Northern Ireland: Culture, History Landscapes and Cuisine

Northern Ireland now sits firmly at the table of cultural, stunningly beautiful and vibrant destinations. Explore Belfast, County Down and County Antrim, which encompass Titanic history, poignant murals, art deco elegance, clean modern lines, magnificent landscapes and old-world charm.

Drive on one of the world’s great touring routes, the Causeway Coastal Route, which hugs the road between Belfast and Derry, and visit the birthplace of Sir Hans Sloane. Learn more about the politics during and after the Troubles, reconciliation and the Good Friday Agreement and visit the Guild Hall in Derry, where the Agreement was signed. Hear stories of Northern Ireland as you drive along the spectacular North Antrim coast from tour leaders who lived and worked in Northern Ireland. Along the way, meet and talk with fascinating locals, guides and academics and sample world-class local cuisine and whiskey.

Price (sharing a room)

per person

Price (room to yourself)

per person

Reference:

GBR0727-1

At a glance

What you need to know

Type of tour

Cultural

Nights

Countries

Tour grade

Gentle

Remaining places

Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

Belfast

Sunday

July

Arrive in Belfast and check into the Titanic Hotel. Take a short walking tour with a member of the Belfast Titanic Society around the site of the old Harland and Wolff shipyard, including the main parts of the slipways where Titanic was built. Continue inside the hotel (the old Harland and Wolff Offices) and visit the old drawing offices. Drinks in the Drawing Rooms, followed by a welcome dinner.

Belfast

Monday

July

Explore Belfast, including City Hall and the Linen Hall. Learn about the troubles at the Murals on the Falls Road, Culturlann and Shankhill Road. Take part in a guided culinary tour, sample artisan produce in a deli dating back to 1897, visit a Victorian gin palace, a famous chocolatier and a traditional pub where you will pour your own stout then to a whisky tasting with Irish coffee.

Belfast / County Down

Tuesday

July

Take a self-guided tour of the Titanic Experience Museum with commentary. Drive to Killyleagh and see Killyleagh Castle and the Rectory, the home of the Assyriologist Reverend Edward Hincks, one of the decipherers of Mesopotamian cuneiform. Visit the Sir Hans Sloane Centre, meet the Director Elizabeth Crilly and hear of the life of Sir Hans Sloane. Return to Belfast.

Belfast / Derry

Wednesday

July

Drive with a specialist local guide along the North Antrim coast to the Giant’s Causeway and see Dunluce Castle. Visit Derry; on a guided walking tour visit the beautiful historic Guild Hall and the People’s Gallery and walk along the city walls. Return to Belfast. Enjoy a farewell dinner.

Belfast

Thursday

July

Option to visit SS Nomadic and return to the Titanic Experience. Depart Belfast.

What to expect

Tour highlights

The Complicated History

Belfast & Derry

Learn about the Troubles, a conflict that remains central to modern Northern Irish memory; discover the story of the Titanic and Belfast’s industrial heritage; and explore the ancient past.

The Landscapes

The Antrim Coast

It’s easy to see how this spectacular stretch of emerald coastline has giving rise to centuries of folklore, from the Giant’s Causeway to the ruins of Dunluce Castle.

The Flavours

Belfast

Discover Belfast’s culinary heritage on a guided food tour, sampling Northern Irish artisan produce at a historic deli, tasting local gin in a Victorian pub, and an acclaimed chocolatiers.