Historic Northern Ireland Tour

Arrive in Belfast at any time and explore the city’s sights and sounds. Like most cities of old, Belfast grew around its cottage industries in locales or quarters, from the old French term ‘quartier’. In Belfast the remnants of certain quarters still exist today.

Cathedral Quarter is located closest to the waterfront and dominated by the beautiful Church of Ireland Cathedral, St Anne’s. It was here that Belfast grew from an obscure village to become the vibrant city that it is today.

You can visit the Titanic experience museum which extends over nine galleries, with multiple dimensions to the exhibition, drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features to explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way.

Explore the city, the botanic gardens, the Grand Opera House, the City Hall and many other wonders Belfast has to offer.

Collect your hire car today and drive through County Down, a spectacular region of Northern Ireland. This area has picturesque, low rolling hills which roll directly into the contrasting Mourne Mountains and Slieve Donard. The history of County Down stretches back over 7000 years and unsurprisingly plays home to wealth of ancient heritage sites.

The most famous of these is Downpatrick, the area in which the patron saint of Ireland is said to be buried. Whilst there, visit the Down cathedral and St Patrick’s grave, hear the story of Ireland’s patron saint at St Patrick’s centre.

You can also visit Down Cathedral which stands on the site of a Benedictine Monastery, built in 1183 where Saint Patrick’s remains are buried in the graveyard. The Down County Museum – a Georgian county gaol, has an impressive collection of early Christian artefacts. From here continue along the beautiful County Down coast to Newcastle.

Head into the spectacular Mourne Mountains region, one of the author C.S. Lewis’ favourite places and reportedly where he based Narnia upon. From here you can either enjoy the Ring of Gullion or continue north-west to Newry to visit Bagenal’s castle.

Continue on to Armagh City where you can visit St Patrick’s Cathedral, the Armagh county museum or even the Armagh astronomy centre and planetarium for something a bit different.

Today, journey into the Sperrins region, where you can explore the ancient Beaghmore Stones, a Bronze Age site, or enjoy the nature trails at Gortin Glen Forest Park, located at the entrance to the Sperrin Mountains and Gortin Lakes.

You may also visit the Ulster American Folk Park, where you can delve into the history of Irish emigration through an immersive museum experience.

In the evening, you will arrive in the city of Londonderry (Derry).

Today, you’ll have a full day to explore the historic city of Londonderry, also known as Derry. It is the only fully walled city in the British Isles, with its walls built in the 17th century to protect early English and Scottish settlers.

Consider taking the iconic Road Train tour of the city, visiting the 17th-century St Columb’s Cathedral within the city walls, or exploring the Tower Museum. You can also check out the Museum of Free Derry or enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the River Foyle. In the evening, discover the vibrant nightlife of the city or unwind in one of its cozy, intimate bars.

Drive along the stunning Causeway Coastal Route, stopping to visit Dunluce Castle, a medieval 17th-century fortress perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking the sea, or the Old Bushmills Distillery for a taste of history.

Next, continue on to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, followed by a visit to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, where you can cross a 30-meter-deep, 20-meter-wide chasm for an exhilarating cliff-top experience!

If time permits, you can also visit Glenariff Forest Park, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk through wooded glades, surrounded by cascading waterfalls and tranquil lakes.

On your way back to Belfast, visit the 12th century Carrickfergus Castle, one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland. Return your hire car upon arrival back in Belfast.