OVERVIEW

Gain a greater understanding of Northern Ireland and its culture by following a foodie guide through Belfast and sampling classic dishes and delicacies. The exact locations to be visited will be determined the day of the excursion, but they will definitely be establishments that best represent the cuisine of Northern Ireland. They will be the markets, restaurants and cafés that the locals frequent, rather than those typically found in guidebooks. Tastings are frequent and generous! Along the way you will encounter the places the locals like to frequent for lunch or dinner or for a cup of coffee. You will visit a variety of eating establishments in the city center, each specifically chosen to highlight the unique foods of Northern Ireland. The best way to get to know a city is through its food, and this tour highlights what makes Belfast so appealing.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow a local foodie around Belfast and sample a variety of classic dishes.
• Stop in the markets, restaurants and cafés that the locals frequent.
• Expect to taste favorites such as Belfast bap, colcannon and boxty, a potato pancake.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Combine the rugged cliffs of the Antrim coast with the highlights of the city of Belfast and you’ll get the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer. A panoramic tour introduces you to the many varied features of Belfast, Northern Ireland’s largest city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past. Learn about its troubled history and enjoy commentary as you drive by the Grand Opera House and the Albert Memorial, Queen’s University and the Botanic Gardens. Belfast City Hall, an impressive building with a 300ft long façade, dominates Donegall Square. Drive north with a photo stop at Dunluce Castle. The ruins of the castle perched on the cliff produce a dramatic contrast against the Atlantic coast. Visit the Giants’ Causeway, a marvel of nature. The unique rock formations of rugged symmetry never fail to intrigue and inspire. Let your imagination travel along stepping-stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of a bygone volcanic age or into the myths and legends of the past. The “Causeway Coaster” minibus will bring you directly to the causeway itself. A drive along the Antrim Coast offers some of the world’s most spectacular and unspoiled scenery. Stop to photograph the Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge, from a viewing point. During the day, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local hotel or restaurant.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Dive into the city’s fascinating and sometimes turbulent past as you explore Belfast’s streets and hear expert commentary along the way.
• Drive north and stop for a photographic moment at Dunluce Castle, its ancient ruins perched dramatically on a cliff edge, overlooking the fierce Atlantic Ocean.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Drive to the walled city of Derry it made news headlines back in 1972 when British troops shot and killed 13 demonstrators. Today, it enjoys the freedom of a small, compact and developing city. Visit St. Columba’s Cathedral, which was constructed in the early 17th century, it has a fine spire and a total of 13 bells. In the vestibule is a mortar shell which fell in the churchyard during the Siege of Derry in 1689. Walk along the city walls with guided commentary as you go. From the top of the walls you can see the Bogside, a Catholic area with a famous mural that announces, you are now entering free Derry. Your first stop today is a guided tour of the Peacemakers Museum in Derry offers a powerful and insightful journey through the city's tumultuous history, focusing on the remarkable stories of peacebuilding and reconciliation. The museum showcases the struggles, challenges, and triumphs of individuals and groups who played a key role in promoting peace in Northern Ireland, especially during and after the conflict known as The Troubles. Visitors will explore exhibits, historical artifacts, and personal accounts that highlight the resilience of the Derry community in the face of division. Transfer by coach for an inside visit to St Columb's Cathedral - the most historic and oldest building in the city. During your visit to this 17th century Gothic Cathedral, admire the vivid stained-glass windows and see the mortar shell, which fell in the churchyard during the Siege of Derry in 1689. Leaving the Cathedral behind you will walk along the city walls with a guided commentary. From the top of the walls you can see the Bogside, a Catholic area with a famous mural that announces, “You are now entering free Derry”. Among the sights is the Guildhall, a late Gothic-style building with stained glass windows illustrating the city's history. A Tribunal took place in The Guildhall to establish the facts of the historical day known as Bloody Sunday. Following lunch enjoy some free time to explore the city before rejoining your coach for your return journey to port.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour Derry’s oldest building, featuring 13 bells, Gothic architecture, stained-glass windows, and a mortar shell from the 1689 Siege of Derry.
• Stroll along the 17th-century city walls with a guide, offering views of key sites like: The Bogside with its iconic “You Are Now Entering Free Derry” mural.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Explore two contemporary landmarks that have transformed Belfast with an Knowledgeable guide that will describe how the massive projects reflect the city’s history. Victoria Square is the largest shopping center in Northern Ireland and its construction exposed much about the city’s past. Your guide will explain how Belfast’s original docks and several prehistoric settlements were unearthed as the foundation for Victoria Square was dug. These underground discoveries reveal how Belfast developed over the centuries. Belfast’s maritime heritage will come to light in Titanic Belfast, an attraction built on the exact site where the ill-fated Titanic was designed, built and launched. While browsing the exhibits, you will also gain an appreciation for the building that houses them. The aluminum-clad structure looks like four ship hulls connected to an atrium lined with metal panels much like those that covered the Titanic. The guide will point out other similarities between the ship and the building, all of them fascinating.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Behold two ultramodern buildings with a knowledgeable guide that will offer an insider’s view.
