10 Archaeology Tours in Northern Ireland That You Shouldn't Miss

Ever wondered what it’s like in the Queen’s house? Enjoy the richness and diversity of the house and gardens at Hillsborough Castle, home to the British Royal Family whenever they visit Northern Ireland. Located in County Down, just 12 miles from Belfast, Scenic Tours NI enables you to take a guided tour of the historic property and its grounds, allowing you to enjoy the sheer splendour of your surroundings.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Mobile WiFi

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Discover the epic story of Saint Patrick at the Saint Patrick Centre and walk in his footsteps on our Pilgrim’s Way around the Medieval Town of Downpatrick. Explore the stunning countryside and visit important sites in Patrick’s story with our Irish Language Guide who will bring Saint Patrick’s story to life and discuss townlands and Irish names in our countryside. Pilgrims lunch included. After lunch walk to the top of Slieve Patrick and see the tallest statue of Saint Patrick in the World before walking along country lanes to the first healing wells in Ireland at Struell. Return to Downpatrick to see the mosaic shrine to Saint Patrick in Saint Patrick’s Church and finish at the Medieval Cathedral of Down and Saint Patrick’s Grave. The Pilgrim’s Walk and Lunch is completely guided by an Irish language Guide, follows paths and country roads and observes social distancing principles. This tour always starts from the Saint Patrick Centre at 12.00 Noon.

Inclusions: Pilgrim's Lunch of Soup, Sandwiches, Tea and Coffee at The Barn at Saul.

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Stone circles in ancient times were thought of being birthing portals for mythical Irish creatures. The large stones were said to come alive at night and dance to the morning. However this area holds an actual Bloodline of giants to this very day, this will be explored in your storytelling walk. Beaghmore is complete with 7 stones circles said to be aligned to the stars above and is beside a Dark Sky Observatory. This site sits among a series of Monuments across the Eastern Sperrin mountains that contains sites that are older than Newgrange in Ireland's Ancient East. At each circle you will be told part of the story and you will have the opportunity to take photographs as you go along. This is a rare chance to hear the stories connected to this area, and you have the ability to touch the stones and connect with their powerful mystery. Finishing with stunning scenes of the mountains you will tuck into a picnic made from the local Hotel, Apparo, in Draperstown.

Inclusions: Picnic with non alcoholic drink

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Discover the epic story of Saint Patrick at the Saint Patrick Centre and walk in his footsteps on our Pilgrim’s Way around the Medieval Town of Downpatrick with Adoration Sisters turned pilgrim guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly. Once professional talkers now professional walkers the former-BBC political correspondent and former-barrister will bring Saint Patrick’s story to life and discuss spiritual aspects of his journey. Explore the stunning countryside and visit important sites in Patrick’s story and have a Pilgrim’s Lunch at The Barn in Saul (included). The Pilgrim’s Walk and Picnic is completely guided, follows paths and country roads and observes social distancing principles. It can be complete in a day doing the entire trail or as two half-day trips. The tour always starts from the Saint Patrick Centre in the morning.

Inclusions: Pilgrim's Lunch of Soup, Sandwiches, Tea and Coffee at The Barn at Saul.

Exclusions:

Discover the epic story of Saint Patrick at the Saint Patrick Centre and walk in his footsteps on our Pilgrim’s Way around the Medieval Town of Downpatrick with Adoration Sisters turned pilgrim guides Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly. Once professional talkers now professional walkers the former-BBC political correspondent and former-barrister will bring Saint Patrick’s story to life and discuss spiritual aspects of his journey. Explore the stunning countryside and visit important sites in Patrick’s story and have a Pilgrim’s Lunch at The Barn in Saul (included). The Pilgrim’s Walk and Picnic is completely guided, follows paths and country roads and observes social distancing principles. It can be complete in a day doing the entire trail or as two half-day trips. The tour always starts from the Saint Patrick Centre in the morning.

Inclusions: Pilgrim's Lunch of Soup, Sandwiches, Tea and Coffee at The Barn at Saul.

Exclusions:

Escape from the hustle and bustle of tourist traps with our Strangford Lough scenic tour. Showing off some of the most beautiful sights in Northern Ireland, this truly relaxing experience takes in the scenery hidden away just south of Belfast, allowing you to sit back and enjoy nature at its best. You will be collected from and dropped off at your requested locations.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Mobile WiFi

Exclusions: All Fees and Taxes

Complete your trip to Northern Ireland with a sightseeing city tour of our capital, Belfast. On our tours, we'll show you everything that our city has to offer in terms of architecture, culture, and the general atmosphere. Our tour can include all or some of the above depending on time availability.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Mobile WiFi

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This a 5 star rated tour carried out by a qualified and published historian. You travel in luxury to the best sites and scenery in Ireland and hear the story of the Irish people told through the castles and living rocks of the ancient Irish landscape. You will travel from the Giant's Causeway to the movie sets of Game of Thrones and also see the building slips of the famous Titanic before seeing the iconic Peacewalls and Murals of Belfast. This is a unique travel experience where even lunch becomes an event as you dine in a haunted 5 star hotel and visit the spooky ghost room of the Grey Lady. On the way you will hear the story of the Irish and how they influenced the world through their migration to the North America and helped shape the constitution of the United States of America before becomeing the 'Fighting Irish' of the American Civil War. In 7 packed hours you will experience the best that Ireland has to offer with a qualified dedicated tour guide.

Inclusions: Specialist Tour Guide Commentary at Ancient Castles and at the Belfast Peacelines and Murals

Exclusions: Around 10 to 15 British Pounds for a light lunch at a haunted 5 star hotel and castle.

The Giant’s Causeway will be one of your greatest travel memories after we explore it together. You’ll be immersed into the Ireland of legend, where the gods played their parts and giants walked this land. This will be a day to remember. From exploring the legend of the most famous ship in history - The Titanic - to becoming immersed in the passionate yet brutal history of The Troubles, Belfast has stories galore! NOTES: See the itinerary for more details Just like at all sites, your professional guide will recount the stories, explain the history and culture along the way. You will arrive back at Dublin Port in good time for your departure. Always be sure to inform your guide of when you’d like to arrive back at the ship. We suggest 90mins at least to account for any traffic delays.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Fuel surcharge, Parking Fees, Private transportation

Exclusions: Tips, Purchase your own lunch

This a 5 star rated tour carried out by a qualified and published historian. You travel in luxury to the best sites and scenery in Ireland and hear the story of the Irish people told through the castles, mansions and living rocks of the ancient Irish landscape. From the Game of Thrones to the Battle of Waterloo and the Nazi's this is a unique tour with a professional guide who's 5 Star rated tours are in the top 5% rated tours worldwide. In 7 packed hours you will experience the best that Ireland has to offer with a qualified dedicated tour guide.

Inclusions: Private transportation

Exclusions: Around 10 to 15 British Pounds for a light lunch., Admission to Mount Stewart at £17 per person