Discover Northern Ireland
3 day tour
Explore the rich history of Belfast, stride in a giant’s footsteps, and discover breathtaking coasts and stunning mountains.
Tour map
Highlights
Places you explore
The City of Belfast - A city soaked in the history of Ireland. Its hopes and dreams and heartaches.
The Titanic Quarter - See where the Titanic was constructed and discover the tragic history of the people who built it.
Mount Stewart - Explore the wondrous gardens and serene estate of this 19th century wonderland.
The Causeway Coastal Route - Stunning scenery from start to finish: historically fascinating and visually unforgettable.
The Giant’s Causeway - Once in a lifetime beauty. Feel the power of Irish giants in the unique and breathtaking coastal formations of the Causeway.
Glenarm and Ballycastle - Restore your spirit in the beautiful gardens and coastal sweep of these historic villages.
Castle Ward - Roam this ancient site and reminisce about the noble Starks from Game of Thrones.
The Mourne Mountains - Be awed by the natural strength of the granite peaks.
Your journey
Northern Ireland will stir your emotions.
In Belfast, you’ll hear the heartache and history of the ‘Troubles’. At Giant’s Causeway, you’ll encounter the uplifting natural splendour of the unusual coastal formations. And in the villages of Ballycastle and Glenarm, you’ll feel nostalgic for the lifestyles of a bygone era.
No emotion is left unturned as you travel on this spirit-quenching journey through the tragedy, beauty, and passion of Northern Ireland.
Tour Details
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- Entry fees to visitor attractions
- Tour accommodation
Itinerary
Day 1
- Explore historic Belfast with an insightful city tour
- Learn the tragic history of the world’s most famous maritime disaster in the museums and attractions of the Titanic Quarter
- Revel in the majesty of the gardens at Mount Stewart, where the world famous estates will surround you in beauty
You depart Dublin and travel north. You pass through picturesque countryside as you journey to Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. Here you take a short city tour which covers the capital’s triumphs, tragedies and soul. You get time to discover the Titanic Quarter, a regenerated hub where the famous liner was built and launched in 1911.
Leaving its excellent museums and attractions by the afternoon, we head into the incredible rural landscapes of County Down, where you can discover the world famous gardens and estate at Mount Stewart.
After exploring the dignified majesty of the 19th century estate, you’ll be driven a short way to the seaside town of Bangor, your cosy base for the next two nights.
Day 2
- Savour the incredible vistas of one of the world’s great driving routes, the Causeway Coastal Route
- Walk where giants fought and changed the earth at the unique and stunning Giant’s Causeway
- Explore the historic villages of Glenarm and Ballycastle, along with several iconic locations from the TV series Game of Thrones.
Leaving Bangor in the morning, you head north, following the winding and magnificent Causeway Coastal Route. A truly sensational experience, the journey encapsulates the sweeping valleys and eternal beauty of The Emerald Isle. Along the way you make stops in Glenarm and Ballycastle as well as some splendid attractions.
In the afternoon, you enter Giant’s Causeway, where geological beauty and myth collide spectacularly.
Leaving Giant’s Causeway, we venture through iconic locations from the TV series*, Game of Thrones, and discover the rich heritage of coastal Ireland.
Then you head back to your accommodation in Bangor, where you can relax with a craft beer in one hand and locally caught seafood in the other.
*You may have a chance to see the Dark Hedges.
Day 3
- Journey across the “Narrows” of Strangford Loch by picturesque ferry
- See where the Starks fought and lived at Castle Ward, Game of Throne’s Winterfell
- Follow in the footsteps of St Patrick, patron saint of Ireland and legendary snake destroyer
- Stand in awe on the Mourne Mountains with their granite majesty
Beginning a new day of sights and adventures, you leave Bangor and set out along the Ards Peninsula. At Portaferry, we set off on the picturesque ferry across the “Narrows” of Strangford Loch, where you have ample time for photos, whilst taking in the sights, sounds and scents of the loch.
Then it’s off to Castle Ward, the location for Winterfell from Game of Thrones. You have the opportunity to discover where the famed and fictional Starks made their dwelling, and what living conditions would have been like for the real residents. From here, you follow in the holy footsteps of St Patrick through his historic, beautiful country. You will have time for lunch here and perhaps a visit to Down Cathedral in Downpatrick or the St Patrick’s centre.
Then it’s a stunning, winding drive into the Mourne Mountains, where you’ll stand in awe amongst the towering granite peaks. From here we have a final stop at the shores of Carlingford Loch, before arriving in Dublin.