• Discover what was unearthed during the construction of Belfast’s largest shopping center.
• Be awed by the maritime-influenced design of Titanic Belfast and browse the exhibits inside.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Snap selfies at the most photogenic spots in and around Belfast, many of them iconic attractions that define the city. To ensure the best possible results, a selfie tutor will offer tips so you can capture just the right angle, lighting and composition for every shot. Selfie sticks and selfie photo frames are also available. Your pictures will be ideal for posting on social media and sharing in other ways.

As you walk and ride through Belfast, you will pause at designated selfie stops that include:
• Anne’s Cathedral.
• Albert Memorial Clock.
• Belfast City Hall.
• Botanic Gardens.
• SS Nomadic cruise ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take inspiring selfies at the most photogenic attractions in Belfast.
• Follow tips from your selfie tutor to ensure the very best pictures.
• Learn the historical significance of the locales while enjoying their dramatic settings.
• See architectural treasures such as Anne’s Cathedral and Albert Memorial Clock.
• Enjoy the serenity of the Botanic Gardens and free time around the SS Normadic.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a unique look at Belfast City and its buildings, arts and culture that will present a lesser-known side of the historic capital city that reveals the hidden gems of its incredible culture and traditions through its history, murals, song and dance. Your expert guide will lead you through the city’s past and its amazing journey from a site of intercommunal conflict to a beautiful city of culture and shared history. At the city’s heart is its baroque revival-style city hall is complete with beautiful sculptures of its famous citizens including a Queen of England and the man who was behind the building of the Titanic Viscount Pirrie You’ll find his memorial In an exceptional memorial garden that honors all 1,512 victims of the Titanic, the only one of its type in the world. You’ll visit Stormont the Greek inspired classical Parliament building set in the once ancient lands of the founding family of Ireland, the O’Neills. Then travel through their lands of Castlereagh passing political artworks and over the river Lagan to West Belfast once the scene of the infamous ‘Troubles’ and now the location of huge 60 ft walls that still separate the different traditions in Belfast. Passing by beautiful yet haunting murals that depict the story of the Troubles. Your expert guide describe their meaning and purpose in the modern world. Your Belfast experience is completed with a fantastic traditional Irish taste and dance show that showcases the Rhythms and Tales of Belfast where you will experience traditional singing and a real Irish Cèilidh (party.)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover little-known facts about Belfast landmarks that will add unique insights.
• Discover the historic grounds of city hall, whose memorial gardens honor victims of the Titanic.
• See the Peace Walls that depict the past conflict between the Catholics and Protestants that has now resulted in the famous historic peace accord the ‘Good Friday Agreement.’
• Watch an entertaining Irish dance performance while dining on a traditional Irish taste at a unique cultural center.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Visit some of the most visually dramatic settings in Northern Ireland where pivotal scenes from the blockbuster series “Game of Thrones” were shot. You don’t have to be a fan of the show to appreciate these destinations as they are spectacular on their own. Dark Hedges – a dirt-covered avenue lined with ancient eerie-looking trees – represented Kingsroad in the series. Even if you don’t recognize it from scenes such as Arya Stark’s escape from King’s Landing, you will want to snap a picture as it is incredibly photogenic. Dunluce Castle, is one of the most picturesque and historically significant castles in Northern Ireland. Served as the exterior of Pyke, the stronghold of House Greyjoy on the Iron Islands. Continue the journey to Glenarm, a new location introduced in the world of Game of Thrones. It will feature prominently in the upcoming series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Visit Steenson's Jewelry Factory in Northern Ireland, where some of the jewelry from Game of Thrones was crafted. You will also stop at Carnlough, a coastal village that served as the backdrop for the city of Braavos in “Game of Thrones.” Arya Stark famously crawled up its harbor steps after being stabbed.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See picturesque locations such as Carnlough, Dark Hedges, Glenarm, Steenson's Jewelry Factory, and Dunluce Castle where scenes from “Game of Thrones” were shot.
• Hear stories about the film production that make the settings even more captivating.
• Learn some of the real-life events that made these sites famous long before “GOT.”

