Whatever your interest, if there’s somewhere you want to see in Northern Ireland, there’s a way to do it. Ulsterbus Tours runs day trips from Belfast to all the main attractions - from National Trust properties to seaside resorts, while independent operators are on hand for everything from city tours to sea safaris. You just have to pick where to go first.
Tours of Ards Peninsula
On Northern Ireland’s east coast, the Ards Peninsula lies in the glinting waters of the Irish Sea and Strangford Lough. Not surprisingly, its miles and miles of coastline make it a very desirable residence for seabirds and wildlife of all kinds. Two-legged visitors are also entranced by its charms.
Life here happens at a slower pace. That’s excellent news for those who want to find out more about it. It means the locals have all the time in the world to fill you in on the pretty villages, abbeys, castles and curious characters who’ve made it what it is today. And when that local is an actual tour guide too, even better.
Sustainable Journeys Ireland take you into all the nooks and crannies. Follow St. Patrick’s Trail, meet some of the 2,000 different species living around Strangford Lough and walk away feeling like a friend.
Seamus Heaney Country
Step into Seamus Heaney’s HomePlace and be inspired by a journey through the life and literature of one of Ireland’s greatest writers. Visit the stunning interactive exhibition, packed with hundreds of personal stories, photographs and artefacts. Discover the people who inspired him, and explore the places of his childhood and formative years. Learn the intricacies of the words, rhythm and rhyme which have made Seamus Heaney the most widely published poet in the English language. (Winner of Most Innovative Business (Large) at the Giant Spirit Awards 2022).
Continue your Heaney experience, at the award-winning Laurel Villa Townhouse in Magherafelt, Ireland's only poetry guesthouse. See the Seamus Heaney Exhibition here, before you head off to take in the sights and sounds of South Derry that inspired the Nobel Laureate’s work. And look out for the Turf Man, a life-size tribute to ‘Digging’, possibly his most famous and best-loved poem.
Enniskillen Taste Experience
An experience so good you can taste it? Absolutely.
Separating Upper and Lower Lough Erne, Enniskillen is the perfect setting for a food tour with a difference. Here, you start with a guided walking tour, pit-stopping along the way to try the deliciously seasonal fare from local food producers and foodie businesses. There may be the odd drink involved, so it’s best not to be a driver for the day.
Belfast City Bike Tours
Belfast is a small city with a big heart. So what better way to get around it than by bike? If you’re new to the city, it’s a great way to get to know it. Along the way, you’ll take in the historic Cathedral Quarter, the Titanic Quarter, the University, St. George’s Market and more. With lots of chances for sight-seeing and breaks along the way.
Out and about in Derry-Londonderry
Behind the walls of Derry-Londonderry is a city best experienced on foot – or bike at a push. And, thankfully, there are plenty of tours on offer to make sure you don’t miss the best bits. Try a 5* walking tour with Martin McCrossan City Tours. A ‘Free Derry Tour’ for those interested in the city’s turbulent history. Or join Foyle Trails for a fascinating trip to the landscapes beyond the city – where giants’ graves, stone circles and fairy trees reveal their secrets.
Giant’s Causeway and Antrim Coast Tours
Speaking of giants, no trip to Northern Ireland would be complete without a visit to one of our own. Among the many staggering views you’ll see here, this is also in a class of its own.
The world-famous Giant’s Causeway is Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage Site. The result of cooling lava, the 40,000 basalt columns now form some distinct features – The Giant’s Boot and the Chimney Stacks, for example.
Depending on the tour you choose, you may also get to visit clifftop Dunluce Castle – Castle Greyjoy to Games of Thrones® fans - Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery and walk across the dramatic, and possibly ‘out of your comfort zone’, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Just think of the selfies.
Game of Thrones Tour
For scenery and story-telling Game of Thrones® really did nail it all. Though, they are two things Northern Ireland does pretty well too, so if you want to see where they overlap, join a Games of Thrones ® tour.
McCombs are the company who transported the cast and crew to filming in Seasons 1-5. So they should know the lay of the land. They’ll transport you to the ‘Kingsroad’ aka Dark Hedges. There are some pretty cool ‘Further Space’ glamping pods nearby if you’re planning a return trip.
Among other locations, you’ll visit Ballycastle, the native home of Lady Catelyn Stark and Varys. Cushenden where Melisandre gave birth to the shadow creature. And Larrybane where Renly swears to avenge Ned's death, but - spoiler alert - meets his end. If you’re a fan of fans, climb aboard with the rest. Of, if you prefer, you can make it a private tour.
This is just a flavour of where your Northern Ireland trip can take you. There are always more places to go and new things to see. Thankfully, being Northern Ireland, they are never any great distance away.
