An Exclusive Tour of Northern Ireland’s Finest Houses
An Exclusive Tour of Northern Ireland’s Finest Houses
An Exclusive Tour of Northern Ireland’s Finest Houses
2 Days
Visiting: Northern Ireland, Ireland
From:
$1817
$1735
Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$82
NB: Prices correct on 21-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Perhaps most famous for its wildly rugged countryside and breathtakingly beautiful coastline, Northern Ireland is also peppered with stunning houses and impressive estates just waiting to be explored. We learn more about the country’s rich heritage as we visit intriguing places on this unique tour, featuring an exclusive guided tour with the owners of Ballywalter Park; offering an intimate insight into the generations who have lived in this architectural treasure. We also admire the much-loved family home and world-famous gardens of Mount Stewart House plus the exquisite Glenarm Castle, combining these fascinating discoveries with the mystical Giant’s Causeway.
Itinerary
Sunday: Arrival
We fly to Belfast and transfer to La Mon Hotel & Country Club. Later, we enjoy a welcome drinks reception hosted by our tour manager.
Monday: Benvarden Garden & Lissanoure Castle
Our first visit is to Benvarden Garden, part of the historic Benvarden estate established in the late 17th century and owned by the Montgomery family since 1798. The grounds extend down to the banks of the River Bush and include a lovely walled garden with fruit trees, herbaceous borders, roses, a box parterre and kitchen garden. The woodland pond is planted with azaleas and camellias and down by the river stands a fine, Victorian iron bridge built by Robert James Montgomery in 1878.
From here we make our way to Lissanoure Castle, set at the foot of the Glens of Antrim, surrounded by lakes, parkland and woods, where we enjoy a guided tour. Built in 1770 by George Macartney, 1st Earl Macartney (the first British Ambassador to China), Lissanoure is situated on the site of an earlier castle built in the 14th century. The main part of the castle was destroyed by a massive explosion in 1847 but the courtyard remains with an impressive Tudor revival archway and clocktower entrance. The estate is now privately owned by Peter and Emily Mackie.
Tuesday: Belfast & Titanic Belfast
We enjoy a guided city tour of Belfast, Northern Ireland’s vibrant capital. Belfast is now a thriving, modern city with a fascinating and sometimes turbulent history. It was also a key player in the Industrial Revolution, being the centre for the Irish linen and tobacco industries.
Afterwards we visit Titanic Belfast, a fantastic interactive museum located on site of the original shipyard in which the famous liner was built. Hear heart-breaking tales about the vessel's passengers, discover the detail behind the mammoth task of building the ill-fated ship and dive into the depths with an immersive video exploring the wreckage on the ocean floor.
Wednesday: Causeway Coastal Route scenic drive & Glenarm Castle
We head out on a scenic drive along the north coast, known as the Causeway Coastal Route, winding between picturesque villages and drinking in the striking sea and cliff views. We arrive at one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful estates, Glenarm Castle, which has been the private residence of the Earls of Antrim for 400 years. After lunch here, we enjoy a guided tour to learn more of the castle’s history. Throughout the castle are superb examples of Irish furniture as well as portraits of family members from the early 17th century onwards. The castle’s walled garden is one of Ireland’s oldest, originally created to supply the house with fruit and vegetables and now filled with lovely flowers and specimen plants.
Thursday: Ballywalter Park
We visit one of Ireland’s most important Historic Houses, Ballywalter Park, where we enjoy an exclusive guided tour by the owners followed by refreshments. Home of Lord and Lady Dunleath, it was built in the Italianate Palazzo style for the present owner’s great, great, great grandfather between 1846 and 1850 to the designs of the eminent architect, Sir Charles Lanyon. A conservatory and billiard room wing, also by Lanyon, was added around 1870. The house has been afforded Grade A* listing as being of exceptional architectural importance and is situated within a walled demesne of some 270 acres containing pleasure grounds plus a fine collection of specimen trees and rhododendrons.
Friday: Departure
We check out of our hotel and transfer to Belfast airport for our return flight home.
Please note: the itinerary order is subject to change.
What's Included
- Return flights to Belfast
- Airport taxes & luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person)
- Airport transfers in Ireland
- 5 nights at the Holiday Inn, Belfast with dinner & breakfast
- Welcome buffet dinner on the first evening
- Porterage where available
- Welcome drink
- After-dinner tea & coffee at the hotel
- Coach transfers to & from your excursions
- Visits to Glenarm Castle, Giant’s Causeway, Benvarden, Redhall Estate, Titanic Belfast, Montalto Estate, Hillsborough Castle, Mount Stewart House & Ballywalter Park
- Guided tour of Glenarm Castle
- Guided tour of Ballywalter Park
- Accompanied by a friendly tour manager in Ireland
Accommodation
Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre (JG4 rating)
The Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre is ideally located in walking distance of local restaurants and traditional Irish bars and cafés, perfect for soaking up the welcoming hospitality of this vibrant city. The hotel offers everything we need for a comfortable and you can expect a relaxed open lobby with a bar and Starbucks coffee shop, restaurant, fitness centre, free Wi-Fi and stylish rooms with tea and coffee-making facilities and a flat-screen TV.
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1 Dates & Availability
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Sunday - Friday
Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Just Go Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 95 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of just go holidays charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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