Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Northern Ireland

Depart the UK, Walled Garden Helen’s Bay with tea and homemade cakes

Take the ferry from Cairnryan to Belfast . We then travel along the seafront to the Walled Garden Helen’s Bay. Here we learn the fascinating story behind the extensive restoration project of this 1.5 acre, listed, Walled Victorian Garden built in 1886. We also enjoy tea and homemade cakes here before departing for our hotel.

Armagh – ‘Morning on the Hill’ and Navan Centre and Fort with lunch

This morning we take the fascinating tour of Armagh Robinson Library, No 5 Vicars’ Hill, and St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral. Located within a stone’s throw from each other the attractions include the oldest public library in Northern Ireland, the former Registry, and a medieval crypt located within the cathedral. Our visit is partially guided.

Next we travel to Navan Centre and Fort where we enjoy a soup and sandwich lunch followed by a visit to the Iron Age settlement area where you will meet members of the ancient clan going about their daily lives. There is also time to explore the indoor exhibition and opportunity to see the ancient fort (involves approx. 5 minute walk).

‘Peak Behind the Hall Door’ at Blessingbourne Estate with Luxury Morning Refreshments, Lady of the Lake Waterbus

This morning we have a real highlight of the tour. Our group will be personally welcomed by the Estate Owner, Nicholas and Colleen and taken for a ‘Peak behind the hall door’. Highlights of the tour include the beautiful library invoking memories of a Victorian childhood, a walk through the Victorian gardens, with their majestic setting overlooking the beautiful Lough Fadda, and a guided stroll around the extensive Coach, Carriage and Costume Collections from yesteryear. We finish our visit with luxury morning refreshments including tea/coffee, homemade scones with fresh cream and jam, butter shortbread, Blessingbourne Flapjacks, baby meringues with cream & raspberries and homemade lemon drizzle cake.

In the afternoon we board the Lady Of Lake Waterbus in Enniskillen for a 2 hour cruise on Loch Erne passing some historic Fermanagh landmarks.

Hillsborough Castle and Garden  and Irish Linen Centre ‘Flax to Fabric’ Exhibition

This morning we explore Northern Ireland’s royal residence, Hillsborough Castle, including the State Rooms still used today including the Throne Room, State Drawing Room and Red Room. Expert hosts will be on hand to share details of the historic rooms. We also have time to explore the expansive gardens and the on-site café.  Next we travel to the Irish Linen Centre in Lisburn to trace the history of Irish Linen in the award-winning ‘Flax to Fabric’ exhibition which includes expert spinners at work. There is also the opportunity for your group to add a textile workshop to your visit (details on request).

Return home via Ulster Folk Museum

Return via Ulster Folk Museum, a remarkable living museum and environmental three miles east of Belfast. The museum is home to a rich collection of heritage buildings and objects, which it uses to actively preserve and demonstrate traditions, stories and skills passed down through many generations of people in Ulster. Take the afternoon ferry from Belfast to Cairnryan.