Dublin, Belfast & Bushmills — A Private Passage Through Time

Dublin

For your added comfort, we will have a Meet & Greet assistant at the aircraft door at Dublin Airport, fast-track you through passport control and customs, and escort you to your transfer driver waiting in the arrivals hall. Your driver will transport you to your hotel, assist with luggage, and ensure you are met by a reception team member for check-in.. A Welcome Package will be provided and will include any relevant documents or tickets required for your trip.. Discover Ireland with a private driver, featuring experienced driving skills and expert local knowledge and insight into the best towns, monuments and historic sites of the Emerald Isle. In addition to your pre-booked customized touring, get recommendations on where to shop, have a drink, grab a bite, and even lesser-known sites typically ignored by visitors, all of which you can stop to visit on a whim (payable on the spot), because your days have built-in flexibility. Enjoy an introduction to Ireland with such depth and quality that's only possible with a local expert. Speak to your Destination Expert if you would like to upgrade and weave in additional Specialist Guides along your journey which can elevate your experience and provide additional expertise and support on your adventure.. Optional: Six by Nico is a mysterious and ever-evolving culinary concept founded by Chef Nico Simeone. Each six weeks, Six by Nico takes guests on a thrilling journey through time, spaces and places with a unique and affordable six course tasting experience. However, once this six week time period is up, each menu will disappear forever – never to be cooked or tasted again. From re-imagining childhood favorites to exploring the culinary delights of destinations such as Catalonia, Mexico and The Middle East, guests have been on quite the delicious journey so far.

Accommodation: The Davenport Hotel (B) (Classic King), Dublin

Dublin

Meet your private guide at your hotel and set out on foot for a half-day walking tour of Dublin, exploring the highlights of the lively Irish capital. Stroll through the landscaped grounds of St Stephen’s Green, a public park dating back to 1664, followed by a walk through Merrion Square, with its impressive red brick Georgian townhouses. Stroll past the historic Dublin Castle, former seat of the English, along with the Lords and Kings of Ireland, now used for all State ceremonial events. Pass by Christchurch, built by the Anglo-Norman’s in 1172 to replace an earlier Church built by the Vikings in 1038. No visit to Dublin would be complete without a visit to St Patrick’s Cathedral, a highlight of your tour. Built in 1192, it is one of Ireland’s largest cathedrals, made famous by its former dean Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels. Check out the old cobbled lanes and hip establishments of Temple Bar, Dublin’s cultural quarter, and visit Trinity College where you’ll be able to see the 8th century Book of Kells, perhaps the world’s most beautifully illustrated book and gaze upon the 200,000 books of the long room. Conclude your tour back at your hotel.. A personalized 50-minute consultation with a genealogist offers a remarkable opportunity to delve deeper into family history research. The process begins by assessing the current stage of research and reviewing available documents and knowledge. Expert genealogists, familiar with both online databases and offline repositories, can accelerate the search by pinpointing additional record sources, creating a detailed route map, and developing a tailored search strategy. This consultation ensures a refreshed enthusiasm and confidence in the research direction, providing valuable insights and guidance for further exploration.. The Merry Ploughboys Live in Concert is widely regarded as the best traditional music show in Dublin, and a must-see for any visitors to the city. Meet your private driver for a transfer to The Merry Ploughboy for Dublin's premier combination of Irish music, dance and food. Delight in an included dinner of the very best fresh local fare, while being entertained by the majesty of the traditional sounds of The Merry Ploughboys. Performing to audiences in Dublin since 1989, the Merry Ploughboys are the city's longest-running show featuring its original performers, and their longevity speaks to their talent and appeal. Conclude your evening with a return transfer to your hotel.

