Historic Northern Ireland Tour

Exploring Belfast

Arrive in Belfast and explore the city’s sights and sounds. Like most cities of old, Belfast grew around its cottage industries in distinct quarters. The Cathedral Quarter — located closest to the waterfront and dominated by St Anne’s Cathedral — is where Belfast grew from an obscure village into the vibrant city it is today.

Visit the world-famous Titanic Experience museum, which extends over nine galleries drawing together special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features. Explore the city’s botanic gardens, the Grand Opera House, City Hall and many other wonders Belfast has to offer.

Exploring County Down

Collect your hire car and drive through County Down, a spectacular region of Northern Ireland with picturesque low rolling hills that sweep directly into the contrasting Mourne Mountains and Slieve Donard. The history here stretches back over 7,000 years.

Visit Downpatrick, where Ireland’s patron saint is said to be buried. Explore Down Cathedral — built on the site of a Benedictine Monastery founded in 1183 — and hear St Patrick’s story at the St Patrick’s Centre. The Down County Museum, a stunning Georgian county gaol, holds an impressive collection of early Christian artefacts. Continue along the beautiful County Down coast to Newcastle.

Mourne Mountains & Armagh City

Head into the spectacular Mourne Mountains, one of author C.S. Lewis’s favourite places and reportedly the inspiration behind Narnia. From here you can enjoy the scenic Ring of Gullion or continue north-west to Newry to visit the historic Bagenal’s Castle.

Continue on to Armagh City — the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland — where you can visit St Patrick’s Cathedral, the Armagh County Museum, or even the Armagh Astronomy Centre and Planetarium for something a little different.

Gortin Glen Forest & Ulster American Folk Park

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

Visit the acclaimed Ulster American Folk Park, where an immersive museum experience brings to life the story of Irish emigration to America through original buildings, costumed characters and fascinating exhibits. In the evening, arrive in the historic city of Londonderry.

Exploring Londonderry

A full day to explore the historic city of Londonderry — also known as Derry — the only fully walled city in the British Isles. Its walls were built in the 17th century to protect early English and Scottish settlers and remain remarkably intact today.

Take the iconic Road Train tour of the city walls, visit the 17th-century St Columb’s Cathedral, explore the Tower Museum or the Museum of Free Derry, and enjoy a scenic boat cruise along the River Foyle. In the evening, discover the vibrant nightlife or unwind in one of the city’s cosy, intimate bars.

Giant’s Causeway Coast

Drive along the stunning Causeway Coastal Route, stopping to visit Dunluce Castle — a medieval fortress perched dramatically on cliffs above the sea — or the Old Bushmills Distillery, Ireland’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, for a taste of history.

Continue to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway — Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site — then cross the exhilarating Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, suspended over a 30-metre-deep chasm above crashing Atlantic waves. If time permits, end the day with a peaceful walk through Glenariff Forest Park, surrounded by cascading waterfalls and tranquil lakes.

Return — via Carrickfergus Castle

On your way back to Belfast, stop to visit the impressive 12th-century Carrickfergus Castle, one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Ireland, standing sentinel over Belfast Lough. Return your hire car upon arrival back in Belfast and depart with memories of Northern Ireland’s extraordinary landscapes and heritage.