Private 3 Day Northern Ireland Tour - Option A

Private 3 Day Northern Ireland Tour - Option A

Tour from Dublin

Quote Request

Tours are priced individually according to the route, group size, distances & hours required, date(s) in question, start & end locations, overnight locations (where applicable) and remaining supply at time of booking.

A Short Introduction To Your Journey

Northern Ireland is one of the Emerald Isle's most interesting regions with its blend of amazing history, scenery and mix of British and Irish culture.

This private three day tour takes you on a journey of discovery and enjoyment to highlights such as Newgrange, Trim Castle, Hill of Tara, Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, Giant's Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Belfast, Titanic Belfast and Monasterboice.

Your experience is rounded off with some amazing Irish photo opportunities and delicious pub and casual lunch options.

Look forward to the safety, comfort and style of your own Mercedes- Benz private tour vehicle and exclusive door to door service with your own private driver- guide.

Please don't hesitate to contact us today to secure your arrangements for this private tour experience from Dublin.

What to expect:

Option A:

Day 1 - Dublin - Newgrange - Trim Castle - Hill of Tara - Sleep Belfast
Day 2 - Dark Hedges - Dunluce Castle - Giant's Causeway - Carrick-a-Rede - Sleep Belfast
Day 3 - Belfast - Black Taxi (option) - Titanic Belfast - Monasterboice - Dublin

Option B:

Day 1 - Dublin - Newgrange - Trim Castle - Hill of Tara - Sleep Newcastle
Day 2 - Dark Hedges - Dunluce Castle - Giant's Causeway - Carrick-a-Rede - Sleep Newcastle
Day 3 - Belfast - Black Taxi (option) - Titanic Belfast - Monasterboice - Dublin

Option C:

Day 1 - Dublin - Newgrange - Trim Castle - Hill of Tara - Sleep Newcastle
Day 2 - Dark Hedges - Dunluce Castle - Giant's Causeway - Carrick-a-Rede - Sleep Belfast
Day 3 - Belfast - Black Taxi (option) - Titanic Belfast - Monasterboice - Dublin

Guest feedback:

"Everything was excellent. Slieve Donard was amazing with the incredible weather and Darren could not have done a better job - it's a big thumbs up from us!" - AC, Mougins, Provence-Alpes-Côtes d'Azur, France

  • Day 1 - Dublin - Newgrange - Trim Castle - Hill of Tara - Sleep Belfast or Newcastle

    Your driver will collect you from the address of your choice this morning and together you'll navigate through the downtown rush hour traffic to rolling countryside of the Royal County of Meath.

    One hour from Dublin in Ireland's Ancient East you'll find one of Europe's most fascinating prehistoric ruins at Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange). Enjoy three hours of discovery here accompanied by expert government archaeologists and guides.

    Afterwards your journey continues north and you'll enjoy visits to Trim Castle (arguably the most important castle ruins in Ireland) and also to the Hill of Tara (the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland).

    A little further along and you'll notice the road signs change colour from blue to green, from kilometres to miles, from bilingual to English only. You are now in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

    Arrive in Belfast or Slieve Donard Resort (Newcastle, Co. Down) by late afternoon / early evening. Check- in to your accommodation, perhaps enjoy a shower or some rest or head out to explore at leisure.

    The beautiful Victorian pub Crown Liquor Saloon on Great Victoria Street is hugely popular with our guests. Perhaps toast your Northern Irish visit with a glass of Bushmills Whiskey or a pint of Guinness!

    Meanwhile those who choose to overnight at Slieve Donard Resort might wish to enjoy a stroll in the grounds (with views of the Mountains of Mourne coming down to the sea) followed by an aperitif by the log fire in the bar.

    Kennedy & Carr recommend (Belfast):

    Sleep at The Fitzwilliam (5*), The Merchant (5*), The Grand Central (4*), Titanic Hotel (4*)

    Dine at Ox (Michelin Star), Eipic (Michelin Star), The Muddler's Club (Michelin Star), Deane's at Queen's (Michelin Bib Gourmand), Home (Michelin Bib Gourmand)

    Enjoy a Guinness at Crown Liquor Saloon, Kelly's Cellars, The Duke of York

    Kennedy & Carr recommend (Newcastle, Co. Down):

    Sleep at Slieve Donard Resort (4*)

    Dine at Oak Restaurant, The Percy French Inn or The Lighthouse Lounge

    Enjoy a Guinness at Chaplin's Bar

     

  • Day 2 - Dark Hedges - Dunluce Castle - Giant's Causeway - Carrick-a-Rede - Sleep Belfast or Newcastle

    Today your journey through Northern Ireland continues along part of the Causeway Coastal Route, one of Europe's most scenic road trips.

