Tour from Dublin
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Meet the private Belfast Tour leader and let the historic drive North to fascinating Belfast commence. Today’s route is an ancient Celtic path, known as ‘Gap of the North’, where the mythical Warrior CúChulainn fought his last battle against overwhelming invasion forces, and across the border that is infamously known as “Bandit Country” in South Armagh, where the helicopter patrols of the British Army have been seen as recently as 2007. (P.S.: Don’t forget to take any British Pounds Sterling you may have, as Northern Ireland is not a part of the Eurozone!!)
Next we visit the monastic ruins of Monasterboice in rolling farmland near the current border. The site contains two of the finest 9th Century Celtic crosses in Ireland towering high above the countryside. Check out the round tower which was built to keep the early Christian monks safe from marauding Vikings!!
Arrive in beautiful Belfast where you enjoy at least 2 hours leisure time for lunch, sightseeing (& optional Black Taxi Tour) in this once great industrial city of the British Empire. Excellent shopping on Royal Avenue- much cheaper than Dublin! Check out Belfast’s very own leaning tower, the Albert Clock, constructed for Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg- Queen Victoria’s husband. And while in Belfast, why not drop in to the Crown Liquor Saloon to sample local favourites “Harp Lager” or “Bushmills Whiskey”? Sláinte! (Cheers!).
Perhaps consider the optional (GBP 8.50) world famous Black Taxi Tour of the infamous “Falls and Shankill” suburbs, home to the Irish & British communities who live side by side in the city. You’ll discover the notorious political murals and also the “Peace Wall”, Belfast’s very own “Berlin Wall” which still separates the communities at political flashpoints- even since the peace agreement of 1998. For many of our tour members this experience is the highlight of the day. Highly Recommended. (£8.50, payable directly to the Black Taxi driver).
NB: The Black Taxi Tour is offered during your time at leisure.
After lunch we’ll regroup and head down to the docks to see the biggest hole in Ireland – the dry dock for the Titanic and from where this most famous ship in history was launched in 1912… And seeing as we’ve come all this way, your ticket price includes entry (EUR 15.00) to The Titanic Experience! (www.titanicbelfast.com/) Experience every emotion from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900’s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. ENTRY INCLUDED!!. Titanic Belfast is fast becoming one of the world’s most famous visitor attractions. Don’t miss out!
NB: Please note that Titanic Belfast is closed for refurbishment between 02JAN23 - 28FEB23 and will therefore not be included in the tour during this timeframe.
Depart for Dublin at 16:30 approx. Your Belfast tour arrives back in Dublin at 18:30 approx. You will have plenty of time to enjoy a traditional night of stories, songs, and dancing that are inspired by the culture and beauty of our country.
Itinerary sequence / timings may vary depending on local operational factors such as season, weather and the political situation on the ground in Belfast. Although the city is now statistically safer than most large cities in the USA, political demonstrations are still a feature of life in Northern Ireland and can impact on travel arrangements at short notice.
This tour is exclusively in English.
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.