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If your group is interested in doing this tour, please contact us directly via email (bookings@finnmccoolstours.com) for a private tour quotation.
The Belfast to Dublin tour is the perfect way to explore the east coast of Ireland, and it’s ideal if you’re visiting Dublin after staying in Belfast. Want to know what to do in Dublin? Join this day tour from Belfast to Dublin and we’ll turn the journey between Ireland’s two greatest cities into a fascinating adventure! On your way to Dublin, visit St. Patrick’s Centre and Monasterboice, and also listen to our guide’s suggestions regarding the 10 top things to do in Dublin. You can stay in Dublin after the tour or go back from Dublin to Belfast on the same day. You may like to look at our entire list of tours from Dublin.
Itinerary for our Belfast to Dublin Tour
0800 Depart Belfast from Chichester Street for a full day of sightseeing. Come prepared for an 11-and-a-half-hour trip, so we recommend having a hearty breakfast and bringing some snacks for the road. We set off from Belfast and drive south, through County Down listening to our guide tell you about this beautiful Irish county. After a short journey, you will arrive at Saul Church.
Visiting Saul Church
When you arrive at Saul Church, you’ll be immediately struck by its ancient beauty. At over 1586 years old, the Saul Church is the oldest church in Ireland. This is where St. Patrick took his last breath before being buried at his final resting place, just a few miles away. There is so much history in this part of Ireland, if you know where to look.
Visiting St. Patrick’s Centre
St Patrick’s Centre is a must-see destination for anyone interested in learning about the real history of Ireland. Everyone knows about the St. Patrick’s Day, but how much do you know about St. Patrick, the man and the legend? A lot of time and money has been invested into the Saint Patrick’s Centre, making it a comprehensive experience for anyone interested in one of Ireland’s most important, influential figures. And if visiting churches and cathedrals is your cup of tea, you might be interested in our Christ Church Cathedral tour in Dublin.
As the only permanent exhibition in the world about St. Patrick, this centre in Downpatrick explores how the saint’s legacy developed in the early Christian times, showing visitors the marvellous metalwork and artwork that were produced during the Golden Age. St Patrick’s Centre also examines how Irish missionaries impacted Europe. The exhibits are worth taking your time over and you can ask your tour guide any questions you have about St Patrick or anything else you find in St Patrick’s Centre.
Visiting Down Cathedral
After visiting St Patrick’s Centre, you’ll have the chance to visit Down Cathedral. This beautiful cathedral is just a short walk from St. Patrick’s Centre and it’s where Saint Patrick is believed to have been buried. Have a look around this beautiful cathedral and don’t forget to visit St. Patrick’s grave. You’ll also find a beautiful Celtic cross in the graveyard outside Down Cathedral. This is a great experience for both religious and non-religious people.
Touring the Mourne Mountains
Leaving Downpatrick, we drive through the fabulous Mourne Mountains, which inspired not just C.S. Lewis’s beloved Chronicles of Narnia book series. There’s something incredibly special about the way the mountains meet the coast — you get coastal views and mountain views in one! The Mourne Mountains are often just referred to as The Mournes by the locals and they are one of Ireland’s most beautiful natural landscapes. If natural Ireland’s natural beauty is a big draw for you, you may also be interested in our Giant’s Causeway tour from Belfast.
Visiting Monasterboice
Founded by St. Buite in the late 5th century, the Monasterboice was once a significant and influential monastic settlement, packed with history and significance. It’s found just north of Drogheda.
With biblical carvings of both the Old and New Testaments, the West Cross at Monasterboice is the tallest and finest high cross in Ireland, but that is not the only amazing historic ruin you’ll discover in this incredible place. You will also find an old graveyard, two churches and an ancient sundial. Ireland’s history runs much deeper than St Patrick alone, and you’ll get a flavour of this at Monasterboice.
A Sightseeing Tour of Dublin
After Monasterboice, we drive into Dublin, the republic of Ireland’s capital city. We take you past all the famous tourist attractions in Dublin in a one-hour sightseeing tour. Your guide will tell you the stories behind the places you visit and also give you tips for your own exploration in the city later. There’s simply far too much to see and do in Dublin to cover it in an hour, but having a guide drive you around the city, pointing out the places of interest is a great way to get a taste for the city and to plan where to go next.
Apart from the Viking history in Ireland, our guide will also tell you interesting facts and stories about Dublin City as you drive around it’s ancient streets. Learn about the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin Castle, Trinity College, the river Liffey, and so much more.
You will then have around 2 to 3 hours to explore Dublin on your own. Have a pint of Guinness in the Temple Bar area, watch street performances by buskers on the world-famous Grafton Street, or do some shopping before we return to Belfast. Alternatively, if you plan to stay in Dublin, this tour from Belfast is a great way to see all of the places in between Ireland’s great cities as you travel down to Dublin!
1930 – 2030 Back to Belfast
*Please note that all times are approximate. The locations might be visited in a different order, depends on traffic and weather. We encourage you to contact us if you have any questions about this Belfast-to-Dublin day tour!
Pick up
8:00am, outside Top Shop on Chichester Street, Belfast
Drop off
Around 7:30 pm – 8:30pm, same place
Things to note:
- Groups of 12 people or more will not be accepted, even if the group make separate bookings. This is to ensure that everyone else on the bus can enjoy a good time.
- Not suitable for people with limited mobility. A fair bit of walking involved.
- Not suitable for children under 3. If your child is very used to travelling, please book 1 seat per child and bring your own child seat.
5 star rating on TripAdvisor, Google, Facebook and other bookings sites
Reviewed by 590uk on 18 Apr 2018
Nice day Trip. Funny and professional tour guide. Had enough time to see all the points of interest.
Reviewed by Natalia S on 18 Apr 2018
Both the driver and the guide were amazing. They made our long tour very short and enjoyable, telling stories about the country, the history of the country and themselves, that we deeply appreciated. They made us feel a big family enjoying every second. The driver was proffessional, and made us feel safe.
Reviewed by cconly27 on 17 Apr 2018
We really loved the tour we went on. Our tour guide Tara provided us which a lot of history about the parts of Ireland we visited as well as some well times jokes. Overall an amazing tour that visits some really beautiful places. We lucked out and had sunshine pretty much all day. Very thankful for Nicolai and Tara for facilitating such a great experience.
Reviewed by thebeveridges2018 on 18 Apr 2018
Great way to see the countryside as well as great points of interest. Narration of the tour was very interesting and informative. Would highly recommend this trip.
Reviewed by awconnell on 17 Apr 2018
John and Brendan were fabulous. Great interaction with the tourists, precise knowledge of the area, clean coach, and made the trip extra special. Met tons of people from many different countries and ethnicities and enjoyed every minute of it! I will definitely refer this tour!
Reviewed by Samantha C. on 18 Apr 2018
Tour guide Godfrey was amazing, made the long journey enjoyable- his singing was definitely a highlight. Giant’s causeway and rope bridge were great- along with the other few stops. Would definitely recommend!
