Houses & Gardens of Northern Ireland

Take an enchanted 'Giant Leap' to some of Northern Ireland's finest properties on this brand-new tour which explores some magnificent mansions and gorgeous grounds and gardens. No trip to Northern Ireland would be complete without setting foot on the Giant's Causeway, the mysterious geological formation, and you will also discover more about the life and times of Ireland's Patron Saint, St Patrick. A visit to the stunning royal residence, Hillsborough Castle, is included and there is time at leisure to explore cosmopolitan Belfast, the hip and happening city with a glittering waterfront lined with modern art, a fabulous foodie scene and magnificent Victorian architecture. There is a bonus stop at Castle Kennedy Gardens (one of Scotland's hidden treasures) en-route to the ferry on Day 2.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights in Belfast with breakfast & dinner with tea / coffee- 2 overnight hotels with breakfast (one with dinner)- Entrance to Castle Kennedy Gardens (Scotland)- Porterage at main hotel- Guided tour of Belfast- Entrance to Glenarm Castle Walled Garden- Entrance to the Giant's Causeway Visitor Experience- Entrance to Mount Stewart House & Gardens- Entrance & guided tour of Hillsborough Castle- Entrance to Saint Patrick Centre- En-route visit to Dublin- Excursions as stated

Your Itinerary
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, you will travel northwards with ample stops for refreshments and lunch before arriving at the 3* Cairndale Hotel across the border in Dumfries. DBB

DAY 2 - After breakfast, continue further west through Dumfries and Galloway for an included visit to the magnificent Castle Kennedy Gardens, just a few miles east of Stranraer. 75 acres of spectacularly designed loch-side landscape create a romantic garden paradise with something for everyone to enjoy. From stunning fauna to beautiful scenery, sculpted landforms, spectacular walks and popular bird hides, the Gardens are a hidden treasure in South West Scotland. The inspiration of the 2nd Earl of Stair in the 1730s, the colourful displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and embothriums are legendary, so too are the many rare and exotic plants, 20 Champion Trees, the walled garden, atmospheric avenues and the romantic ruins of 16th Century Castle Kennedy. The giant lily pond is a truly remarkable sight. There is a tearoom and gift shop.

Continue to Cairnryan for the afternoon sailing with Stena Line to Belfast. The crossing takes two hours 15 minutes and on arrival in Belfast, it's a short drive straight to your main holiday hotel, The 4* Stormont, for dinner. DBB

DAY 3 - 5 - At leisure in Belfast with THREE included excursions.

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Glenarm Castle Walled Garden & Giants Causeway
One of Northern Ireland's most beautiful estates, Glenarm Castle Walled Garden bursts with colour throughout the season with something for everyone: from those just looking for a relaxing stroll among lovely surroundings to the keenest garden enthusiast. Dating from the 18th century, the Walled Garden is situated on the grounds of Glenarm Castle, the ancestral home of the McDonnell family, Earls of Antrim. Over the years the Walled Garden has been carefully restored by Viscount and Viscountess Dunluce and continues to evolve as a centre of horticultural excellence with imaginative herbaceous borders, beautiful water features, and displays of flowers bursting with colour (no entry to the castle included). Continue on to the second highlight of the day - the mighty Giant's Causeway, created by volcanic activity. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Giant's Causeway is a magnificent, mysterious geological formation on the North East coast of Co Antrim steeped in myth and legend. There is a shuttle bus service (Causeway Coaster) from the visitor centre down to the shore for those who do not wish to walk (small fee applies - approx. £2 return).

Hillsborough Castle & Belfast
Just a short hop from Belfast is the elegant Hillborough Castle, the British monarch's official residence in Northern Ireland. A guided tour of this late-Georgian mansion, built in 1797, is included and you will see the state drawing room, dining rooms and the Lady Grey Room where, in 2003, Tony Blair and George W Bush held talks on Iraq. There are also 98 acres of beautiful gardens, offering a contrast of ornamental grounds, peaceful woodland, meandering waterways, and trimmed lawns. Head back into Belfast in the afternoon for time at lesiure to explore. Maybe enjoy a drink in the Crown Bar opposite the Grand Opera House, the only pub owned by the National Trust. Enjoy Belfast's thriving, cosmopolitan scene with its many bars and restaurants. You may like to visit the Titanic Belfast, located in the heart of the city, right beside the historic site of this world-famous ship's construction (entrance not included approx. £24.95 pp - must be booked in advance online. Midweek reduction for seniors). Belfast is a city full of heart and one of the easiest cities to navigate as it is split into quarters - The Titanic Quarter, The Cathedral Quarter, Queen's Quarter and The Gaeltacht Quarter.

Mount Stewart & Saint Patrick Centre
Head to the celebrated 19th century neo-classical mansion house, gardens and demesne, Mount Stewart, in County Down on the eastern shore of Strangford Lough. Mount Stewart house has always been a 'home' for the Londonderry family, and the garden is unique and of rare quality, considered one of the most outstanding gardens in the world. It is a deeply personal garden, created by Edith, Lady Londonderry in the early 20th century with a strong artistic theme combined with an unrivalled plant collection. The house contains a world-class collection of paintings whilst still retaining the feeling of a family home. Continue this afternoon to the other side of the lough - it may be possible to cross by the Strangford ferry (tides permitting) - to Downpatrick and the excellent Saint Patrick Centre, the only permanent exhibition in the world about Ireland's Patron Saint. The history of Ireland starts here, narrated by Irish actor Ciaran Hinds in Patrick's words, which guide you through an amazing multimedia exhibition detailing his life and adventures from his boyhood in Roman Britain to his captivity by Irish pirates. Just next door is Down Cathedral, where (it is believed) the mortal remains of Saint Patrick lie buried.

DAY 6 - Dublin
After breakfast depart Belfast for Dublin, with some free time before taking the mid-afternoon sailing back to Holyhead. It is recommended to have a meal on board as it will be a mid-evening arrival for your overnight in North Wales at 3* Beaufort Park Hotel in Mold. BB

DAY 7 - After a leisurely breakfast retrace your steps, with ample stops for refreshments. Continue via interchange back to your local joining points arriving home mid/late evening.Stormont Hotel, Belfast
This smart 4* hotel is located on the outskirts of Belfast centre, adjacent to the Stormont Estate overlooking immaculately maintained wooded landscape.

he superb facilities include a refurbished lounge and stylish, cosmopolitan restaurant. Bright, spacious guestrooms are tastefully decorated and offer all
mod cons and singles are double/twin for sole use.

There is a lift.