Highlights of Northern Ireland by Ireland with Michael - October 12, 2025

Discover the highlights of Northern Ireland with a curated itinerary by renowned Irish singer Michael Londra. Travel the coastline from Belfast to the Giant's Causeway, then contnue north to Derry. Visit filming sites from Michael's hit travel and music show "Ireland with Michael" on PBS. Enjoy overnights at some of Ireland's most beautiful hotels, including an 1800's castle. Experience breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant culture through the lens of Michael Londra.

TRAVEL DATES: OCTOBER 12, 2025 - OCTOBER 20, 2025

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

October 12: Dublin Arrival

After landing at Dublin Airport, join your group in the Arrivals Hall to meet your driver/guide and Ireland with Michael host, Michael Londra, before boarding the coach to head north. Visit the Game of Thrones Studio to see iconic costumes, props, and sets from the show. Then, drive through the Mourne Mountains, the highest and most dramatic range in Northern Ireland. Continue to Belfast, check into your hotel, and settle into your room. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers and Michael Londra, in the hotel restaurant.

Dinner & Overnight: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast

Day 2:

October 13, St. Patrick's Centre

Drive to Downpatrick to visit the Saint Patrick Centre, which details his life and impact on early Christian Ireland. Next, visit Hillsborough Castle, a royal residence and the official home of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. Explore the staterooms or stroll through the gardens. Return to your Belfast hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight: Grand Central Hotel, Belfast

Day 3:

October 14: Giant's Causeway

Depart Belfast and drive along the coast to explore the scenic "Nine Glens of Antrim" with stunning views of mountains, valleys, and coastline. Visit the Giant's Causeway, known for its unique hexagonal columns formed by ancient lava. Then, head to Dunluce Castle, perched on basalt rock over the sea, historically home to the MacQuillans and MacDonnells. Continue to Bushmills to tour Ireland's oldest whiskey distillery and sample their whiskey. Finally, transfer to your hotel in Derry, check-in, and enjoy free time before dining with your group in the hotel restaurant.

Dinner & Overnight: Ebrington Hotel, Derry

Day 4:

October 15: Derry Sightseeing

After breakfast, join a local guide for a walking tour of Derry, visiting the Guildhall, St. Columb’s Cathedral, the Diamond, and the 16th-century walls. See large-scale murals created by local artists. Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day free to sightsee, shop, and dine at your leisure.

Overnight: Ebrington Hotel, Derry

Day 5:

October 16: Slieve League Sea Cliffs

This morning, visit the Slieve League Sea Cliffs, the highest in Europe at 1,972 feet, offering stunning vistas. Enjoy tea and freshly baked scones with your group. Then, drive through rugged scenery to Glencolmcille Folk Park and explore traditional cottages with period furnishings and farming equipment. Continue to Donegal, check into your hotel, and settle in. In the evening, meet your group for a delicious meal in the hotel restaurant.

Dinner & Overnight: Harveys Point Hotel, Donegal

Day 6:

October 17: Donegal Castle

Today, visit Donegal Castle, featuring a 15th-century gabled tower built by the O’Donnell family. Then, visit Hanna Hats, renowned for its tweed hats and woven wool apparel. Enjoy the rest of the day exploring Donegal on your own. In the evening, consider dining at one of the town's many traditional or modern restaurants.

Overnight: Harveys Point Hotel, Donegal

Day 7:

October 18: Belleek Pottery, The Shed Distillery, & Kilronan Castle

Leaving Donegal, visit the Belleek Pottery Factory to see skilled craftspeople create delicate porcelain masterpieces. Then, tour and taste at The Shed Distillery, home of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin. Continue to Ballyfarnon and check into the luxurious Kilronan Castle Hotel. This castle, originally built in the early 1800's, can trace its history back to one of the royal families. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure and have dinner with your group in the castle's fine restaurant.

Dinner & Overnight: Kilronan Castle Hotel, Ballyfarnon

Day 8:

October 19: Hop-On Hop-Off Dublin

After breakfast, travel through the Irish countryside to Dublin, check into your hotel, and settle in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure using your Hop-on Hop-off pass to explore the city. Visit museums like the National Museum, National Gallery, or Writers Museum, or shop along Nassau Street, Grafton Street, or Henry Street. In the evening, dine at one of Dublin's many restaurants or pubs.

Overnight: Davenport Hotel, Dublin

Day 9:

October 20: Return Home

All too soon, your vacation has come to its final day. Transfer to Dublin Airport in good time to check-in for your flight. You may do some last minute shopping at the duty free stores before boarding your flight back to the United States.