Accommodation: The Davenport Hotel (B) (Classic King), Dublin

Dublin, Belfast

Transfer to Belfast, stopping to explore Newgrange and the Mourne Coast en route. You’ll first set your sights on a visit to Newgrange, a stunning Neolithic passage tomb that is quite simply one of the great wonders of ancient western civilization. Be swept back to a time over 5,000 years ago, admiring the massive stone mound and its internal passages and chambers, letting reality set in that you’re experiencing a monument which predates both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, with passages aligned to illuminate with the summer and winter solstice. Nearby is the River Boyne where the famous Battle of the Boyne took place. The land here is lush and full of ancient and medieval ruins that are testaments to Ireland’s impressive heritage. In the afternoon, continue through County Down which is arguably, Northern Ireland’s most scenic mountainous region, immortalized in ancient folklore and the songs of Percy French. The picturesque village of Rostrevor has a history of ancient kings and buried giants and is a beautiful point in which to explore more of Carlingford Lough. Make a stop in Newcastle, famous for long, sweeping beaches and its golf course, then head to Downpatrick, an ancient town where you can visit the reputed final resting place of Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick, as well as the lovely 12th and 13th century ruins of Inch Abbey, on the bank of the Quoile River. Conclude your day on arrival to Belfast.. Step into Dublin’s storied past with a reservation at The Crown Liquor Saloon, one of the city’s most iconic Victorian pubs. Known for its ornate interiors, stained-glass windows, and warm Irish hospitality, this historic establishment offers a distinctive dining experience where traditional flavors meet timeless charm. Guests can enjoy hearty Irish fare and locally inspired dishes, perfectly complemented by an excellent selection of ales, whiskeys, and craft cocktails. Please note: This service is for a reservation only, and payment for your meal and beverages is required in destination. All reservations are subject to availability.

Accommodation: Grand Central Hotel Belfast (B) (Deluxe), Dublin

Belfast

Today you will be escorted to explore the classic highlights of Belfast. Discover the old Cathedral Quarter near the waterfront, host of the beautiful St. Anne's Cathedral, dating back to 1899. In the city center, explore Donegal Place, one of Europe's finest squares, still home to many buildings from Belfast's glory days as the second city of the British Empire. See the late 19th century Grand Opera House, the beautiful white Belfast City Hall, along with the iconic mid-19th century Lanyon Building of the Queen's University, in all its red brick neo-Gothic beauty. Check out the impressive bronze sculptures of CS Lewis Square, commemorating the local creator of the Chronicles of Narnia. Take in impressive views of the city as you visit the gardens of the historic Belfast Castle Estate, and even visit Belfast's Botanic Gardens, an important part of the city's Victorian heritage - boasting an array of exotic and tropical plant species. In the afternoon, you'll visit the famous Titanic Museum. The RMS Titanic was designed and built in Belfast between 1909 and 1912, a remarkable feat of Edwardian engineering and craftsmanship. Despite her tragic sinking she remains a source of enduring pride in the city where she was built.. Embark on a private 1.5-hour tour of Belfast in the classic ambience of a Black Cab. Enthusiastic and knowledgeable, your specialized local driver-guide will take you through the history, politics and turmoil that have shaped the city you see today, one still predominantly divided into Protestant and Catholic territories. Hear stories and personal anecdotes of the lasting religious-political conflict as you drive through Falls Road (Catholic) and Shankhill Road (Protestant), two neighborhoods with a bloody past, witnessing the Peace Line wall that separates the communities. Learn of the many murals which can be seen throughout Belfast, speaking to the troubles of the Loyalist/Unionist and Republican/Nationalist divide. You’ll spot sites like Crumlin Road Jail, Europa Hotel, and The Crown Bar, hearing how they’ve played an important role in the political history of the city – an experience both enlightening and humbling. Conclude back at your hotel.. Enjoy an evening of elegance and atmosphere with a reservation at Berts Jazz Bar, Belfast’s only dedicated jazz venue. Located in the heart of the city, this stylish spot combines live music with exceptional dining, offering a menu of French-inspired cuisine crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients. Guests can relax in a vibrant yet intimate setting, where each dish is complemented by an extensive wine and cocktail list, all while world-class jazz musicians set the mood. Please note: This service is for a reservation only, and payment for your meal and beverages is required in destination. All reservations are subject to availability.

Accommodation: Grand Central Hotel Belfast (B) (Deluxe)

Belfast, Bushmills

Set out on a full-day private transfer from Belfast to Bushmills, pausing en route in the breathtaking Sperrin Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for an immersive shepherding and wool-making experience. After hotel pickup, journey with your private driver to a working farm, where you'll meet a local farmer and step into the daily life of a traditional shepherd. Begin in the open fields, watching skilled sheepdogs respond to verbal and whistle commands as they guide the flock across the rolling countryside. Try your hand at centuries-old shepherding techniques, working in harmony with the dogs. Next, visit the Shearing Shed for a live demonstration of sheep shearing, a craft passed down through generations. Meet rare breeds of sheep, feel the freshly shorn wool, and even hold a young lamb. Warm up by the turf fire and explore the fascinating fleece-to-fashion process—wash, dye with natural colors, spin yarn by hand, and experiment with giant knitting. Learn about wool’s sustainable properties and its enduring role in Irish culture. Conclude this authentic experience with a traditional fireside lunch of homemade soup, freshly baked wheaten bread, and sweet treats. Afterward, rejoin your driver for the final stretch of your journey to Bushmills.

