Final Information Black Tomato - Forman Couple

Daniel Forman

Monday 6th May – Saturday 11th May 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

Overview

As you embark on your self drive Irish adventure, get ready to immerse yourselves in the rich cultural tapestry, stunning landscapes, and vibrant music scene that Northern Ireland has to offer. With our carefully curated itinerary and handpicked experiences, we aim to ensure that every moment of your trip is filled with joy, discovery, and cherished memories to help you celebrate your anniversary in style.

Highlights

  • Explore the most Northern Coast of Ireland going at your own pace
  • Meet locals, and partake in some uniquely Irish experiences
  • Enjoy staying in some of the norths most comfortable and stylish hotels.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Monday 6th May - Arrival in Belfast- Transfer to Donegal

Arriving into George Best, Belfast City Airport on your morning flight,  collect your car rental at the airport and set off to your first destination, just over the border in Donegal.
As your flights are early, there is plenty of opportunity to stop on route to your hotel to start exploring Northern Ireland and we recommend St Patrick’s Cathedral as the perfect introduction to Ireland.

The imposing twin spires of the Cathedral overlook the City from an elevated site. The Cathedral is built on a site known as Tealach na licci (Sandy Hill) where legend has it that Saint Patrick brought a young deer for sanctuary. Catch your breath at the top of the hill, take in the view of our beautiful city and then enter St Patrick’s Cathedral and wonder at the awe-inspiring interior. There are coffee shops and cafes nearby to grab a bite to eat or luncvh before continuing on your journey to Donegal.

You will want to be at your hotel for check in with plenty of time to get ready for your very special evening as arranged by Black Tomato to help you celebrate your anniversary in style.

Overnight: Donegal | Lough Eske Castle
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 1 - Car Rental Pick Up Details Read More +

Car Rental Company: Enterprise
Booking Reference: 1294889485
Pick Up Location: Belfast City Airport | Pick Up Time: 09:30
Phone: +44 28 9009 8889

Reservation Confirmation is attached below

Day 1 - Directions Read More +

Driving Route: Belfast International Airport to Lough Eske Castle incl recommended stops

  • Game of Thrones Studio Tour
  • St Patricks RC Cathedral

 

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Cedars Restaurant | Location: Lough Eske Castle
Reservation Time: 17:00

Begin your evening of celebration with a private whiskey tasting experience at 5pm in The Cellar, followed by dinner in The Cedars at 7pm with champagne.

 

 

Day 2 - Tuesday 7th May - Glencolmcille & Slieve League Cliffs

Exploring south Donegal today, our first recommendation is The folk village at Glencolmcille with an opportunity to step back in time, getting a sense of what life was like in Ireland in the early 20th century, when emigration was a daily reality for many in rural parts.

Three times taller than the Cliffs of Moher, the Slieve League Cliffs are some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. explore the visitors centre and take a walk experiences the sheer size in awe or for the more adventurous, strap on the boots and walk the Pilgrims Path to the summit.

Overnight: Donegal | Lough Eske Castle
Room Type: Junior Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Directions Read More +

Driving route around Donegal with recommended stops
– Ardara- Small Village, visit Eddie O Doherty a hand weaver
Glencolmcille Folk Village
– Slieve League Cliffs- There are shuttle buses and a visitors centre
– Killybegs- Fishing Town, I recommend fish and chips from the stand on the harbour.

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Old Castle Bar & Restaurant | Location: Tirconaill St, Donegal
Phone: +353 (0)74 972 1262

The Old Castle Bar and Restaurant takes walk in’s only ( no pre reservation necessary)
Opening is

Day 3 - Wednesday 8th May - Derry & Giants Causeway

Crossing back into Northern Ireland we stop at the free city of Derry where history is all around you. As the only remaining walled city in Ireland, you will tour the 800 year old city walls with a local, revealing a splendid city crammed full of history, heritage, interest and a vibrant cultural scene.

With over 400 years of history and heritage behind it, Bushmills is synonymous with whiskey production. Visit the local distillery this afternoon for a tour and a tasting and learn some of Irelands unique heritage.

End you day with a visit to the Giants Causeway after the crowds have departed.

Overnight: Bushmills | The Bushmills Inn
Room Type: Mill Houe Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Directions Read More +

Day 3 - Derry Walls Tour Read More +

Activity: Derry Walls Tour
Guide Name: Ruairí O hEara
Start Location: Front of Guildhall Derry | Start Time: 11:00 | Approx Duration: 1.5 hrs
Phone: +44 7812084903 | Website: https://toursofderry.com/

Ruairi will meet you in Front of Guildhall Derry. Parking is available locally on street or at Foyle Street Parking. Please note the use of Parking Meters.

