City Drive and Hillsborough Castle

Discover the sights of Belfast as you travel through the main city streets, passing by exuberant Victorian and Edwardian buildings. View the giant cranes of the Harland and Wolff Shipyards, affectionately known as Samson and Goliath, which dominate the skyline. Here, you’ll be reminded of the tragic sinking of the Titanic, since it was in these shipyards that the ill-fated ship was built. Your drive will continue past the Queens University, and take in the political wall murals.

Heading to the outskirts of the city, you’ll continue to the picturesque village of Hillsborough, home to Hillsborough Castle. The Georgian mansion was built in 1770 and remodeled in the 19^th and 20^th centuries. Today it’s a working ‘Royal Palace’ and serves as the British royal family’s official residence when visiting Northern Ireland. It has also been home to the Secretary of State since the 1970s.

A guided tour of the castle offers a fascinating insight into its background and history and allows you to view the elegant state rooms, including the throne room and drawing room. There will also be an opportunity to take an independent stroll through the lovely gardens, before its time to head back to the pier.