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    Culture & Heritage

    Highlights of Northern Ireland


    Deposit From: €940
    Region: Northern Ireland – Giants Causeway & Belfast
    Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
    Confirmed: When 3 Travellers Book

    Next Departure: 22nd - 28th May 2027
    Accommodation: Deluxe

    Grading: Gentle Discovery ? Trip Grading
    This trip is ideal for those who enjoy cultural depth without physical challenge, and who value engaging storytelling, local knowledge, and meaningful connection with place.

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    Carbon Footprint: 108kg ? What does this mean?
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    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      From:  €3,650 View Prices & Dates

      Trip Overview

      Created by: Liz Olmstead


      Northern Ireland is a beautiful, wild place known for its dramatic coastlines, deep-rooted traditions and proud culture. On this fully guided, seven-day tour, explore the crowning jewels of a region steeped in fascinating history and enduring folklore.

      Take a boat trip around the Giant’s Causeway, explore Belfast by black cab, learn the steps of Irish dancing and raise a glass at a local distillery. Explore medieval castles and prehistoric monuments, visit a family-run sheep farm, and uncover the stories behind some of Northern Ireland’s most iconic landscapes.

      With a knowledgeable guide throughout, meet local people, discover the traditions that shape the region, and experience the warmth of Irish hospitality at handpicked accommodations. Where every detail has been taken care of, join us on a thoughtfully crafted trip that showcases the best of Northern Ireland.

      We partner only with the best guides, and as such, itineraries may change at their professional discretion, including routes, distances and daily plans.

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      Day by Day
      Itinerary

      Day 1 – Ancient Myths and Medieval Castles Read Less

      Day 1

      Ancient Myths and Medieval Castles

      Meet your guide at the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin this morning, before travelling north to the pretty Cooley Peninsula. Here, discover the folklore behind the Táin Bó Cúailnge (‘Cattle Raid of Cooley’), one of Ireland’s most iconic myths. In the charming town of Carlingford, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch before meeting a local historian, who will guide you through its medieval streets, towering Norman castle and 14th-century abbey. After your walking tour, transfer north to Belfast and settle into your lovely accommodation, with time to relax before dinner.

      Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

      Day 2 – 20th Century Belfast Read Less

      Day 2

      20th Century Belfast

      Today, explore Belfast, a city with a fascinating, if complex, past. Discover its maritime history at the award-winning Titanic Belfast museum, built on the very slipways where the famous ship was constructed. Later, join a local guide for a black cab tour through streets shaped by the Troubles, hearing first-hand accounts from both sides of the divide. Visit politically significant murals along the way, and take a moment to reflect at the Peace Wall, a powerful symbol of both division and progress. As night falls, enjoy dinner at one of the city’s celebrated restaurants, rounding off the evening with some traditional music.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

      Day 3 – A Taste of Irish Tradition Read Less

      Day 3

      A Taste of Irish Tradition

      Leaving Belfast behind, continue north this morning to a grand country estate, where a private tour offers a glimpse into life behind its historic walls. Enjoy freshly baked scones, dainty pastries and a selection of Irish teas as you discover more about the estate and its fascinating history. Later, head into the countryside to visit a family-run sheep farm, where a local shepherd will demonstrate the skills of his expertly trained sheepdogs. Watch the dogs spring into action and learn about the traditions of sheep farming and rural life in Northern Ireland. Later, settle into your welcoming accommodation, where you can toast the day with a local tipple.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

      Day 4 – Legends of the Causeway Coast Read Less

      Day 4

      Legends of the Causeway Coast

      Today’s journey along the breathtaking Causeway Coast is sure to be a highlight of your trip. After breakfast, board a boat with a local skipper and approach the iconic Giant’s Causeway from the water, offering a unique perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the legends surrounding this remarkable landscape and the geology that shaped its distinctive basalt columns. Continue along the coast, gliding past sea arches, sea stacks and cliffside castles. Along the way, hear more about the history and folklore of this beautiful coastline, which inspired classics such as C. S. Lewis’ Narnia and George R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

      Day 5 – Derry & Irish Dancing Read Less

      Day 5

      Derry & Irish Dancing

      This morning, travel to the cathedral city of Derry and enjoy a walking tour through Ireland’s only fully intact walled city, exploring its cobbled lanes, winding alleys and historic ramparts. Along the way, discover places featured in Derry Girls, the hit comedy that offers a humorous yet poignant glimpse into the city’s recent past. Visit the bustling Craft Village, a lively hub of local craft and creativity, before experiencing a much-loved part of Irish culture: Irish dancing. Made famous worldwide by Riverdance, Irish dancing is fast, lively and full of energy. Join a dancing expert for a fun workshop, learning some of the steps and stories behind this tradition. After a busy day, relax in your boutique hotel this evening.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

