Private 2 Day Northern Ireland Tour

Day 1: Belfast City

Your private two day Northern Irish experience starts after breakfast this morning. Your chauffeur and private Mercedes- Benz tour vehicle will collect you from your hotel and begin the journey north towards Belfast.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy fresh air and photographs at the ancient Christian settlement of Monasterboice, Co. Louth – set amidst the most peaceful and scenic countryside.

By mid morning you’ll see “Samson and Goliath”, the iconic yellow cranes of the shipyard “Harland & Wolff” towering over the docklands at ‘Titanic Belfast’. Here, at the birthplace of ‘RMS Titanic’ an incredible interactive museum allows you to explore the tragic fate of this infamous ship.

Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure exploring Belfast with its unique mix of British & Irish flair.

Highly recommended to you during your time in Belfast is a ‘Black Taxi Tour’ – a journey through the city’s political history, led by local guides who lived during Belfast’s most troubled times (prior appointment necessary - see Guest Advice section for details). 

Your overnight stay will be here in Belfast – where you’ll have the opportunity to sample the nightlife scene of the Northern Irish capital.

Perhaps begin your evening by raising a toast at the historic “Crown Liquor Saloon” – a charming and traditional pub in the heart of the city. Local favourites include “Harp Lager” and Bushmills Black Label Whiskey (fondly referred to as “Black Bush”).

Kennedy & Carr recommend:

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

Day 2: Causeway Coastal Route & Giant's Causeway

Your second day on tour begins with ample time for a leisurely breakfast here in Belfast. Enjoy a second cup of coffee or traditional Irish breakfast tea to awaken the senses for the day ahead. At the agreed time, your private driver will collect you from your hotel to begin a wonderful day of private sightseeing along Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route.

Depending on weather and timings advised by your chauffeur, the first stop is usually at Dark Hedges, an avenue of 150 beech trees planted in 1775 which now form a decidedly creepy tunnel. Dark Hedges are now world famous as King’s Road in the popular HBO series Game of Thrones.

This is actually a public road, so we’ll just stop briefly for fresh air and photos before continuing through part of the beautiful Glens of Antrim.

Your next stop is one of today’s highlights, the harbour village of Ballintoy in the historic Barony of Cary. It is here you will find the rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede. Fishermen traditionally used this tiny bridge erected between two cliffs to monitor their nets over the salmon fishing grounds far below. Enjoy the spectacular views out over the Irish sea to Carrick-a-Rede island, Rathlin Island and possibly Scotland if the weather is good.

NB: please see Guest Advcie section below with important information re Carrick-a-Rede.

Continuing along this stretch of the Causeway Coastal Route to the Giant’s Causeway itself you’ll enjoy beautiful Northern Irish views. Perhaps ask your driver to play Van Morrison’s These are the days or Coney Island on the sound system for added local vibes.

Depending on the weather, associated timings and how the group is feeling, your driver will recommend options for lunch, which could be at a good local pub or at the Giant’s Causeway itself.

(UNESCO) Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage Site and is without a doubt one of the most incredible natural wonders anywhere on earth. Essentially, the Causeway is made up of thousands of hexagonal-shaped columns of basalt rock, which resulted following volcanic activity many millions of years ago. As with many historic Irish sites however – there’s a little more than just science to the story! Legend has it that the Causeway was actually built by the bare hands of Irish hero Finn McCool – as magical stepping stones to cross the water to Scotland. You can decide for yourself as you experience this magical place.

This afternoon, your driver will take you a short distance to discover one final highlight. The remains of Dunluce Castle sits literally on a cliff edge overlooking the North Atlantic – this is always a popular stop with our guests. The romantic location masks a tragic history and haunted reputation. You'll get the low down from your guide and make time for some photos before concluding this highly enjoyable, private two-day northern Irish adventure.

Look forward to the privacy, space and comfort of your Mercedes- Benz tour vehicle as your touring party begins the drive back to Dublin. Your chauffeur will drop you safely at the door of your desired location in the Irish capital by mid- evening in time for relaxation and late dinner reservations. 

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