Experience a Tale of two cities on this Brack Tours Northern Ireland Adventure. Belfast and Derry /Londonderry offer fabulous attractions, quirky bars, and restaurants but completely different histories. The Walled City of Derry/Londonderry dates to the 6th century and is steeped in captivating history at every turn. Belfast was known as the Industrial Capital of Ireland, the heartbeat of Northern Ireland and offers a completely different story to visitors. This Giant Experience offers a perfect balance between intriguing stories and leisurely enjoyment.
Brack Tours Presents, A Northern Ireland Giant Adventure
“A Tale of Two Cities”
Please click on the blue squares below to view each day of this Itinerary.
Day 1: This morning after you meet your professional Irish chauffeur, we begin our journey North. We start the day with a first taste of Ulster as you sample tea/coffee & home-baked scones or an Irish Coffee in the city of Newry. Our adventure then takes us through the Mourne Mountains with some gorgeous views to Downpatrick, the home of St. Patrick and a visit to the St Patrick’s Centre where the story of St Patrick comes alive. Later walk the short distance to Denvir’s coaching Inn, one of the oldest in Ireland where the local owner Stephen gives a personal chat about the intriguing history of the Inn and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon travel the rolling Irish countryside with gorgeous views of Strangford Lough to the Capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast, where you will stay for the next two nights. After check-in at our City centre hotel, freshen up and meet for a welcome drink before dinner.
Overnight Belfast – The Europa or Grand Central Hotel – Dinner Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: This morning after a traditional “Ulster Fry” (hearty cooked breakfast), set out and enjoy a panoramic tour of Belfast City and see the main highlights with photo stops along the way. Enjoy a morning refreshment/comfort stop in the city and after travel the short distance to the award-winning Titanic Belfast to leisurely explore not only the story of Titanic, but also the history of Belfast as an emerging city. This rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the city at your leisure with many photo opportunities of famous landmarks along the way and excellent shopping or museums to explore. This evening take advantage of your central hotel base and experience the many vibrant traditional pubs or avail of an array of casual and fine dining restaurants on your doorstep.
Overnight Belfast – The Europa Or Grand Central Hotel – Bed & Breakfast.
Day 3: After another hearty breakfast this morning, we leave Belfast and travel along the magnificently scenic Antrim Coast road. We stop off in the picturesque coastal village of Carnlough for a morning cuppa and comfort stop at the famous Londonderry Arms hotel, once owned by Sir Winston Churchill. We continue our journey taking in the exhilarating views of the magnificent Glens of Antrim to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway. Here you have time to Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site at your leisure, then it is a short journey along the North Antrim coastline heralded for its beauty and spectacular scenery to the City of Derry / Londonderry, your home for the next two nights. Relax and unwind with a pre-dinner drink before we sample the finest of local cuisine with dinner in our hotel.
(Whiskey on the Rock or Beyond the Bridge experience many be substituted or in addition to the visit to The Giants Causeway Visitor Experience).
Overnight Derry/Londonderry – The Bishops Gate or Maldron Hotel – Dinner, Bed & Breakfast.
Day 4: This morning after breakfast, set out with your local guide on a walking tour and experience the new Unlock the Walled City tour customised for Brack Tours guest. Afterwards, we walk the famous Peace Bridge across the river to the Walled City Brewery to hear the personal story of the brewery from its owner James. Taste some local beers along with a delicious lunch with the opportunity to taste a new Gin, distilled in honour of Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, who landed just outside the city. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free to explore the many other local experiences and sample the genuine Irish hospitality in the many bars and restaurants nearby.
Overnight Derry/Londonderry – The Bishops Gate or Maldron Hotel – Bed & Breakfast.
Day 5: This morning, bid farewell to the city and travel through the Sperrin Mountains and the stunning Glenshane Pass, stopping for a visit at Glenshane Farm to experience the joy of local Sheepdogs at work. Discover how, with a whistle, a whisper, or a gesture, owner James can direct the dogs to herd hundreds of remarkably well-behaved sheep. Afterwards, enjoy some home-baked scones with tea/coffee before your guided tour at the Seamus Heaney Homeplace in the village of Bellaghy and learn of the life story of one of Irelands best-known poets.
In the afternoon we continue the journey through the rolling Mid Ulster countryside to the Ecclesiastical city of Armagh and enjoy a brief panoramic sightseeing tour before continuing to the city of Newry in County Down, for the final overnight stay of your tour. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner and musical entertainment to cap off your epic and memorable experience of Northern Ireland. Overnight Newry – The Canal Court Hotel – Dinner, Bed & Breakfast.
