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Discover the best of Northern Ireland's castles, stately homes, and churches on a day trip from Belfast. Visit Killeyleagh Castle, Castle Ward, Mount Stewart, and more.

Highlights

• Discover the best of Northern Ireland's castles, stately homes, and churches
• Killyleagh Castle, National Trust properties of Castle Ward and Mount Stewart
• Explore the Nendrum Monastic Site, Sketrick Castle, and Saul Church
• See the Greyabbey Monastery, Portaferry Castle, and Scrabo Tower
• Enjoy a hotel pick-up and drop-off from Belfast

Description

Discover some of Northern Ireland's most prominent castles, stately homes, and places of worship on a full-day tour from Belfast. From the private residence of Killeyleagh Castle to the National Trust properties of Castle Ward and Mount Stewart, see some of Northern Ireland's finest sights as you travel from Belfast City to the beautiful landscape of Strangford Lough. Begin your day with a hotel pickup and head to the Nendrum Monastic Site on Mahee Island. This is the best example in Northern Ireland of a pre-Norman ecclesiastical enclosure with its buildings. Nendrum is associated with St. Mochaoi who died at the end of the 5th century and is linked with St. Patrick in a much later source. Next, visit the Sketrick Castle, a large tower house built in the mid-15th century and actively involved in warfare during the 16th century. Continue to the Killyleagh Castle, a castle in the village of Killyleagh. It is believed to be one of the oldest inhabited castles in the country, with parts dating back to 1180. (Please note this is a private residence and we stop only for a photo opportunity at the gates) Stop at the Saul Church, known as the Cradle of Christianity in Ireland. Tradition holds that St. Patrick and his companions landed at the mouth of the Slaney river, a few miles from here, in 432 AD. Next, visit the Castle Ward, an eccentric 18th-century mansion and estate looking out over the tranquil waters of Strangford Lough. It has also been used as a film location for Game of Thrones. (Please note: Interior tours of the House are limited and may depend on availability, However the grounds are extensive and make for a beautiful visit) Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the Portaferry Castle, a small tower house in Portaferry overlooking the harbor. It was built in the 16th century by William Le Savage. Next, visit the Greyabbey Monastery, a Cistercian abbey-monastery dating from 1193. Continue to Mount Stewart, now managed by the National Trust. The people who lived and worked here are connected to many significant events in European history, from the Congress of Vienna to the First World War. (Please note: Interior tours of the House are limited and may depend on availability, However the grounds are extensive and make for a beautiful visit) Finally, visit the Scrabo Tower, which was built in 1857 and is one of Northern Ireland's best-known landmarks before returning back to Belfast.

Includes

Hotel pick-up and drop-off Entry fee to Castle Ward Entry fee to Mount Stewart Lunch

Important Information

• The tour involves some walking, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Some locations may have uneven terrain, so please dress accordingly. Photography is allowed, but please be respectful of private properties and do not take photos inside private residences. The tour schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. Please be ready for hotel/port pick-up at the designated time.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund