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After an extensive visit to County Donegal in Ireland, we were not quite finished exploring the Emerald Isle. When the opportunity arose to take Rabbie’s 3-Day Discover Northern Ireland Tour from Dublin, it was an easy yes!
Rabbie’s is a respected, small-group tour company based in Edinburgh, known for its carefully planned itineraries and knowledgeable local guides. They run tours across the U.K. and Ireland for travelers who value comfort, culture, and a more personal experience. With a maximum of 16 passengers on their luxury mini-coaches, Rabbie’s tours strike a balance between structure and flexibility – leaving room for a bit of spontaneity and discovery along the way.
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Although we had planned a short stay in Belfast, I quickly realized I wasn’t prepared to organize a comprehensive itinerary on my own. That problem was effortlessly solved by the good people at Rabbies’s. Their Northern Ireland route included cultural landmarks such as Mount Stewart and Castle Ward, along with several unforgettable Game of Thrones locations. As long-time fans, we were delighted to see the jewellery, landscapes, and locations made famous on screen. Although not all of our travel mates were fans by the end of the tour, we had more following along our small screed adventure!
Day 1: Belfast and Mount Stewart
We had a fairly jam-packed itinerary that began in Dublin. We met in the early morning, brief introductions, and then started heading north toward the Northern Ireland border. There is no formal check-point, but you will notice that your cell phone will go from Ireland to U.K. service (so be sure and buy a SIM that covers both). Also of note, you will now be charged in £ British Pounds and NOT EU € euros.
The drive offered glimpses of rolling green countryside, and a historical commentary from our guide. Although aware of the historic conflict between the English and Irish, it came as a huge surprise to me that, though Ireland and Northern Ireland reside on the same island, life between Catholics and Protestants remains firmly divided.
With these tales of staunch delineation between the two, our first major stop was Belfast’s poignant Interface Area by the Solidarity Wall on Northumberland Street, a vivid testament to the city’s history during the troubles and its peace efforts. This stretch features murals on walls separating the Catholic residential area from the Protestant. They chronicle key events, political figures, and powerful messages of peace and unity, covered in artwork symbolizing reconciliation between communities.
We walked the area with our guide, who shared insights into the peace walls, republican and loyalist symbolism, and an on-going path to peaceful co-existence. It’s a compelling stop that brings Northern Ireland’s complex past to life far more powerfully than storytelling and images alone.
From there, we reached the Titanic Quarter, Belfast’s revitalized waterfront where the ill-fated ship was built over a century ago. The centerpiece is the stunning Titanic Belfast Museum – a massive, ship-shaped structure that immerses visitors in the story through interactive exhibits, recreated ship cabins, and artifacts from the wreck.
We spent a couple of hours exploring the self-guided galleries (with an audioguide), from the shipyards’ gritty industrial era to the tragic maiden voyage. The attention to detail is extraordinary: feel the chill of the North Atlantic in a third-class bunk, or stand on a full-scale replica of the grand staircase, or re-create your favourite scene from the movie.
Entrance is at your own expense (around £25/adult), but it’s worth every penny for history aficionados you will emerged with a deeper appreciation of Belfast’s shipbuilding legacy and maritime life. (Note: a full review of Titanic Belfast is coming soon on DownshiftingPRO.com.)
After Belfast, we continued to the elegant Mount Stewart Garden and Estate in County Down, a National Trust stop with Italianate gardens, subtropical plants, comical statues, and sweeping views over Strangford Lough.
The estate’s history as a political powerhouse – once home to Lord Londonderry – adds layers, with themed gardens like the Shamrock Garden nodding to Irish heritage. We wandered the manicured paths, admired exotic rhododendrons thriving in this mild microclimate, and toured the opulent house interiors filled with fine art and period furnishings. Entry fees apply (£15/adult) – though a walk through the gardens is free.
Tucked along Strangford Lough’s eastern edge in County Down’s Ards Peninsula, Grey Abbey’s 1193 Cistercian ruins feature graceful Gothic arches and a roofless nave that feels frozen in time. The neighbouring graveyard, dotted with weathered headstones amid tangled grass, carries is both enchanting and spooky with the names of lives long ago gone etched in stone.
That evening, we checked into our cozy base in Bangor: Shelleven House B&B (you can read my Hotel-Scoop.com review), a charming spot with welcoming hosts, Sue and Paul, comfortable rooms, and an easy access to the waterfront.
