3-Day Discover Northern Ireland Tour from Dublin
Address
5 Beresford Pl, Mountjoy, Dublin 1, D01 V2V4, Ireland
GPS
53.349853293654, -6.2530866066939
Enjoy a quick and scenic tour through Northern Ireland from Dublin to Belfast, Bangor, Ballycastle, Giant’s Causeway, and more!
3-Day Discover Northern Ireland Tour from Dublin
Highlights
- 3-day tour of Northern Island’s natural and historical highlights from Dublin
- Cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge to witness the UNESCO-listed wonder of Giant’s Causeway
- Take guided tours of historic cities, Monasterboice and Derry
- Visit legend-shrouded landmarks like Duncluce Castle and Drumcliff Abbey, resting place of W. B. Yeats
- Select from hostel or B&B accommodation depending on your budget and preference
- Breakfast and round-trip transport from Dublin are included
Itinerary
Day 1 – Dublin – Belfast city (overnight Belfast)
Dublin
Choose from one of two central Dublin collection locations and we’ll be on our way.
Monasterboice Monastic Site
Our first stop this morning is at Monasterboice, a monastic settlement dating back to 501 AD. This ancient monastery is home to the best preserved and most intricately carved Celtic crosses in Ireland. A fully intact stone round tower also keeps watch over the horizon for marauding Vikings.
Belfast
By late morning we’ll arrive in Belfast. Discover why Lonely Planet regards Northern Ireland’s capital as one of the top 10 ‘must- visit’ cities on Earth. Your driver will show you highlights including City Hall, Queen’s University, Albert’s Clock, Botanic Gardens and much more. To begin, we visit Belfast’s number 1 attraction – the Titanic Experience (entry included)!
We take you on a fascinating journey back in time during which we get to experience Titanic’s story. From her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise.With plenty of time at leisure to explore the city, we strongly recommend the political “Black Taxi” tour (optional) to view the Peace Wall and infamous political murals.
The drivers are locals and can explain what life was like in Belfast during the conflict of 1969 – 1998.Tonight we’ll stay downtown, a most lively area with great pubs and restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. Live music venues are plentiful and Belfast is well known for its great nightlife.
Day 2 – Belfast – Giants Causeway – Derry
The Dark Hedges
A glorious touring day cruising the Beautiful North Coast. We initially visit the Dark Hedges, famed by the Game of Thrones.
Giant’s Causeway
Then it’s the jackpot visit of the day – we will trace the footprints of Celtic Giants, walk the Giant’s Causeway! Ulster’s #1 attraction since 2 million BC! A UNESCO world heritage site and the proud location of an estimated 60,000 hexagonal columns of basalt rock formed by cataclysmic violent volcanic eruptions a long long time ago! Your guide will wax lyrical about how our giant warrior hero – Fionn McCool – built it to fight off our cousins the pesky Scots.
Derry
We’ll continue to the nearby city of Derry where we’ll spend the afternoon. There will be plenty of time at leisure after an excellent in-depth walking tour of Derry’s walls with a local guide. Learn why the city is officially known as Londonderry and the story of the long bloody siege here in 1689. Your guide will take you down to the well known Bogside district, scene of the Bloody Sunday massacre in 1972 and inspiration for U2’s classic anthem ‘Sunday, Bloody Sunday’.
Dunluce Castle
Visit the finest castle ruins in Northern Ireland at Dunluce. Amazing views and photography await.
Day 3 – Derry – Wild Atlantic Way – Strandhill – Galway – Dublin
Wild Atlantic Way
After breakfast this morning, we’ll head down a portion of the west coast’s Wild Atlantic Way.
Strandhill
Further along the road lies Ireland’s premier surf venue and beach at Strandhill, Co. Sligo with some time at leisure for refreshments
Galway
Our final stop before returning to Dublin is Galway where we have free time to explore. Maybe visit some wonderful local seafood eateries or try a pint in one of the fantastic pubs.