About this trip
A unique exploration of Ireland's 'True North' in 5 days / 4 nights. One of our most popular tours and one of the few tours to focus exclusively on Northern Ireland and Donegal.
We at ‘Essential Ireland’ are passionate about including the beautiful and fascinating North of Ireland and Donegal in our tours. We highly recommend you visit!
Our tour-guests are fascinated by the story of Historic Derry, the beauty and legend of the Causeway, modern peaceful Belfast and its troubled past, the characters and the communities of this beautiful part of Ireland that only 25 years ago was a no-go zone for tourists and is now one of Europe’s top attractions.
On our Northern adventures we take pride into introducing you to the fun and endearing locals from both cultures and communities, the indigenous Irish community and Northern Ireland’s ethnic British culture.
We also venture into majestic Donegal, a remote magnificent corner of Ireland that is often overlooked by mainstream tours. Join us for a unique adventure!
What’s included
- AccommodationFine 4 star hotels with a warm Northern welcome
- All transporta comfy modern tour-coach with room to spread out
- all activitiesAll tour activities including the famous Titanic experience
- All breakfastsYummy Irish breakfasts included every day
What’s not included
- Lunches & dinnersLunches & dinners are not included, but we always make great recommendations to suit all budgets and tastes
- Guide & Driver tipOur drivers & guides are paid very well, should you wish to add further gratuity for exemplary service, that is entirely at your own discretion and not expected.
Available Packages
Price per person sharing a room with one large bed or two beds.
One person travelling solo or with others but sleeping solo and not sharing the bedroom. Private room for the entire tour.
Itinerary
[9am] Depart central Dublin. We pick up in one central location (the Leonardo Hotel opposite Christchurch Cathedral)
[10.30ish] Our first stop is the historic, and usually unvisited, town of Drogheda. Destroyed by Oliver Cromwell in 1649. (You’ll be hearing a lot about him on this tour!)
Visit the elaborate Church of St. Peter that resembles a grand medieval Cathedral, maybe light a candle to invoke blessing on our travels and gaze in awe at the head of St. Oliver Plunkett (yes, his fully preserved head) who was hung, drawn and quartered in London in the year of Our Lord 1663 and whose head is preserved in an ornamental glass case beside the altar!
As a bonus, St. Peter's Church also displays a relic of the True Cross.
History buffs will really enjoy this.
[11am] free-time to maybe find yourself a Coffee and a wee cream-bun.
[11.30] Visit Monasterboice, ancient and glorious Monastic ruins deep in the serene countryside and lush farmland of County Louth. Learn of its majestic Round Tower and its famed Celtic-Christian High Crosses, the finest in Ireland. Your guide will help you recognise the messages and stories contained in the carvings.
This is a truly special archeological site.
[Early afternoon] Arrive in Belfast, the proud Northern capital. Everyone is free for lunch in the bustling city-centre.
[2pm] We’ll enjoy a short panoramic city tour and experience a good introduction to our temporary hometown for 2 nights.
[3pm]: The late afternoon is devoted to the epic Titanic Experience, voted the #1 visitor attraction in the world. (yes, the world!). You’ll be amazed at this state of the art visitor centre, no expense has been spared to bring to life the story of one of the most famous ships in history, built in Belfast 1912. We spend 2 hours at this brilliant attraction.
[5.30pm] Check into our central Belfast hotel. You'll be free for dinner in one of the many pubs and restaurants around our hotel, your 'Essential Ireland' guide will make plenty of recommendations.
Some of us might meet up in the famous Victorian ‘Crown Saloon’, just maybe the most beautiful bar in the world!