8 Night Discovering Northern Ireland Group Tour

Arrive at Belfast International Airport, meet your experienced Irish driver/guide or driver and licensed guide and depart for a panoramic tour of Belfast City. Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. Historically, Belfast has been a centre for the Irish linen industry (earning the nickname "Linenopolis"), tobacco production, rope-making and shipbuilding: the city's main shipbuilders, Harland and Wolff built the ill-fated RMS Titanic. Today, Belfast remains a centre for industry, as well as the arts, higher education and business, a legal centre, and is the economic engine of Northern Ireland. Your tour you will take in famous sites such as Shankill Road, The Titanic Quarterand The Titanic Museum.  Overnight in Belfast Dinner and Breakfast included.

This morning enjoy some free time in Belfast to explore the shops or to continue with your personal sightseeing. In the afternoon meet with your group again and take a short drive to visit the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum.  This museum comprises of two separate areas; the folk exhibition and the transport section. The folk museum endeavours to illustrate the way of life and traditions of the people in Northern Ireland, past and present, while the Transport Museum explores methods of transport by land, sea and air, past and present. Return to Belfast where the evening is free for you to sample one of Belfast’s many restaurants or enjoy the city’s bustling nightlife. Overnight in Belfast Breakfast included

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing on today’s tour where your group will discover the wondrous scenery and picturesque towns and villages of the Ards Peninsula. First stop along the way is the historic town of Newtownards. Dating from 1607, the town was built by the Scottish planter Sir Hugh Montgomery. Continuing on your journey, you will admire stunning scenery as you make your way to the port town of Portaferry. From here you will take the ferry to Strangford and travel to Downpatrick, one of Ireland's most ancient and historic towns.  Visit Down Cathedral where you will see the 10th century cross and grave slab marked with the word ‘Patric’, believed to be the Saint’s final resting place, and the St. Patrick Centre, the only centre in the world dedicated to Ireland’s Patron Saint. Travel the short journey to Newcastle arriving in time for dinner. Overnight in Newcastle, Dinner and Breakfast Included.

The Mourne Mountains are one of the best known mountains in Ireland. An area of natural beauty they are believed to be the inspiration for C.S. Lewis’ books, The Chronicles of Narnia. Today with your group you will explore the area surrounding the mountains and its many breath-taking sights. Stops along the way include the Spelga Dam and the Silent Valley, both of which provide stunning views of the mountains and surround. Visit the 13th Century Greencastle which once guarded the entrance to Carlingford Lough. Finally, visit the picturesque village of Rostrevor. In 1612 Sir Edward Trevor married Rose Ussher, daughter of the Archbishop of Armagh and it is said that he named the village after his young wife. Enjoy some free time here before continuing to your hotel in Armagh, arriving in time for dinner. Overnight in Armagh, Dinner and Breakfast Included.   

The Heritage City of Armagh is one of Ireland’s oldest cities, dating back to the time of Saint Patrick and the advent of Christianity, and is the ancient Christian capital of Ireland. Begin with a visit to Armagh City Museum where collections capture centuries of stories relating to the people who lived, worked and had connections with this famous city and historic county. Next enjoy a tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral with it’s Byzantine interior decorated with Angels and Irish Saints and finally visit St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral and the burial place of Ireland’s first High King Brian Boru. In the afternoon, visit Navan Fort which lies to the West of the city. Continue to Enniskillen where you will have time to enjoy one of the towns many bars and restaurants or simply relax in your hotel. Overnight in Enniskillen, Breakfast included. 

This morning take a panoramic group tour around Enniskillen town before stopping at Enniskillen Castle & Fermanagh County Museum.  Enniskillen Castle, built almost 600 years ago, was once the stronghold of the Gaelic Maguire chieftains and is situated beside Lough Erne. Fermanagh County Museum has award-winning exhibitions including 'Country People, Country Places: 'The Making of a Landscape', which gives an insight into Fermanagh's natural history, archaeology and rural lifestyle. After your visit, we travel the short journey to Omagh to visit the Ulster American Folk Park which examines why over two million people left Ulster for America during the 18th and 19th Centuries. Continue to Derry City where dinner will await you. Overnight in Derry, Dinner and Breakfast Included. 

Derry or Londonderry is the second largest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth largest on the island of Ireland and the only walled city in the country. After breakfast a local guide will take you on a walking tour of the city and its walls. See sights from the old city walls to the recently opened Peace Bridge and much more.  The remainder of the day is yours to continue your sightseeing or relax in one of the city’s bars, restaurants or theatres. Overnight in Derry, Breakfast Included. 

Begin your tour today with a scenic journey to Dunluce Castle, a 14th century ruins set dramatically close to a headland that plunges straight into the sea. After this exhilarating visit travel the short distance to one of Ireland’s oldest distilleries, Bushmills, where you will learn the age old art of distilling Irish whiskey and of course enjoy a sample of the golden nectar. Continue then to the World Heritage Site of Giant’s Causeway, formed millions of years ago by a volcanic eruption which culminated in the basalt formations seen today. After lunch (not included) travel to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge that was once erected by salmon fishermen to traverse the 30 meter deep, 20 meter wide chasm to check their nets and then relax as you travel through the Nine Glens of Antrim to Belfast. Overnight in Belfast, Dinner and Breakfast Included. 

Depart for Belfast or Dublin Airport arriving in good time to complete check in formalities and that last minute duty free shopping.