      Day 6 – Donegal’s Wild Heritage Read Less

      Day 6

      Donegal’s Wild Heritage

      Today, join your guide to explore Donegal. Remote, wild, and breathtakingly beautiful, it is often referred to as the ‘forgotten county.’ Discover Glenveagh National Park – a place of shimmering lakes, rugged mountains and a picturesque castle with all its original furnishings. Afterwards, visit a small but exceptional local distillery, sample the whiskey and learn how to make the perfect Irish coffee. Round off your day of exploring at Grianán of Aileach, a striking Iron Age stone fort perched high above the surrounding hills. Once an ancient royal seat, it’s an idyllic place to soak up fantastic views of Donegal, bathed in the evening light.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

      Day 7 – Ancient Wonders of Sligo Read Less

      Day 7

      Ancient Wonders of Sligo

      This morning, travel through the landscapes of Sligo, a place known for its natural beauty, mythology and poetry. With Ben Bulben rising ahead and the Atlantic stretching alongside, discover the landscapes that inspired poet W. B. Yeats and the folklore surrounding the tragic tale of Diarmuid and Gráinne. Continue to Creevykeel, home to one of Ireland’s finest Neolithic court tombs. Dating back around 5,000 years, it is considered one of the largest and best-preserved examples of its kind in Ireland. Then, continue to Sligo town, where there’s time for a wander before heading to Sligo Train Station, where your trip will conclude.

      Meals Included: Breakfast

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      Highlights of Northern Ireland

      To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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      Trip Dates & Prices

      All payments taken in local currency EUR

      Trip Dates for 2027AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
      22nd May - 28th May 2027 7 place(s) leftAvailable €3,650 Book Now
      19th Jun - 25th Jun 2027 8 place(s) leftAvailable €3,650 Book Now
      7th Aug - 13th Aug 2027 8 place(s) leftAvailable €3,650 Book Now

      Make This Trip Private

      Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

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      Highlights of Northern Ireland

      For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

      Trip Details

      Accommodation Read More

      This Culture & Heritage tour is based in three welcoming and comfortable accommodations in Belfast, Ballycastle and Derry. They offer warm hospitality and a place to eat, relax, and sleep after a great day out. Accommodation is a choice of double or twin rooms with en-suite facilities.

      Single Rooms

      There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of €700 is charged.

      Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

      Meals Read More

      This trip includes all meals, from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 7.

      Great food is paramount on all Wilderness Ireland trips, and we will enjoy excellent regional cooking throughout this all-inclusive trip. Of course, dietary requirements can be catered for; just let us know at the time of booking.

      Inclusions Read More
      • 6 nights accommodation in three welcoming and comfortable hotels.
      • Meals as stated in the itinerary.
      • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide/driver throughout.
      • Pickup and transport throughout the trip.
      • 7 days exploring the culture and heritage of Ireland.
      • Entrance and admission fees are as stated in the itinerary.
      Grading Read More

      This Culture and Heritage trip is designed for travellers interested in local history, traditions, and ways of life. It offers a relaxed pace with immersive experiences, guided visits, and opportunities to connect with communities, craftspeople, and custodians of heritage.

      Most days are spent almost entirely outdoors, exploring historic sites, gardens, or rural areas. Terrain is generally easy, with some uneven surfaces, steps, or gentle inclines. There are also occasional opportunities to make ascents to scenic viewpoints—these may involve steeper and winding staircases, rugged paths, or rougher terrain for those who are keen. These trips would be suitable for most reasonably active travellers.

      This trip is ideal for those who enjoy cultural depth without physical challenge, and who value engaging storytelling, local knowledge, and meaningful connection with place.

      Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

      You will be met by your Wilderness Ireland Guide at the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin at 10:00am on Day 1 of your trip.

      The trip will conclude at Sligo MacDiarmada Railway Station at 12:30pm on the final day.

      ETAs, or Electronic Travel Authorisation, are currently required for all visits to the UK, including Northern Ireland, except in the case where you are an Irish or British citizen or resident. On this trip, you will be visiting Northern Ireland so you may need to apply for an ETA before travelling.

      To ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey, we recommend visiting the official UK Government website for the most up-to-date information and to apply for an ETA. Application and approval times are generally swift, but it’s best to apply early to ensure a stress-free trip. Any questions? Feel free to get in touch.

      Speak to an Expert

      Liz Olmstead

      Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Ireland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

      Ask Liz a Question

      Meet Your Guide

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      This Culture and Heritage trip is designed for travellers interested in local history, traditions, and ways of life. It offers a relaxed pace with immersive experiences, guided visits, and opportunities to connect with communities, craftspeople, and custodians of heritage.

      Most days are spent almost entirely outdoors, exploring historic sites, gardens, or rural areas. Terrain is generally easy, with some uneven surfaces, steps, or gentle inclines. There are also occasional opportunities to make ascents to scenic viewpoints—these may involve steeper and winding staircases, rugged paths, or rougher terrain for those who are keen. These trips would be suitable for most reasonably active travellers.

      This trip is ideal for those who enjoy cultural depth without physical challenge, and who value engaging storytelling, local knowledge, and meaningful connection with place.

      Find Out More

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