Northern Ireland is a region steeped in history, culture and rugged landscape. With so much to see and do there, it is an essential stop on your tour around Ireland.
Arguably one of Northern Ireland’s top attractions, the Giant’s Causeway is a sight to behold. With the symmetrical stones jutting out into the sea, it’s a wonder to see in real life. Folklore tells us this was a result of Irish giant Fionn mac Cumhaill throwing parts of Antrim’s coastline into the sea in order to make it across to the Scottish giant Benandonner who had threatened Ireland. In reality, the basalt columns harken back to an ancient volcanic eruption which left us with a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, no visit is complete without braving the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge located just a few minutes away. It really is a picture-perfect location that deserves to be experienced in person once in a lifetime.
Just ten minutes away, behold another ancient wonder of Dunluce Castle. This beautiful ruin dating back to 1500 has a dramatic past and even more dramatic backdrop, set atop the cliffs staring out onto the Atlantic Ocean. Built by the McQuillan clan, it was seized by the MacDonnell clan in the 1550’s and was eventually seat to the earls of Co Antrim in the 17th century.
As you travel back down the coast, Tom and Laura will take you on the scenic route through the Glens of Antrim. These spectacular, unspoiled glens and valleys will simply take your breath away. See the stunning waterfalls, woodlands and rugged coastline on your journey through the nine glens.
This landscape is of course now synnonymous with Game of Thrones. Visit the Dark Hedges in County Antrim to catch a glimpse of one of the most recognisable sets of the series. The area has a mystique about it that encapsulates visitors that come here from all corners of the world.
Also in Antrim, the distillery of Bushmills Whiskey offers an unforgettable experience. As Ireland’s oldest licensed distillery, it is a place historically important to the Irish whiskey industry and is a grain to glass distillery meaning they look after every aspect of the production here on site. Take a tour of the distillery and enjoy a tasting of the best whiskeys they have on offer.
No trip to Northern Ireland would be finished without a stop to the capital, Belfast city. A city more steeped in history and culture, you’d be hard pushed to find! Let Laura and Tom guide you through a tour of Belfast’s murals, a relic of the city’s tumultuous past. Stop off in Queen’s University with over 100 listed buildings in its campus. The university was built in 1849 and since then has been alma mater to a number of influential people including famous poet Seamus Heaney and former president of Ireland, Mary McAlleese.
Belfast is also home to the beautiful Botanic Gardens, just minutes from the University. Wander through 28 acres of landscaped gardens or while away the afternoon in the Ulster Museum, located just at the entrance. The Museum houses exhibitions on natural history, art and modern exhibitions that change from season to season. The Titanic Museum is also worth a visit. Learn about the ill-fated maiden voyage of the majestic ship made famous in the movie and see artifacts from the ship itself.
Another of Northern Ireland’s unique cities is Derry. Here the famous walls encircle the city to this day dating back to the 17th century. It is the only completely walled city in Ireland and one of the best examples in Europe.
Plan your bespoke private driving tour of Northern Ireland today and Contact Tom or Laura from VIP Chauffeur.
Email: info@vipchauffeur.net
Tom: +353 87 2612131
Laura: +353 87 989 8585
