Explore Northern Ireland Car-Free

On arrival in Belfast, make your way to the station and board the train for your journey to Derry-Londonderry. You will discover the breath-taking beauty of Northern Ireland’s coastline from your window – gaze in awe as the train traces alongside sheer coastal rock faces and hugs the shore of glittering empty beaches. Keep your eyes peeled as you reach Benone Beach for the marble masterpiece that is Mussenden Temple, clinging to the cliff-edge. This journey is more than simply a means to get from A to B – it is a great introduction to one of the most beautiful corners of the country.

(Alternatively we can arrange a flight for you direct to City of Derry Airport from many parts of Britain.)

Your Accommodation in Derry-Londonderry

Your base for the next two nights is a stylish and recently-opened property in the city centre. Skilfully fusing the contemporary with traditional, original architectural features and containing a comfortable champagne bar and sumptuous restaurant, the hotel embodies the new optimism at the heart of Derry’s recent rebirth.

Derry-Londonderry has been transformed in virtually every way since the advent of the peace process and now you’ll find it a bustling, compact and friendly place, rich in fascinating recent history, quirky shops and cafes and, of course, a plethora of friendly Irish pubs. With the Derry Visitor Pass, you have the choice of 11 attractions right across the city, including a walking tour around the ancient city walls and a visit to the Derry Girls Experience. On this your enthusiastic and informative local guide brings alive the stories of the city’s founding, the building of the walls in the 17^th century to protect the border city from all comers, its descent during more recent history, and new-millennium rebirth as a vibrant and welcoming tourist destination.

The rest of the day is yours to explore this fascinating waterfront city at your leisure, and make use of your visitor pass to enjoy attractions such as the Guildhall, St. Columb’s Cathedral and the Museum of Free Derry.

The Visit Derry Pass is the Official Sightseeing ticket for the Walled City of Derry~Londonderry, valid for one or two days.

This morning you will head back up the coast by train to Coleraine. Make sure you look out for any sights you may have missed on your earlier train ride! On arrival in Coleraine, you will be met with a private transfer that will take you to your destination for the next two nights – the classic Causeway village of Bushmills.

Your Accommodation on the Causeway Coast

This inn buzzes with conviviality and conversation throughout the jigsaw puzzle of its interconnecting public rooms and twisting corners, at the heart of which lies a gaslit 16^th century snug. Guest rooms are spacious and atmospheric, with individual character and attention to detail in keeping with the building’s charm.

There is so much more to the Causeway Coast than just the Giant’s Causeway itself. Today you will be collected from your hotel by our local guide to discover the road less travelled along this most famous coastline. Your tour will include many other magnificent sites including the much-photographed Dunluce Castle – once the ancient seat of the Earl of Antrim – and also Carrick-a-Rede. Here, those wishing to test their nerve can do so on an exhilarating rope bridge, which until recently served as a means of access for local fishermen to a salmon fishing station perched high on a rocky outcrop.

An easy start to today, taking your time over breakfast, before a relaxing morning perhaps exploring the village of Bushmills on foot. Most famous for its fine whiskey, the village also features the Millennium Park, a number of good cafés and shops and a fine gallery. A 30-minute stroll will take you to Portballintrae Harbour and Salmon Rock beach. In the afternoon, we’ll provide a transfer to take you down the coast to the village of Ballycastle, from where you catch the short foot-ferry to the island of Rathlin, your base for the next two nights.

Your Accommodation on Rathlin

Just a few short steps from the jetty, your accommodation on Rathlin has been at the very heart of life on the island for centuries. Its classic, sturdy exterior stands as if on guard looking across the harbour, smoke often wisping skywards from its six rooftop chimneypots. Inside has seen much recent refurb, with a freshness to the décor in the buzzy bar and restaurant, while rooms continue the theme upstairs, their no-nonsense feel complemented by comfortable beds and good en-suites.

A great day out today, with our hand-chosen local guide, embarking on a day of discovery of one of the true gems of the north coast. Your guide will ensure you make the most of your time on this unique island, including the renowned RSPB Seabird Centre, where puffins, razorbills and many more can be viewed in the early summer months.

At tour’s end, you’ll return to your hotel in late afternoon, giving time to explore under your own steam.

This morning you bid a fond farewell to Rathlin, taking the ferry back to Ballycastle. Here, you’ll be met by a taxi and transferred to Belfast, ready to embrace the quicker pace of Northern Ireland’s capital city.

Your Accommodation in Belfast

Your hotel for the next two nights is a locally owned AA four-star rated guest house close to the University area and a mere 10 minute walk from the city centre. Rooms are adorned with fine fabrics, earthly toned soft furnishings, and sumptuous King Koil beds.

Today is a great day out, allowing you to acquire a keen understanding of the varied culture and history of Belfast.

Go easy at breakfast, because late-morning you’ll meet a wonderful local guide and embark on a tasting tour of the city. With enlightening chat about Belfast’s rich history as you go, you’ll visit some of the best artisan retailers, cafes and restaurants, snacking and sipping signature dishes and drinks along the way – a flavour of the city, for sure.

Later, you will learn the history of arguably Belfast’s most famous icon, with a self-guided visit to Titanic Belfast Museum. An architectural masterpiece in itself, step through the doors of the shining building and follow the story of the ship from its exhilarating birth to the ultimately heartbreaking conclusion, including innovative interactive exhibitions and full-scale reconstructions.

Today your exploration of Northern Ireland’s spectacular north coast comes to a close as you depart from Belfast. We’ll be happy to help with onward travel arrangements.