Final itinerary, pricing and booking
Well well folks - in the famous words of Mary McBride’s Bar in Cushendun - here’s the itinerary. I wish we were leaving tomorrow. Len IS a #DerryGirl.
Len’s “a Derry Girl” at the mural in Derry.
This is exciting, and we’re proud to provide you with the details of our Northern Ireland experience in May 2027.
We have listed what is included in the final cost to you. Additional items may be added if time or interests permits closer to travel.
This page will be dedicated to provide all tour information, documents needed and traveler information once bookings have been made. It will accessible only to those who are booked.
For more information, email seeingsouthern@gmail.com. To learn more about our guide, visit Giant Tours Ireland.
May 8 (Saturday) | Travel day. You will be responsible for booking your flights to Dublin Airport for arrival by 11 a.m. on Sunday morning. Pick up at the airport is 12 p.m.
May 9 (Sunday) | Meet Flip at noon (location TBD).
Heading toward Belfast, we stop at Newgrange (included) for tour.
Arrival at The Titanic Hotel; check in. Group dinner (included) at Wolffe Grill (hotel).
May 10 (Monday ) | Breakfast the hotel. Tour the Titanic Museum (on your own and included). Opens at 9 a.m. Check out of the hotel by 11 a.m. If you check out before touring the museum, have hotel hold luggage.
Meet Flip at 11:30 a.m. for the Belfast Troubles-Peace Driving Tour (included)
Head toward Ballycastle. Stop for a pint and bites at Mary McBride’s Bar.
Check into Marine Hotel Ballycastle. Group dinner (included) at Marine Hotel, Marconi’s Bar & Bistro.
May 11 (Tuesday) | May 12 (Wednesday) – Breakfast at hotel each morning.
Begin the day around 10 a.m. This list will be the highlights of our two days near Ballycastle. The itinerary will not be in any particular order but Flip will decide which logistically makes the day less hurried and more restful.
Glenariff Forest Waterfalls
Cushendun Caves and The Glens
Murlough Bay aka Slavers Bay
Ursa Bakehouse lunch and visit/pop down into the ‘engine room’
Carrick a Rede Bridge (included)
Ballycastle Music Trial
Ballintoy Harbor
Whitepark Bay and Dunseverick Castle
Giant's Causeway (on your own tour with Flip included; if you choose the visitor center guide, cost = 16€)
Lunch in the Causeway Hotel (adjacent to Giant’s Causeway Visitor Center)
Old Bushmills Distillery (included, tasting in the bar and shop visit)
Dunluce Castle (included)
Dark Hedges and Bramble Green (included) for tea and shopping
May 13 (Thursday) | Breakfast at hotel. Check out of Marine Hotel by10 a.m.
Broagh’s Bakehouse for a cooking class followed by lunch (included)
Glenshane Country Farm to visit with the shepherd and sheepdogs (included)
Drive to Derry and check in at Bishop’s Gate Hotel.
May 14 (Friday)
Breakfast at hotel. The Tower Museum and Derry Girls
Tour Derry with Gleann Doherty (included)
May 15 (Saturday) | Breakfast at the hotel. Check out of Bishop's Gate Hotel and head back towards Dublin.
Tour Trim Castle (included). Tour and drop travelers off at Carlton Hotel, Dublin Airport to check in.
Group dinner at Brazen Head in Dublin, Ireland’s oldest pub. Uber to and from.
May 16 (Sunday) | Travel Day. The Carlton Hotel offers complimentary airport shuttles. Arrange for pick up time with the front desk on Saturday night.
🚗 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 or upgraded accommodations (when available), please inquire for pricing.
Included (included)
📍Accommodations, double occupancy
📍6 breakfasts + 2 meals
📍Guide + transportation
Not Included
📍Flights
📍Entry tickets (unless stated by ‘included”)
📍Food and alcohol (unless stated by “included”)
📍Visas or travel insurance
📍Tips and gratuities
Total Price
📍Arriving via email post Zoom call on July 25. Sign up for our newsletter to receive the pricing information before it opens up to everyone. Booking with non-refundable retainer begins September 1. All six slots must be filled for the trip to move forward.
