Let’s plan the itinerary
It all begins in Belfast. Here’s the initial itinerary for our grand #fliptrip!
As the reservation process ramps up, we’ll have a definitive itinerary by September. For now, these are the definite activities, destinations and experiences we are building upon. The lodging is secure, but we’re always searching for additional activities to delight our travelers.
If there’s something you’d love to see or experience, let us know. We’ve already got one request and it’s a reality!
📍May 8 - departure from airport of choice with arrival in Dublin or Belfast (arrival and department airport pending) on morning of May 9; pickup noon
📍May 9 - We’ll meet Flip at noon on Sunday at Dublin Airport to travel to Belfast. Make sure your arrival into Dublin is prior to 11 a.m. We’ll check in to Titanic Hotel Belfast which is adjacent to the Titanic Museum. Your stay is a standard room, double bed and includes Monday morning breakfast. Tickets to the museum are also included. This property is the Harland & Wolff Headquarters and Drawing Offices where the ship Titanic came to life. We’ll dine at The Wolff Grill that evening as a group (included).
Stand in the actual footprint of the ship Titanic.
Experience a stay at Titanic Hotel Belfast, situated right opposite the world-renowned tourist attraction - Titanic Belfast. During your stay, enjoy the added indulgence of two tickets to explore the stunning galleries at Titanic Belfast : explore the shipyard, travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true legend of Titanic. Then, awaken to a delicious Titanic-sized breakfast the following morning that will set you up for a day full of exploring.
Rooms included in price: Standard Room (double bed) or Superior Room (king bed) or Accessible Room (King or twin) , all in Heritage Building
Rooms available at additional cost: Executive Room with king bed and upgraded amenities in new building or Suite with king bed in Heritage building; INQUIRE
📍May 10 - Depart Belfast; Troubles-Peace Tour (admission included) with guide Rory O’Kane; travel along the Causeway Coast toward Ballycastle with stops along the way; check into Marine Hotel Ballycastle located directly beside the sea (three nights with breakfast included); small bites and Guinness at Mary McBride’s in Cushendun; Cushendun Caves; group dinner at Marconi’s Bar and Bistro (included)
Offering 51 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, many with sweeping sea views, the hotel combines refined comfort with timeless coastal style. Guests can enjoy locally inspired dining at Marconi’s Bar & Bistro while taking in the dramatic scenery. The Marine Hotel is a distinguished base for discovering Rathlin Island, the Giant’s Causeway, and the wider North Antrim coastline.
All rooms will be a Classic Seaview Double or Twin.
Rooms available for an additional cost: Deluxe Seaview Double with balcony (1 available); Torr Suite with Seaview (1 available); Lir Suite with Seaview (1 available) ; INQUIRE
📍May 11 - Touring; Ballycastle Traditional Music Trail (admission included); Dunluce Castle; Giants Causeway
📍May 12 - Touring; Ballintoy Harbor; Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (National Trust of UK) ; The Dark Hedges; afternoon tea with Bramble Green Knitwear
Meet Claire at her Bramble Green Studio, located near the Dark Hedges (a.k.a The Kings Road).
📍May 13 - Depart Ballycastle; travel toward Derry with stops along the way; check into Bishops Gate Hotel in Derry/Londonderry (two nights); Bakehouse NI in Magherafelt (admission included)
Bishop’s Gate Hotel is perfectly positioned within the historic city walls in the heart of Derry City’s Cathedral Quarter. Built in 1899, Bishop’s Gate Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel and a member of Ireland’s Blue Book blends stunning Edwardian architecture, stylish appointments and luxurious facilities which have been sensitively restored to pay homage to the rich heritage of the building, whilst exceeding the contemporary needs and desires of its guests. In its reincarnation no detail has been left to chance; this iconic landmark is an intimate urban oasis featuring 30 luxurious guestrooms, including suites, 9 apartments, The Wig and Gown Champagne Bar and Restaurant, The Hervey Library and Northern Counties Ballroom. Expect unrivalled service - the way in which we welcome guests, attend to them during their stay and remember them when they come back is the essence of Bishop’s Gate Hotel.
All rooms included in cost are Deluxe Rooms or Accessible Room, featuring a king, queen or twin beds; walk-in shower, robes and slippers.
Rooms available at additional cost include: Luxury Rooms (king bed, balcony); Junior Suites (king bed, larger room, separate living room, Nespresso machine, welcome amenity basket); Penthouse Suite (views of Guildhall and Peace Bridge, king bed, separate living and dining room, original fireplace, Nespresso machine). INQUIRE.
