Touring Ireland: Leave the car behind
Itinerary LYC-2: Belfast & beyond 4 nts from GBP 249pp
Northern Ireland's capital has transformed itself over the past decade into a city of irrepressible energy and is now one of the island's most sophisticated cities. It is also an ideal base from which to explore some of the must see places in the area. This holiday has been designed specially for those who prefer not to drive during their stay in Ireland, but to use Belfast as a base.
Your hotel is a locally-owned guesthouse, close to the University area, a mere 10 minute walk from the city centre. This AA four star rated accommodation comes highly recommended for offering great value for money and a comfortable base to enjoy the city. There is a light and airy breakfast room and within a few minutes’ walk a host of restaurants and bars to suit all tastes and budgets, as they say "in Belfast the craic is never far away".
What to see and do
The city is compact and easy to get around on foot or public transport. Although there has been much new development in the city there is still a genuine heritage and a truly warm welcome for visitors. The Cathedral quarter is the historic cultural heartland of the city, whereas the Titanic Quarter of east Belfast - where the legendary liner was built - is full of reminders of a proud maritime and industrial past. Must-see destinations range from the grand Victorian City Hall, to Stormont, the home of government, from the Ulster Museum - where the Girona exhibition of Spanish Armada Gold is unmissable to the historic pubs, such as the Crown Liquor saloon - a rather unique National Trust property.
The best way to experience any city is in the company of a local, and this holiday includes a private guided city tour with one of Belfast's famous black-taxi drivers.
Outside Belfast
The world famous Giants Causeway is just one part of the beautiful North Antrim coast, which also boasts numerous sandy beaches, dramatic headlands and small coastal villages, as well as the pretty glens of Antrim, carved in the ice age to sweep down to the sea. Just outside the city the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum combines a 170 acre open air folk museum, gives a fascinating insight into life in Ulster in the early 20th century, with Ireland's largest transport collection, with diverse pieces from steam engines to a DeLorean on display.
Your holiday will also include a day trip by mini-coach, in a small group, to explore some highlights of the Antrim Coast including the Giants Causeway.
Prices & Dates
This holiday can be arranged from February to December 2010.
The price is £249 for February, March, November & December, £259 for April, May, June, September & October, £269 for July & August. Prices are per person for 4 nights on a bed & breakfast basis, and includes a private black taxi tour of the city and a small group tour to the north coast including the Giants Causeway.
Travel to Ireland
We would be delighted to book your travel to Ireland for this holiday.
The most convenient ferry routes are the direct sailings from Stranraer to Belfast - with Stranraer connected by train with Glasgow, and via Carlisle with England. There is also an overnight ferry from Liverpool to Belfast.
There are also numerous direct flight connections to both Belfast airports from many UK airports including London, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, Luton, Southampton, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
All our holidays include a map of Ireland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.
All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.
The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee
All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.
We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.
