Northern Ireland

Your journey to Ireland begins with an overnight flight from the home to *Belfast City Airport (BHD), Northern Ireland. If your airline flies in to Belfast International Airport, the taxi ride will be about 45 minutes.

Majority of flights land by 2PM, should your airline of choice land later in Belfast, please contact Strabo Tours as you may have to fly in one day early. Your tour begins as you depart Belfast Airport, traveling northwest towards Londonderry (Ireland) or Derry (referred to by those from Northern Ireland).

The city walls have never been breached; you will explore the city sites as well as the outskirts. The Peace Bridge has become an icon of the city as it crosses the Foyle River. Guildhall represents amazing architecture with stunning stained-glass windows. From our accommodations, weather and the right light permitting you will have a photo stop along the North Coast, which is actually in County Donegal at either the Fanad Head or Stroove Lighthouse. Both provide breathtaking views along the coast. Overnight Londonderry (D; B)

After breakfast the group will depart for the Donegal Peninsula. Donegal is known as a lesser-known region, untouched and crying out for exploration. Nature abounds from the sheer granite walls of some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs at Slieve League, but there is warmth and wit to be found among the vibrant, Irish speaking communities. Given time you will travel to the immense beach at Inishowen. This journey will lift your spirits and present huge panoramas that will look different from every segment of the road we travel. Bright azure skies appear next to blue gray, shafts of rain, which bolt sea and sky together. Donegal Bay majestically swoops towards you, with its quaint fishing villages and harbors. Overnight Donegal Peninsula (B, D; B)

Return to Northern Ireland today as you drive along the North Coast past Londonderry. There will be a photo stop along dramatic coastline near the circular Mussenden Temple, perched on a cliff edge high above Downhill Beach. The Hezlett House may provide another photo opportunity, a picturesque late 17th century thatched cottage. A bit east is the Dunluce Castle. One of the jewels on the route, this breathtaking castle ruin has inspired artists and writers such as C.S. Lewis. It is perched dramatically on the cliffs of the North Antrim Coast.

Early the next morning you will need a flashlight as you head to the Giant’s Causeway. Not to be missed on any itinerary is this geological wonder which gives the route its name. The Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage Site, famously steeped in myth and legend. Legend has it that it was built by Finn MacCool to reach a Scottish giant, when he was challenged to a fight. Other photo opportunities present themselves at the remote Murlough Bay, Carrick-a-Rede Island and bridge originally built by Salmon fishermen. There are several quaint villages, which can be explored such as Portballintrae, Ballintoy, the hamlet of Portbradden with one of the smallest in Ireland, and perhaps the friary at Bonamargy.

Your last day here will be another early morning photo shoot at the Dark Hedges. The dark hedges of the HBO Game of Thrones series is an iconic archway of intertwining beech trees that has become one of Northern Ireland’s most photographed natural phenomena. You will arrive very early to avoid the later day crowds. Traveling to the East today explore Torr Head and photograph the quaint village of Cushendun. Nestled at the foot of Glendun, one of the nine Glens of Antrim. Later in the day you will need to take a break at the heart of Northern Ireland – the oldest working distillery, Bushmill’s. The finest Irish whiskeys have been produced here for over 400 years. Overnight Ballycastle (B, D; B)  

Before returning to Belfast this afternoon, there will be photo ops at Carrickfergus Castle. Discover one of the most imposing monuments and one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval structures. Enjoy a bit of Belfast with your guides. Photograph the famous murals, historical buildings such as the Titanic, or Belfast Castle. Given the right weather conditions Castlereagh Hills or Cavehill may have spectacular views. Enjoy your farewell dinner at your hotel. Overnight Belfast (B, D)

You may wish to do this tour back-to-back with Nancy’s trip to England and the Lake District. There will be one group transfer to the airport (time to be announced) to board your flights home.