trip but not a great one

If you like sheep, this is a must do, loved my tour director, great time.

Hello, Darla! \n\n\nWe're pleased to hear you had a great time on tour!  We saw that you rated it a 1 out of 5 (1 being the lowest).  Was there something about the tour that you did not like that you could share with us?

Great Moments!

Trip of a lifetime., ireland, our trip of a lifetime..., the shades of ireland tour is an amazing experience, well worth the money., perfect from start to finish, irish enjoyment, well worth the time, was such a wonderful trip. john the tour guide was fantastic, wonderful trip, wonderful experience, an amazing ireland trip, an excellent trip, 54 on the bus all fun,friendly, kind & polite, everything we were told to expect happened. guide manager kim and bus driv, there were 2 negatives: late check in on 1st day & single beds on 2 nites, just a great trip, wonderful trip through ireland, great experience, shades of ireland featuring northern ireland-amazing trip, an excellent trip all the way around, great bus travel not for me.

A PERFECT Irish experience!

Provided information on time and pleasantly. Trip was well set up.

Fantastic tour of ireland, i loved this trip., outstanding trip to see and learn about ireland, felt more like an escorted shopping trip..

Hello, Thank you for bringing this to our attention.  We've passed this along to our product team and tour manager team for review.  Your feedback is appreciated as it helps us to improve the tour for future guests.  Please let us know if there is anything else you would like to share with a member of our guest relations team.  We hope to travel with you again soon.

The tour couldn't have been any better!

Great trip loved ireland our tour director and driver were great, bookings were a complete mess and the hotels were second best if that., collette is the only travel company for me.

That's great to hear, Bonita!  Where are you off to next?   We appreciate you and look forward to traveling with you again. 

If you want to go call Collettes

Nice trip for general overview of soudh ireland, enjoyable tour and overview of south ireland., ireland: forever a beautiful memory.

Hello Rachelle,  Thank you for sharing your feedback about the tour.  We have shared your experience with our team for review.   They will use your insight to help improve the tours for future guests.  We appreciate you and look forward to traveling with you again soon. 

Excellent, excellent, excellent!!!

Fabulous adventure in ireland, loved our trip, good overall tour, an excellent vacation company, a good variety of activities. good food, great transportation and a knowle..., excellent service by collette us, well planned and handled tour with exccellent accommodations., great trip to ireland.

Overall it was very good. We had difficulty with domestic connections beca...

Good service by collette us, truly great, lonely and bored the first day until dinner., great time and the best of weather, rained on way back to airport., well planned, organized and enjoyable., a should-do trip for everyone, led by great tour leader., beautiful country and beautiful people, it was a very great trip. i loved it, good well run tour., excellent shades of ireland tour, shades of ireland an excellent experience, i can not wait to go with colletteagain., spectacular tour, thoroughly enjoyed trip., well organized and responsive, customer service needs to think, questions answered; good followup where required. only 'ding' was the resp..., my tour guide was well versed and organized and made it into a great trip., awesome tour and wonderful service.

Plan support

Positive will go with collette again..

Smiling Irish Eyes

I like that i didn't have to think when i got there just enjoyed my trip, beautiful trip, beautiful kaleidoscope of ireland, . we were very unhappy. and another three hour delay coming from dublin to alamta ga. not a good experienve, fantastic amazing awesome.

Easy, enjoyable, and overall a great experience.

Professional, best travel tour, superior tour.

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IDENTIFICATION Passports are required for this tour at your expense. Certain countries require that your passport be valid at least 6 months beyond the dates of your travel. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.

IMPORTANT: We recommend that travelers take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

Northern & Southern Ireland

8 days | rugged coastline and charming pubs – irish style.

The northern nooks and the regal Republic – see it all on an eight-day adventure on both sides of the Irish border. Travel past green pastures, stunning lakes, striking cliff faces and, in the evening, head straight to the pub for a Guinness (or two). Visit medieval castles and ancient sites filled with folklore and whimsy, and marvel at the views of Ireland's rugged coastline, including the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher and the Giant's Causeway. Hitting the cities of Belfast and Dublin, don't forget to gather your travel crew together for some pub grub and live music to cap off a tour that hits all the hotspots of Ireland. ‘To be sure?’, you say? Why yes, we’re sure.

Trip overview

• Walk through Ireland’s unspoilt natural wonders of the Rings of Kerry and see shepherds in action, with a sheep farm visit and herding demonstration for your small group.
• Scramble about the clustered pillars of Giant's Causeway and decide for yourself if it’s a natural phenomenon, or the work of giants, as legends may say.
• Explore the rugged coastline of the Aran Islands, with time to explore ruins and remains from the Bronze and Iron Age with your local leader.
• Stroll through Belfast's city centre and learn about recent historical events brought to life in their monuments and buildings – one most notably being the story of the Titanic.
• Revel in Dublin's energetic nightlife – it’ll feel like there’s a pub on nearly every corner, and its creative neighbourhoods are teeming with hip bars and eateries.
• Ireland can be cold at night throughout the year, especially at the start and end of the season. Please bring appropriate clothing for adverse weather conditions, including base layers, hat, gloves, scarf, waterproof clothes/umbrella and anything else that you think may be applicable.
• As accommodation on this trip is twin share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. However, if you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge (some exceptions may apply). Please ask your travel consultant for more details. Also, hotels in Europe can seem small by Australian or American standards, and often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart.
• This trip is quite fast paced to make the most of your time in Ireland. We will take you on regular orientation walks, so you'll be on your feet quite a lot. While this may be tiring for some, it’s the best way to get your head around a place and to set yourself up for further discoveries. Please remember that on this trip you don't have a lot of time in Belfast and Dublin at the start and the end of the trip respectively, so if you're keen to explore these spectacular cities in depth we recommend you arrive a day or two before the start of the trip and/or extend your stay at the end.

