Northern Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour in Northern Ireland

based on 148 reviews

Duration:6 hours to 8 hours (approx.)
Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland

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ADULT (Age : 10 to 85)

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This is a full-day guided tour taking in the highlights of Belfast (optional), the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route, the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, with a few surprise destinations off the beaten track. This tour is aimed at the visitor who has limited time to spare on their trip to Northern Ireland. This tour will give you a great taste of the variety offered by the city, the coastline, the culture and heritage on a day-long tour from Belfast or any accomodation within Northern Ireland (additional costs apply). PLEASE NOTE THE TOUR ITINERARY CAN BE ALTERED AT SHORT NOTICE DUE TO THE TIME AVAILABLE, WEATHER OR SEASON

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Belfast City Centre
(Optional for Belfast Pick Up - Unavailable for Derry/Other Pick Up) Take a quick tour of the highlights of Belfast including its majestic City Hall, the grandeur of the Stormont Estate, the University Quarter and the wonderful maritime history of the Titanic Quarter.
2. Carrickfergus Castle
NOT OFFERED ON MONDAY. One of the oldest and largest intact Norman Castles in Ireland, it has sat on the shores of Belfast Lough since 1177. Stop to take photos of this majestic building. Not available on bookings departing Derry/Londonderry.
3. Glenarm Castle
Get up close with one of the few remaining Irish castles still lived in by the same family for hundreds of years. Sadly, as it is a private home, we cannot visit, but our tour will uniquely take you to an amazing vantage point (depending on vehicle) above Glenarm to view this Gothic masterpiece in all its glory and a stop at its amazing grand entrance, The Barbican (which features in Dungeons & Dragons 2023 Movie).
4. Carnlough Harbour
A stopover in Carnlough - and not its library - will reward you with views of its beautiful limestone harbour, its railway bridges, the hotel once owned by the Churchill family and of course your first Game of Thrones location of the tour. You can also grab a coffee or a snack in the nearby shop.
5. Glenariff Forest Park
DEPENDING ON WEATHER CONDITIONS AND SEASON. Travel through the Queen of the Nine Glens of Antrim - an inspiration for Narnia in the CS Lewis novels - and home to the tumbling waterfalls and ancient woodlands of Glenariff Forest Park.
6. Cushendall
Before we pass through lovely Cushendall we take a stop at Agnew's Field and marvel at the sheer scale of Glenariff Glen and the ruins of the ancient Redbay Castle. The village itself has at its heart the 'Curfew Tower' and the magnificent murals celebrating the Irish game of Hurling. Comfort break available here.
7. Cushendun Village
OPTIONAL. This pretty seaside village is a conservation area in the ownership of the National Trust. Admire its half-slated homes in the Scottish style and the sculpture of Johann the goat and the story of his tragic end.
8. Torr Head
THIS TRIP DEPENDS ON WEATHER, ROAD CONDITION, VEHICLE SIZE. The Torr Head Scenic Route curves its way across the high cliffs of the Antrim Coast, with amazing sea views and the Scottish coast just 12 miles distant (weather permitting). Admire deep green inlets and otherworldly rock formations before reaching the astonishing Murlough Bay with its curious link to 20th century Irish history.
9. Murlough Bay and Fair Head
(Depends on Season & Weather) This amazing bay is accessed by a narrow road that winds its way from the limestone cliffs that feature as the Stormlands in Game of Thrones, to the rocky shoreline with its limestone and basalt rock features, battered year-round by North Atlantic Ocean.
10.
We will stop at this celebrated seaside resort for lunch or dinner(depending on season) at one of the award-winning local restaurants with their famous seafood dishes and its world renowned chowder - Ballycastle being the first place to send and receive wireless radio signals by Marconi's team - then head along the coast to Kinbane. Winter Options Differ.
11. Kinbane Castle
(TIme and Weather Permitting) The ruins of Kinbane Castle sit on a long, narrow limestone headland projecting into the sea, overlooking the churning waters of the Straits of Moyle, Rathlin Island and the Scottish Islands. Marvel at the tumbling waterfall and the sea caves far below the coastal path.
12. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
This trip does not include a crossing of the Rope Bridge (c. 3 hours). Instead we will view the Rope Bridge from above from Portaneevy Lookout Point and enjoy a panoramic view of the coastline and views across to Scotland (weather permitting).
13. Giant's Causeway
Visitors are advised that this site is extremely busy with congestion at peak times. We will endeavour to reach the site at quieter times to enhance your enjoyment. Please also advise us in advance if you have mobility issues. The Giant's Causeway is the most visited natural attraction in Ireland and is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. With its astonishing collection of over 40,000 basalt columns, it is one of the must-see natural wonders on this spectacular coastline - if not the world - but let us know your thoughts.
14. Dunluce Castle
TIME AND WEATHER DEPENDENT. Nearly 250 years in construction, the clifftop location of Dunluce Castle has attracted artists and photographers for years. One of the most impressive castle ruins in Ireland, this stop will appeal to your inner artist. Allow at least 10 minutes to enjoy this amazing testament to the enterprise of the Irish, 600 years after building began. ENTRANCE TO CASTLE NOT INCLUDED ON THIS STOP.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Gwen_H
We were picked up for our private tour in Fergals's pristine black Jaguar. We spent a great day with Fergal learning about all the local history and visiting places that the tour busses just don't see. We only saw a couple of them them once we reached Giant's Causeway. Even that was great though, since he times the tour so that you reach there when there is low "traffic". Would highly recommend this tour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-27 04:35:53

