Northern Ireland

4 tours from £529pp

Renowned for its incredible, famous landmarks and attractions, as well as spectacular natural landscapes, Northern Ireland is a must-visit holiday destination – perfect for exploring on a fully escorted coach holiday! The most-famous tourist hotspot is undoubtedly the Giant’s Causeway, named after the legend of two giants fighting and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. This geological marvel features 40,000 basalt columns rising from the sea – the remnants of an ancient volcanic eruption. County Antrim’s coastal road has also been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty due to its exceptional landscape, and these two sites prove one thing: Northern Ireland is home to an immense variation of beauty! Together with its rich history, cultural attractions, iconic cities and cutting-edge architecture, see the best of this vibrant land with Shearings – we know you’ll get the most out of your time away with our expertly planned itineraries! 

M&S Gift Card bag a free £ 25 M&S Gift Card with every 2024 escorted
holiday booking!

Use code 25GIFT when booking

Experience the charm of the countryside and take in the outstanding natural beauty of the coast as we explore some of Ireland’s most sensational destinations.

  • 5 nights hotel with Irish breakfast
  • 5 evening meals
  • Regional joining points
  • Porterage at the hotel

Departures:

  • 2024
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec
  • 2025
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec

Combining charming towns and mountain scenery, enjoy the Irish delights of County Down, Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway, Derry and Dublin.

  • 5 nights hotel with Irish breakfast
  • 4 evening meals for 2023 tours or 5 evening meals for 2024 tours
  • Porterage at the hotel
  • Regional Joining Points

Departures:

  • 2024
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec
  • 2025
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec

Discover the beautiful Antrim Coast with its stunning seascapes and the magnificent Giant’s Causeway, before exploring vibrant Belfast.

  • 4 nights hotel with Irish breakfast
  • 4 evening meals
  • Local joining points
  • Porterage at the hotel

Departures:

  • 2024
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec

From the charming capital cities of Belfast and Dublin to the stunning Wild Atlantic Way, experience the best of the enchanting Emerald Isle,

  • 12 nights hotel with Irish breakfast
  • 1 lunch and 12 evening meals
  • Regional joining points

Departures:

  • 2025
    • Jan
    • Feb
    • Mar
    • Apr
    • May
    • Jun
    • Jul
    • Aug
    • Sep
    • Oct
    • Nov
    • Dec

Northern Ireland Highlights

The capital city of Northern Ireland, Belfast, is best-known for being the birthplace of the Titanic. Today, you can venture to the award-winning attraction of Titanic Belfast – a museum and monument dedicated to the sunken ship – and take a journey through the story from conception, launch, to its eventual immortalisation in history. Belfast is also home to the gorgeous Queen’s University, local and global collections of the Ulster Museum, and the iconic building that is the Belfast City Hall. Beyond the capital, visitors to Norther Ireland can venture around the exhibits at the Saint Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, detailing the life of Ireland’s patron saint. Nearby, in the churchyard of Down Cathedral, is where Saint Patrick is believed to have been buried. And, finally, no trip to Northern Ireland would be complete without a visit to the wonderful walled city of Derry. There is a rich history to be explored here, with the opportunity to walk along parts of the walls, taking the time to view the many murals depicting its turbulent history, before entering the city centre, where lively bars and boutique stores line the streets. With excellent ‘craic’, warm and friendly hospitality, and an abundance of cultural sights to uncover, let us inspire your journey to this spectacular corner of the UK. 