Welcome to Belfast and the Emerald Isle! Your Irish adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm. As you don't spend much time in Belfast as part of the trip, we recommend you arrive a few days early to make the most of it. If you happen to do so, spend some time wandering the streets of the bohemian Cathedral Quarter, or perhaps visit the leafy suburbs of South Belfast or the stately City Hall in Donegal Square. Make sure you also visit the revitalised waterfront area where you will find the Titanic Belfast monument on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where the legendary RMS Titanic was built. The monument tells the story of the ship's ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

• Belfast - SS Nomadic Museum - GBP7
• Belfast - Botanical Gardens - Free
• Belfast - Ulster Museum - Free
• Belfast - Titanic Museum - GBP25
• Belfast - Black Cab Tour - GBP50
• Belfast - History of Terror Guided Tour - GBP20

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. If you would like to spend more time in Belfast, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Take a private transfer to the renowned natural wonder known as The Giant's Causeway (approximately 2.5 hours), travelling along the scenic and rugged wild coast north of Belfast. Giant's Causeway is home to roughly 40,000 basalt columns. The landmark has inspired artists and storytellers for centuries. Depending on the school of thought you wish to believe, they are either the result of an ancient volcanic eruption or a rather big argument between rival giants! Upon return to Belfast in the evening, why not visit the areas that have a connection to the Troubles, such as Shankill Road, the unionist Protestant area, the nationalist and Catholic area, as well as the 'Peace Wall'. Explore the local neighbourhoods to get more of a feel of this regenerated city, perhaps with a visit to a local pub for a meal with your travel crew.

• Giant's Causeway - Day Trip

This morning, travel by public bus to the harbour city of Galway – capital of the county of the same name. You will be crossing the border from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland, so you may need to switch your Pounds for some Euros at this point. While you're in Galway, you could visit the impressive Galway Cathedral. Its full name, the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas, is far more elaborate than the simplicity of its building.

• Hostel (1 night)
• Galway - Cathedral - Free

Total traveling time is 6hrs. Our hostel in Galway provides private, twin rooms with en-suite facilities.

Enjoy a day trip by ferry to the Aran islands, which have been crafted by centuries of wild winds and smashing waves. The islands are one of the few places where the Irish language is still spoken on an everyday basis. You’ll travel by minibus and on foot to explore the native flora and fauna, with visits to the ruins of a church and a lighthouse. There are also some remains from Bronze and Iron Age fortresses to be found. If you're lucky you may even spot a seal lounging on the rocky shore! Return to Galway for a free evening and time for more exploration. The best way to take in the spirit of this city is by attending a live performance in one of the many pubs, accompanied by a pint of Guinness, of course.

• Aran Islands - Guided Day Trip by Ferry

The Aran Island excursion is only possible on departures operating from April to October. In Winter months, it will be replaced with excursion to visit 3 castles in Connemara: Aughnanure castle home of O’Flaherty clans & Grace O’Malley, Kylemore Abbey home to Benedictine order, followed by Clifden capital of Connemara sky road & Ballynahinch castle on the lake visit.

The magnificent Cliffs of Moher will leave you in awe with their striking look over the Irish coastline. The daring can walk to the edge and watch puffins nesting along the cliff face (from April to late July). Learn about the history of the famous site and its feathered inhabitants at the Cliffs Exhibition. Next stop is the quaint village of Adare. Arrival into Killarney is in the late afternoon. You'll learn quickly that pubs are the heartbeat of Ireland, whether you're interested in guzzling beer or simply getting to know more about Irish culture, pubs are definitely an important part of any Irish adventure – the place for infectiously cheerful music, tall tales and making friends over a pint or two. The Irish take their beer seriously, so this is a great chance to taste a variety of rich 'real ales'. Get to know classic pub fare such as Irish stew, chowders and fish and chips, while also sampling less familiar dishes such as coddle, boxty and champ.

• Cliffs of Moher

Prepare for picturesque rolling green hills and breathe in the salty coastal air as you travel along the Iveragh Peninsula, better known as the Ring of Kerry – a mystical and unspoilt region of Ireland. You'll pass through bucolic villages and enjoy views across some of Ireland's greatest beaches, beautiful lakes and rivers as well as a bit of dramatic coastal scenery. It's the perfect place for a small town crime drama to be set. Travelling by private vehicle will allow you to stop frequently at any of the numerous outlooks along the way for photos. You’ll visit a sheep farm and will see a demonstration of sheep herding – with skilled border collie dogs at work rounding up the sheep, and following commands from the shepherd, they’re no doubt full of practice. Arrive back into Killarney in the early afternoon. If there is enough time perhaps head out to Ross Castle, picturesquely sitting on the shores of Lough Leane.

• Killarney - Ring of Kerry Day Trip
• Killarney - Sheep Dog Trials (seasonal)
• Killarney - Ross Castle - EUR5

Please note that the sheep dog trials only run seasonally.

Travel by train to Cork and take a city tour led by your leader. Cork is known as the culinary capital of Ireland, so grab a bite before boarding another train this time bound for the real, proud capital of the Republic of Ireland - Dublin. Spend the evening exploring the cobbled streets of this humming city or drop into the pub for a pint and a yarn. Dublin has much to offer, so make sure you go out and maximise your time here. In the evening, perhaps get your group together and cosy up at a local pub or head into town to find a cool restaurant or bar in Dublin’s Creative Quarter, also known as the city’s 'hipster triangle'.

