An Exclusive Tour of Northern Ireland’s Finest Houses

We fly to Belfast and transfer to the Holiday Inn, Belfast. Later, we enjoy a welcome drink reception hosted by our tour manager, followed by dinner.

This morning we head to one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful estates, Glenarm Castle, which has been the private residence of the Earls of Antrim for 400 years. Throughout the castle are superb examples of Irish furniture as well as portraits of family members from the early 17^th century onwards. We also explore the castle’s walled garden, one of Ireland’s oldest, originally created to supply the house with fruit and vegetables and now filled with lovely flowers and specimen plants.

We continue along the stunning Causeway Coastal Route with its breathtaking views and rugged beauty, meandering along to the Giant’s Causeway. So-named for the enormous basalt columns produced by volcanic eruptions some sixty million years ago, it is now a designated World Heritage Site. Interactive displays, exhibitions and audio guides in the state-of-the-art visitor centre unveil the stories and science that surround this natural phenomenon. Please note that it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.

Today we take a peek into the Redhall Estate, a private family home which dates back to the 16^th century, with a 12^th-century motte and bailey still standing proudly near to the house. Sitting pretty in ancient parkland, Redhall has been shaped by various generations and boasts stunning views over Islandmagee and Larne Lough.

Afterwards, we make our way back to Northern Ireland’s vibrant capital to visit Titanic Belfast, a fantastic interactive exhibition located on the site of the original shipyard where the famous liner was built. Hear heart-breaking tales about the vessel's passengers, discover the detail behind the mammoth task of building the ill-fated ship and dive into the depths with an immersive video exploring the wreckage on the ocean floor.

This evening we enjoy dinner at the famous National Trust property, the Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast.

Our first visit is to the impressive Montalto Estate, once a much-loved residence and now open to the public. Dating back to the early 1600s, Montalto has been almost exclusively a family home and we find out more about its history on our guided tour. Outside, the estate boasts exquisite 400-acre grounds of Emerald-green Irish countryside, twisting trails and beautiful gardens.

Next, we head to Hillsborough Castle, a beautiful late Georgian mansion created in the 1770s by Wills Hill, the first Marquis of Downshire. Surrounded by 100 acres of glorious gardens, Hillsborough boasts elegant State Rooms filled with wonderful paintings, furnishings and curiosities. Generations of the Hill family lived at Hillsborough until the early 20^th century when the castle began to develop the political and royal associations for which it is famous today. Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and Princess Margaret spent many holidays at Hillsborough and since the 1970s, it has been the official residence of both the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the British monarch.

Our destination this morning is the magnificent Neo-classical Mount Stewart House and Garden, located on the shores of Strangford Lough. Home of the Stewart family, Marquesses of Londonderry, for over 250 years, this recently restored and much-loved family home offers a wealth of treasures. The wonderfully atmospheric garden, with its series of formal themed garden compartments, full of rare and tender plants from across the globe, has been voted as one of the top ten gardens in the world.

From here we make our way to one of Ireland’s most important historic houses, Ballywalter Park, for a fascinating guided tour with the owner. Home of Lord and Lady Dunleath, the house was built in the Italianate Palazzo style for the present owner’s great, great, great grandfather between 1846 and 1850 to the designs of the eminent architect, Sir Charles Lanyon. A conservatory and billiard room wing, also by Lanyon, was added around 1870. The house has been afforded Grade A* listing as being of exceptional architectural importance and is situated within a walled demesne of some 270 acres, featuring pleasure grounds, a fine collection of specimen trees and pretty rhododendrons. We also enjoy some refreshments during our visit.

We check out of our hotel and transfer to Belfast airport for our return flight home.