Ireland - North Sample Self Drive

Day 1 - Céad míle fáilte - One Hundred Thousand Welcomes

Céad míle fáilte – or one hundred thousand welcomes – to Ireland’s capital, Dublin! Upon arrival, a private transfer will provide a smooth journey into the city and onwards to the hotel. There is no better introduction to Dublin than a private walking tour with a local guide so after a bite to eat head out to see the best of the city. Your guide is also a historian who will share the stories, characters, and events that have shaped Dublin through the centuries.

Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury Hotel
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Little Museum of Dublin

The much-loved Little Museum of Dublin offers history, humour, and hospitality. Housed in a beautiful Georgian building, the private tour reveals the history of a city that has undergone remarkable changes in the last 100 years, from the visit of Queen Victoria to the global success of U2. Discover more about life in Ireland over the last 1,000 years with exclusive access to their prized collection in the company of a private host.

Overnight: Dublin | The Westbury Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Hillsborough Castle

This morning, pick up your rental car and head north to Belfast City for a private tour of the royal residence, Hillsborough Castle. Set within 100 acres of historic gardens, the castle houses a treasure trove of artistic works, many on loan from the Royal Collection. A castle host will offer an in-depth look at the works on display, covering themes such as religion, power, mythology, and contemporary politics in Northern Ireland.

Overnight: Belfast | The Merchant Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - The Troubles & The Titanic

Join a local guide to explore Belfast’s rich history. Learn more about The Troubles, the partition of Ireland, and hear first hand stories of life in Belfast during the conflict. View the city’s murals and peace walls, and gain unique insights from your guide, an award-winning author and historian who was both a combatant during The Troubles and a political advisor post-ceasefire and Good Friday Agreement. After lunch, visit Belfast’s Titanic Experience. Your private tour takes you through the 10 galleries, sharing the story of the ship and her final hours. You’ll also step aboard the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line vessel.

Overnight: Belfast | The Merchant Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Whiskey on the Rocks

Following a stunning coastal route – the ‘secret’ way to visit the Giant’s Causeway – it’s easy to see why the Causeway Coast was named as a top region to visit by Lonely Planet. Visit the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, a geological marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws visitors from across the globe. Meet a local guide and step out onto the striking basalt columns, shaped by ancient volcanic activity and steeped in myth and legend. While taking in the dramatic scenery, enjoy a “Whiskey on the Rocks” tasting featuring world-famous Bushmills whiskey, distilled just a few miles away.

Overnight: Portrush | Dunluce Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Sheepdogs & Castles on the Northern Coast

Begin the day with a visit to Dunluce Castle, one of the most picturesque and romantic castles in Ireland. Perched dramatically on a cliff edge, the site shows evidence of settlement from the first millennium, though the striking ruins seen today date largely from the 16th and 17th centuries. Afterwards, continue to a traditional working sheep farm and meet a local family who have been farming sheep and cattle here for over 70 years. Gain insight into the close bond between shepherd and sheepdog, and witness the speed, intelligence, and precision involved in gathering the flock. During lambing season, which typically runs from mid-March to mid-April, there may even be a chance to see newborn lambs.

Overnight: Portrush | Dunluce Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - The Emigrants Walk

Leaving Portrush behind, the first stop this morning is with a local guide who takes us on a fascinating Emigrants Walk, following in the footsteps of Irish emigrants as they escape the horrors of the Great Hunger and make their way to the new world. The walk is about 6km (3.7 miles) through the countryside, which remains unchanged since famine times. Stop for lunch at what was once an original soup kitchen. At the height of the famine in August of 1847, about 3 million people were getting their meals from these types of kitchens.

Overnight: Upperlands | Ardtara Country House
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Depart

This morning, drive to Belfast airport for your flight home.