• Cork - leader led city tour
• Dublin - St Patrick Cathedral - EUR9
• Dublin - Guinness Storehouse - EUR25

As there are no activities planned for today, you are free to head on your way at any time, providing you comply with the accommodation’s internal check-out policy. You might want to return to Belfast by train or further explore Dublin and surrounding area. Your leader can be of assistance in organising train tickets back to Belfast. If you’d like, additional accommodation can be booked in both locations (subject to availability).

7 breakfasts

Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, Ferry

Hotel (5 nights), Hostel (2 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability.  Please note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.   2. You don't have a lot of time in Belfast and Dublin at the start and the end of the trip respectively, so if you're keen to explore these spectacular cities in depth we recommend you arrive a day or two before the start of the trip and/or extend your stay at the end.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Ranked: The BEST Things To Do In Northern Ireland

Posted: April 27, 2024 | Last updated: April 27, 2024

Unmissable highlights of Northern Ireland

Small but mighty Northern Ireland packs in plenty of impressive sights, Celtic culture, cuisine, tradition and history into 32,595 square miles. From museums to festivals and fine dining experiences, this destination offers an activity for every age and a flavour for every palette.

Click or scroll through the gallery to discover our guide to the unmissable highlights of Northern Ireland, with a focus on activities for city break lovers...

1. Visit Titanic Belfast

Located on the very spot where the ill-fated ship was designed, built and launched, Titanic Belfast is a world-leading tourist attraction which takes visitors on an immersive journey from the bustling boomtown of early 19 th  century Belfast, through the conception and construction of the RMS Titanic. You'll also learn what life was like on board the completed ship and within the cabins of various classes, and finally the story culminates in the tragic sinking and devastating aftermath, with one of the largest collections of salvaged artefacts in the world.

The museum is designed for guests of all ages, with plenty of interactive elements to engage young children, and a wealth of information presented through multimedia exhibits. There’s even a short, fairground-style ride which takes passengers through the sights, sounds and smells of the shipyard as it would have been during the Titanic’s construction.

Also in the vicinity and worth exploring are the SS Nomadic, the Titanic’s tender ship and the last remaining White Star Liner vessel in the world; the slipways where the ship was actually constructed; and the former Harland & Wolff headquarters where the Titanic was designed – and which is now the Titanic Hotel Belfast .

2. Tour the Titanic Distillers

While exploring Belfast’s rapidly developing 10-km (six-mile) Maritime Mile along the waterfront, you’ll want to stop by the  Titanic Distillers , a new distillery based out of a former pumphouse that once serviced the Titanic, as well as many other ships. Distillery tours take visitors on a journey through the building’s history, from its original use – as a pumphouse, it was the last spot where Titanic rested on dry ground before she set sail – to its restoration and renovation into the distillery, including an explanation of the whiskey making process.

The tour ends with a tasting, allowing guests to sample their Irish Whisky and award-winning Irish vodka, distilled on site. The tour is a must-do for history and whiskey-lovers alike, the perfect way to immerse yourself in Belfast’s maritime past while enjoying some of its very best contemporary spirits.

There is also a fantastic gift shop if you want to bring some Titanic-branded beverages back home. 

3. Take a hike up Cave Hill

If you’re looking for an outdoor experience near Belfast that doesn’t require elite outdoorsman skills, then a hike up Cave Hill is the perfect excursion, with the added benefit that the trails are within easy walking distance of the city centre. The hike starts at the beautiful Belfast Castle , a late 19 th century mansion built in the Scottish baronial style popular at the time and situated on a promontory overlooking the city. From here, hikers can choose one of several routes of varying lengths, depending on how ambitious they’re feeling.

Any hike here should include a visit to McArt's Fort, known by locals as ‘the nose’ or ‘Napoleon’s Nose.’ This promontory sits 1,207 feet (368m) above sea level and is said to resemble the profile of the French emperor Napoleon I.

Napoleon’s Nose is also said to have inspired the giant in Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels . This summit will provide breathtaking views out across the city, while the entire journey up the hill is punctuated with beautiful vistas of rolling farmland, leafy pastures and the occasional herd of cows.

4. Savour the flavours on a tasting tour

If you’re keen to sample more of the flavours of Belfast, you should check out the variety of experiences offered by  Taste & Tour , a company which specialises in various walking tours based around the city’s culinary highlights. The tours are an excellent way to see the city, while providing the low-down on the best places to eat and drink from a knowledgeable guide.

Great tour options from Taste & Tour include the Belfast Food Tour, the Belfast Gin Jaunt, the City Cocktail Circuit and the 5 Stop Brunch. Whichever tour you choose, the company ethos remains the same – highlighting local traditions and businesses, showcasing the very best of Northern Ireland’s flavours and generally creating an atmosphere of a big, portable party. 

We tried the City Cocktail Circuit and loved getting to sample a wide variety of artisanal drinks in locations ranging from the sumptuous and historic Merchant Hotel to a quirky underground speakeasy. And, if the thought of so many beverages in a concentrated time causes concern, don’t worry: there are plenty of tasty snacks included along the way! 

5. Visit the Ulster American Folk Park

Moving away from Belfast and into County Tyrone (around 1 hour 20 from Belfast by car), you’ll find another activity that’s perfect for the whole family – the Ulster American Folk Park . Popular with international tourists as well as locals, this living history museum recreates rural Irish life in the 18 th century and charts the Irish immigrant’s journey from County Tyrone across the Atlantic to the American frontier.

