Northern Ireland’s wonderful attractions, heritage and stunning scenery are showcased on this truly immersive tour. Spend time in the compact city of Derry with its many historical and tour one of the country’s key private estates with the finest arboretum. We’ll also head to the countryside for a sheepdog farm experience to learn a few tips, hold a lamb and learn how a fleece is turned into a fashionable garment.
Photo by Rob Durston ( www.durstonphoto.com )
Itinerary
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Brook Hall Estate & Gardens & Afternoon in Derry
This morning, we visit Brook Hall & Gardens for a fascinating guided tour including tea/coffee & fresh bakes in the walled garden. We will discover the long history of one of Northern Ireland’s most remarkable private estates; it was the headquarters for King James II, a key stronghold during the infamous Siege of Derry in 1689, and the family played a role in many historical events through the 19th & 20th centuries. Afterwards, we arrive in Derry for lunch and free time in the city to explore its many attractions.
Day 3 – Ulster American Folk Park
Today, we visit a unique museum, the Ulster American Folk Park which tells the story of emigration to North America of Ulster’s people in the 18th and 19th centuries. An immersive experience, it will give us a real insight into the lives the emigrants left behind and the hardships they went through on the journey. And of course, will show us their pioneering spirit in making a new life in North America. Through varying stories from all different emigrants and themed exhibitions, we will build a complete picture.
Day 4 Glenshane Country Farm & Scenic Drive Along the Causeway Coast
Today, we enjoy a wonderful immersive farm experience, a Shepherd’s Life Visit at Glenshane Country Farm for a sheepdog and sheep shearing demonstration with 4th generation owner Shepherd, Jamese McCloy. We’ll help Jamese herd the flock in the fields and learn how to issue a few instructions to the talented sheepdogs. We then see a live sheep shearing demonstration in the Shearing Shed before heading to the panoramic Visitor Centre for a ‘Fleece to Fashion’ demonstration of all the different stages the wool goes through to make it into a garment. After a fascinating morning, we enjoy a delicious freshly made lunch of sandwiches, baked wheaten, traybake biscuits and tea/coffee by the fireside. This afternoon, we will soak up the beautiful scenery on our drive along the causeway coast back to the Lodge hotel.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
Hotel
The Lodge Hotel
Coleraine, Londonderry
Recently acquired by the Mckeever Hotel Group, the hotel is located on the edge of Coleraine, offering a personal touch and an excellent base from which to tour the Causeway. Each of the 56 spacious bedrooms are comfortable and traditional in style. Please note, the majority of the bedrooms are located in a building that is slightly separate from the main building, but there is covered access. Depending on numbers, groups will dine in the Bistro’s conservatory or a private room which serve excellent food. There is also a traditional bar and lounge and the hotel also offers the services of a beauty salon and hairdressers.
BarGround Floor RoomsLiftParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing
Inclusions:
- Guided tour including tea/coffee & fresh bakes of Brook Hall & Gardens
- Entrance to American Ulster Folk Park
- Shepherds Life visit & fireside lunch at Glenshane Country Farm
See quote for hotel inclusions
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £535pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £143
Based on Monday arrivals
