5-Day Private Tour of Northern Ireland

This morning we head to the mystical Boyne Valley to soak up the tales and the folklore. This will include a tour of the prehistoric monument of Newgrange in County Meath with a dedicated tour guide specialist.

Built circa 3100 B.C it is older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. It is an exceptionally grand passage tomb built during the neolithic period and is a World Heritage Site comprising a number of Henges, burial mounds and other standing stones.

Now its on to visit Belfast, the Capital city of Northern Ireland. Its a city with a unique, fascinating and at times turbulent history.

In the afternoon we arrive at Titanic Belfast for your unforgettable Titanic Experience. On this Discovery Tour you will see how the worlds most famous ship was built and hear about the tragic personal stories forever liked to its history. In this interactive visitor centre you’ll learn about the shipbuilders and designers who built the Titanic and what happened in its last dramatic hours.

Belfast itself has a resurgent buzz to it as evident in its many lively city restaurants, shops and traditional pubs.

• Black Taxi Tour
• Victoria Square Shopping
• St. George’s Market
• Titanic Distillery

North Coast Drive – we start at Carrickfergus Castle on the northern shore of Belfast Lough. Its a Norman Castle from 1177 and one of the best preserved medieval structures in Northern Ireland.

We then drive along a coastline that has some of the most stunning and breathtaking scenery in the country with the mountains of neighbouring Scotland visible only 12 miles off the coast. We scuttle through the picturesque seaside villages of Ballygally, Carnlough and then off to Glenariff to explore the Glens of Antrim with a visit to a waterfall.

We then stop at the splendid fishing harbour of Ballintoy (a Game of Throne filming Location) or weather permitting, we can brave an exhilarating crossing on the nearby Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge which covers a chasm connecting the rocky island of Carrick-a-Rede to the mainland as it towers 100ft above the Atlantic. The bridge opening though is subject to the weather – if it is closed we will go straight on to the stunning Dunluce Castle where archaeological and historical exhibits are on display for public viewing. Dunluce Castle has been described as one of Irelands most picturesque and romantic of its Irish castles.

We then travel up to Ireland’s fantastic world famous North Causeway Coast, stopping at the mythical Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been named as one of the greatest natural wonders in the United Kingdom. It is an area of approximately 40.000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. Due to the manner in which this basalt rock cooled, it has formed these amazing hexagonal patterned rocks.

Return to Belfast for the evening at your leisure.

• Bushmills Distillery Tasting Tour
• The Dark Hedges
• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
• Dunluce Castle
• Carrnlough Whiskey Experience

Today we leave Belfast and journey back to Dublin stopping at Hillsborough Caste and Gardens, a grand Georgian estate and royal residence just 20 minutes from Belfast.

Its gardens were developed from the 1760’ onwards and it has over 100 acres of ornamental grounds, waterways, glens and forests to explore. These special gardens are a delight to the senses in any season. You will also find locally sourced food and drink on its grounds to relax in, to unwind, socialise and seek inspiration.

Next we stop off at the early Christian settlement of Monasterboice which are the ruins of an late 5th century Christian monastic settlement in County Louth. The site is known for its high crosses but also has one of the finest round towers in the country at 28m in height and in excellent condition. It also includes the remains of 2 churches built in the 14th century.

We stop for lunch and refreshments at the Man O’War Gastro Pub. Set in the agricultural hub of North County Dublin this restaurant is one of its most authentic. Established in 1595 it still has its thatched roof, traditional styled bar and whitewashed walls. Food offerings include their full of flavour roast Hereford beef and the Guinness pie. Classic Irish charm.

• Swords Castle
• Butlers Chocolate Tour

Enjoy Dublin City Centre at your leisure.

Complimentary walking tour of Dublin city. There is a wealth of shopping destinations, museums and galleries to explore in this capital city – most within easy walking distance of each other.

Major attractions include Trinity College and the Book of Kells, which has been described as the world’s most beautiful book.

Visit St. Patricks Cathedral, Christchurch, Stephen’s Green, Dublin Castle, Phoenix Park, the world famous Guinness Storehouse Experience as well as the Jameson Whiskey Distillery and Kilmainham Gaol.

Dublin is also awash with free museums such as the National Museum of Ireland,, the National Gallery of Ireland, the Collins Barracks Museum featuring the National Museum of Decorative Arts and History and the Hugh Lane Gallery showing the works of Francis Bacon. All these museums as a bonus are free admission!

• Kilmainham Gaol and Gardens are well worth a visit but please bear in mind you should book in advance in the busy season.
• Dublin Castle
• Guinness Storehouse
• The Book of Kells (Trinity College)