Throughout the museum’s collection of authentic 18 th and 19 th century buildings, costumed interpreters perform daily chores and regale guests with stories from the past.

Visitors will start in a traditional Ulster village, moving along the bustling high street from the blacksmiths to the schoolhouse, and then board the recreated ‘Brig Union ship,’ experiencing the cramped quarters and squalid conditions that immigrants endured for the 12-week journey to the US. They will then emerge in the vibrant New World and discover how Irish immigrants built new lives and communities in settlements as wide ranging as West Virginia, Tennessee and Pennsylvania.

The Ulster American Folk Park also offers a range of seasonal events and workshops, particularly around the holidays.

6. Sample cider at Long Meadow Farm

Well into their third generation of farmers, the McKeever’s of  Long Meadow Cider  is a family farm situated in County Armagh, which has long been dedicated to the production of Bramley apples. The McKeevers turn the tasty fruit into award-winning juices, ciders and apple cider vinegars, with tried and tested methods that have been passed down from generation to generation.

The best way to experience all that Long Meadow has to offer is with a tour, which includes a walk through the aromatic orchard, a peek into the apple pressing and bottling room and the cold storage facilities (with the chance to try both a piece of fruit and shot of apple cider vinegar), and a fabulous finish in the glass-fronted barn overlooking the orchard with a cup of hot coffee and a piece of freshly made apple tart and cream. There is also the option to enjoy a cooking demonstration and tasting of Irish soda bread.

And of course, all tours include a tasting of the various juices and ciders produced on site.

7. Take a tour of the Derry walls

In the historic walled city of Derry/Londonderry, you’ll have the chance to experience all that the inaugural UK City of Culture has to offer. The best way to do this is to take a tour of the city walls themselves.

Join a City Walking Tour for an engaging, unbiased journey through Derry/Londonderry's history, from its Christian settlement in the 6 th century, up through the Troubles including Bloody Sunday, to its current reputation as a seat of music, hospitality and peace.

City Walking Tours take in exciting highlights, including the siege cannons still mounted on the city walls, St Columb’s Cathedral, and the Bogside murals, painted on the sides of buildings by local artists, which depict poignant moments from the Troubles. Plus, for fans of the hit Channel 4 TV series Derry Girls , there are quite a few familiar landmarks and references sprinkled in along the way…

8. Pay homage to the Derry Girls

In fact, there are plenty of opportunities for Derry Girls fans to immerse themselves in the world of these iconic characters while visiting the city. Perhaps the biggest attraction is the Derry Girls mural, painted by UV Arts in 2019 to honour the show’s impact on the city.

The mural is a fantastic photo opp for Derry Girls fans of all ages. 

There is also a fantastic Derry Girls Experience in the Tower Museum , located in the heart of the city. Here, visitors can see sets, costumes and props used on the hit TV series, as well as watch interviews with its cast and creator Lisa McGee, as they find out more about the production process.

If all this walking has tired you out, you can always stop by Doherty’s Home Bakery for a cream horn pick-me-up in honour of the show's Granda Joe!

9. Pull your own pints at the Walled City Brewery

The best way to end a day in Derry/Londonderry is within the warm and welcoming confines of the Walled City Brewery . Here, the self-proclaimed “expert hipster brewers” will take you on a tour of the facilities, letting you taste the different grains used, showing you the equipment for the brewing process and explaining the history of the brewery itself, which originally opened in 1872.

At the end of the tour comes the highlight – the opportunity to pull your own pint of choice, straight from the keg.

The Walled City Brewery also boasts an impressive onsite restaurant, with a menu inspired by local produce and flavours and featuring everything from steak and chips and pork fillet to gluten-free, veggie and vegan options. The restaurant is family friendly and makes an excellent spot to kick back and relax with a pint after a day of exploring, or in preparation for a night of festivities…

10. Revel at Derry Halloween

If you’re lucky enough to visit Derry/Londonderry at the end of October, you’ll find yourself immersed in Derry Halloween , Europe’s largest Halloween festival (taking place 28-31 October 2024). Steeped in centuries of Celtic tradition, the festival celebrates the end of the harvest season and the coming of winter or, in slightly darker lore, the moment when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is at its thinnest.

While our modern Halloween traditions may have come a long way from these early Gaelic precursors, the spirit of Samhain is still alive and well in Derry.

In a rollicking marriage of old and new traditions, Derry Halloween turns the entire walled city into one enormous party, with music, dancers, acrobats, storytellers, fire artists and live performances of every kind. The festival runs for about a week leading up to the main event – an enormous parade and fireworks display that caps off the festivities.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world flood the city for this special event every year, all dressed to impress in their finest (or fiercest!) festive attire.

Now discover Ireland's most beautiful small towns and villages

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Destinations

Destination Brief: Why Northern Ireland is the Next Must-Visit Incentive Destination

Meet in Ireland, a brand of Tourism Ireland & Tourism Northern Ireland + Skift Meetings

April 18th, 2024 at 6:00 AM EDT

Rich in natural beauty, a proud and vibrant cultural heritage, warm hospitality with unique and luxurious accommodations and venues; Northern Ireland should be on your radar as the next must-visit incentive travel destination.

Meet in Ireland, a brand of Tourism Ireland & Tourism Northern Ireland

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This content was produced in partnership with a Skift Meetings sponsor.

The Incentive Research Foundation reports that incentive travel is growing as a significant factor for recruiting, retaining, and motivating top talent. Given that, it’s worth knowing what incentive qualifiers actually want — and the data may surprise you a bit.