Accommodation: The Bushmills Inn Hotel (B) (Mill House Classic), Belfast

Belfast

Venture on a private full-day journey along Northern Ireland’s stunning coastline, where iconic landmarks, ancient myths, and local traditions unfold. After pickup from your hotel, set out with your private driver-guide to Carrick-a-Rede, where the famous rope bridge, spanning 30 meters above the Atlantic, has connected Carrick Island to the mainland for over 250 years. Feel the thrill as you take in sweeping views of dramatic cliffs and crashing waves below. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, a breathtaking natural wonder formed by 40,000 interlocking basalt columns stretching into the ocean. Walk through this stunning geological marvel and immerse yourself in the legends that have shaped the landscape. Conclude the day with a visit to the Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery. Discover the centuries-old whiskey-making process, from grain to glass, before enjoying a tasting in the 1608 Bar. Afterward, your driver will return you to your accommodations.. Step into historic charm with a reservation at the Bushmills Inn, a landmark that blends centuries-old character with warm Irish hospitality. Located in the heart of the village, this renowned inn offers a menu celebrating the best of modern Irish cuisine, crafted with locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors. Guests can dine beside roaring peat fires or in the atmospheric still room, pairing their meal with an extensive selection of wines, whiskeys, and ales. Please note: This service is for a reservation only and payment for your meal and beverages is required in destination. All reservations are subject to availability.

Accommodation: The Bushmills Inn Hotel (B) (Mill House Classic), Belfast

Belfast, Donegal

Depart Bushmills this morning and journey westward toward Donegal, crossing into Northern Ireland to visit the historic city of Derry-Londonderry. Known as the cultural heart of the North, this vibrant city is famed for its remarkably preserved 17th-century walls, considered among the finest in Europe. Walk along the ramparts with views of St. Columb’s Cathedral rising in Gothic splendor, and pause to admire the striking Guildhall, an architectural gem of red sandstone and stained glass. Continue into County Donegal, where the wild beauty of the Inishowen Peninsula unfolds. At Ireland’s northernmost point, Malin Head, discover dramatic seascapes of windswept beaches, tidal lagoons, and crashing surf. Along the way, pass through charming coastal villages such as Ballyliffin, Moville, and Muff, each steeped in rustic character. Your day concludes as you arrive in Donegal, surrounded by landscapes of untamed beauty.. Experience refined dining with a reservation at Cedars Restaurant, the signature restaurant of Lough Eske Castle. Set within the grandeur of a restored 17th-century estate, Cedars offers an elegant menu that highlights the finest local produce, fresh seafood, and seasonal ingredients, artfully prepared to showcase contemporary Irish cuisine. Guests can savor their meal in a sophisticated setting overlooking the castle gardens, complemented by an exceptional wine list and attentive service. Please note: This service is for a reservation only and payment for your meal and beverages is required in destination. All reservations are subject to availability.

Accommodation: Lough Eske Castle (B) (Deluxe), Belfast

Donegal, Dublin

Depart Donegal this morning with your private driver-guide, beginning the journey south toward Dublin. En route, pause in Omagh to visit the Ulster American Folk Park, a remarkable open-air museum that brings to life the story of emigration from Ulster to North America during the 18th and 19th centuries. Step into authentic thatched cottages and frontier log cabins, tracing the journey of families who left rural Ireland behind in search of new beginnings across the Atlantic. Through immersive exhibits and living history, gain a deeper understanding of the resilience and pioneering spirit that helped shape communities in the New World. Continue onward through the Irish countryside, arriving in Dublin.. Enjoy a stylish dining experience with a reservation at Grovers Alley in the heart of Dublin. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and creative flair, Grovers Alley presents a menu that blends modern European influences with fresh, locally sourced Irish ingredients. Guests can delight in beautifully crafted dishes that celebrate seasonal flavors, paired with expertly selected wines and innovative cocktails. Set within a lively and contemporary space, the restaurant provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening in the city. Please note: This service is for a reservation only and payment for your meal and beverages is required in destination. All reservations are subject to availability.

Accommodation: The Davenport Hotel (B) (Classic King), Donegal

Dublin

Meet your private driver and vehicle for an airport transfer.