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Northern Highlights Guided Tour - The Best of Northern Ireland
1 day
With guide
Instant confirmation
About this activity
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Belfast City Sightseeing, Belfast BT2 7BA Northern Ireland
(Optional for Belfast Pick Up - Unavailable for Derry/Other Pick Up) Take a tour of the highlights of Belfast including its majestic City Hall, the grandeur of the Stormont Estate, the University Quarter and the wonderful maritime history of the Titanic Quarter.
Stop At: Carrickfergus Castle, Marine Highway, Carrickfergus BT38 7BG Northern Ireland
One of the oldest and largest intact Norman Castles in Ireland, it has sat on the shores of Belfast Lough since 1177. Stop to take photos of this majestic building (depending on pick up/dropoff. Construction works until March 2020.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Glenarm Castle, 2 Castle Lane, Glenarm BT44 0BQ Northern Ireland
Get up close with one of the few remaining Irish castles still lived in by the same family for hundreds of years. Sadly, as it is a private home, we cannot visit, but our tour will uniquely take you to an amazing vantage point above Glenarm to view this Gothic masterpiece in all its glory.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Carnlough Library Library Carnlough Library 36 Harbour Road, Carnlough BT44 0EU Northern Ireland
A stopover in Carnlough - and not its library - will reward you with views of its beautiful limestone harbour, its railway bridges, the hotel once owned by the Churchill family and of course your first Game of Thrones location of the tour.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Glenariff Forest Park, Glenarrife Rd Northern Ireland
Travel through the Queen of the Nine Glens of Antrim - an inspiration for Narnia in the CS Lewis novels - and home to the tumbling waterfalls and ancient woodlands of Glenariff Forest Park.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Cushendall Local Information Office, 25 Mill Street, Cushendall BT44 0RR Northern Ireland
Before we visit Cushendall we take a stop at Agnew's Field and marvel at the sheer scale of Glenariff Glen and the ruins of the ancient Redbay Castle. The village itself has at its heart the 'Curfew Tower' and the magnificent murals celebrating the Irish game of Hurling.
Duration: 25 minutes
Pass By: Cushendun Village, Glenmona House, 10 Glendun Rd, Ballymena BT44 0PH Northern Ireland
This pretty seaside village is a conservation area in the ownership of the National Trust. Admire its half-slated homes in the Scottish style and the sculpture of Johann the goat and the story of his tragic end.
Stop At: Torr Head, Torr Road, Ballycastle BT54 6RQ Northern Ireland
The Torr Head Scenic Route curves its way across the high cliffs of the Antrim Coast, with amazing sea views and the Scottish coast just 12 miles distant (weather permitting). Admire deep green inlets and otherworldly rock formations before reaching the astonishing Murlough Bay with its curious link to 20th century Irish history.
Duration: 50 minutes
Stop At: Murlough Bay and Fair Head, Nr Ballycastle, Ballycastle Northern Ireland
(Depends on Season & Weather) This amazing bay is accessed by a narrow road that winds its way from the limestone cliffs that feature as the Stormlands in Game of Thrones, to the rocky shoreline with its limestone and basalt rock features, battered year-round by North Atlantic Ocean.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Ballycastle Harbour, 14 Bayview Road, Ballycastle BT54 6BT Northern Ireland
We will stop at this celebrated seaside resort for lunch (depending on season) at the award-winning Marconi Bar and Bistro with its famous seafood dishes and its world renowned chowder - Ballycastle being the first place to send and receive wireless radio signals by Marconi's team - then head along the coast to Kinbane. Winter Options Differ.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kinbane Castle, Ballycastle Northern Ireland
(TIme and Weather Permitting) The ruins of Kinbane Castle sit on a long, narrow limestone headland projecting into the sea, overlooking the churning waters of the Straits of Moyle, Rathlin Island and the Scottish Islands. Marvel at the tumbling waterfall and the sea caves far below the coastal path.
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, 119A Whitepark Road, Ballintoy BT54 6LS Northern Ireland
This trip does not include a crossing of the Rope Bridge (c. 3 hours). Instead we will view the Rope Bridge from above from Portaneevy Lookout Point and enjoy a panoramic view of the coastline and views across to Scotland (weather permitting).
Stop At: Giant's Causeway, Causeway Road, Bushmills BT57 8SU Northern Ireland
The Giant's Causeway is the most visited natural attraction in Ireland and is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. With its astonishing collection of over 40,000 basalt columns, it is one of the must-see natural wonders on this spectacular coastline - if not the world - but let us know your thoughts.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Dunluce Castle, 87 Dunluce Road Co. Antrim, Portrush BT57 8UY Northern Ireland
Nearly 250 years in construction, the clifftop location of Dunluce Castle has attracted artists and photographers for years. One of the most impressive castle ruins in Ireland, this stop will appeal to your inner artist. Allow at least 10 minutes to enjoy this amazing testament to the enterprise of the Irish, 600 years after building began.
