Belfast

Embark on a journey around the main sights of Belfast including the Grand Opera House, Albert Memorial, Queen’s University and the Botanic Gardens, as your friendly guide brings the local area to life.

As you pass the impressive renaissance style Belfast City Hall, you’ll have the chance to see the marble Titanic Memorial, which was erected in the grounds to commemorate the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912.

Travelling a short distance outside the bustling city, you will learn about Northern Ireland’s troubled past as you pass by Stormont, seat of the Northern Ireland Assembly, before reaching Cave Hill Country Park for views of Belfast Castle. The Castle is one of Belfast's most outstanding and historically significant buildings. There are beautiful gardens and an adjoining country park. Don't miss the splendid views of Belfast Lough and sight of the city below you.

Cave Hill has become ingrained into Belfast's social history and culture, and into the very lives of its people. Indeed the Hill is one of the most celebrated landmarks of the city along with ‘Mac Art’s Fort’, a rock where United Irishmen planned the rebellion of 1795.

See the political wall murals located on the Protestant Shankill Road and the Catholic Falls Road, which are a unique cultural experience. Look out for the former Crumlin Road Court House, Crumlin Jail and the Peace Line.

Stroll the charming streets of Belfast and immerse yourself in 300 fascinating years of history. Savour the architectural gems as you explore the city’s humble origins and follow the original 1660’s street layout. Starting at Queen’s Square, the oldest part of the city, you will see the Custom House and Albert Clock, before wandering down to the River Lagan. Here, you can glimpse the cranes of Harland and Wolff shipyard whilst listening to tales of the famous ill-fated Titanic that was constructed here. As you amble along the High Street your guide will explain the city’s historic origins whilst you pass Pottingers Entry, Ann Street, Cornmarket, Castle Lane, Castle Arcade and Donegall Place. Marvel at the City Hall, a symbol of Belfast’s Victorian greatness, where the Titanic Memorial is located in its grounds.

Belfast’s friendly pubs have been the cornerstones of the city’s social life for centuries. You’ll stop at one of these pubs where you’ll be able to soak up the local atmosphere whilst enjoying refreshments of tea, coffee and scones.

On the return drive, you will pass the renowned Catholic Falls Road and Protestant Shankill Road. A photo stop will be made at the murals which tell the story of Belfast’s troubled past.

Travel inland through Ballymena and Bushmills to the dramatic North Antrim Coast, home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway.

The unique rock formations of the Causeway have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of the Atlantic storms and the rugged symmetry of the columns never fail to intrigue and inspire. Be amazed as you scan the mysterious stones and look for the structures which resemble objects such as the Organ, Giant's Boot, Camel's Hump and Chimney Stacks.

Following your memorable visit to this top visitor attraction, a photo stop will be made at the magnificent cliff-top Dunluce Castle and if there is time a brief stop will be given to take photos of the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge that spans a chasm of 80 feet deep.

Follow in the footsteps of Titanic's builders on this tour of Queen's Island, where Titanic was designed, built and launched.

During this guided tour you will have special access to some historic buildings and places including: Titanic Quarter; the former Headquarters of Harland and Wolff; Titanic's Drawing Offices; Titanic's Slipways and Titanic's Dock and Pump-House.

The structures of Titanic’s Dock and Pump-House were integral parts of her creation and are still largely intact. Gain an in-depth understanding of the dock, the people who worked here and discover how such amazing ships were built in a city with no steel.

Step back in time to the sights, sounds and smells of the steam-powered pumps and hear the apprentice’s story of his first week at work as you view an interactive audio-visual display. Trace along the full length of the dock to truly capture the size and scale of the Titanic, and where the caisson gate - over 100 years old - still stands today in perfect condition.

Refreshments will be served in the Pump House Café and Visitor Centre where you can relax amidst the history of Titanic.

Glenariff Forest Park is situated amid the world famous Glens of Antrim, an area to which visitors have been coming for over a century. Glenariff, the Queen of the Glens, is considered by many people to be the most beautiful of the 9 Antrim Glens.

The Park, now including the former Parkmore Forest, covers an area of 2928 acres of which 2224 acres has been planted with trees. The remainder consists of several small lakes, recreation areas and open space left for landscape and conservation reasons. Bisecting the Park are 2 small but beautiful rivers; the Inver and the Glenariff, containing spectacular waterfalls, tranquil pools and stretches of fast flowing water tumbling through rocky steep-sided gorges.

Enjoy some free time to explore the Park independently before proceeding to the famous Glenariff Tea House for refreshments of tea or coffee and delicious homemade scones.

As you return via the coastal road, you will be constantly delighted as dramatic headland and scenic bays come into view. On a clear day, you may even be able to enjoy uninterrupted views of Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre.

A leisurely drive around Belfast’s main sights will introduce you to the many varied features of Northern Ireland’s largest city including the Grand Opera House, Albert Memorial, Queen’s University, Botanical Gardens and many of its other fine buildings. Your knowledgeable guide will explain all about Belfast’s rich and varied history as you pass the majestic renaissance style Belfast City Hall which houses the Titanic Memorial in its grounds. A photo stop will be made at the political wall murals at the Protestant Shankill Road and the Catholic Falls Road, which are a poignant reminder of Belfast’s turbulent past.

The main highlight is a visit to the new state-of-the-art Titanic Belfast®, which is housed in an iconic, hull shaped building adjacent to the site where the Titanic was constructed. This fascinating Titanic Experience, created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the tragic liner, uses special effects, dark rides, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features to explore the Titanic story in a fresh and insightful way.

As you are taken through the 9 large galleries on a special guided tour, you will discover the true story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. You’ll hear stories of the passengers, crew and the heroes of the day before reliving the drama of Titanic’s tragic end. Finally, in the unique Ocean Exploration Centre, you’ll be able to see the wreck at her resting place on the floor of the North Atlantic Sea.

There will be around 30 minutes of free time to enjoy views to the slipways where the Titanic was launched, relax in one of the restaurants or browse the extensive gift shop before returning to the port.