Dinner was at Underground Dining, a Bangor favourite with a beef wellington made to perfection. This was a romantic fine dining experience in a very casual atmosphere. We walked back to the B&B and tucked into very comfortable beds.
Day 2: Causeway Coastal Route, Giant’s Causeway, and Dark Hedges
After our delicious breakfast (included in our room rate), our driver picked up up and wel all headed north along the breathtaking Causeway Coastal Route, one of Northern Ireland’s most dramatic dives with its rugged cliffs, crashing Atlantic waves, and storybook villages hugging the sea. Our Rabbie’s mini-counch made easy work of the winding roads, stopping at scenic viewpoints.
First up was Carrickfergus Castle, a massive Norman fortress perched dramatically on the lough’s (lake’s) edge. Dating back to 1177, its one of Northren Ireland’s best-preserved medieval castles, with towers you can climb for panoramic views. There is also a charming statue of King William III. If you want to tour, there is an entry fee of £6/adult – allot about 45 minutes to tour the courtyard, tower, and battlements.
From there, we continued north to the seaside village of Glenarm, the first stop on the Games of Thrones (GoT) portion of the tour. Glenarm is home to Steensons Jewellers, a small, family-run workshop responsible for creating many of the show’s most iconic pieces – among them the Hand of the King pin and Sansa Stark’s Crown. We even had the chance to try on the few stunning replicas, all handcrafted with exceptional detail.
Our next GoT series stop was Carnlough Harbour, instantly recognizable as the setting where Arya Stark emerges from the waters of Braavos (S6E7). Fans flock to this quiet fishing village to stand where the scene was filmed, and it’s easy to see why – it’s as picturesque in person as it appears on screen.
We then headed to Cushendun Caves, know to GoT devotees as the site where Melisandre gave birth to the shadow assassin. Even if you are not a fan, as some people on our tour were, those towering rock formations and echoes of crashing waves when you are in the cave make this a stunning spot to explore.
For lunch we stopped at Carrick-a-Rede Bar & Restaurant, near the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, before continuing along the breathtaking Causeway Coastal Route towards one of Northern Ireland’s most famous natural wonder the Giant’s Causeway.
Its hexagonal basalt columns, formed by ancient vocanic activity, create a landscape that feels otherworldly (much in keeping with the GoT theme, I might add). It’s no wonder this UNESCO World Heritage Site has inspired myths and legends for centuries.
Although we were not able to stop, you can head to Ballintoy Harbour, another GoT location known as the rugged home of the Iron Islands. The views are pretty spectacular with jagged cliffs and seabirds wheeling overhead.
We were able to stop at the Magheracross Car Park & Viewpoint to have a look at Dunluce Castle, a clifftop ruin perched dramatically above the sea. With its ghostly stone walls and windswept setting, it’s easy to imagine why this haunting fortress inspired the design for the Greyjoy’s seat on the Iron Islands.
As we headed home, we made a brief visit to The Dark Hedges, located in Stranocum, Ballymoney, you are not permitted to drive or stop. Our intrepid driver managed to find a parking place as a few of us quickly walked to the road and took our obligatory GoT pictures. They have been trimmed and are no longer as lush as on the show but it was still pretty exciting.
Day 3 – Strangford Lough, Castle Ward, and the Journey Back to Dublin
Our final day with Rabbie’s 3-Day Discover Northern Ireland Tour took us through some of the region’s most picturesque countryside, combining coastal charm, fascinating history, and one last Game of Thrones connection before crossing back into the Republic of Ireland.
We began the morning along the Ards Peninsula, taking the short ferry ride across “the Narrows” from Strangford to Portaferry. It’s a serene crossing where shimmering blue water meets, soft rolling hills – a lovely way to start the day. The ferry itself is an experience with postcard views of Strangford Lough, on of Northern Irelands most important marine nature reserves.
On the opposite shore, we reached one of Northern Ireland’s most famous film locations: Old Castle Ward, better know to Game of Thrones fans as Winterfell Castle & Demesne. The archery scenes when Bram was a boy, or the tower from which he was thrown are all on the grounds. You can just imagine what this iconic location would have looked like with all of the cast and crew. It was a great way to finish this tour.
Afterwards, we head back down to Castle Ward, the 18th centure mansion where you can have guided tours of the interior rooms. Filled with furnishings, paintings and an impressive textured ceiling on the second floor, we really enjoyed the unique architectural elements in this castle.
