The gardens of Hillsborough Castle | Northern Ireland
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FROM: £506 pp

Take in the best of Northern Ireland on this 3-day group tour from Belfast. Drive through incredible coastal scenery to reach the UNESCO-listed Giant's Causeway and see dramatic Dunluce Castle. Enjoy optional whiskey tasting, take in the historic walls of Derry and join an optional walking tour of the city. Learn about American emigration to Ireland at the Ulster American Folk Park, stay in the island town of Enniskillen, visit Armagh and the royal Hillsborough Castle.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Guesthouse
Hotel Prices/Dates

Trip Highlights

Causeway Coastal Route - Marvel at long stretches of picturesque coastline, including dramatic cliffs and wheeling seabirds
Derry - See the incredibly well-preserved city walls and explore this historic city at your own pace
Enniskillen - Spend the night in Ireland's only island town, with free time to cruise Lough Erne or visit the town castle
Giant's Causeway - Discover this incredible UNESCO-listed rock formation, one of the highlights of Northern Ireland
Ulster American Folk Park - Learn about the close links between the USA and Ireland at this informative and interesting destination
Hillsborough Castle - Stroll through the pretty gardens of this royal castle and opt to head inside to explore the state rooms

Included

2 breakfasts
Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning
All road tolls
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.
2 nights simple guesthouse (hotel upgrade available)
Escorted by a local driver-guide 
20kg luggage - see Trip Notes for details

Not Included

International flights & visas
Meals not specified in itinerary
Entry fees unless specified
Airport transfers (pick up and drop off information can be found in the Trip Notes)
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!

Itinerary

Day 1

The Giant's Causeway

Belfast - Portrush. Departing Belfast, we head north along the mesmerizing and picturesque Causeway Coastal Route. Admire craggy cliffs, majestic ruined castles, and the sweeping Glens of Antrim, an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We stop in the seaside town of Ballycastle for lunch and have time to see the impressive Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge before we continue our drive.

The highlight of this coastal drive is the magnificent Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO-listed geological formation where history, myth, and the sheer power of geology converge in a spectacular display. Marvel at this highlight of Northern Ireland before we continue to Bushmills Distillery for optional whiskey tasting. We also see the dramatic Dunluce Castle.

After being invigorated by the refreshing sea air and the mind-blowing scenery, we arrive in the charming town of Portrush in the late afternoon. The rest of today is at leisure.

Please note: Pick up point for this tour is at 8:45 on day 1 (tour departs at 09:00) - Belfast Pick-Up, Donegall Square West, Belfast, BT1 6JH

Accommodation: Mandalay B&B, Aranmore Lodge or similar
Overnight: Portrush

Day 2

Derry & the Ulster American Folk Park

Portrush - Derry - Ulster American Folk Park - Enniskillen. Departing Portrush, we head towards the border with the Republic of Ireland and the city of Derry (Londonderry). Derry teems with history, from its remarkably well-preserved historic walls to the poignant murals that commemorate its troubled past. With some free time on your hands, you have the option to independently explore Derry or join a guided walking tour.

Our next visit is to the Ulster American Folk Park, a fascinating destination that delves into the tale of emigration from Ulster to North America during the 18th and 19th centuries. There is a long intertwined history between the USA and Ireland. President Joe Biden's family hail originally from County Mayo and John F Kennedy's four grandparents were all children of Irish immigrants.

Our final destination today is the island town of Enniskillen. Take advantage of the evening to leisurely stroll through the beautiful surroundings or immerse yourself in the renowned Irish hospitality by engaging in friendly conversations with the locals at a cosy pub.

Accommodation: Westville Hotel or similar
Overnight: Enniskillen  |  Breakfast

Day 3

Hillsborough Castle

Enniskillen - Hillsborough Castle - Belfast. This morning is free to further explore Enniskillen. You could visit one of the local art galleries, explore the 15th-century castle or cruise on Lough Erne.

Bidding farewell to Enniskillen, we head to royal Hillsborough Castle, which boasts magnificent gardens. Here, you can explore the ornamental grounds, tranquil woodlands, and delightful glens that have delighted both the Royal Family and countless visitors. If you wish, you can also choose to visit the beautiful state rooms of the castle and learn more about its fascinating history (tickets subject to availability). From Hillsborough Castle, it is just a short journey back to Belfast, where our tour comes to an end.

Please note: This tour finishes at 17:30 - Belfast Drop Off, Donegall Square West, Belfast, BT1 6JH
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room.

Read More

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room.

Read More

At a Glance

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Belfast
Ends
Belfast
Departs
Mondays & Thursdays
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 16
Hotel Rating
Simple guesthouse (hotel upgrade available)
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guide
Meals
Breakfast: 2
Countries
Ireland, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Minimum Age
5 yrs, accompanied by an adult
Arr. Transfer
No
Dep. Transfer
No
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