In 2022, IRF found that nearly two-thirds of their survey respondents reported increased interest in traveling to remote areas with luxury accommodations. In 2023, the IRF uncovered another strong trend: “Incentive travel is expected to be fresh and exciting, with 71% of our respondents indicating an increased demand for new destinations not used before,” said Stephanie Harris, IRF President.

Few destinations meet this bill better than Northern Ireland. Offering exhilarating immersive experiences, top-notch amenities, dynamic yet walkable cities, and gorgeous natural environments, it is guaranteed to delight and inspire. Moreover, Northern Ireland has the advantage of combining all these elements within a short distance of one another, making it the ideal setting for a “town and country” incentive trip creating a balanced and diverse experience of both urban and rural environments.

Both incentive planners and event organizers can benefit from Northern Ireland’s industry-leading sustainability measures, state-of-the-art venues, and luxurious offerings at an affordable price — not forgetting their renowned ‘Giant Spirit’ of warmth and hospitality. Finally, there is a continued investment in developing the destination, with approximately $1.5 billion funneling into exciting new attractions and experience projects to ensure it is competing with some of the top incentive destinations around the world .

Access & Amenities: Easy Travel & Transportation

Getting to and around northern ireland has never been easier.

Ideally, an incentive trip should be relaxing from start to finish. Northern Ireland is exceptionally accessible to reach from both North America and mainland Europe. A direct flight to Dublin out of NYC is less than seven hours, and the 90-minute direct train ride or coach journey from Dublin airport to Belfast city gives attendees a chance to take in the beauty of the landscape as soon as they arrive.

For those who prefer to fly straight to their destination, Northern Ireland has 3 airports (Derry-Londonderry, Belfast City, and Belfast International) which land national and international connection flights. Travelers from the U.S. can now fly to Ireland from New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Atlanta, Denver, and Minneapolis. Carriers include Aer Lingus, Delta, United, American Airlines, and JetBlue.

A well-developed and diversified transit infrastructure incorporating airports, ports, railways, and motorways makes getting around Northern Ireland as straightforward as arriving there.

“Due to the compact size of the North it is suited for a town and country split itinerary,” said Alison Metcalfe, Executive Vice President, Head of North America & Australia/New Zealand for Tourism Ireland. “For example, you can experience Belfast and then drive to the Fermanagh or Mourne Mountains countryside to experience the lush greenery, golf courses, and castles.”

Unique Experiences: Connecting Incentive Travelers With Local History & Culture

A world-class incentive travel destination should offer excellent accommodations, food, beverage, and entertainment — ideally with a sense of character unique to the region.

Northern Ireland’s got it covered.

Unique Hotels Make for Memorable Stays

For luxury-seekers staying in Belfast, the multiple-award winning five-star Merchant Hotel , housed in the historic headquarters of the Ulster Bank, promises to exceed expectations. The Fitzwilliam Hotel , another five-star property in Belfast, boasts a penthouse, panoramic views over the city, a private roof terrace, and baby grand piano.

Throughout Northern Ireland, the Hastings Group of Hotels reliably presents a range of high-end accommodations at the regal Culloden Estate and Spa , the world-famous Europa Hotel , and their newest 300-bedroom property in the city center, Grand Central Hotel .

In Derry-Londonderry, the Bishops Gate Hotel combines restored Edwardian grandeur with contemporary service excellence, and the newly opened Ebrington Hotel features exquisite farm-to-table cuisine by celebrated Irish chefs Noel McNeel and Leigh Thurston.

A little farther afield and where the Mourne Mountains meet the sea, the Slieve Donard Hotel might be the perfect choice for a more exclusive gathering with the stunning landscapes of County Down and the Royal County Down course nearby.

Thoughtful Resorts Put the “Rewarding” in Incentive Travel

Northern Ireland has several appealing locations for retreat-oriented events. The Finn Lough Resort immerses guests in natural beauty, incorporating foraged and farm-to-table cuisine, a forest spa, and the architectural alchemy of its Bubble Domes — where guests can sleep with a full view of the open sky. Just 30 minutes from Belfast, Galgorm Resort and its award-winning outdoor spa village provide exquisite privacy on 450 acres of parkland, with the River Maine running through a lush forest canopy. In the Fermanagh Lakelands, Lough Erne Resort provides five-star luxury, a Thai-style spa, and full integration with the championship Faldo course.

Authentically Local, World-Class Food & Drink Experiences

Northern Ireland boasts a renowned food and beverage scene, including flagship establishments from celebrity chefs like Niall McKenna, Michael Dean, and Alex Green. Many locally owned and managed restaurants are now listed in the Michelin Guide. Additionally, multiple farm-to-fork initiatives in Northern Ireland are well-known for supporting unique small-scale local agriculture, connecting restaurants with award-winning home-grown food.

For a more immersive experience of Irish food, Niall McKenna’s Waterman House Cookery School hosts classes — providing an outside-the-box opportunity for attendees to connect with other countries’ specialties. Northern Ireland has seen a renaissance in brewing and distilling in recent years too, with a long list of top-class producers of beer, cider, whiskey, and gin. A distillery tasting tour offers the opportunity for attendees to enjoy an enriching and memorable experience connecting to the region’s culture, landscapes, and stories. A favorite is the NI Spirits Trail Distillery Passport , which is a self-guided exploration of 14 different distilleries, combining a “passport” keepsake with an experience to remember.

Sustainability: Aligning With Host & Traveler Values

Collaboration between business & public institutions.

Tourism Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland, Meet in Ireland, CVBs, and hospitality-sector businesses are working together to attain high standards of sustainability across Northern Ireland. Tourism NI has launched a carbon reduction plan and developed a How To Grow Green program for regional businesses. These initiatives are part of a longer term goal to solidify an all-island sustainability certification framework.

