Dublin: Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce and Belfast Titanic

Perched dramatically on a basalt outcrop along the north coast of Antrim, Dunluce Castle was once the seat of the MacDonnell clan and has stood as a striking coastal fortress since the 13th century. With a rich history shaped by Viking, medieval, and later influences, the castle remains one of the most iconic landmarks on the Antrim Coast. Its rugged setting overlooking the North Atlantic has made it famous not only in Irish history but also in popular culture, featuring in Game of Thrones as Pyke and inspiring C.S. Lewis in The Chronicles of Narnia. Please note: this is a photo stop only. There is no entry to the castle included, but there will be time to take photos and enjoy the views.

Find the heart of Ireland’s Ancient mythological landscape at the other-worldly Giants Causeway. Some say that ‘Nature doesn’t work in straight lines’, those who do have never been to the Giants Causeway. An area of over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, most of which are hexagonal in shape having up to 8 sides. Walk among the great pillars of what was once an epic bridge to Scotland & constructed by none other than Finn McCool! It is said that once this bridge stretched all the way over to Scotland being built by Finn when he felt like fighting with a particularly fierce Scottish giant! This magnificent landscape indeed looks like it by the hands of a giant but it is entirely naturally formed by the slow cooling of lava from an eruption millions of years ago. Recognized as one of the top 100 geological heritage sites worldwide, something that should not be missed by anyone.

Recognized as one of the most iconic roads in Ireland. Built around 1775, this avenue leads up to Gracehill House. The Beech tree’s arch over the road to form an atmospheric tunnel filled with the creaking of beams and the mottled light filtering through the canopy above. It can be a spooky enough experience at the Dark Hedges as they are said to be haunted by a mysterious ghost known as The Grey Lady… The Dark Hedges were made world famous by being featured in Game of Thrones representing nothing less than the King’s Road! It’s not all fantasy here though as they were also featured in the 2017 movie Transformers : The Last Knight. Whether it be Autobots, Ghosts, King Robert Baratheon or just the opportunity to take a stroll down this beautiful avenue; The Dark Hedges has what you seek.

After a drive through the famous Glens of Antrim we travel through Belfast city to arrive at the Titanic Museum. Located at the former site of the Harland & Wolff Shipyard, right next to the very dry dock where the RMS Titanic was constructed. This museum tells the story of the most famous ship in the world from its first moments as a plan in the minds of J. Bruce Ismay and Edward James Harland to its ill destined maiden voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. Not only will this museum tell you the story of the Titanic but of Belfast, the city which built the most well known vessel to ever float. From the rise of Belfast as a ship building city to the slow decline of the Titanic as she sank into the abyssal depths where the wreck still rests to this day, this museum puts you right into the heart of every step to this spectacular story.

For the last stop on your tour we will visit Belfast city centre before returning back to Dublin. An area of land that has been inhabited since the Bronze Age. Having been at the forefront of so many parts of Irish History it is hard to know where to even begin so make sure to ask your guide! We will drop you off right by Belfast City Hall with enough time to grab some snacks for the road home or maybe even sneak in a cheeky pint! Have a quick wander around the city hall and its environs before returning to your coach for the return journey home to Dublin.

We return to Dublin around 7:30 PM