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Giant's Causeway

No-fly Northern Ireland: Highlights by road

9-day tailor-made no-fly self-drive from £1,325 pp

Summary

Short description

A no-fly self-drive journey to some of Northern Ireland's most scenic locations

Highlights

  • Skip the airport queues with an overnight ferry from Liverpool to Belfast
  • Explore maritime Belfast, home to the world-famous Titanic museum
  • Visit the impossibly picturesque valleys and woodlands of the Glens of Antrim
  • Stay in historic manor houses and castles
  • See the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giant's Causeway

In Brief

  • 2 Nights Belfast
  • 2 Nights Ballygally Castle
  • 1 Night Bushmills
  • 1 Night Derry

About

Recommended for:
History & culture | No-fly | Off the beaten track | Self-drive

This journey lets you explore Northern Ireland at your own pace, bookended by overnight ferry sailings from Liverpool. You'll begin with two days in Belfast, among busy market streets and working shipyards, before you navigate the wild Causeway Coast, pausing along the way to stay at 17th-century castles and charming manor houses. You'll see the UNESCO-listed Giant's Causeway as well as the verdant valleys of the Glens of Antrim, looping around to Londonderry and back through green hinterlands to Belfast for your passage home. It's the perfect way to see Northern Ireland's natural beauty without the hassle of travelling by air.

Day by day itinerary

Day 1
Depart the UK

This no-fly itinerary starts with an overnight ferry from Liverpool to Belfast. Enjoy the plush comfort of your sea-view cabin, a complimentary bottle of Prosecco and a box of Anthon Berg Royal Selection Chocolates as you make your way across the Irish sea.

Days 2-3
Belfast

Today you'll arrive in Belfast, pick up your hire car and check into your accommodation in the heart of the city, just off the River Lagan. From this central location you have two days to explore. Northern Ireland's buzzing capital is perhaps best known for being the birthplace of RMS Titanic, and the world-famous Titanic Belfast attraction and its interactive galleries are well worth a visit. Afterwards, take a stroll past the iconic copper-topped City Hall building, marvel at the city's beautiful Victorian architecture, and discover the myriad bustling markets and lively bars and restaurants. 

Stay: Radisson Blu Hotel Belfast (Superior)

Meals: B

Days 4-5
Belfast to Ballygally Castle

Today you'll hit the road and head north into the Glens of Antrim, an area of deep valleys carved from a high plateau along the rugged coastline. Surrounded by rolling green hills and lush forests, you'll want to pause to breathe in the fresh air and take in the scenery, perhaps on a woodland trail meandering past waterfalls and pretty streams. Your accommodation for the next two nights is a historic 17th-century castle, which has been updated with airy, contemporary furnishings whilst retaining the traditional oak-beamed features of its past. You're in one of Northern Ireland's most picturesque locations – the windswept Ballygally beach and some of the most scenic filming locations from hit TV show Game of Thrones are on your doorstep. After days spent enjoying the sights, return to the hotel each night to dine in the Garden Restaurant, with views across the bay to Scotland.

Stay: Ballygally Castle (Superior)

Meals: B

Day 6
Ballygally Castle to Ballycastle to Bushmills

You have a choice of routes today – take the coastal road to Ballycastle, or detour inland to the quaint town of Ballymoney, where you can find the famous Beech tree-lined Dark Hedges road. In Ballycastle, take a leisurely walk along the mile-long beach, or visit Kinbane Castle ruins, a historic monument just outside of town. Winding along the cragged coast you'll arrive at the characterful Bushmills Inn, a luxurious converted coach house and your accommodation for the night. From here, the world-famous Giant's Causeway is within easy reach; a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its basalt rock formations are accompanied by a visitor centre with information about the geology of the causeway and the myths and legends behind it. 

Stay: Bushmills Inn, Bushmills (Superior)

Meals: B

Day 7
Bushmills to Derry

Today's route sees you through green hinterlands and around some of Northern Ireland's more remote bays on your way to Londonderry. It's the only intact walled town in Ireland, and within its stone borders you'll see incredible architecture of great historical significance, including the spectacular St. Columb's Cathedral and the neo-gothic Guildhall. In the evening, head into the centre of Derry to enjoy live music in one of its many traditional pubs.

Stay: Maldron Hotel, Derry (Superior)

Meals: B

Days 8-9
Londonderry to Belfast to UK

After breakfast this morning you'll drive back through Northern Ireland's green interior en route to Belfast. Here, you'll board your overnight ferry back to Liverpool to continue your journey, once again enjoying the comfort of your Class 4 berth as you sail home to the UK.

Map

Pricing

Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.

Accommodation rating: Superior

9-day tailor-made no-fly self-drive
from £1,325 pp

Superior no-fly

Oct - Dec

from £1,325 pp.

May - Sep

from £1,415 pp.

Includes

  • Return overnight ferry crossings departing from Liverpool Birkenhead to Belfast
  • Comfort Class 4 berth cabin with window
  • 1 complimentary bottle of Piper Heidsieck Brut Champagne and box of Butlers Collection Chocolates in cabin on arrival on outbound ferry crossing
  • 5 nights accommodation on a B&B basis
  • 1 night accommodation at The Bushmills Inn
  • 7 days car hire in an Economy vehicle
  • Northern Ireland Road map 



Terms & Conditions

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.

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