Attendees who hold sustainability as a core value will be happy to hear about what this work has already achieved. In 2023 Belfast ranked 11th globally in the GDS Index, in part because 76 percent of hotel rooms in the city hold a sustainable accreditation. That same year the International Convention Centre received the Green Meetings Gold Award in recognition of its exceptional practices, such as sending zero waste to landfill and adopting innovative technologies to minimize its environmental impact.

An Experience of a More Sustainable Way of Life

Northern Ireland’s walkable cities mean they can be explored without having to navigate complicated transportation arrangements, which is a benefit for planners and attendees alike. Northern Ireland also has an excellent rail transport network and a variety of landscapes and cultural attractions within a short distance of any urban center, all of which help adventurous travelers keep their carbon footprint down.

Business travelers want to see events deliver real benefits to host cities , with corporate social responsibility becoming a major part of planning. Programs like Visit Belfast’s Changing The Menu For Good are a fantastic example of this, helping event planners and attendees raise funds for local food banks while also delivering more responsible and sustainable events.

World-Class Leisure: Vibrant Culture in a Stunning Natural Environment

Northern Ireland is well positioned to delight incentive travelers by combining urban cultural experiences with opportunities to connect with rural traditions and local communities. “The music, culinary scene, and history of Northern Ireland speak to its unique charm,” said Alison Metcalfe.

Cities With Rich History

A wealth of interactive and guided experiences can build on how attendees enjoy Northern Ireland’s human-sized cities.

In Derry-Londonderry, attendees can explore the only walled city in Ireland. With its city walls dating back to the 17th century, Derry-Londonderry’s historical architecture includes the Guildhall , St. Columb’s Cathedral, St. Augustine’s Church, and St. Eugene’s Cathedral. After a tour of these heritage sites, attendees can wrap up the afternoon with a stroll through the Craft Village ’s reconstructed 19th-century artisanal market and across the treasured city landmark, the peace bridge.

In Belfast, on the precise site where the Titanic was designed, built, and launched, Titanic Belfast offers a guided tour of the interactive museum — along with thematic culinary experiences, a world-class private events space, and accommodation nearby at the Titanic Hotel. Similarly, Crumlin Road Gaol , a historical prison which officially closed in 1996, is now available for unique private experiences and events. For those looking to explore further, Black Cab Tours will take visitors for a drive that illuminates the political history of Belfast and showcases the street art that locals have created in response.

Get Out of Town: City/Country Programs

A “Giant Spirit” but small geography mean that Northern Ireland is ideal for split city/country programs, which offer a balanced and diverse experience combining both rural and urban environments.

Belfast allows delegates to experience multiple city attractions, including Titanic Belfast, the Ulster Museum, and the wealth of historical sites that make it unique. Follow up with a country retreat to the Slieve Donard Hotel and Mourne Mountains. Once there, attendees can engage with local communities and rural traditions such as Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen , where the restaurant’s namesake welcomes groups into her 17th-century cottage to bake soda bread by the fire. Then finish off the day by paddle boarding to a private island for a yoga session.

For those who prefer to stay in the here-and-now, Ballygally Castle and Bushmills Distillery have joined forces to offer the Whiskey on the Rocks experience on the Giant’s Causeway — the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site with its unique geometric rock formations. Similarly, Wilde Dining invites attendees to an extraordinary culinary experience that will redefine their definition of al fresco in Co. Fermanagh. As another option, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour gives serious fans exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the making of the show and enviable bragging rights.

Get Outside and Play

With over 90 golf courses across Northern Ireland, a group tee-time is easy to arrange. That said, planners might want to book further out in advance to secure a round on Royal County Down, rated the world’s best golf course. Equally sought-after are the Royal Portrush, which held the 148th open in 2019 and will again in 2025, or the Royal Belfast, the oldest golf course in Ireland.

Hikers will thrill to the scenic views found on the Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, the Fermanagh Lakelands, and the Mourne Mountains, home of the UNESCO Global Geopark at Mourne Gullion Strangford.

For those looking for something truly one-of-a-kind, or for any and all animal lovers, the Glenshane Country Farm offers a sheep-herding experience for groups just 45 minutes’ drive away from Belfast. Alternatively, attendees might enjoy a horseback ride by the sea with Crindle Stables .

Embrace a Giant Spirit

Tourism Northern Ireland’s brand, “Embrace a Giant Spirit,” reflects what travelers are invited to experience: an awakening of mind and spirit in a place rich in living cultural history woven together by unique elemental beauty. All of these “giant” elements are further amplified through words, music, and a meaningful connection with its people.

Meeting and event planners searching for the next remarkable incentive travel experience need look no further than Northern Ireland. “We’ll assist with all aspects of planning, from handling RFPs right through to finding the right venue or DMC to help deliver your event,” said Alison Metcalfe. “To top it all off, we are based in New York City.” Reach out to the Meet in Ireland or Northern Ireland team to find out more about their services and Financial Support .

Did You Know? Belfast was named a Unesco City of Music — making it the third city in the U.K. to receive this esteemed acclaim.

This content was created in partnership with Meet in Ireland, a brand of Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland, working collaboratively with Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX.

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More than 80% of asylum applicants now coming from UK via Northern Ireland, says McEntee

Minister for justice described ‘challenge’ due to common travel area, which government has worked to protect.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee: 'We simply must recognise that the challenges presented by migration and asylum exist.' Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

More than 80 per cent of people applying for asylum in Ireland are coming from the UK over the land Border with Northern Ireland , Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has estimated.

