Land Rover Tours - Hidden Ireland 5 Nights

Please note:  Due to huge backed up demand arising from the Covid situation we have taken steps to ensure availability in more remote locations. These may result in minor route changes, and for each night on tour, we have at least two unique accommodation choices of the same high standard dependent on current availability at your time of booking.  Your final itinerary will be confirmed for your approval via e mail.

Our Land Rover Tours to Ireland start with rail or airport transfers available from Liverpool or Manchester to our base. Your vehicle pickup could not be easier (we also offer free secure parking). 

Your adventure begins with your vehicle pickup and boarding the overnight ferry to Belfast, just 30 mins from our base near Liverpool. 

After a short safety briefing, you will head to the ferry, guided either with our in-car tablet based APP (standard), or by our expert local guide and safety vehicle (optional). 

Your first night will be spent with a boutique sea view cabin onboard the  

Stena Embla, a new Swedish construction with Scandinavian inspired interiors and lounges . Leaving at 6pm, enjoy dinner on board and a great nights sleep, arriving into Belfast early AM.

Your Ship Accommodation

A boutique-style room with a comfy double bed and balcony access for panoramic sea views so you can wake up and enjoy the fresh air. The elegant Swedish design combines cosiness with quality for a relaxing cruise to Ireland.

Various Options of bars and restaurants on-board.

Today, our Land Rover Tours take the Causeway Coastal Route North via Glenarm Castle, and The Giants Causeway.

The Causeway Coastal Route was Lonely Planet travel magazine’s number one place in the world to visit in 2019, and is rated as one of the top 5 road journeys in the world. Arriving in Belfast, the Titanic experience is a top attraction and can be incorporated into the morning arrival before heading North.

The journey along this route now heads via the increasingly pretty coastal route, through the seaside town of Carrickfergus, which sits on the northern shores of Belfast Lough. 

Taking in Carrickfergus Castle, one of the finest Norman castles in Ireland, we continue north towards the hamlet of Magheramourne and past the abandoned Magheramourne Quarry, that Game of Thrones fans may recognize as the set/location for Castle Black (The Wall of Westeros) and HardHome.

The route winds past the seaport town of Larne and holiday town of Ballygally before entering Glenarm (‘Glen/Valley of the Army’) –The first of the Nine Glens (or valleys) of Antrim—it is here we’ll stop for lunch at a tea room in the grounds of Glenarm Castle.

Throughout its long history, Glenarm has been a Norman stronghold, the power base for Irish warlords and one of the most important ports in Ireland. Today the village enjoys a much slower pace of life and is filled with rich heritage and nature, and immaculately preserved Georgian streets paved with history. The pristine river that’s teeming with wild salmon offers walks and stunning panoramas of the Glens and the far off coast of Scotland.

Glenarm Castle was the ancestral home of the Earls of Antrim and nowadays you can stroll the grounds of this beautiful estate with the Walled Garden being one of Ireland’s oldest.

Glenarriffe Waterfalls is also a great leg stretch stop - The stunning falls are the heart of what is commonly regarded as the most beautiful of the Green Glens of Antrim. A hidden gem, the view of the cascading water against the glamorous backdrop of the Glens has often proved to be the highlight of many a trip to Ireland.

Your Accommodation 

Set against the backdrop of the Giant’s Causeway, The Bushmills Inn is the perfect retreat for those who crave the unconventional, yet still expect exceptional service. The welcome is warm and the fire always lit.  Originally a Coaching Inn in the 1600s, this 4 star boutique Hotel and Restaurant is steeped in Irish history with inglenook turf fires to hayloft snugs, there’s something to find behind every door.  

Bed & Breakfast. 

Today, we swap the car for a big adventure activity day around Ballycastle.  

A beautiful coastal town with a vibrant pub scene, golf-course, spas and range of beautiful walks and experiences, the village is home to the world’s oldest Whiskey Distillery, between the famous Giant’s Causeway and Royal Portrush Golf Club.

Its the perfect base to explore a host of attractions such as Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle and many of the Game of Thrones filming locations, all easily reachable in your Land Rover.

Our optional adventure activity choices today include;

Irish Horse Trails (Our recommended must do option)

A superb 5*, 5 hour beach and trail riding experience with our local partner, who provide excellent horses, equipment, and unparalleled local knowledge and routes. There is no better way of exploring hidden Ireland with this epic trail ride including an expert guide to take you through the hills, villages, rugged cliffs, and stunning beaches of Antrim.

