Northern Ireland and Belfast International Tattoo

Day 2: Accompanied by a local guide today’s first visit is to the famous Giant’s Causeway (NT), a World Heritage Site. Rising and blending into the landscape, this Visitor Centre with walls of glass, basalt columns and a state of the art interior is truly innovative. The energy efficient building boasts a number of exhibition areas and a grass roof with 360 degree views of the Causeway coastline. This is where the science and the stories come to life. Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, for centuries the Giant’s Causeway has inspired artists, stirred scientific debate and captured the imagination of all who see it. There is a small charge payable to Translink for the shuttle bus between the Visitor Centre and the Causeway.NT card holders can visit the Causeway without charge. Non-members will pay this entrance locally.

This afternoon we visit Bushmills Distillery where a guided tour is included after whichyou will be able to visit the gift shop or take a trip to the bar for a swift taster of the famous tipple, Irish whiskey! Returning to the hotel dinner is included this evening.

Day 3: Today is dedicated to the City of Belfast where we begin with a guided city tour predominantly by coach, which willtake in many highlights and places of interest. Belfast dates back to the early 17th Century and is Northern Ireland’s largest and the island of Ireland’s second largest, city. The name ‘Belfast’ comes from the Gaelic ‘Beal Feirste’ (mouth of the sandy ford). Belfast grew up around its cottage industries which were situated in ‘locales’ or ‘quarters’. There are still four quarters in Belfast today, each rich in history and culture. Notable city landmarks include City Hall, the Grand Opera House, the Botanic Gardens and Queens University. You will also see some of the many murals which relate events from an historical perspective. The tour will conclude at the atmospheric Crown Bar (NT) where refreshments can be purchased.With its period gas lighting, cosy snugs, ornate interior of brightly coloured tiles, carvings and glass.

This afternoon you will be transferred to the SSE Arena for a matinee performance of the Belfast International Tattoo. The Belfast Tattoo has its roots firmly based in the history, music and dance traditions of the Ulster Scots people.It draws together some of the most dynamic and creative talent from within Ulster, using innovative production, heart stopping sound, imaginative graphics and state of the art lighting. This show captivates its audience with performances often including hundreds of pipers, drummers, singers, dancers.  Returning to the hotel following this exciting event, your evening meal is included.

Day 4: Today begins with an included visit to Titanic Belfast. This attraction is housed in an iconic six-floor building in the heart of Belfast right beside the historic site of this world-famous ship’s construction. The Titanic experience takes you through nine galleries, telling the story of RMS Titanic from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900’s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end. The galleries are innovative and interactive with many features including diving to the depth of the ocean to explore where RMS Titanic now rests. The Titanic story is told at Titanic Belfast in a fresh and insightful way. To complete your visit, your Titanic ticket also includes the SS Nomadic berthed next to Titanic Belfast in the historic Hamilton Dry Dock. She was the tender to RMS Titanic and the last remaining White Star Line ship in the world. Restored to her original 1911 glory, a visit to SS Nomadic combines the authentic heritage and atmosphere of this historic ship with the intriguing stories of her passengers and the ups and downs of her dramatic career. Lunch can be purchased before this afternoon’s included visit to Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, the official Northern Ireland residence of HM The Queen. This late Georgian mansion was built in the 1770’s by Wills Hill, first Marquis of Downshire and was later re-modelled in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is a working royal palace functioning as the official residence of the Royal Family when in Northern Ireland and it has been the home of the Secretary of State since the 1970’s. During your included guided tour of the house you will see elegant State Rooms still in use today and the majestic Throne Room and graceful Drawing Room. Visit the palace’s Downshire Gallery to see portrait photography of the people both great and small, who have visited Hillsborough, from queens to choir boys, politicians to pot washers. Afterwards, you might choose to take a stroll through some of the 96 acres of beautiful gardens developed from the 1760’s onwards, offering a contrast of ornamental grounds, peaceful woodland, meandering waterways, and trimmed lawns. Dinner included at the hotel.

Simply Groups reserves the right to make minor changes to this itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control.