Our final stop was Down Cathedral, a historic and spiritual landmark believed to be the burial site of Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. The cathedral’s simple beauty and its statue of St. Patrick overlooking the town of Downpatrick offered a quiet moment of reflection after several lively sighting days. Nearby stands St. Patrick’s Cross, a beautifully preserved stone monument marking centuries of history and pilgrimage.
Leavind Downpatrick behind, we made a short refreshment stop in Rostrevor village. The drive through the Mourne Mountains provided sweeping scenic views – the kind that make your reach for your camera, one more time as you drive by in the fading light. These rugged peaks and glens formed a fitting backdrop to our last stretch through Northern Ireland.
As we crossed back into the Republic of Irelan and continued towards Dublin, conversations turned to favourite moments – whether standing on the Giant’s Causway, walking through Winterfell or whiskey at the pub. By evening, we arrived back at the Radisson Blue at the Dublin Airport (extensive hotel review coming on Dec. 20, 2025) tired and hungry, ready for to repack and continue our travels – mine to Scotland and England and my husband’s home to Canada.
Why Travel with Rabbie’s Tour
Traveling with Rabbie’s Tours offers seasoned travelers with plenty of reasons to love the experience – from affordability to detailed itineraries to small, more intimate groups. Given the choice between a large, crowded bus and a luxury mini-coach carrying just 16 passengers (or fewer in our case), most will gladly choose the latter. It’s a level of comfort and camaraderie you rarely find in other tours.
Our local guide, Stephanie, was excellent, knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about the region’s history, from the Troubles to tales of ancient castles. Having led this tour for years, she knew all the hidden places and happily accommodated special requests. Whether we needed an extra bathroom break or an unscheduled photo stop, she made it happen with ease.
One of the reasons I appreciate Rabbie’s Tours is their flexible approach to lodging. While they don’t provide set accommodations, they do offer a helpful reservation service. You can choose from their list of suggested options and book the style and room type that suits you best. Plus, a generous luggage allowance 44 lbs (20kg) means you can pack comfortably without worry.
Entrance fees to museums and National Trust sites are not included, and that’s actually a plus. You only pay for what you choose to see. Skip the Titanic Museum or castle tour if you prefer, and simply enjoy a peaceful walk in the gardens or a rest on the luxury coach.
While advance ticket purchase is encouraged, most stops didn’t require them. We also appreciated the chance to stop for local snacks and drinks – perfect for late-night cravings. Dinner was equally relaxed: enjoy a quiet, romantic evening or share a meal with new travel friends – we did both and enjoyed time with our new friends from Peterborough, ON, and Edmonton, AB. You could go high-end (Underground Dining) or casual (Donegan’s), depending on your mood and budget.
Finally, traveling in a smaller vehicle meant we could easily reach those off-the-beaten-path spots that big buses can’t. One memorable highlight was being able to park nearby and quickly walk to the hauntingly beautiful Dark Hedges rather than just admiring them from a distance on the bus as we quickly drove by. Ultimately, someone else is doing the driving, and we didn’t have to worry about renting a car, having an international driver’s license, and manoeuvring on the opposite side of the road. We let someone else worry about that!
Recommendation: 5 ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨ ✨
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This sounds like such a well-planned way to explore Northern Ireland. The mix of the Causeway Coastal Route, Giant’s Causeway, and Game of Thrones locations like Dunluce Castle makes the itinerary really special. I love how Rabbie’s small-group setup takes the stress out of planning while still leaving room to truly enjoy the landscapes and history.
100%. Just sit back and let someone else doing the driving!
I’m glad to see that your tour included a portion dedicated to learning about the political conflicts-I think it’s an essential part of visiting Northern Ireland.
It was fascinating. What I thought was something in the past, remains steadfast beliefs.
To think the marriage between my Catholic self and my Protestant husband would be very unlikely still. We’ve been happily married for 32 years.
Wow, the scenery, castles, dark hedges all look beautiful. Wonderful to also have a guide who is so knowledgeable about the political history of the area.
Honestly, we loved it. There is still so much to see. I’d love to return.
Such a beautiful route! Northern Ireland looks absolutely stunning. This tour sounds like an amazing way to see it.
Honestly, we loved it. Our guide Stephanie was wonderful and her ongoing commentary helped us understand the politics of the area. Very important to hear it from a local.