    Look forward to stopping at Dark Hedges, an amazing tree lined avenue planted in the 1700s to frame the approach to a country estate. Game of Thrones fans will instantly recognise it as King's Road! Apparently, the hedges are haunted, so we'll just stay long enough for some photos and fresh air.

    Further up the road we'll stop at a most romantic spot overlooking the north Atlantic Ocean at Dunluce Castle. This idyllic ruin stands perched atop the sheer cliff face and features as Game of Thrones House of Greyjoy. Day trippers only have time to take some brief photos but you've got plenty of time today, so discuss the exact route with your driver first thing this morning and perhaps allocate an hour or more to exploring the grounds and battlements.

    For many, today's highlight is Giant's Causeway. Enjoy an hour or two here depending on the weather and your lunch plans. Spectacular scenery and unique geology have made this a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Not too far away, just outside the village of Ballintoy, you'll find the wonderful Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge connecting the mainland with Carrick-a-Rede island. This vantage point provides spectacular views of Rathlin Island and even the nearby Scottish coast on sunny days. Once upon a time the bridge was used by salmon fishermen to check nets far below. Until recently a major tourist attraction, the site is now being conserved for future generations by the UK National Trust.

    NB: Please see Guest Advice section re important information relating to Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.

    Your driver will drop you back to Belfast or Newcastle late this afternoon. Look forward to an evening of Northern Irish hospitality with excellent local bars and restaurants to choose from.

  • Day 3 - Belfast - Black Taxi (option) - Titanic Belfast - Monasterboice - Dublin

    Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning and perhaps linger over a second pot of coffee or Irish breakfast tea. Look forward to exploring downtown Belfast, Northern Ireland's capital today.

    Titanic Belfast is one of Europe's most popular museums, depicting the sinking of this most famous ship through virtual reality displays and historical artifacts. The museum is located at the sprawling Belfast dockyard where Titanic was built - once the British Empire's most important shipyard. Much of the Royal Navy's fleet was built here when the United Kingdom was at the zenith of its power in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

    As you may know, Northern Ireland endured decades of civil war from 1968 to 1997. Thankfully since the Peace Agreement of 1998, Belfast is safer than most European and American cities and has become prosperous. Those who are interested in learning more about the dark days of conflict will hear incredible stories of brutality, tragedy, heroism and compassion with the (optional) local Black Taxi tours, many of which are driven by locals who experienced the region at its worst. You'll be amazed to see the Berlin Wall style security fences which separate Irish Nationalist and British Loyalist suburbs to this day - with territory marked out by the Union Jack and Irish Tricolour.

    NB: please see Guest Advice section below for important information re touring local neighbourhoods.

    Those who prefer not to take a Black Taxi tour may prefer to enjoy time at leisure to go shopping downtown or enjoy extended time at their hotel to catch up on beauty sleep or enjoy the facilities.

    Departing Belfast by mid or late afternoon, you'll enjoy a final stop for fresh air and photos en- route to Dublin. The ruins at Monasterboice are just off the M1 motorway in patchwork green countryside. Here, you'll find ancient Christian monastery ruins featuring a stone round tower and ornately carved Celtic crosses.

    Your three day private tour of Northern Ireland ends with your chauffeur delivering you to the Dublin address of your choice. Drop off at the airport or downtown to extend your Irish vacation. As this itinerary typically ends by late afternoon / early evening, you'll have plenty of time to freshen up and sample the dining scene of our capital.

    Kennedy & Carr recommend:

    Sleep at The Merrion (5*), The Westbury (5*), Brooks (4*), The Wilder Townhouse (4*)

    Dine at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse (Dawson Street) or enjoy room service or Uber Eats for an early night

    Enjoy a Guinness at O'Donoghoe's (Merrion Row), The Stag's Head (Dame Lane), Peter's Pub (Lower Stephen Street)

    Enjoy an Old Fashioned made with Redbreast 12 Year Old at 37 Dawson Street or The Sidecar

Private Tours typically range from EUR 695.00 – EUR 1,895.00+ per vehicle per day including a driver- guide (& his overnight expenses), fuel, road tolls and associated taxes. Guest accommodation & entrance fees are not included in the above guideline to facilitate guest flexibility.

Tours are priced individually according to the route, group size, distances & hours required, date(s) in question, start & end locations, overnight locations (where applicable) and remaining supply at time of booking.
Update: 14th March 2024

Ireland is currently at full employment. Many drivers exited the hospitality industry during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (as hospitality was shut for two years) and there is currently a relative shortage of the very best talent.

With pandemic restrictions now in the rear view mirror, and with the United States Dollar at its strongest level vs the Euro in 20 years, we are currently experiencing a sharp increase in demand from our principal markets in the US, UK, EU and Arabian Gulf for Spring / Summer 2024. As our availability sells out, rates will rise as demand outstrips remaining supply.