Posted By : debbiebG1426RE
Fergal and the tour locations competed for winner of the most fabulous award! We had such a wonderful time - being able to take a private tour was a splurge for us but entirely worth it. Fergal's knowledge seemed to have no bounds, which we took advantage of as we badgered him with questions. We learned so much and enjoyed such beautiful locations...we can't wait to return.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-24 16:40:45

Posted By : weha1
We chose this tour b/c of the itinerary AND the reviews of Fergal, the guide. It was a rousing success in both. And all the better with the perfect weather. Set out from our hotel at 11:00 a.m. Fergal took us first to Stormont in Belfast, seat of the gov’t in the North.
Fergal knows his history and puts it across in context, makes it a story, and therefore memorable.
Highlights: Carrickfergus for Andrew Jackson’s family historic site and, especially, the Rangers’ Museum (a MUST).
The Int’l Appalachian Trail spur; Fall of the Hoof (inspiration to CS Lewis); a picnic overlooking the sea; view of the Rope Bridge (view = enough for us); the Giant’s Causeway. Fergal knew that a late-day arrival there is much less crowded.
The day was full to the brim, but leisurely, too. His is a kind and generous person, and he adjusted the sites to a few of our preferences.
The roads are in good shape, but narrow. Would be challenging for the typical American driver, used to the right-hand side of the road. All the more reason to hire this marvelous, expert guide, sit back, and relax.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-24 11:07:19

Posted By : Hendrik_W
Fergal gave us the stories and history to go along with the scenery. We loved Giants Causeway, the castles and the views during the day. We really enjoyed the day with Fergal!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-18 16:19:08

Posted By : jmackrak08
This was an exceptional day tour, thanks to the expertise of Fergal, our tour guide. He made our visit to Northern Ireland so much more interesting with the places he took us to. Fergal is well versed in the history and was able to make it come alive with each stop along the tour. He was attentive to our requests and customized the tour while adding relevant suggestions. It was an amazing time exploring the beauty of the region and Fergal provided professional level photo-taking from our cell phone at each stop. Highly recommend Fergal and InSite Tours with no reservation! Totally deserving of a 5/5 Star Review!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-06-10 15:27:47

Posted By : Leighton5654
We had an exceptional day viewing all of the highlights of the North with a very knowledgeable host in Fergal. We learned so much about the history of the area, but most of all enjoyed hearing about it from someone who has lived in, and loved, this part of the world all his life. Fergal went the extra mile to explain the scenery and provide additional descriptions to me as a blind person which made me feel included in the whole experience and as well, he very competently drove us through towns where my wife's grandmother grew up so that we could get a feel for these areas. Overall, we would recommend this tour to anyone who wants something special and to be able to set your own pace for the day to take in everything this region has to offer. We cannot speak highly enough of Fergal and his consideration of us as tourists.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-31 14:27:10

Posted By : Daniel_M
Lovely experience. Our ship was going to be late to port and we were able to talk with the operator on Whatsapp to arrange and updated pickup time. He then changed our route to accommodate the limited schedule. Such a knowledgeable person with so much experience in the industry. You couldn't ask for a better person to take you through this beautiful area.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-27 05:02:40

Posted By : Susan_R
My husband and I took this tour on our 20th anniversary. I picked this tour because it included both the Giants Causeway and the forest that inspired Narnia.

Those were my favorite moments, but there was so much more. Fergal is an excellent tour guide. He took us to the Causeway near the end of the tour, so there would be less people and we could enjoy it more .

He took time to listen to what we were interested in and catered to us . I would definitely use him again .

We saw so many castles .

One unexpected highlight was a visit to Andrew Jackson Cottage and Army Ranger Museum. I learned about what my ancestors life would have been like and why they settled where they did in the states. I wasn't expecting that connection. I also have a relative that served in England in WWII, so the Rangers Museum wad amazing to me. I learned souch ftom George .

The whole day with Fergal was great. Definitely recommend.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-23 08:08:09

Posted By : GoPlaces577001
Fergus was a great guide. We enjoyed our tour to the glen's, giants causeway, and small seaside towns immensely. He was very friendly and easy to talk to. We appreciated his local knowledge and him taking us to out of the places that felt like they were just for us. It was a wonder day that we will never forget.
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Posted On : 2024-05-20 14:56:41

Posted By : Renee_G
We were traveling in Ireland and the UK for 12 days. We did many tours and this was our absolute favorite. Fergal picked us up in his jaguar sedan which was extremely comfortable and he took us all over Northern Ireland along the coast. It was absolutely beautiful. He was extremely knowledgeable, and took us too many places including castles and the awesome water falls. He also took us to O’Connor’s pub for a late lunch since we had a big breakfast. I had my first Guinness there and the food was delicious. Definitely have him take you there. Fergal is super nice and personable and fun 😀
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-08 18:54:56