The North of Ireland

Our first visit of the day will be to Giant’s Ring, a Neolithic henge monument situated on the outskirts of Belfast. This enormous earthwork is approximately 200m across with a stone passage tomb at its centre known as the Druid’s Altar. The henge is so large, it is often mistaken for a hill fort with its well-preserved high bank. Afterwards, we continue our journey to Downpatrick. Here we visit Down Cathedral which was built on the site of a Benedictine Monastery. Repeatedly damaged by Viking raiders, Norman invaders and earthquakes, there is little left of the original church which stood here in the 10^th century and the building we see today dates back less than two centuries. However, it is here that we find the alleged resting place of St. Patrick, celebrated patron saint of Ireland. In the early 20^th century, so many people were removing soil from the grave site to carry with them when they emigrated, a mammoth granite stone was placed on top. On our way back to Belfast we stop at Ballynoe Stone circle accredited by Aubrey Burk himself as ‘one of the great rings of Western Europe;’ and at the impressive Neolithic Legananny Dolmen, probably the most famous megalithic monument in Northern Ireland.

This morning, we drive to Armagh to visit Navan Fort, legendary Emian Macha in early Irish mythology, the seat of Chonchobhar and stronghold of the Red Branch Knights. Archaeologists conducting recent geophysical surveys of the area have revealed a large number of consecutive temple complexes and its thought this large hilltop enclosure represents an ancient ceremonial site.

Returning to Belfast this afternoon, we spend time at Titanic Belfast, an impressive six floor building dedicated to the history of this tragically famous ship. Amongst the highlights are full-scale reconstructions of parts of the interior and original Titanic artifacts.

Today we journey north. Situated dramatically on the edge of an outcrop on the craggy Antrim coast, we visit the ruins of Dunluce Castle.  Built by the McQuillans, a Scottish clan of hired mercenaries, it was later taken by the MaDonnell clan who later became Earls of Antrim from the 17^th century onwards. A few years ago excavations here revealed traces of an abandoned 17^th century small town in the shadow of the castle. Evidence suggests it was a modern, planned settlement with cobbled streets, large stone houses and market square. A short drive brings us to probably the most famous geological feature of Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway. Formed between 50 and 60 million years ago when molten rock was forced through fissures in the earth, the Causeway is one of only two UK coastal sites (the other being the Jurrassic coast) to feature on the World Heritage list. After lunch we visit the Hinch Distillery and enjoy a whiskey tasting.

On our last day, we take a walk-through Belfast to view some of the most important features of the city. In the afternoon our tour ends and we make our independent onward journeys.