Book any tour for
only
£25 deposit per person

Local Information

  • Capital Belfast
  • Language Irish and English
  • Currency GBP or IEP
  • Tip 10-15%
  • Time Zone GMT
  • Electricity Three pin plugs. 240V.
View Tours

Must See

See the spectacular sight of the Giant’s Causeway, which features over 40,000 ancient basalt columns

4.2

11 reviews

View Tour

Things to do and local attractions

  • Uncover more about the ill-fated MS Titanic at the spectacular Titanic Belfast® Exhibition View Tour
  • Admire the views of the Mountains of Mourne that sweep dramatically to the sea View Tour
  • Walk the walls of Derry and discover the history of this colourful city View Tour
  • Visit St. Patrick’s grave and learn about the life and legacy of Ireland’s patron saintView Tour
  • Take a Black Cab Tour around Belfast to learn about the city with from a knowledgeable local cabbie!View Tour

Food and Drink

Irish Stew

Often considered the national dish of Northern Ireland, a traditional Irish Stew includes either lamb or mutton, sometimes beef, and a variation of root vegetables. This celebrated and beloved meal is hearty, filling and comforting, best served hot on a wintery day. 

Barmbrack

Barmbrack, or just brack, is a special and traditional Irish yeast bread containing raisins and sultanas. On Halloween, the fruit loaf can have an item added to it, like a penny for luck or a ring indicating marriage, bringing good fortune to whomever finds it! 

Ulster Fry

The Ulter fry-up is very well-known and popular in Northern Ireland, enjoyed frequently and often by locals. Consisting of soda bread, potato farls, sausages, tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, bacon and eggs, this big hearty breakfast is the best possible way to start your day. 

Guinness

A trip to Northern Ireland wouldn’t be complete without a taste of the Irish dry stout, Guinness. Best served fresh from the tap, enjoy the unique flavours of this very popular beer as is, or have it black and black (served with blackcurrant). 

Planning your Trip

With so much on offer, you might need some inspiration! We’ve hand-picked a selection of favourite destinations and provided an overview of the very best highlights...

Belfast

Belfast Highlights

The Titanic Belfast 

The Titanic Belfast is an exhibition dedicated the RMS Titanic. The luxury ship’s story began in Belfast, and this world-renowned and award-winning attraction takes visitors on a journey through the Titanic’s conception, launch, and devastating end. 

 

Ulster Museum 

Home to iconic valuables from throughout history, the Ulster Museum is a must-see on any visit to Belfast. The museum features collections of art, history and natural sciences, including a 2,500-year-old Egyptian Mummy and treasures from the Spanish Armada. 

 

Belfast City Hall 

As one of Belfast’s most iconic buildings, the magnificent City Hall of Belfast is well worth the visit, with its incredible collections of artworks, artefacts and stained-glass windows, as well as its fascinating monuments and memorials. 


Giant’s Causeway

Giant’s Causeway Highlights

UNESCO World Heritage Site 

Visit one of Ireland’s top tourist attractions and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Giant’s Causeway. The landmark was inscribed in 1986 for its outstanding value, as it represents as significant geological event and is a rare beauty. 

 

Volcanic Eruption 

The interlocking basalt columns of Giant’s Causeway are the result of an ancient volcanic eruption, where lava oozed from fissures in the earth before cooling and cracking into 40,000 columns. The result is a truly breathtaking and dramatic sight, with the landmark rising out of the sea in spectacular fashion. 

 

The Legend 

According to legend, the Causeway was actually built by Irish giant, Finn McCool. After he was challenged to a fight by Scottish giant Benandonner, Finn created the Causeway so the two could meet. Some stories say that when Benandonner fled the fight, he destroyed the Causeway, leaving behind what we see today. 


Derry (Londonderry)

Derry (Londonderry) Highlights

City Walls & Murals 

As the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of finest examples of walled cities in Europe, it is completely understandable why people travel from all over the world to visit Derry. Built in the early 17th century, the walls were for defence and, to this day, are still lined with cannons from the 16th to the 18th centuries. 

 

The UK's first City of Culture 

The first ever winner of the UK City of Culture award was Derry, given as a celebration of its passion and past. This designation changed the city in many ways, opening the floodgates for immense economic and social change, and allowing for culture and creativity to grow. 

 

Traditional Pubs 

Derry has a wonderful and vibrant pub scene, with taverns ranging from modern and traditional, to quirky and stylish. With live Irish bands playing and Guinness on tap, you’re sure to have the best time in the Derry bars! 


Our customer service reviews

TOP