Overview

Self-Drive Holidays
8 Nights
  • Fully customisable itinerary
  • Prices from: £1165 per person
  • Best time to go: April - October
  • Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Highlights

Brilliant Belfast
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You’re sure of a warm welcome in Northern Ireland’s capital city, known for its rich history and beautiful Victorian architecture. Attractions include the iconic Titanic Belfast Museum, Belfast City Hall, St. George’s Market and the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast’s lively cultural hub.

Giant's Causeway
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Experience a spectacular road trip along the North Antrim coastline and visit breathtaking locations such as the Dark Hedges and the Giant’s Causeway. Enjoy the thrill of crossing Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, or venture along the exhilarating cliff-face path at the Gobbins.

Old Bushmills Distillery
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Join a tour of Northern Ireland’s oldest working distillery. Learn about the fascinating history of whiskey making, as well as some hidden secrets of this historic distillery. At the end of the tour, enjoy a little dram or a tutored whiskey tasting.

Rathlin Island
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Sail across the Sea of Moyle to Rathlin Island. Visit the fascinating Boathouse Visitor Centre, enjoy a variety of coastal walks, or cycle your way around the island. You might spot some unique wildlife such as seals, puffins and other seabirds.

Fermanagh Lakelands
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As Ireland’s only island town, Enniskillen is sandwiched between Lower and Upper Lough Erne and is the perfect base to explore the idyllic Fermanagh Lakelands. Explore one of the 150 islands, or hike the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, also known as the Stairway to Heaven Walk.

Mourne Mountains
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Enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Mourne Mountains. Nearby, you will find Tollymore Forest Park, offering a variety of walking trails. In County Antrim, the timber walkway at Glenariff Forest Park also offers an exhilarating forest adventure.

A Spectacular Road Trip Across Northern Ireland

This self-drive tour visits some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular natural sites, including the famous Giant’s Causeway.

Starting in Belfast, Northern Ireland’s historic capital city, this tour follows the dramatic Causeway Coastal Route before exploring the Lakelands of Fermanagh and finishing in County Down, in the shadow of the majestic Mourne Mountains.

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Arrive in Belfast and hop on a City Sightseeing Tour or a Black Cab tour. Learn about the city’s history and admire its unique architecture and striking murals. Discover the fascinating Titanic Belfast museum and stroll down to the Cathedral Quarter, with its cobble-stoned streets packed with street art, artisan shops and lively pubs.

Head north along the famous Causeway Coastal Route and experience some of the most spectacular natural and historic sites in the country, such as the beautiful Glens of Antrim. Explore the Giants Causeway, a striking coastal landscape of thousands of basalt stone columns, or dare to cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge suspended 30 metres over the sea.

Travel south through the Sperrin Mountains and immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural landscape of the Fermanagh Lakelands. Hike the Stairway to Heaven or explore one of the 150 islands on Lough Erne, before travelling to County Down to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Mourne Mountains.

Hike up Slieve Donard, the highest peak in the Mournes, or wander through the lush Tollymore Forest. Visit fascinating historic sites such as Mount Stewart, a splendid Neo-classical country house, or Down Cathedral, the resting place of St Patrick.

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Arrive in Belfast
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Northern Ireland’s capital city has a rich history and friendly atmosphere. Today, Belfast is a cosmopolitan city with a fascinating industrial heritage and impressive architecture. During your first night in Belfast, visit the Cathedral Quarter, the city’s cultural hub centred around St Anne’s Cathedral. Discover its narrow cobbled streets and enjoy some of the best pubs in the city.
Overnight – Belfast

Day 2: Belfast Sightseeing
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A full day to explore Belfast. Get your bearing by joining an included City Sightseeing Bus Tour. Enjoy refreshments in St George’s Market and visit fascinating attractions such as the iconic Titanic Quarter, Belfast City Hall, and the Crumlin Road Gaol.
Overnight – Belfast

Day 3: Belfast to the Causeway Coast
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Take the scenic route north along the Causeway Coastal Route past Carrickfergus Castle, or head to the Gobbins to enjoy an exhilarating cliff-side walk.