📍May 14 - Touring; Glenshane Country Farm (admission included)
📍May 15 - Depart Derry; travel to Dublin with arrival mid-afternoon; Goodbye Flip! Overnight stay at Carlton Hotel Dublin Airport (free shuttle to airport provided) in preparation for departure on May 16
📍May 16 - Fly home
Reservations and Cancellation Policy
📍25% due at booking; final payment due March 1, 2027
📍Cancellations after March 2, 2027, are non-refundable.
Northern Ireland will change you. Let us show you how.
Meet our host, Flip Robinson, Giant Tours Ireland
Meet our amazing host, Flip Robinson. He’s GIANT!
As a true local with a passion for storytelling, Flip brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to your journey. With a background in environmental science, years of volunteering service with the RNLI and Coastguard rescue, and professional roles as a Ranger and Guide at the iconic sites like the Giants Causeway UNESCO World Heritage Site and the breathtaking Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Flip knows the landscape inside out. But what truly sets Flip apart is his Game of Thrones connection. During the filming of Season 6, while working at Carrick-a-Rede, he was discovered by the show’s directors and cast as a stand-in actor. From there, he went on to appear in two episodes, playing key roles in pivotal scenes – including the unforgettable events leading to “The Door” reveal.
With his Game of Thrones behind-the-scenes knowledge, Flip makes the series come to life. And even if you haven’s seen the show, the locations are breathtaking and will come to life, all on their own. Touring in a luxury Mercedes-Benz V-Class, you’ll go off the beaten path for an intimate experience, bringing small groups to stand on the very spots where the legendary scenes where filmed. – places most visitors never get to see.
Learn more about Flip and his company Giant Tours Ireland. You’re in for such a treat! What a privilege for us to have him for the entire week.
Yes, Flip is indeed THAT tall! When we say GIANT, we mean GIANT!
Travel like a giant with Giant Tours Ireland and Seeing Southern in 2027
It’s our FIRST Seeing Southern Travel Experience and we’re so stinkin’ excited.
It’s our first Seeing Southern travel experience, and we’re excited for you to join us.
Curated with destinations and people we have come to love the most, we start in Northern Ireland with our good friend, Flip Robinson of Giant Tours Ireland. Join a small group of travelers to explore Northern Ireland through the eyes of a local son. This will not be a vacation, it will be an experience, a memory for your lifetime.
Once you experience Northern Ireland, it will never leave you.
The GIANT Details for 2027
🚗 May 8 (departure, arrival May 9) - 16, 2027
🚗 All-Inclusive
🚗 6 people, max
🚗 Dublin DUB (arrival airport), Belfast, Ballycastle, Derry/Londonderry, Dublin DUB (departure airport)
🚗 Seven nights accommodations included in boutique hotels; The Titanic Hotel Belfast (1) in Belfast, Marine Hotel (3) in Ballycastle, Bishops Gate (2) in Derry/Londonderry; Carlton Hotel (1) at Dublin Airport.
🚗 Award-winning local guide curating bespoke experiences highlighting local small businesses, Irish traditions, historical and UNESCO sites, plus off-the-beaten path stops including Game of Thrones filming locations.
🚗 All transportation included, Mercedes touring van
🚗 Tour guide fee.
🚗 Experiences include (fee or admission included where stated), and not limited to, Titanic Museum (included), Troubles Peace Tour (included), Ballycastle Traditional Music Trail (included), Ursa Minor Bakehouse, Glenshane Country Farm (included), Causeway Coastal Route including Giants Causeway (UNESCO), Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (National Trust), Ballintoy Harbor, Dunluce Castle, plus +. Bread-making at Bakehouse NI in Magherafelt (included), afternoon tea with Clare at Bramble Green Knitwear (included), and PUBS!
🚗 Passports are required, must be valid 6 months prior to and post trip date. Northern Ireland currency, pounds. Dublin currency, euros.
🚗 Real ID.
🚗 Carry-on size varies with airlines; carry-on must fit in overhead bin. 22 x 14 x 9 (including wheels and handles); gates close earlier than ever, so be at the airport (for international flight) at least three hours prior.
🚗 Itinerary and order of occurrence subject to change🚗. Pricing based on double occupancy: If you are interested in single occupancy, please inquire for pricing.
Included📍Double occupancy accommodations
📍6 breakfasts + 2 meals
📍Guide + transportation
Not Included📍Flights (book independently)
📍Entry tickets (unless stated)
📍Food and alcohol (unless stated)
📍Visas or travel insurance
📍Tips and gratuities (unless stated)
Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it? If you’d like to receive a questionnaire in preparation and for consideration, please send an email to seeingsouthern@gmail.com with the SUBJECT LINE: Northern Ireland Questionnaire.
To sign up for the July ZOOM call with Flip, send an email to seeingsouthern@gmail.com with the SUBJECT LINE: Join the Zoom call with Flip of Giant Tours Ireland. Call details will be included in email.
Do you dare cross the Carrick-a-rede bridge? Just look at Len . . . YOU got this!