Duration: 15 minutes
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This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Belfast City Sightseeing, Belfast BT2 7BA Northern Ireland
(Optional for Belfast Pick Up - Unavailable for Derry/Other Pick Up) Take a tour of the highlights of Belfast including its majestic City Hall, the grandeur of the Stormont Estate, the University Quarter and the wonderful maritime history of the Titanic Quarter.
Stop At: Carrickfergus Castle, Marine Highway, Carrickfergus BT38 7BG Northern Ireland
One of the oldest and largest intact Norman Castles in Ireland, it has sat on the shores of Belfast Lough since 1177. Stop to take photos of this majestic building (depending on pick up/dropoff. Construction works until March 2020.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Glenarm Castle, 2 Castle Lane, Glenarm BT44 0BQ Northern Ireland
Get up close with one of the few remaining Irish castles still lived in by the same family for hundreds of years. Sadly, as it is a private home, we cannot visit, but our tour will uniquely take you to an amazing vantage point above Glenarm to view this Gothic masterpiece in all its glory.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Carnlough Library Library Carnlough Library 36 Harbour Road, Carnlough BT44 0EU Northern Ireland
A stopover in Carnlough - and not its library - will reward you with views of its beautiful limestone harbour, its railway bridges, the hotel once owned by the Churchill family and of course your first Game of Thrones location of the tour.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Glenariff Forest Park, Glenarrife Rd Northern Ireland
Travel through the Queen of the Nine Glens of Antrim - an inspiration for Narnia in the CS Lewis novels - and home to the tumbling waterfalls and ancient woodlands of Glenariff Forest Park.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Cushendall Local Information Office, 25 Mill Street, Cushendall BT44 0RR Northern Ireland
Before we visit Cushendall we take a stop at Agnew's Field and marvel at the sheer scale of Glenariff Glen and the ruins of the ancient Redbay Castle. The village itself has at its heart the 'Curfew Tower' and the magnificent murals celebrating the Irish game of Hurling.
Duration: 25 minutes
Pass By: Cushendun Village, Glenmona House, 10 Glendun Rd, Ballymena BT44 0PH Northern Ireland
This pretty seaside village is a conservation area in the ownership of the National Trust. Admire its half-slated homes in the Scottish style and the sculpture of Johann the goat and the story of his tragic end.
Stop At: Torr Head, Torr Road, Ballycastle BT54 6RQ Northern Ireland
The Torr Head Scenic Route curves its way across the high cliffs of the Antrim Coast, with amazing sea views and the Scottish coast just 12 miles distant (weather permitting). Admire deep green inlets and otherworldly rock formations before reaching the astonishing Murlough Bay with its curious link to 20th century Irish history.
Duration: 50 minutes
Stop At: Murlough Bay and Fair Head, Nr Ballycastle, Ballycastle Northern Ireland
(Depends on Season & Weather) This amazing bay is accessed by a narrow road that winds its way from the limestone cliffs that feature as the Stormlands in Game of Thrones, to the rocky shoreline with its limestone and basalt rock features, battered year-round by North Atlantic Ocean.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Ballycastle Harbour, 14 Bayview Road, Ballycastle BT54 6BT Northern Ireland
We will stop at this celebrated seaside resort for lunch (depending on season) at the award-winning Marconi Bar and Bistro with its famous seafood dishes and its world renowned chowder - Ballycastle being the first place to send and receive wireless radio signals by Marconi's team - then head along the coast to Kinbane. Winter Options Differ.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Kinbane Castle, Ballycastle Northern Ireland
(TIme and Weather Permitting) The ruins of Kinbane Castle sit on a long, narrow limestone headland projecting into the sea, overlooking the churning waters of the Straits of Moyle, Rathlin Island and the Scottish Islands. Marvel at the tumbling waterfall and the sea caves far below the coastal path.
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, 119A Whitepark Road, Ballintoy BT54 6LS Northern Ireland
This trip does not include a crossing of the Rope Bridge (c. 3 hours). Instead we will view the Rope Bridge from above from Portaneevy Lookout Point and enjoy a panoramic view of the coastline and views across to Scotland (weather permitting).
Stop At: Giant's Causeway, Causeway Road, Bushmills BT57 8SU Northern Ireland
The Giant's Causeway is the most visited natural attraction in Ireland and is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. With its astonishing collection of over 40,000 basalt columns, it is one of the must-see natural wonders on this spectacular coastline - if not the world - but let us know your thoughts.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Dunluce Castle, 87 Dunluce Road Co. Antrim, Portrush BT57 8UY Northern Ireland
Nearly 250 years in construction, the clifftop location of Dunluce Castle has attracted artists and photographers for years. One of the most impressive castle ruins in Ireland, this stop will appeal to your inner artist. Allow at least 10 minutes to enjoy this amazing testament to the enterprise of the Irish, 600 years after building began.