Accordingly, we encourage guests to secure preferred dates for the coming season as early as possible.

March 2024 (Peak Season)
St. Patrick's Week 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th now waitlist only. 19th - 27th limited availability. Holy Week 28th - 31st March almost fully booked. Full payment required to secure arrangements.

April 2024 (Shoulder Season)
Fair availability for all dates. Rates quoted now will rise by approximately 20% as demand surpasses supply approaching departure. Rates can be fixed by deposit.

May 2024 (Peak Season)
Fair availability for all dates. Rates quoted now will rise by approximately 25% as demand surpasses supply approaching departure. Rates can be fixed by deposit.

June 2024 (High- Peak Season)
June is now selling steadily. Certain dates close to fully booked due to presence of several of the world's largest cruise ships at Dublin, Cork and Belfast. Rates quoted now will rise by approximately 20- 25% as demand surpasses supply approaching departure. Rates can be fixed by deposit.

July 2024 (High- Peak Season)
July is now selling steadily. Certain dates close to fully booked due to presence of several of the world's largest cruise ships at Dublin, Cork and Belfast. Rates quoted now will rise by approximately 20- 25% as demand surpasses supply approaching departure. Rates can be fixed by deposit.

August 2024 (High- Peak Season)
August is now selling steadily. Certain dates close to fully booked due to presence of several of the world's largest cruise ships at Dublin, Cork and Belfast. Rates quoted now will rise by approximately 20- 25% as demand surpasses supply approaching departure. Rates can be fixed by deposit.

September 2024 (Peak Season)
Good availability for most dates. Rates quoted now will rise by approximately 25% as demand surpasses supply approaching departure. Rates can be fixed by deposit.

October 2024 (Shoulder Season)
Good availability for all dates. Rates quoted now will rise by approximately 25% as demand surpasses supply approaching departure. Rates can be fixed by deposit.

November 2024 (Low Season)
Good availability for all dates. Rates quoted now will rise by approximately 25% as demand surpasses supply approaching departure. Rates can be fixed by deposit.

December 2024 (Low Season)
Good availability for all dates. 25th December extremely limited availability. Traditionally there is a pronounced shortage of suitable drivers between 23rd December and 4th January.

January 2025 (Low Season)
Good availability for all dates. Reservation at least 72 hours before travel recommended to guarantee service.

February 2025 (Low Season)
Good availability for most dates. Advance booking required for weekends during Six Nations Rugby Championship. Reservation at least 72 hours before travel recommended to guarantee service.

Ticket

You will receive your ticket (featuring your booking number) via email immediately at time of booking. There is no need to print the ticket. If you wish, you can simply show it on your phone or tablet.

Guest accommodation is not included. However, we can recommend excellent accommodation options to meet with your style and budget expectations should you become a private client.
Pre- booking essential (billed at time of booking):

Newgrange
Guaranteed / Skip the Line entrance fees can be added for EUR 10.00 per adult.

(UNESCO) Giant's Causeway
Guaranteed Entry / Skip the Line tickets for the Giants Causeway can be secured in advance for GBP 15.50 / EUR 18.50 per person.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Guaranteed Entry / Skip the Line tickets for Carrick-a-Rede can be secured in advance for GBP 15.00 / EUR 18:00 per person. Please also see related "Guest Advice" below.

Titanic Belfast
Guaranteed / Skip the Line entrance fees can be added for GBP 24.95 / EUR 30.00 per adult.

Note A - Newgrange

Access to Newgrange is via the Bru na Boinne visitor centre only. Due to the historic importance and fragile nature of this site, guests are accompanied by government tour guides. The guided tours last approximately three hours from entrance to exit.

Note B - Black Taxi Tour

If you would like to tour the political “flashpoint” republican / loyalist areas of Belfast (famous murals and security fences etc) we’ll need to arrange a local Black Taxi tour. Your Dublin- based private driver will not enter these areas. This is part of the legacy of the recent political conflict.

The Black Taxi tour of Belfast (60 minutes approx) is priced from GBP 12.50 (EUR 15.00) per person (depending on group size). The rate for 1- 2 passengers is approximately GBP 50.00 - 60.00 / 60 minutes. We would need to make arrangements on your behalf at time of booking and you pay the driver directly in GBP cash on the day.

Note C - Rope Bridge

*Unfortunately, the local government who administer the rope bridge have decided not to allow access to commercially operated tours from May 2022 as they have redesignated Carrick-a-Rede from a major tourist destination to a conservation site. Vehicles must now be under 2 metres in height to approach the site due to barriers. This means that only Mercedes- Benz sedans and Mercedes- Benz V Class MPVs can gain access. Sedans are used for up to 2 passengers and MPVs are used for up to 5 passengers.