Coastal Kayaking

Discover our coast from Ballycastle, Cushendunn, Ballintoy, Dunseverick Harbour and Rathlin Island. All equipment is provided on the day, and tours are fully guided with qualified instructors. The tours are suitable for beginners, as well as the more advanced kayaker.

Coasteering

A new addition to the adventure list, to explore the coastline in a thrilling way with a coasteering adventure, combining rock climbing and sea swimming.  Enjoy cliff climbing, learn scrambling and jumping techniques, and safely dive into the sea from great heights on this adrenaline-filled outdoors adventure. 

Take a Bracing Dip or Beach Hike

Take your Land Rover and follow an old off- road track with splendid views of the coast, to the stunning white sand beach of Whitepark Bay, a 3-mile long beach on the famous Causeway Coastal Route. Located on the north coast near the picturesque village of Ballintoy, the beach is so pure it shines for miles (on even the cloudiest of days).  it’s the perfect backdrop for a tailgate picnic, with the unique “Sunbathing Cattle” who roam the beach basking in the sun’s warmth.

Your Accommodation 

Set against the backdrop of the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, The Bushmills Inn is the perfect retreat for those who crave the unconventional, yet still expect exceptional service. The welcome is warm and the fire always lit.  Originally a Coaching Inn in the 1600s, this 4 star boutique Hotel and Restaurant is steeped in Irish history with inglenook turf fires to hayloft snugs, there’s something to find behind every door.  

Bed & Breakfast. 

Today, its all about fresh air, and local cuisine.

Catch and Cook Boat

One of our favourites (despite the early start! ) Watch the sunrise over the Atlantic ocean, catch your fish and learn how to fillet it. After lifting the lobster pots you finally present your catch and with the help of an acclaimed local chef, you cook the delicious catch of the day.  An unforgettable experience, this award winning experience brings to life stories about local landmarks, legends, wildlife, traditions, and the unique food heritage from the River Bann. 

Bushmills Tour

Bushmills Whiskey Distillery is the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in Ireland. Nestled in the unique coastal town, its said they are not the best because they are the oldest, they are the oldest because they are the best. A real insight into the history of the brand, and how the Distillery use traditional methods sets it apart. The knowledgeable and passionate local guides really bring the place to life with a double measure of hospitality. 

Foodie Feast

3.5 hours of walking, eating, talking and laughing. An intimate food tour including the mysterious and alluring Rathlin Island or Ballycastle. The tour showcases the wealth of sumptuous local foods available. Discover old recipes and new trends.  You'll talk to people in traditional family-owned restaurants and emerging artisan cafes and eateries. You'll taste history and culture on a surprising, and seriously tasty journey.

Spa Day

Spa days including one of Ballycastle's renowned and invigorating seaweed baths.

Walks

The famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge or the beautiful walks in Carnfunnock Country Park are all easily accessible with your Land Rover. Alternatively, simply relax in the village, and enjoy a leisurely stroll on the beach opposite the hotel.

Your Last Night

O’Connors Bar in Ballycastle is perfect for those wishing to experience live Irish music, with the Harbour Bar being a later stop at night, to continue into “the wee hours”.

Your Accommodation 

Set against the backdrop of the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, The Bushmills Inn is the perfect retreat for those who crave the unconventional, yet still expect exceptional service. The welcome is warm and the fire always lit.  Originally a Coaching Inn in the 1600s, this 4 star boutique Hotel and Restaurant is steeped in Irish history with inglenook turf fires to hayloft snugs, there’s something to find behind every door.  

Bed & Breakfast. 

Its time to head back South, to the ferry across the Irish Sea.

Return Crossing to Liverpool and the Titanic Hotel

Leaving Ballycastle, you will take the road south to Belfast for a 1 hour drive to board your ferry back to Liverpool at 10.30am. Enjoy a relaxing lunch onboard and cruise back to Liverpool for 6.30pm, with a stay at the Titanic Hotel in the Albert Dock area. Close to all the city centre attractions, and eateries, next morning you check out to return your vehicle to our base with a short 30 min drive. Our Moor Hall 8 Course Michelin 2 star tasting experience and overnight stay is also available as a "grand finale" to your Ireland adventure.