Ms McEntee told the Oireachtas justice committee, which is holding a hearing on the Government’s decision to opt-in to an EU-wide migration pact, that the estimate was that more than 80 per cent were coming across the Border.

“I would say it’s higher than 80 per cent,” Ms McEntee told Fianna Fáil Senator Robbie Gallagher.

Mr Gallagher said the statistic was “particularly worrying”. Ms McEntee said the Department of Justice engages with the UK authorities regularly, including through a Common Travel Area committee as well as bilaterally through the Department and between the Garda and the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

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“This is the challenge that we have, that we have advocated for an open Border on this island,” she said. “It is absolutely a challenge.”

She said there is a returns agreement to send those back to the UK who have refugee status there, although that has been impeded by a recent High Court judgment which she is bringing forward legislation to remedy.

A Department of Justice source said that it was difficult to be precise about the numbers coming across the Border as it was not monitored routinely but that more than 80 per cent of International Protection (IP) applications are made at the IP office in Mount Street without having applied at a point of entry like a port or airport.

The Department believes that the overwhelming majority of those are coming from the UK and across the land Border. The Government believes that a significant number of Nigerians are coming via this route. There has been a spike in applications from that country.

Cabinet agreed that IP applicants from this country will be subject to an accelerated processing regime from Tuesday.

Earlier, Ms McEntee told the committee that up to 80 per cent of asylum seekers will be processed within three months under new EU rules.

Ms McEntee, who said that the new pact would mean that people will spend “less time in State-provided accommodation and ultimately are more likely to be returned to their country of origin”.

Failing to opt-in to the pact will result in Ireland becoming a more attractive destination, according to Ms McEntee. Numbers will “almost certainly increase” but the State would be precluded from accessing solidarity and burden-sharing mechanisms, “severely” limiting the capacity to “send people back to wherever they came from”, she told the committee.

“This would mean more people in the reception system for longer periods of time.”

The pact, which the Government wants to implement by the middle of 2026, has drawn opposition from politicians on the left and right. While the Government says it is a pathway to a fairer and faster immigration system, the plan to approve the pact next week is facing increasing opposition in advance of Dáil and Seanad votes.

Ms McEntee will give an overview of the pact, which consists of seven overlapping directives and regulations, arguing that there are significant risks to not opting in.

“We simply must recognise that the challenges presented by migration and asylum exist. They cannot be wished away. They must be addressed. And they cannot be addressed, in a globalised and interdependent world, by any state acting alone,” she told the committee.

She said that one element, the asylum procedures regulation, allows for “faster, fairer processing” of applications across the bloc, including “very condensed” border procedures for some people including those who come from countries with low “recognition rates” for asylum. It will allow for decisions to be taken in accelerated circumstances or for inadmissible applicants in three and two months respectively, and she argued that the longest time frame for a first decision will be six months under an ordinary procedure.

Under this regulation, she told the committee there are safeguards and appeals mechanisms. “In short, this regulation will ensure people get a quicker decision, whether positive or negative, on their claim.”

She outlined how the pact also contains a new screening regulation which kicks in when someone enters the EU irregularly or is found to be in a member state without permission.

The person will undergo a screening procedure within seven days, including identification, health and security checks and fingerprinting as well as being registered in the EU’s Eurodac database. This allows countries to check whether someone has lodged an application for asylum in another EU country.

Once that is concluded, people will either be entered into the asylum process or returned out of the country.

Another new regulation on the Eurodac database, she told the committee, will be important for Ireland as it experiences high levels of “secondary movement” – where someone has travelled to Ireland through another member state. Under this regulation, the system will be expanded to include collection of a facial images and fingerprints, including reducing the age for fingerprinting to six years and older.

Ms McEntee said this is to provide “stronger protection for at-risk children”, and that accessing this information will “help in returning secondary movers to the correct member state”.

Steps harmonising qualification for refugee status will reduce the incentive for applicants to move from one member state to another, she said, “which is positive for Ireland”.

She told the committee that managing external borders and the return of people without a right to stay in the EU will be done with “full respect for human rights”.

She outlined a new Asylum and Migration Management Regulation (AMMR), which will replace the current system for determining which member state is responsible for an asylum application, known as the Dublin III regulation.

“Ireland will directly benefit from a more effective system and process, allowing us to identify and return secondary movers to the correct member state responsible, freeing up out own system to assist those seeking international protection swiftly and efficiently,” she said.

To balance this, the same regulation will introduce a “mandatory solidarity mechanism” – something that certain critics of the pact have objected to. Under this, a “solidarity pool” will be established to balance out the impact on frontline member states where the most asylum seekers arrive, like Italy, Greece and Cyprus. This will consist of countries accepting people being relocated or buying their way out of this with a financial contribution.

Ms McEntee said Ireland’s share of this, based on current figures, will be 648 relocations or just under €13 million annually, with “flexibility” for states on how they meet it.

She emphasised that it does not mean Ireland will have to take an additional 648 applicants. “This may take the form of relocations, a financial contribution, offsetting against cases not returned ... or a combination of those.”

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Jack Horgan-Jones

Jack Horgan-Jones is a Political Correspondent with The Irish Times

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British Government files to be "opened up" for Troubles "Public History" project

Plans for the independent public history project relating to the troubles in northern ireland have been met with some criticism..

Plans for an independent Public History project relating to The Troubles in Northern Ireland were announced by Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris on Thursday, April 25.

The Northern Ireland Office said the project will see up to five historians granted full access to UK state archives, to provide an "independent and authoritative examination" of the UK Government’s policy towards Northern Ireland during The Troubles. 

Academics Lord Bew and Dr. Caoimhe Nic Dháibhéid will co-chair an independent advisory panel representing a range of expertise and historical perspectives. 

