Explore some of North Ireland's highlights on a budget 3-day tour from Dublin. Visit Belfast and see some of the city's most important sights. Marvel at the Giant's Causeway, discover Dunluce Castle, take a walking tour of Derry, and more.
Day 1: Dublin - Belfast city (overnight Belfast)
Choose from one of two central Dublin collection locations and you'll be on your way. Your first stop this morning is at Monasterboice, a monastic settlement dating back to 501 AD.
By late morning you'll arrive in Belfast. Discover why Lonely Planet regards Northern Ireland's capital as one of the top 10 'must-visit' cities on Earth. Your driver will show you highlights including City Hall, Queen's University, Albert's Clock, Botanic Gardens, and much more.
With plenty of time at leisure to explore the city, the political “Black Taxi” tour (optional) is strongly recommended to view the Peace Wall and infamous political murals. The drivers are locals and can explain what life was like in Belfast during the conflict of 1969-1998.
This evening you'll stay city centre, in a most lively area with great pubs and restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. Live music venues are plentiful, and Belfast is well known for its great nightlife.
Day 2: Belfast - Giants Causeway - Dunluce Castle - Derry
A glorious touring day cruising the beautiful North Coast. You will initially visit the Dark Hedges, famed by Game of Thrones. Then it's the jackpot visit of the day: the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Trace the footprints of Celtic giants as you walk the Giant's Causeway, the proud location of an estimated 60,000 hexagonal columns of basalt rock formed by cataclysmic violent volcanic eruptions a long, long time ago. Listen to your guide wax lyrical about the giant warrior-hero Fionn McCool.
Afterwards, explore the amazing Dunluce Castle ruins with paid entrance. You'll continue to the nearby city of Derry where you'll spend the afternoon. There will be plenty of time at leisure after an excellent in-depth walking tour of Derry's walls with a local guide.
Learn why the city is officially known as Londonderry and the storey of the long bloody siege here in 1689. Head down to the well-known Bogside district, the scene of the Bloody Sunday massacre in 1972, and the inspiration for U2's classic anthem 'Sunday, Bloody Sunday'. Overnight in Derry.
Day 3: Derry - Sligo - Galway - Dublin
After breakfast this morning, you'll head down a portion of the west coast's Wild Atlantic Way in the Republic of Ireland.
Further along the road lies Ireland's premier surf venue and beach at Strandhill, Co. Sligo, and you will have some leisure time here for lunch. Perhaps enjoy a walk on the amazing surfing beaches and check out The Strand Bar.
Your final stop before returning to Dublin is Galway where you have free time to explore. Perhaps you might like to visit some wonderful local seafood eateries, or try a pint in one of the fantastic pubs. You then take a scenic drive back to Dublin, arriving back at approx. 7:00 PM.
