A unique exploration of Ireland's 'True North' in 5 days / 4 nights. One of our most popular tours and one of the few tours to focus exclusively on Northern Ireland and Donegal.

2027 NORTHERN IRELAND TOUR DATES:

In 2027 this Tour departs Dublin on morning of Day #1 and ends in historic Derry after breakfast on Day #5.

Tour-Guests then can return independently to Dublin direct from Derry via public bus (4 hours) train (5 hours) or flight (30 minutes). Tour-Guests can also fly direct from Derry to London.

We at ‘Essential Ireland’ are passionate about including the beautiful and fascinating North of Ireland and Donegal in our tours. We highly recommend you visit!

Our tour-guests are fascinated by the story of Historic Derry, the beauty and legend of the Causeway, modern peaceful Belfast and its troubled past, the characters and the communities of this beautiful part of Ireland that only 25 years ago was a no-go zone for tourists and is now one of Europe’s top attractions.

On our Northern adventures we take pride into introducing you to the fun and endearing locals from both cultures and communities, the indigenous Irish community and Northern Ireland’s ethnic British culture.

We also venture into majestic Donegal, a remote magnificent corner of Ireland that is often overlooked by mainstream tours. Join us for a unique adventure!

[9am] Depart central Dublin. We pick up in one central location (the Leonardo Hotel opposite Christchurch Cathedral)

[10.30ish] Our first stop is the historic, and usually unvisited, town of Drogheda. Destroyed by Oliver Cromwell in 1649. (You’ll be hearing a lot about him on this tour!)

Visit the elaborate Church of St. Peter that resembles a grand medieval Cathedral, maybe light a candle to invoke blessing on our travels and gaze in awe at the head of St. Oliver Plunkett (yes, his fully preserved head) who was hung, drawn and quartered in London in the year of Our Lord 1663 and whose head is preserved in an ornamental glass case beside the altar! 

As a bonus, St. Peter's Church also displays a relic of the True Cross. 

History buffs will really enjoy this.

[11am] free-time to maybe find yourself a Coffee and a wee cream-bun.

[11.30] Visit Monasterboice, ancient and glorious Monastic ruins deep in the serene countryside and lush farmland of County Louth. Learn of its majestic Round Tower and its famed Celtic-Christian High Crosses, the finest in Ireland. Your guide will help you recognise the messages and stories contained in the carvings. 

This is a truly special archeological site.

[Early afternoon] Arrive in Belfast, the proud Northern capital. Everyone is free for lunch in the bustling city-centre.

[2pm] We’ll enjoy a short panoramic city tour and experience a good introduction to our temporary hometown for 2 nights.

[3pm]: The late afternoon is devoted to the epic Titanic Experience, voted the #1 visitor attraction in the world. (yes, the world!). You’ll be amazed at this state of the art visitor centre, no expense has been spared to bring to life the story of one of the most famous ships in history, built in Belfast 1912. We spend 2 hours at this brilliant attraction.

[5.30pm] Check into our central Belfast hotel. You'll be free for dinner in one of the many pubs and restaurants around our hotel, your 'Essential Ireland' guide will make plenty of recommendations. 

Some of us might meet up in the famous Victorian  ‘Crown Saloon’, just maybe the most beautiful bar in the world!

[9.30am] This morning is our big exploration of Belfast.

After a fine breakfast (perhaps you’ll try the traditional ‘Ulster Fry’) we will experience an in-depth city tour of Belfast, beginning inside the majestic Belfast City Hall. We'll check out the 'Belfast entries' which are famous Victorian side-alleys. We'll take in the 360 degree vista over Belfast from the glass dome at Victoria Square. 

We'll tour the divided neighbourhoods of West Belfast. Learn of ‘the Troubles’, our 1969-1998 conflict which tore Northern Ireland apart, you’ll see the ‘Peace Wall’, the impactive political art and murals and all areas of political/historic interest.

[12.30pm]: Free time for lunch in the leafy University area of South Belfast.

1pm:  Visit Queens University Belfast, the Botanic Gardens (and its simply marvellous 150 year old Victorian palm-house) and the award-winning, fascinating and wonderfully eclectic Ulster Museum.

[3pm]: Free time for shopping in Belfast’s Royal Victoria Avenue or sightseeing in the gardens of  City Hall, a short stroll from our hotel.

[7pm]: A free-evening to enjoy Belfast’s unique nightlife and meeting the lively locals.

After another tasty breakfast we’ll bid farewell to Belfast and take the scenic drive to the world-famous Antrim Coast, famed in song and story long before it hit the headlines as location for hit TV series ‘Game of Thrones’.

11.30am]:We visit the masterpiece - the Giants Causeway, a UNESCO world heritage site and beautiful geological marvel. 60,000 Basalt pillars carved into hexagons by violent volcanic eruptions, though we’ll be happy to also share the story of how it was really built by Celtic Giant Finn McCool! Time to hike, explore and enjoy the epic scenery.

Free for lunch at the Giants Causeway

Tour Dunluce Castle, ancestral home of the McDonnell clan and one of the most haunting ruins anywhere in Europe. Glorious scenery.

Arrive in historic Derry (founded 546 AD by St. Columba), aka Londonderry (1613). A walking tour around the city walls is the perfect introduction to Ireland’s most historic city.

[early evening] Check into our city-centre hotel and enjoy free time in Historic Derry. 

Evening free for dinner. Many tour guests will enjoy an evening of Irish music in Peadar O’Donnells historic pub (note: Derry pub music sessions start late), which  Tour-Guests enjoy immensely, a great chance to meet the locals.

We’ll depart on the coach for our fun, relaxing day trip to beautiful Donegal. A short drive over the border.

[12noon] Visit Glenveagh National Park. Truly epic scenery. We’ll tour the castle and you’ll have free time to roam its lakeside lush gardens carved from this rugged Irish valley.

[3pm] A scenic drive through the highlands of Donegal back to the city of Derry.

Visit the famous Tower Museum in Derry.

[6pm] Free for dinner in historic Derry.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast in our hotel in the centre of Derry.

Then It's farewell to Northern Ireland and all our adventures and experiences enjoyed on our True North tour.

Tour-Guests have 3 easy options to return independently to Dublin direct from Derry:

1. Public bus (4 hours)

2. Train (5 hours)

3. Flight (30 minutes). Tour-Guests can also fly direct from Derry to London.

4. Private tour from Derry to Dublin for up to 8 guests, cost is €850 total. (subject to availability, we can organise this VIP style door-to-door service, the driver-guide will take you from the door of your Derry hotel to the door of your Dublin city-centre or Dublin airport hotel. Making some comfort stops along the way and providing commentary. Note: this service cannot drop at multiple Dublin city centre hotels, only one.. And the service does not include any admission or entry fees at historic sites en route to Dublin.)