The expert panel will make recommendations on key details of the project, including the selection of historians to write the ‘Public History.'

The Secretary of State has announced plans for a new independent, Public History relating to the Troubles in Northern Ireland. More details here: https://t.co/42Xdyx5BVO — Northern Ireland Office (@NIOgov) April 25, 2024

The Northern Ireland Office said on Thursday that Lord Caine, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, "expressed the British Government’s commitment to the project by personally meeting panel members ahead of their first formal meeting in London this week.

"The Minister was keen to acknowledge the importance of the panel’s independence in conducting their work."

Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harri said: “By opening up Government files to independent historians, including the records of previous administrations and those held across different departments and agencies, this Public History will help allow for a fuller examination of the Troubles than has ever been possible before. 

“I am grateful to Lord Bew, Dr. Caoimhe Nic Dháibhéid, and the panel members, whose exceptional knowledge and insight will play a key role in advancing public understanding of Northern Ireland’s difficult past.”

Lord Bew said: “I have long advocated for this Public History, and for opening sensitive information to scholars in the interest of securing a fuller picture of the state’s role during the Troubles.”

“I am delighted to co-chair this varied panel of eminent historians, which is reflective of the broad consultation we have had with over 40 academics. I am grateful to everyone who has taken the time to share their views, which have shaped the form of this project.” 

Dr. Caoimhe Nic Dháibhéid said: "As a historian, I am supportive of any endeavour to widen access to archival sources.

"I welcome the Government’s commitment to doing so via a transparent and rigorous process, and following extensive consultation with the academic community.

“In line with the recommendations made by Sir Joseph Pilling, this panel is eager to engage with as broad a constituency as possible during the course of this project and I look forward to collaborating with researchers across these islands in the coming months.”

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As the Irish News notes , the public history project is being commissioned on the foot of a clause in the British government's Northern Ireland Legacy Act, which received royal assent in September despite widespread opposition .

Lord Caine, who is now involved with the public history project, was a sponsor of the Legacy Act , which is set to bring an end to Troubles inquests and civil cases that have not reached the point of verdict by May 1.

The plans for the public history project were met with some criticism on Thursday.

The Pat Finucane Center, a human rights group that advocated a non-violent resolution of the conflict on the island of Ireland, said in a post on X: "Are we supposed to believe that 'full access' will be given?"

The Center's post was reshared on X by Colum Eastwood, the head of Northern Ireland's SDLP party.

Are we supposed to believe that “full access” will be given? This is the same Secretary of State who withheld information from the Sean Brown & Fergal McCusker inquests and is now taking legal action. Information withheld in many other legal processes also. https://t.co/fN3kQ3uLcg — Pat Finucane Centre (@FinucaneCentre) April 25, 2024

Referring to Lord Caine's involvement, Relatives for Justice slammed the project as "quite frankly the gaslighting of our population."

Given the man at the centre is actively trying to stop the truth of the conflict from emerging in courts and through investigations this is quite frankly the gaslighting of our population pic.twitter.com/VHewWSfLKw — Relatives 4 Justice #NeverGivingUp (@RelsForJustice) April 25, 2024

The Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) echoed the sentiments put forth by Relatives for Justice.

We understand virtually all NI-based academics approached, would not be part of this. When we met with Lord Caine, @annacbryson asked what the purpose of the official history was: response was that the British Government was entitled to put forward its version of history. https://t.co/VXk1UlRYI4 — CAJ (@CAJNi) April 25, 2024

CAJ Chairperson Anna Bryson, a professor at Queen's University School of Law, told the Irish News: “The timing of this launch of an ‘official history’ is particularly difficult for victims and survivors who will within days see the shutters come down on their hopes of accessing truth and justice through independent investigations with legal teeth.”

She added: “I look forward to full and transparent disclosure of the appointment and consultation process, including reference to all those who declined to engage.”

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Autumn Internationals 2024: Fixtures, schedule and kick-off times for England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland and more

When are the rugby Autumn Internationals? Who do England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales play and where? Key dates, fixtures and full schedule as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina all travel to the Northern Hemisphere for Tests in the Autumn Nations Series

Tuesday 23 April 2024 12:41, UK

The full schedule has been confirmed for rugby's Autumn Internationals, with the giants of the Southern Hemisphere once again coming to take on the Six Nations teams in a busy month of rugby.

England will have Tests against New Zealand and Australia before hosting world champions South Africa, a repeat of their World Cup semi-final, before completing their run of fixtures against Japan.

Six Nations champions Ireland have Friday night matches against New Zealand and Argentina ahead of further games against Fiji and Australia, while the All Blacks' autumn tour also contains trips to France and Italy.

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South Africa also take on Scotland and Wales during their three-Test tour, with Scotland having further games against Fiji, Portugal and Australia during a busy November. Wales' meeting with the Springboks follows matches with Fiji and Australia.

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3.10pm England vs New Zealand, Twickenham Stadium

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Friday November 15

8.10pm - Ireland vs Argentina, Aviva Stadium

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3.10pm Scotland vs Portugal, Murrayfield

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8.10pm France vs New Zealand, Stade de France

🏉 Here are your 2024 #AutumnNationsSeries Fixtures 🙌 pic.twitter.com/S8GUhS2bw5 — Autumn Nations Series (@autumnnations) April 22, 2024

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1.40pm - Italy vs Georgia, TBC

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8.10pm France vs Argentina, Stade de France

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3.10pm - Ireland vs Fiji, Aviva Stadium

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1.40pm Scotland vs Australia, Murrayfield

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