Duration: 15 minutes
Included
- Hotel/port pickup and drop-off from Northern Ireland
- Private Tour by Car or Minivan
- Bottled water
- Light refreshments
- Driver and/or guide dependent on booking
- Live commentary on board
- Local professional guide
- Professional photographer guide
- Transport by air-conditioned Private Car or Minivan
- Snacks
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Entry/Admission - Carrickfergus Castle
- Entry/Admission - Glenarm Castle
- Entry/Admission - Glenariff Forest Park
- Entry/Admission - Torr Head
- Entry/Admission - Murlough Bay and Fair Head
- Entry/Admission - Kinbane Castle
- Entry/Admission - Giant's Causeway
- Entry/Admission - Dunluce Castle
Not included
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Hotel pickup from Dublin
- Entry/Admission - Ballycastle Harbour
Additional
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- A maximum of 3 people per booking
- At time of booking, cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
80%
Reviews
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If you want a great tour with a guide who is an expert of the area this is the one for you. He drove us to beautiful locations to enjoy without the crowds you get so tired of. We saw many of the spots where “Game of Thrones” were filmed along with several other locations that a normal tour would never go, not to mention a fabulous lunch.
Excellent tour. Off the beaten path of tourists with amazing views and places that only a local can show you. Awesome day. Can’t say enough good things about this tour. For sure the highlight of our trip to Ireland.
Furgal was our guide for the day and this was hands down the best tour we had while on the Island of Ireland. He went above and beyond to ask questions to get to know a little about our interests and thus tailored the tour for us. It was a beautiful sunny day and we now understand why Ireland is known as "The Emerald Island". We saw 100's of shades of green at any one time looking over the countryside hills and landscape. We saw off the beaten path places that were truly enchanting. I am so happy we took this tour and if we ever return to Ireland, will do it again and ask for Furgal once again.
This was hands down the greatest tour that I have ever taken. Fergal picked us up in his sharp Mercedes and we did a little city tour of Belfast. We hit the highlights and then headed on our Scenic Coastal Tour. Every stop was more majestic than the previous. My husband enjoyed his Game of Thrones spots, while I enjoyed the vista views, waterfall, and my absolute favorite, Giants Causeway. Fergal is informative and engaging. He’s like family now. I could go on and on. I am sending all my family and friends over for this tour. BOOK IT!!!!!!☘️☘️☘️☘️☘️
Our tour guide Fergal was great! He was very informative. He made our 1st day in Ireland the best. We highly recommend this tour and especially with Fergal!
This would have been an amazing trip except for the fact that at the last minute the guide had to be replaced. He was great but had no knowledge of the sights that we were seeing so basically we had a great driver.
10/10 superb!!!! tour with your own expert affable guide, Fergal Kearney. Our first time in Northern Ireland and only one full day to see as much as possible. Hotel pickup/dropoff 11-abt 830 was included in our fabulous day with Fergal driving his comfortable Mercedes packed with a cooler of cold drinks on a very hot day. His expert local knowledge, and tourist board experience were obvious as we began our day. Very informative as we saw Belfast for the 1st time - landmark historical buildings, leafy streets, Stormont, and shipyards where the Titanic was built. Our time to get out to 'see it all' did not feel rushed. We wanted to stroll, not hike. There were reality checks as he had many special places which he knew we would appreciate. Plus time for our relaxed afternoon lunch and toilet stops. We moved on from Belfast towards Larne and the scenic coastal route northwards with several memorable viewpoints and watersedge stops along the way. Fergal's passion for photography was a plus. He knew of spectacular gems to share, often down less travelled paths. Ballygally Ballymena Glenarm Carnlough Glencoy Glenariff Cushendun Torr Ballycastle Ballintoy White Park Bay Bushmills Giant's Causeway Dunluce Castle - Fergal personalized our day perfectly to fit for us. I highly recommmend for all ages - anyone - solo couples friends families small groups
Unless you absolutely not afford this, walk away from the 20-60 person bus tours and book this trip for you and your travel companions. If you have a short time in Northern Ireland, this will be the best possible way you can take in the countryside and spend your day. Your friendly tour guide and new friend Fergal will answer your questions about Northern Ireland and his upbringing during the Troubles. He will take you to hidden spots around the coast that a tour bus literally cannot bring you to. He will take you to a delicious and yet totally affordable restaurant. Fergal customized our day based on how much time we had and what we wanted to see/do. We had to be back to the city at a certain time, and he kept us on task. We really enjoyed his expertise and company for the day. If you do nothing else in Northern Ireland, you should do this tour.
If you want an awesome tour that is personalized to fit your interest this is the tour for you. You are off the beaten path with an extremely knowledgeable guide and great driver. We had a group of four which included a 7 year old boy and everyone was entertained the entire time. Highly recommend it!! One of the best tours in Ireland!
Fergal was a great tour guide. He was able to take me and my friend to places a bus couldn't get to, along with some of the big attractions like the Giants Causeway. He was very knowledgeable and knew where the good picture spots were. It was an awesome experience.