Arrive in the beautiful Glens of Antrim. Nearby is Glenariff Forest Park with its magnificent waterfall boardwalk.
Overnight – County Antrim Coast

Day 4: Causeway Coast & Glens of Antrim Sightseeing
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Rise early and head to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, suspended high above the sea. Then slowly make your way back west and stop at the picturesque Ballintoy harbour before reaching the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, tour the Old Bushmills Distillery or head to the iconic 16th-century Dunluce Castle, perched on dramatic coastal cliffs.
Overnight – County Antrim Coast

Day 5: County Antrim to Fermanagh
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Today you will head south towards the Fermanagh Lakelands, but not before stopping by the Dark Hedges, a beautiful archway of intertwining beech trees featured in Game of Thrones. As you head into the Sperrin Mountains Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you may wish to stop for refreshment at the famous Ponderosa, Ireland’s highest pub.
Overnight – Enniskillen

Day 6: Fermanagh Sightseeing
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With a full day to explore Enniskillen and the Fermanagh Lakelands, you might choose to immerse yourself in local history at Enniskillen Castle or visit one of Lough Erne’s 150 islands on a boat tour. Alternatively, you could hike the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, just south of Enniskillen. Known as the Stairway to Heaven, this memorable trail takes you over one of Ireland’s largest expanses of blanket bog.
Overnight – Enniskillen

Day 7: Enniskillen to County Down
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Swap the endless shores of Lough Erne for the dramatic Mountains of Mourne as you travel east towards County Down. On the way, explore the best of the Orchard County of Armagh. Visit the Navan Centre and Fort, one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites, before arriving in Newcastle at the foot of Slieve Donard.
Overnight – County Down

Day 8: Mourne Mountains Sightseeing
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Enjoy the great outdoors in County Down by exploring the Mourne Mountains, the inspiration for C. S. Lewis’ Narnia. Climb Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest peak, or choose one of the many walking trails in the area. You might prefer to venture into Tollymore Forest, follow forest trails along the Shimna River, or take in the scenic sea views from Newcastle.
Overnight – County Down

Day 9: Depart County Down
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After breakfast, your Northern Irish escape will come to an end. Belfast is located approximately one hour from County Down. If you have time before your departure, you might wish to continue exploring the Mourne Mountains or take the scenic route to Belfast via the Strangford Lough Ferry.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

  • Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 8 nights including traditional Northern Irish breakfast
  • Comprehensive information pack and local visitor information
  • Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
  • Map of Northern Ireland with our recommended driving route
  • 7 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
  • Tickets for the Belfast City Sightseeing Tour
  • 24-hour emergency contact number
  • Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

  • Travel insurance
  • Flights
  • Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

Special Places to Stay Special Places to Stay
Special Places to Stay Special Places to Stay
Premium Premium
Premium Premium
Standard Standard

We know that, after a busy day of sightseeing, an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Category
Accommodation type
Price per person
Standard
4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels
From £1165

A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation.

Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your Northern Irish experience.

Premium
Boutique Guest Houses and 4* Hotels
From £1635

Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners.

It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels.

Special Places to Stay
Exceptional Hotels and luxury Resorts
Please enquire

From award-winning luxury Hotels to unique country retreats, all of which offer exceptional accommodation with superb facilities and outstanding service.

These are truly magical places and amongst the best Northern Ireland has to offer. The perfect choice when you would like somewhere really special which can be a treat for the night or for your entire holiday.

Car Hire

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

  • Collision Damage Waiver
  • Super Damage Excess Waiver
  • Third Party Insurance
  • Theft Waiver
  • Tax
Economy
Vauxhall Corsa or similar
  • Good for 2 people
  • Maximum of 4 passengers
  • 2 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Compact
Ford Focus or similar
  • Good for 2 – 4 people
  • Maximum of 5 passengers
  • 2 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Intermediate
Volkswagen Passat or similar
  • Good for up to 4 people
  • Maximum of 5 passengers
  • 3 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Fullsize
VW Sharan or similar
  • Good for 5 people
  • Maximum of 7 passengers
  • 3 – 4 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission

Make an enquiry

Northern Ireland Road Trip

Need something more tailored?
Contact us via email:
enquiries@absoluteescapes.com

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