Leave central Belfast in the morning and head to the first stop is Carrickfergus Castle -- a striking Norman castle that’s said to be one of the best preserved in Northern Ireland. Enjoy a photo stop here, and hear from your guide how it was built in the 12th century to guard the approach to Belfast Lough.
Head northeast along the Antrim Coast by luxury coach. To the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, an exhilarating crossing that connects the mainland to Carrick-a-Rede Island. Feeling brave? Take a walk across it (own expense) and try hard not to look down at the 100-foot (30-meter) drop! If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on dry land, your guide will point you in the right direction for a bracing walk along the magnificent headland.
We have lunch in the lovely village of Ballintoy in a local pub offering home made traditional food.
Hop back on board your bus and continue to the Old Bushmills Distillery, where the famous Bushmills Irish whiskey is produced. Browse tempting wares in the gift shop and then head off to see the incredible Giant’s Causeway!
As Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Giant’s Causeway is sure to impress! The fascinating natural wonder consists of hexagonal rock columns that somehow fit together like a baffling puzzle. Climb the ancient stones that line the coastline, and hear the myths surrounding their appearance from a professional National Trust guide. A popular tale is that the rocks were created as giant stepping stones for the fabled Irish giant Finn Mac Cool, so that he could cross the sea to Scotland.
After enjoying Giant’s Causeway, board your coach and travel south, stopping to admire the ancient ruins of Dunluce Castle, a once-important medieval stronghold. After a short walk around, return to central Belfast where your tour ends.