The working itinerary is RAD
The working itinerary is here, soon to be finalized. We’d love to have you join our introduction Zoom to meet Flip. Sign up now.
We’re putting our wanderlust in the hands of Giant Tours Ireland. This is going to be epic.
Keep in mind we are months away from travel, but for now, this is our itinerary. Schedules will be tweaked and logistics will be determined in order to make the experiences the best they can be without cramming too much into the time frames.
Our goals are simply: a wealth of experiences created by slow and immersive travel. Each experience will be detailed for your information with links to websites and other information that makes it worthy of your time. Coming soon. Also, Len and I will sharing with you everything you need to travel to Ireland, the preparation, the documents, the currency, etc. We’ll walk you through every step.
As you can see, some days are still being built.
The price for this experience will be posted here post Zoom on July 25. The pricing will not change regardless of change in itinerary.
May 8 (Saturday) - Travel day - from your located to Dublin Airport (DUB); book flights to arrive prior to 12 p.m.
May 9 (Sunday) 12 noon – Meet Flip at Dublin Airport (location to follow). On the way toward Belfast, tour NewGrange (3 hours). Drive to Belfast, check in at The Titanic Hotel. Dinner together the hotel restaurant, Wolffe Grill.
May 10 (Monday) - Titanic Museum (on your own). Opens at 9 a.m. Check out of the hotel by 11 a.m. If you check out before touring the museum, have hotel hold luggage. Meet Flip and Rory at 11:30 a.m. for the Troubles-Peace Tour. Following tour, head to Ballycastle, along the Causeway Coast Road through Glen’s of Antrim with a stop at Cushendun Caves and Mary McBrides. Check into Marine Hotel Ballycastle. Group dinner at Marine Hotel.
May 11 (Tuesday) – Breakfast at hotel; order TBD. Begin the day around 10 a.m.
GOT locations including Dark Hedges
Ballycastle Music Trial
Dunluce Castle
Giant's Causeway
Carrick a Rede Bridge
Ballintoy Harbor with lunch at Carrick a Rede Bar and Restaurant
Ursa Bakehouse
Bramble Green for tea and shopping
May 12 (Wednesday)– Breakfast at hotel
Drive to Broagh’s Bakehouse with arrival at 11 a.m. (Baking experience including lunch)
Drive to Glenshane Country Farm for tour.
May 13 (Thursday) – Check out of Marine Hotel by 10 a.m. Drive to Derry. Check in at Bishop’s Gate Hotel.
May 14 (Friday) - Walking tour of Derry.
May 15 (Saturday) - Check out of Bishop's Gate Hotel and drive to Dublin. Tour Trim Castle, Ireland’s largest castle. Afterwards, drive to Carlton Hotel, Dublin Airport to check in. Group dinner at The Brazen Head in Dublin.
May 16 (Sunday) - Travel Day. Departure from Carlton Hotel, shuttle to airport provided.
Flip Robinson at oe of the many Game of Thrones locations.
Important dates for planning
Put these dates on your calendar so you’ll have all the exciting information coming your way on Northern Ireland.
We’re so excited that you’re considering Northern Ireland for your grand adventure in 2027.
Here’s some dates you’ll want to add to your calendar. Information is key, so make sure you sign up for our newsletter as well as read social media posts.
If you have any questions, please email Judy at seeingsouthern@gmail.com. Subject Line: Northern Ireland 2027.
Mark your calendars
July 24 | Availability and pricing becomes available via email newsletter
July 25 | ZOOM with Flip Robinson and Seeing Southern
August 22 | Zoom with Len and Judy, Seeing Southern, for follow-up questions and concerns; additional zooms will be added if needed
September 1 | Booking opens until all slots are filled; all six slots must be booked for trip to be confirmed; confirmed booking must be accompanied by non-refundable retainer.
October 1 | Seeing Southern Travel Experience page will be only open to those whose booking is confirmed; it will be used for communication and other information.
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!