Itinerary
South to Belfast
You will leave Dublin and make your way to County Antrim in Northern Ireland. You will arrive in Belfast City around 11:00am and drive straight to the fantastic Titanic Museum.
This museum 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: from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. The journey goes beyond the aftermath of the sinking, to the discovery of the wreck and continues into the present day with a live undersea exploration center.
Afterwards, you will have plenty of time to explore the city by foot. In the evening, you will then check in your hostel, from where you are free to discover the nightlife of what this great city has to offer.
Tips: Irish Experience Tours recommend "Boojum" for the best Burrito take away and "Filthy McNastys" for a taste of Belfast's nightlife.
Belfast to Derry
Today is a truly packed day – from Belfast, you will be traveling down the breath-taking Antrim coast road. This road has been compared to the Great Ocean Road in Australia and California and you will see why. En route, the tour will take in several Game of Thrones locations.
First, you will visit the stunning Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, where you can sway Indiana Jones’ style over the choppy Atlantic Ocean below. This will be followed by a trip to the North’s top tourist attraction - The Giant's Causeway, renowned for its polygonal columns of layered basalt. It is the only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. Resulting from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, this is the focal point of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has been attracting visitors for centuries.
Before you head towards Belfast City, the tour will stop at some of the most recognizable Game of Thrones locations: the beautiful Ballintoy Harbor (or Pyke Harbour in the series), the "The Dark Hedges" (aka the Kings Road) and the Dunluce Castle (used as Castle Pyke).
From there, the tour will take just over an hour to reach Derry city center, where you will have up to 2 hours free time to wander around this great city before checking into your hostel. The historical city of Derry is Ireland's only walled city. Derry is also known as the place where the infamous event known as Bloody Sunday occurred, which inspired the famous U2 song, "Sunday Bloody Sunday."
Tips: When you visit the Giant's Causeway, make sure you take the clifftop walk first and travel down to the Causeway via the steps. There were 32 deaths by selfie last year worldwide – BE CAREFUL!
Derry to South
This morning, you will be taken on an award-winning guided tour of Derry City. The tour has been described by many as possibly the Best Walking Tour on the Island of Ireland and is for many, who travel with Irish Experience Tours, the highlight of their 3 days in Northern Ireland.
With over fifty natural and built attractions in the region, including Derry City Walls, The Bogside, The People's Gallery of Murals, The Bloody Sunday Story, The History of the Apprentice Boys, The Marching Season Traditions. The walking tour has been listed by many as one of the best experiences they have had on their travels anywhere.
From there, you will head back down south but not before visiting one of Ireland's most beautiful views. The Stone Fort of Grianán of Aileach sits on a hilltop in Inishowen, County Donegal. 250m above sea level, the stone fort was probably first built on an earthen rath (a strong circular earthen wall). The view from Aileach is breathtaking. The glistening waters of Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly are clear, as is the form of the entire peninsula. A windy and exposed place, Grianán of Aileach has been a silent witness to the history of Ireland.
Back on the road down south, your tour will visit the entertaining Ulster American Folk Park. Immerse yourself in the story of the brave emigrants who made the journey across the Atlantic to America hundreds of years ago. Wander through the thatched cottages and log cabins and meet costumed characters who will show you traditional crafts, tell you a few stories and maybe even share a bit of their good food. Board a full-scale emigrant ship to experience the conditions faced by many as they set sail for a new life in America. With 30 buildings and exhibits to explore and lots of things for the kids to do, the Ulster American Folk Park is a wonderfully unique experience.
You will arrive back in Dublin at approx. 6:30pm.
Tips: In Derry, walk the Peace Bridge if you have time and check out The Guild Hall Museum.
