8 Days
Northern Ireland might be the smallest constituent country in the UK but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for with its gigantic personality.
Beginning in the heart of Belfast, home to a turbulent and fascinating past, this destination showcase takes guests on a journey throughout Northern Ireland, from the otherworldly coastline of Giants Causeway to more off-the-beaten track experiences that allow you to learn from the locals to get a true, authentic flavour of life in this colourful country.
Lavish accommodations, exclusive visits with the locals and inspiring outdoor adventures will combine to ensure you will be truly enchanted by this captivating country. However, the highlight will perhaps be the good spirits of the people you meet along the way.
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Dream Escape’s recommended programme could include the following experiences:
As you explore the breath-taking beauty of Northern Ireland, we suggest stays in some of the country’s premiere properties.
Stay at a luxurious and stunning estate situated just outside of Belfast.
Journey north to a boutique hotel dating back to the 17th century. Lovingly restored, this gorgeous property offers stunning views of the area.
This world-class modern museum is housed in a striking aluminium-clad building reminiscent of a ship’s hull. Here, you can walk the decks, travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true legend of RMS Titanic in the city that built her. Don’t forget to step aboard Titanic’s little sister, SS Nomadic, which carried passengers to the mighty ship.
Delve into the country’s food scene. Without question, this intimate, immersive and interactive day is a must for foodies but it is also a pleasure for those that are looking to meet local people. Travel to County Down, a region that lays claim to having more award-winning food producers and restaurants than anywhere else in the country. This claim will, in part, be tested today as you sample artisan food and drinks products plus get the wonderful opportunity to meet the producers themselves.
Northern Ireland’s first and currently only World Heritage Site (awarded 1986) is the stunning Giant’s Causeway. It is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty frequently referred to as the Eighth Natural Wonder of the World. Discover the lasting consequences a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago, which created an area of approximately 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, not unlike a giant jigsaw puzzle.
A short distance from the Giant’s Causeway are the roofless ruins of Dunluce Castle. It is a late medieval 17th century castle which was once the headquarters of the MacDonnell Clan, the chiefs of Antrim. Strikingly perched on rocky cliffs and overlooking the North Atlantic, it has been constantly fought over and eventually succumbed to the power of nature when part of it fell into the sea, one stormy night in 1639.
Old Bushmills Distillery, takes pride in being the oldest working distillery in Ireland. Its license to distil dates from 1608, though the spirit was likely made here at least 200 years before that. For generations, the distillery has kept its philosophy that hand-crafting small batches is the best way to produce the smoothest Irish whiskey. Enjoy a guided tour of the distillery which will take you through the whiskey production floor, allowing you to see first-hand the whiskey making processes from start to finish.
Hillsborough Castle and Gardens which has served as the home of the Secretary of State since the 1970s. It is also a working royal palace functioning as the official residence of the Royal Family when they are in Northern Ireland.
Experience the call to “cast-off” on a traditional working fishing boat. Sail past the islands and coastal features, and see sea-life up close, Watch the sunrise resplendent over Dunluce Castle with a fishing rod in your hands – perhaps for the first time.
Planted by the Stuart family in the 1800s to impress visitors approaching their home, Gracehill House, this tunnelled row of gnarled beech trees certainly made an impression of Arya Stark as she left King’s Landing. The “Kingsroad”, as it is called in Game of Thrones, is the road that lead her away from the country’s capital in company of new Night’s Watch recruits.
a privately reserved guide will take you on a specialist walking tour to learn more of the city’s turbulent history. The tour sets the scene and explains how The Troubles began, telling the stories of the people involved, their place in the conflict, and the effects these attacks and incidents had on the city, but also how far the city has progressed since the ceasefires and Peace Process. It delivers an objective and engaging insight into the conflict.
Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland. The 19th century was a golden age for the city; it experienced the full force of the Industrial Revolution and in 1888 was granted city status by Queen Victoria. Compact and intimate in size, it boasts a rich legacy of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture.
The Causeway Coastal Route is rated as one of the Top Five Road Trips worldwide. In its entirety it stretches 120 miles and is an ever-changing tapestry of scenery and colours, set against a dramatic coastal backdrop that will take your breath away.
