Our tour is a wonderful opportunity to experience the heritage and beautiful architecture of the thriving capital city of Belfast including its newest and most striking attraction Titanic Belfast. In contrast is the breathtaking and varied coastal scenery of County Antrim and famous historic castles with fascinating stories and art collections, waiting to be discovered. All topped off with a visit to a famous whiskey distillery!
©Historic-Royal-Palaces
Itinerary
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Hillsborough Castle & Hinch Distillery
This morning, we visit one of Northern Ireland’s most famous landmarks, Hillsborough Castle. A beautiful Georgian mansion surrounded in ornamental gardens, the former grand home, Hillsborough Castle operates as a royal palace used by the British Royal Family on official visits to Northern Ireland. An historic place of celebration, entertainment and diplomacy, knowledgeable Castle hosts will tell us more of its incredible history as we stroll through the elegant and ornate State Rooms decorated with famous objets d’art. Note: A garden-only visit is now also possible. This afternoon, we head for the award-winning Hinch Distillery in the heart of County Down for a 75-minute classic tour and whiskey tasting. The perfect way to end the day!
Day 3 Guided Tour of Belfast
The perfect way to get to know Northern Ireland’s vibrant capital city, we enjoy a half day step on guided tour of Belfast. Marvel at its Victorian architecture such as the Queen’s University, elegant Palm House at the Botanic Gardens and baroque beauty of the City Hall. Famous for building the ill-fated Titanic ship, the regeneration of the city’s waterfront now features the sleek ship-shaped Titanic Belfast building, a monument to the city’s maritime heritage. This afternoon we have free time to explore the city’s iconic sights including Titanic Belfast®, a fascinating visitor attraction.
Day 4 Antrim Coast Drive & Glenarm Castle
Today we enjoy a scenic journey along the spectacular Antrim Coast en route to one of Northern Ireland’s oldest and most beautiful estates, Glenarm Castle, where we enjoy a guided tour. Surrounded by an award-winning walled garden dating back to the 17th century and an organic farm, the castle is the ancestral home of the McDonnell family, Earls of Antrim. Our guide will share its long history with us as we discover the castle’s ornate interior rooms including the drawing room, the Blue Room and hall.
HOW ABOUT
Farm to Fork Tasting Experience at Glenarm Castle held in the new Coach House room. This will include a selection of Glenarm Shorthorn Beef and Glenarm Organic Salmon prepared in a variety of ways to show the versatility of each product. This will be accompanied by tea/coffee and be followed by a dessert which incorporates ingredients from our Walled Garden and ice cream from the Milk Parlour here on site. The experience will last for roughly one hour.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Hotel
Dunadry Hotel & Gardens
Dunadry, County Antrim
Part of the McKeever Hotel Group, this stunning 4 star hotel is built on the site of an ancient fort and, subsequently, a paper mill, and is set within beautiful gardens alongside the Six Mile Water trout river. All 80 spacious bedrooms are elegantly furnished and contain a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The restaurant provides a relaxed and modern dining experience while the bar has a cosy fireplace and embodies many of the old paper mill’s original features.
BarCollection HotelGround Floor RoomsLeisure FacilitiesLiftParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £552
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £143
Based on Monday arrivals
Inclusions
• Return ferry crossing UK – Northern Ireland
• Entrance to Hillsborough Castle
• Entrance to Hinch Distillery
• Half day guided tour of Belfast
• Guided tour of Glenarm Castle
