Explore North Ireland’s treasures on this chauffeur driven tour. See burial grounds older than the pyramids and County Down, home of St. Patrick. Visit Newcastle, nestled under the Mourne mountains. Embark on an Antrim Coast adventure, walking a rope bridge to see the stunning coastline. Visit Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, the world’s oldest distillery. Tour the medieval Dunluce Castle, which dates back to the 13th century, Glenveagh Castle and the walled city, Londonderry. Travel around the scenic Inishowen Peninsula to Malin Head, the most northern part of Ireland. North Ireland Explorer is a unique journey that gives you a glimpse of the hidden beauty of Ireland.
Day 1 – Dublin/Belfast
Morning arrival into Dublin Airport where you will be met by your driver guide then head north to County Antrim. Your route is north to the Boyne Valley, stopping at Newgrange to visit the megalithic burial ground, which is older than the pyramids! We continue on by Mellifont and Drogheda, site of the Battle of the Boyne. From Drogheda you travel the coast road through Dundalk and by Carlingford Lough and glimpse the magnificent Mountains of Mourne in the background. Cross into County Down, the area of Ireland most closely associated with St. Patrick. Arrive into Belfast and check into your hotel where you will spend 2 Nights.
Day 2 – Belfast/Newcastle/Belfast
Pick up from your Belfast Hotel this morning to enjoy a day of touring. This morning, visit the new Titanic Belfast Visitor Experience in Belfast, which this year marks Centennial anniversary of the Titanic’s maiden voyage and extends over 9 galleries. This afternoon you visit Newcastle, nestled under the majestic Mourne mountains which sweep down to the ocean. Return to Belfast this evening for your overnight.
Day 3 – Belfast/Bushmills
Depart Belfast this morning on a drive along the outstandingly beautiful Coastal scenery and rolling hills of the Glens of Antrim. Stop along the way to walk out to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, which offers a unique way to view the stunning coastline. Arrive into Bushmills this afternoon for your overnight.
Day 4 – Bushmills/Londonderry
Tour the Bushmills Whiskey Distillery today which claims to be the world’s oldest distillery. You enjoy a trip out to the Giants Causeway, the spectacular volcanic formations are often referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world”. Stop at the medieval Dunluce Castle, which dates back to the 13th century and sits perched atop limestone cliffs. Arrive into the walled city of Londonderry this afternoon where you will spend your next two nights.
Day 5 – Londonderry
This morning includes exploring the historic Derry before departing on a day drive around the scenic Inishowen Peninsula. The peninsula, extends between Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle, tappering towards Malin Head. Travel through Buncrana, Clonmany, Cardonagh and Malin to Malin Head, the most northerly part of Ireland. Though of no great height, the head has superb views of the neighboring coast. From here drive south to Inishowen Head then on through Moville, a little resort town with a charming variety of coastal and inland scenery, and drive south along Lough Foyle back to Derry this evening
Day 6 – Londonderry/Donegal
Depart Derry this morning and travel to the Glenveagh Castle and National Park located in the northwest of County Donegal. You take a guided tour of the Castle, and explore the grounds including the gardens. Should time permit this afternoon travel out to the Slieve League cliffs on the western Donegal Coast. The cliffs at over 1900ft are the highest sea cliffs in Ireland. This evening arrive in Donegal town for your overnight.
Day 7 – Donegal/Dublin
This morning, leave Donegal and travel across the country to Ireland’s capital city, Dublin. Your route is south to Sligo town, passing Drumcliffe Churchyard where one of the country’s greatest poets lies, William Butler Yeats. Drive on through the lake land region before arriving in Dublin this afternoon where your chauffeur driven tour will end at your hotel. Overnight in Dublin.
Day 8 – Depart Dublin
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.