An express tour of Northern Ireland that starts and ends in the capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin. See the sights of Belfast on a city tour and roam the infamous Titanic Quarter independently. See the famous estate at Mount Stewart and drive along the picturesque Causeway Coastal Route to the UNESCO-listed Giant's Causeway - perhaps Northern Ireland's most famous site. Ride the ferry across Strangford Lough, explore Castle Ward (Winterfell in Game of Thrones) and enjoy sweeping views of the Mourne Mountains.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Belfast & Bangor
Dublin - Belfast (Northern Ireland) - Bangor. Welcome to your Northern Ireland adventure! Departing from the capital of the Republic, Dublin, we head north through stunning countryside to reach Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland.
Our brief city tour delves into Belfast's triumphs, tragedies, and soul. There is free time for you to explore the Titanic Quarter, which is a vibrant hub that was regenerated and where the famous liner was constructed and launched in 1911.
Leaving Belfast, we head into County Down, arriving at the world-renowned Mount Stewart Estate and Gardens, managed by the National Trust. After immersing ourselves in the stunning beauty of the 19th-century estate, we complete our drive to the charming seaside town of Bangor.
Please note: Check-in closes at 08:45 on day 1 (tour departs at 09:00) - Dublin Nassau Street Pick Up, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin.
Accommodation: Ennislare House, Shelleven House or similar
Overnight: Bangor
The Giant's Causeway
Today's sightseeing begins with a northward drive along the Causeway Coastal Route. The landscape features stunning valleys and timeless beauty that Ireland is well-known for. The tour includes planned stops at Glenarm and Ballycastle with an opportunity to visit famous attractions along the way.
This afternoon, we arrive at the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO-listed geological formation that fascinates with an alluring blend of natural wonders and legends. After visiting Giant’s Causeway and learning more about the site, we continue to explore the coastal heritage of Ireland. We may also have time to visit the famous Dark Hedges, which starred in hit television series Game of Thrones as the King's Road (travel time dependent).
Returning to Bangor, the evening is free to unwind with a refreshing craft beer and some locally caught seafood.
Accommodation: Ennislare House, Shelleven House or similar
Overnight: Bangor | Breakfast
Strangford Lough ferry & Game of Thrones
Bangor - Strangford Lough - Castle Ward - Dublin (Republic of Ireland). We leave Bangor behind today and drive along the scenic Ards Peninsula. Reaching the small town of Portaferry, we enjoy a picturesque ferry ride across Strangford Lough, capturing the stunning sights, sounds, and scents of the lough while taking ample time for photographs.
Reaching dry land, our next stop is Castle Ward. This 18th-century National Trust property was also used in the filming of Game of Thrones, featuring as Winterfell, home of the Starks. We can explore the castle and learn about the living conditions of the castle's real residents.
Continuing through St Patrick's country, we may have time to visit the Down Cathedral or the St. Patrick's Centre. We then head into the Mourne Mountains and can stop to admire the towering granite peaks. We also enjoy the vista of Carlingford Lough before crossing back into the Republic of Ireland and making our way back to Dublin, where our tour comes to an end.
Please note: This tour ends at 19:00 - Dublin Nassau Street Drop Off, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Shelleven House , Bangor
Overlooking Bangor Bay, this family-run 19th-century guesthouse is a 3-minute walk from Pickie Fun Park and a 7-minute walk from Bangor train station. The charming rooms feature en suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, along with tea and coffee-making facilities. Some rooms also offer views of the bay. Additional amenities include a guest lounge and a garden.
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price.