Northern Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour in Northern Ireland

Overview

This is a full-day guided tour taking in the highlights of Belfast (optional), the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route, the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, with a few surprise destinations off the beaten track. This tour is aimed at the visitor who has limited time to spare on their trip to Northern Ireland. This tour will give you a great taste of the variety offered by the city, the coastline, the culture and heritage on a day-long tour from Belfast or any accomodation within Northern Ireland (additional costs apply). PLEASE NOTE THE TOUR ITINERARY CAN BE ALTERED AT SHORT NOTICE DUE TO THE TIME AVAILABLE, WEATHER OR SEASON

Itinerary

1. Belfast City Centre

   (Optional for Belfast Pick Up - Unavailable for Derry/Other Pick Up) Take a quick 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.

   · Non-stop passage

2. Carrickfergus Castle

   NOT OFFERED ON MONDAY. 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. Not available on bookings departing Derry/Londonderry.

   · 15 min

3. Glenarm Castle

   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 (depending on vehicle) above Glenarm to view this Gothic masterpiece in all its glory and a stop at its amazing grand entrance, The Barbican (which features in Dungeons & Dragons 2023 Movie).

   · 15 min

4. Carnlough Harbour

   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. You can also grab a coffee or a snack in the nearby shop.

   · 20 min

5. Glenariff Forest Park

   DEPENDING ON WEATHER CONDITIONS AND SEASON. 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.

   · 30 min

6. Cushendall

   Before we pass through lovely 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. Comfort break available here.

   · Non-stop passage

7. Cushendun Village

   OPTIONAL. 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.

   · Non-stop passage

8. Torr Head

   THIS TRIP DEPENDS ON WEATHER, ROAD CONDITION, VEHICLE SIZE. 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.

   · 50 min

9. Murlough Bay and Fair Head

   (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.

   · 30 min

10. We will stop at this celebrated seaside resort for lunch or dinner(depending on season) at one of the award-winning local restaurants with their 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.

    · 1 h· Admission not included

11. Kinbane Castle

    (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.

    · 15 min

12. Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge

    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).

    · 10 min

13. Giant's Causeway

    Visitors are advised that this site is extremely busy with congestion at peak times. We will endeavour to reach the site at quieter times to enhance your enjoyment. Please also advise us in advance if you have mobility issues. 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.

    · 45 min

14. Dunluce Castle

    TIME AND WEATHER DEPENDENT. 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. ENTRANCE TO CASTLE NOT INCLUDED ON THIS STOP.

    · 15 min

Pickup

Pickup or meet at the departure point.

Pick up is available from all Belfast and Derry/Londonderry Hotels, Guesthouses, Bed & Breakfast, AirBnB, Holiday Parks, ports and airports. Pickup is also available at Lanyon Place Railway Station for trains arriving from Dublin. We also pick up from the cruise terminals, or for early ship arrivals will happily meet up with guests at the front of Belfast City Hall. Taxi to city centre costs around £10.00.

How to use your ticket

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund. If you are meeting your tour off a Cruise Ship at the front of Belfast City Hall, you must advise us of the embarkation time of your ship so that we can have you back on board in good time for departure. Minimum drinking age is 18 years. Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship. You should seek reparation from your cruise provider. Operates in all weather conditions, so please dress appropriately. However, the tour will be CANCELLED in EXCEPTIONIAL WEATHER EVENTS including AMBER AND RED WEATHER ALERTS, when a full refund or alternate tour date will be offered. Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

Meeting point

What to know before you go

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
• A maximum of 3 people per booking
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Travelers

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

• From 1 days before : 100% refunded
• From 0 days before : 0% refunded

This activity can be canceled in case of bad weather or if there aren't enough participants.

Reviews

Product code: 37910P5

Activity offered by InSite Tours Ireland via Viator.