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Observe the wildlife, especially water birds, that flourishes in the diverse wetlands at Castle Espie on the shores of Strangford Lough. As an introduction to this beautifully restored avian reserve, you will follow a naturalist through the salt marshes, estuaries, tidal lagoons and woodlands. You can expect to see vast numbers of native and migratory birds, some of them rather exotic. While pausing at camouflaged bird hides that allow for up-close viewing, you may spot kingfishers, Brent geese, terns and countless songbirds such as linnets, a type of finch with an easy-to-recognize twittering call. It can be heartwarming and quite amusing to watch the newly hatched downy ducklings practice swimming and dive for food. Otters and butterflies are also abundant. The naturalist will help identify the various species and describe their characteristics. Time will also be allowed to browse an environmental art gallery and explore independently.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through wetlands that have been hailed for their restoration and sustainable design.
• Follow a naturalist that will describe the extraordinary flora and fauna.
• Watch countless species of birds, which are drawn to the wetlands’ diverse habitats.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Follow the footsteps of one of the world’s most celebrated saints through the beautiful countryside to his spiritual heartland and where he based his mission to convert Celtic Ireland to Christianity. You'll head to the city of Downpatrick – burial site of the patron saint and medieval capital of County Down. You'll visit the Saint Patrick Centre, a new and exciting 21st century interactive experience which tells the fascinating story of Ireland’s patron saint. This 20-minute audio visual presentation will take you across Ireland with some stunning aerial photography on a 180-degree virtual helicopter ride. You'll then transfer the short distance to Down Cathedral. Your guide will explain the origins of the building and its history which has taken it from a monastery established in the early Christian period to its present status as a memorial to its historic past. Outside, you’ll visit Saint Patrick’s grave. After lunch, travel to nearby Saul, the first ecclesiastical site in Ireland given to Patrick by the local ruler Dichu, one of his first converts. After a short visit to the church, journey across to Strangford, by ferry. Stop to visit the ruins of Grey Abbey before heading back to the port.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the city where Saint Patrick is buried and once the medieval capital of County Down.
• Learn its history from early Christian monastery to present-day memorial; visit Saint Patrick’s grave.
• Visit Ireland’s first ecclesiastical site, gifted to Patrick by his first convert.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a leisurely cycle along the River Langan, stopping for a refreshing drink along the way. Cycle lanes and towpath take you through the heart of Belfast on the 21 mile long National Cycle Network. During the week commuters use it as a quick, efficient and cost-effective way to travel to work. On weekends, it attracts cyclists, walkers, canoeists, skaters and joggers. Meet your guide at the pier and after a safety briefing, cycle through some of Belfast’s industrial estates before joining a broad cycle lane which takes you along Belfast Lough Nature Reserve. Some of the city’s sights include The Big Fish, Waterfront Hall and Odyssey Arena. There are a few stops along the way. You’ll stop for a cool beverage before rejoining your specialist cycle guide and continuing your leisurely cycle to arrive back at the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a relaxed cycle along the river Lagan on the 21-mile National Cycle Network.
• Pass through Belfast’s industrial estates, cycle lanes, and along Belfast Lough Nature Reserve.
• Spot notable landmarks like The Big Fish, Waterfront Hall, and Odyssey Arena.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Combine an orientation drive through Belfast with a visit to its largest and most fascinating attraction – Titanic Belfast. Belfast is a city of industry and elegance and boasts a rich and varied past. A panoramic tour of the city introduces you to the many varied features of Northern Ireland’s largest city. Built with 19th century industrial money, many fine buildings from this era grace the city still and are reminders of its prosperous past. You’ll see the Grand Opera House, Queen’s University and the Botanic Gardens. Drive past Belfast City Hall and stop for photos at the marble statue commemorating the sinking R.M.S. Titanic. Visit Titanic Belfast, with its stunning signature building and galleries that tell the story of Titanic, its passengers and crew in an exciting and modern way. The four hull shaped sections house the exhibits with special effects and full size replicas. A highlight of your visit is a ride through the Titanic under construction at the virtual shipyard.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a guided drive through Northern Ireland’s capital, showcasing its industrial heritage and elegant architecture.
• Pause for photos at the marble statue commemorating the R.M.S. Titanic.
• Explore the city’s largest and most famous attraction, located in the Titanic Quarter.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

From the rugged cliffs of the coast to the magical beauty of the Glens, this leisurely and panoramic scenic drive is the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer. This tour is particularly suitable for guests not wishing to negotiate lengthy walking or internal venue visits. Travel via the coastal road to the beautiful Glenariff Forest Park. You’ll be delighted as you travel around each bend in the road as dramatic headlands and bays come into view. The park is situated amid the Glens of Antrim, an area which has attracted visitors for over a century. Glenariff, the Queen of the Glens, is considered by many people to be the most beautiful of the nine Antrim Glens. Enjoy some free time in the park before proceeding to the famous Tea Rooms for morning tea or coffee with homemade scones.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a peaceful coastal journey showcasing Northern Ireland’s dramatic cliffs, headlands, and bays.
• Visit the “Queen of the Glens,” widely considered the most beautiful of the nine Antrim Glens.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.