By Dawn Rainbolt
Published: Sep 04, 2020More by Dawn
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A Land of Myths & Legends
Northern Ireland is a land characterised by a wild coastline, a wealth of castles and manors, delicious cuisine spearheaded by new restaurants cropping up all the time, and a rich culture that has risen of out of the turbulent Troubles of the past.
On this trip, start exploring the beauty of Northern Ireland in the secretly amazing city of Belfast – home to good food, Victorian architecture, fascinating murals, and bizarre yet beautiful modern architecture such as the Titanic museum, and home to proud citizens who can’t wait to show off their home turf.
From here, visit the wild stones and columns of the Giant’s Causeway, known for its legendary folkloric connection, as well as other hidden Causeway Coast gems. Sail to Rathlin Island, where you’ll get to meet puffins and other seabirds at certain time of the year, and finish up by walking the famed Walls of Derry.
Whether your clients are fascinated by history, amateur ornithologists or simply avid walkers looking to explore new places, this trip is perfect for your clients.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and can be tailored to your clients’ individual requirements
Day 1 - Welcome to Ireland
On arrival in Ireland, you’ll be met in Belfast Airport by a driver who will whisk you directly to your city centre hotel, where you’ll find most of Belfast’s main attractions right on your doorstep. We recommend a riverside stroll to the Titanic Quarter where the ill-fated liner was made, and dinner in any of Belfast’s best restaurants to choose from just on your doorstep.
Overnight: The Merchant Hotel, Belfast (Deluxe art deco room)
Day 2 - Explore Belfast
Meeting your trip guide this morning, join them on an in-depth tour of this fascinating city. Through this insider’s view of Belfast, gain unparalleled insight into the history of this part of Ireland. You’ll enjoy an opportunity to visit Belfast’s famous murals, gaining an understanding of Belfast’s turbulent recent past as well as its roots stretching back to Neolithic times.
Overnight: The Merchant Hotel, Belfast (Deluxe art deco room)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3 - Giant’s Causeway
The allure of the Causeway Coast is hard to resist. This is a place of sweeping cliffs and towering castles, ancient sites and wild geology. Hike the Causeway Coast and walk along the bizarre basalt columns of the Giant’s Causeway, one of Ireland’s most iconic landscapes and home to fascinating folklore. This evening, you will visit Ireland’s oldest whiskey distillery, distilling ‘uisce beatha’ (the water of life) since 1608 – with of course a bespoke tasting of some of their finest.
Overnight: The Bushmills Inn, Antrim (Millhouse deluxe room)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 4 - Rathlin Island
Join a boatman for a unique take on the landscape that few enjoy. You will have the opportunity to visit Rathlin Island where an up close view of the puffin colony and the lighthouse are the highlight. Here you will learn the tale of Robert the Bruce, who was taught a thing or two about perseverance by a determined spider in an island cave. Enjoy a relaxed day of walking on the island, or if you’d prefer, view the island’s highlights from the sea. You’ll also get a chance to boat along the gorgeous causeway coast.
Overnight: The Bushmills Inn, Antrim (Millhouse deluxe room)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 5 - The Causeway Coast
While the focus is usually on the Giant’s Causeway, there is so much more to love about this stretch of coastline. Today your guide will bring you behind the scenes, exploring the coastline at your leisure. Dare to cross the rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede, visit the romantic ruins of cliff-top castles or wander white sand beaches. Enjoy a fantastic lunch in a beach-side shack before heading onwards to the city of Derry where you will spend this evening.
Overnight: Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Derry (Luxury)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 6 - The Walls of Derry
Derry City is one of Europe’s few fully enclosed walled cities where the original walls are still fully intact. Couple this with the turbulent history associated with the areas along the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic, as well as a vibrant cultural and food scene and you have a great place to spend a day. Here you will meet a local who will show you the city walls and fill you in on the colourful and dramatic history of the town as you walk and you’ll have a chance to visit the workshops of some local artists and crafters.
Overnight: Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Derry (Luxury room)
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch
Day 7 - Departure
Depending on your flight or ferry times, you might have time to explore the City of Derry a bit further before your guide leaves you. Or if you prefer, your guide may transfer you directly to Belfast Airport.
No overnight
Meals included: Breakfast