Day 3 - Whiskey Tasting Read More +

Activity: Whiskey Tasting
Contact: Julie
Start Location: Distillery | Start Time: 15:15 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs
Booking Reference: 5697489
Phone: +44 (0)28 207 33218 | Website: http://www.bushmills.com/

We recommend parking at your hotel and walking the 10/15 minutes to the distillery for your private Whiskey Tour and Tasting.

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Restaurant: Bushmills Inn
Reservation Time: 19:30

Payable locally

Day 4 - Thursday 9th May - The Causeway Coastal Route and Concert

Today you will follow the stunning causeway coastal on route to Belfast along the northernmost coast to from Portrush, Co Antrim. The Causeway Coastal Route is possibly one of the world’s greatest road trips, featuring castles, temples, cliff top walks, caves, Game of Thrones filming sites, remote islands and its most famous attraction, The Giant’s Causeway.

Check into your city centre hotel this later this afternoon and enjoy an early dinner before attending your Bruce Springsteen concert.

Overnight: Belfast | The Merchant Hotel
Room Type: Junior Loft Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Directions Read More +

Bushmills Inn to The Merchant Hotel, Belfast incl suggested stops
Ballintoy Harbour 
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Dunfin Farm 
– Cushendall- Great lunch stop
– The Gobbins Path

Day 4 - Details Read More +

Restaurant: James St Restaurant | Location: 19–21 James Street South, Belfast, BT2 7GA
Reservation Time: 17:00 | Booking Reference: B4TR7ZJY
Phone: +44 28 9560 0700 | Website: https://www.jamesst.co.uk/

Walking route The Merchant Hotel to James St Restaurant
From here we recommend getting a taxi to the concert.

Day 5 - Friday 10th May - Belfast's Black Cabs

Your day starts with a visit to Belfast’s Titanic Quarter and a tour of the Titanic Experience,   shipyard and SS Nomadic. Meet your Titanic guide at the Visitor Services Desk and enjoy your private experience.
We recommend driving to the Titanic Experience and returning to your hotel after for lunch before meeting your guide later today for The Black Cab Tour .

Tour Belfast from the comfort of a London black cab with a local guide/ driver and unpack the complicated history of The Troubles. See the city’s murals and peace walls, hear stories of life in Belfast at the height of the troubles, check out historical photographs and enjoy narration from your local guide.

Overnight: Belfast | The Merchant Hotel
Room Type: Junior Loft Suite
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Titanic Tour Read More +

Activity: Titanic Tour
Guide name: Tiernan
Start Location: Visitor Services Desk | Start Time: 09:50 | Approx Duration: 1.5 hrs
Booking Reference: 6974366
Phone: +44 (0)28 9076 6399 | Website: https://www.titanicbelfast.com/

Day 5 - Black Cab Tour Read More +

Activity: Black Cab Tour
Guide name: Paddy Campbell
Start Location: Lobby of The Merchant Hotel | Start Time: 15:00 | Approx Duration: 1.5 hrs
Phone: +44 (0)79 909 55227 | Website: http://belfastblackcabtours.co.uk/

Paddy or one of his guides will meet you in the lobby of your hotel where you will be dropped back to after your tour.

Day 5 - Details Read More +

Restaurant: The Ginger Bistro | Location: 68/72 Great Victoria Street Belfast - BT2 7AF
Reservation Time: 19:30 | Booking Reference: BW3CDJHH
Phone: 028 9024 4421 | Website: https://www.gingerbistro.com/

Payable locally

Day 6 - Saturday 11th May - Depart Belfast

A short drive to the airport this morning in time to drop off your rental and check in and your departing flights.

We hope your time in Northern Ireland and Donegal has been memorable and a fitting anniversary celebration.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 6
  • Breakfast Daily
  • Car rental Day 1 to 6 – Automatic Ford Galaxy or similar
  • All guided hikes, experiences and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • including-
    – Private Derry Walls Tour
    – Tour Bushmills Distillery
    – Black Cab Tour Belfast
    – Private tour Titanic Museum
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Map and guide book
  • 24 hour in-country support from on the ground team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
Optional Upgrades Read More

Please note: Room upgrades are available upon request.

Important Additional Information Read More
  • Enterprise Car Rental Forman - PDF: View Now

Accommodation

Lough Eske Castle

Donegal Town | Donegal | Donegal |
94 HX59 | Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)74 972 5100
Web: lougheskecastlehotel.com

The Bushmills Inn

9 Dunluce Road | Bushmills | Co.Antrim |
BT57 8GQ | Northern Ireland
Phone: +44 (0)28 2073 3000
Web: bushmillsinn.com

The Merchant Hotel

16 Skipper Street | Belfast | Co. Antrim |
BT1 2DZ | Northern Ireland
Phone: +44 (0)28 90 23 4888
Web: themerchanthotel.com