Accommodation
Where does this tour stay overnight?
You stay two nights in Bangor.
How does the accommodation work?
Your tour excludes accommodation; but when you book, you can ask us to reserve local accommodation for you, or you can choose to reserve your own accommodation in the overnight locations.
I want Rabbie’s to book my accommodation, what happens now?
Once you've booked your tour, we'll reserve all your accommodation, and your driver will drop you off with your hosts.
We'll reserve your room(s) with one of our preferred accommodation suppliers and you'll pay them directly when you check-in. Most accommodation hosts don’t accept credit cards, so be prepared to pay cash.
You won't be able to choose which Hotel/B&B you stay in, but we will confirm the named property and exact prices on your first day of tour. If it's important for you to know where you're going to be staying in advance, or if you want to stay in a specific Hotel/B&B, we recommend that you select the option to book your own accommodation.
What if I want to change my accommodation booking with Rabbie’s?
Plans can change, so we let you alter your accommodation choices for free within the first 48 hours of booking. After this time, amendments aren't guaranteed and carry a surcharge. Please contact rooms@rabbies.com if you have any questions.
I booked my own accommodation is there anything I need to do?
You’ll need to contact us with your accommodation details. Please only reserve accommodation within the overnight towns that your tour stops in. Your driver will drop you off at your chosen accommodation as long as it’s relatively central.
What if I cancel my tour at short notice?
If you cancel less than three days before departure, you may be liable for the cost of your first nights’ accommodation. And occasionally you may be liable for all your accommodation costs.
What are the accommodation types?
We try to reserve accommodation that’s no more than a 20-minute walk from the town centre. We regularly check our accommodation suppliers to ensure they reach a certain standard. The prices below are for guidance only.
B&B (Bed and Breakfast) Standard
The toilet and showering facilities are shared with at least one other room in the house, and the price includes breakfast. The cost is €35 - €42.50 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single standard room is €50 - €65 per night.
B&B En suite
The showering and toilet facilities are private, and breakfast is included in the price. The cost is €45 - €60 per person per night based on shared accommodation. A single en suite is €65 - €80 per night.
Hotels
Hotels have a bar or restaurant and provide evening meals. Breakfast is included in the price.
- Hotel 3 star - €75 - €90 per person per night based on shared accommodation
- Hotel 4 star - €100+ per person per night based on shared accommodation
- A single room at a 3 star hotel is €90 - €130 per night
- A single room at a 4 star hotel is €150+
Hostels
Please note, we're unable to book hostels for this tour at the moment. You may still be able to book hostel accommodation yourself if you choose to the option to book your own accommodation for your tour.
A hostel consists of dormitory rooms with 4 to 16 bunk beds. The bathroom facilities are a short distance from the dorm room. Kitchen facilities are equipped so you can make your own meals. The cost based on dorm beds is £19 - £30 per person per night.
Please note that SYHA hostels only offer same gender dorms. Some independent hostels will offer mixed rooms (males and females together).
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, you can read our FAQs, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, or email rooms@rabbies.com.
FAQs
Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?
The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.
Is there parking close to the departure point?
We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.
When should I get to the departure point?
Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.
What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?
If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies.
What are your cancellation policies?
We have a cancellation period of 48 hours for our one day tours, 15 days for two to nine day tours, and 21 days for 10+ day tours. If cancelled outside this period, we'll give you a full refund minus a 10% admin charge. If you cancel inside this period, refunds are at our discretion. Click here to view full terms and conditions.
Can Itineraries change?
Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. While there are ongoing coronavirus restrictions throughout the UK and Ireland, itineraries are more likely to change than usual as opening hours and capacities at many visitor attractions are reduced and subject to change. Your driver-guide will keep you up to up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.
Can I pre-book a specific seat?
Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.
Are there toilets on the bus?
Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.
How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?
We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.
Do you take children on your tours?
We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.
You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.
How much time do I get off the bus?
We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.
Why do you exclude visitor attractions?
We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.
Do we need to bring our own lunch?
You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.
Should I tip the driver-guide?
Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.
What about travel insurance?
We advise you take out travel insurance.
What is ABTOT?
You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.
I have more questions, who can help me?
If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .
4 reasons to choose Rabbie's
Travel the local way on small group tours of 16 people or fewer
You'll have a guaranteed experience, or your money back
Guaranteed departures: We’ll never cancel your tour because of minimum numbers
Our eco-friendly tours support local communities
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