Discover the beauty and history of Northern Ireland on a Routes Europe tour

Mourne Coastal Route and Historic Houses (full-day tour)

The beauty of Northern Ireland’s Mourne Coastal Route and its grand stately homes has to be seen to be believed. A coach will take you from Belfast along the coast to see some of Northern Ireland’s historic gems.

Mount Stewart neo-classical house and gardens on the shores of Strangford Lough, recently restored by the National Trust at a cost of £7 million. The mild climate of the lough has enabled planting experimentation that give the gardens a Mediterranean feel.

Grey Abbey House and Gardens was built in 1762 and considered to be one of the finest Georgian country houses in Ireland.

A ferry across Strangford Lough will bring you to Castle Ward, an 18^th Century mansion famed for its contrasting architectural styles. The classical facade faces the lawn and the Gothic rear overlooks the lough.

You can find out more about this tour and book a place at the event website.

Belfast City (half-day tour)

See Belfast’s main attractions on a whirlwind tour!

A local guide will show you City Hall, Queen’s University, Stormont Parliament Buildings and the poignant murals of West Belfast during a coach trip across the city.

Next is a visit to the Ulster Museum in the Belfast Botanical Gardens which houses collections in art, human history and the natural sciences. Current exhibitions include ‘Order and Revolution: British and Irish Art 1740-1840’, and ‘Delving Among Dinosaur Bones’.

The fascinating Crumlin Road Gaol is the final stop. Explore over 150 years of history with a guided tour of Belfast’s infamous prison.

For more information or to book this tour, visit the event website.

Bookings close on Monday 31 March.