BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND

Departing the port of Belfast, taking a drive inland through the Northern Counties of Down and Derry we will pass en route Ballymoney & Ballmena.

Departing the port of Belfast, taking a drive inland through the Northern Counties of Down and Derry we will pass en route Ballymoney & Ballmena. Our first stop will be to take photographs of Dunlace Castle, a dramatic and picturesque ruin on a rocky headland. Most of the fortificationa date from the 16th and 17th centuries. Continuing on we will arrive at the Giants’ Causeway where lunch will be served at the Causeway Hotel. After lunch, we will visit the Giants’ Causeway. For centuries, visitors have marvelled at its majesty and mystery. The unique rock formations have, for millions of years, stood as a natural rampart against the unbridled ferocity of the Atlantic storms and the rugged symmetry of the columns never fail to intrigue and inspire. To stroll the Giants’ Causeway is to voyage back in time. Your imagination will travel along stepping-stones that lead to either the creative turbulence of the bygone volcanic age or into the myths and legends of the past. Enjoy the Audio-visual presentation and causeway exhibition before boarding the “causeway Coaster” minibus, which will bring us to the causeway itself. Commencing our spectacular drive along Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast, some of the world’s most spectacular and unspoilt scenery is to be found in the country of Antrim. A stop will be made for us to view Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge. Spanning a chasm some eighty feet deep, its construction once consisted of a single rope handrail and widely spaced slats, which the fishermen would traverse across with salmon caught off the island. The single handrail was subsequently replaced by a two hand railed bridge, the current cage bridge was installed by the National Trust during Easter 2000 as a further safety measure. Although no one has ever been injured falling off the old bridge, there have been many instances of visitors being unable to face the return walk back across the bridge, resulting in him or her being taken off the island by boat. From the rugged cliffs of the coast to the magical beauty of the Glens, here is the best of what Northern Ireland has to offer. We travel via the Coast Road to reveal an unrivalled seascape, towering cliffs, white sandy beaches, tranquil glens and lush forest parks, as we make our way northwards. We will be constantly delighted as we travel around each bend in the road and pretty fishing villages or dramatic headlands come into view. From the magnificent vantage point at Fair Head and Murlough Bay we will be able to enjoy uninterrupted views of Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre, as well as the wild and mysterious island of Rathlin just seven miles off the coast. There are approximately 20 steps to negotiate throughout the tour and approximately 3 hours of walking in total, some over uneven ground, therefore this tour is not suitable for the less mobile. Don’t forget your camera!

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2007 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES