NORTHERN IRELAND DESTINATION DISCOVERY TRIP ITINERAY

N O V E M B E R 1 1 - 1 5 , 2 0 1 9 MONDAY 11th NOVEMBER 2019

5.00am Approx. arrival into Dublin from Toronto Transfer to Belfast & check in to Grand Central Hotel (early check in)

The Grand Central Hotel, Belfast

This brand new 5-star property launched in June 2018 and is the largest hotel in Northern Ireland. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, the hotel boasts two restaurants, a chic bar and a massive 23rd floor Observatory with a capacity for up to 200 people at a time. The hotel is inspired by The Grand Hotel which once stood on Belfast’s Royal Avenue and which was Ireland’s most glamorous destination before its closure in the 1970s and channels the original Grand Hotel in terms of opulence and style – think timeless décor, statement chandeliers, marble floors and brass detailing. 12.00pm Lunch served in the Observatory 1.00pm Black Taxi Tour Taxi’s will drop off at Titanic Belfast & the Nomadic Titanic Belfast

Your first visit this morning will be the newest ‘must-see’ visitor attraction in Belfast, Titanic Belfast. Located in the heart of Belfast city, this state-of-the-art visitor experience tells the story of the Titanic ship, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and her tragic end. Learn about Belfast at the turn on the century as a thriving boom town and experience a thrilling ride through a dramatic presentation of the shipyards and Titanic under construction. Explore the stories of the passengers, the crew and the heroes of the day. The Nomadic

Next, see the Titanic’s ‘little sister’ – the last remaining White Star Line ship and a piece of unique maritime heritage. This spectacular dinner venue transports guests back to SS Nomadic’s glamorous past, when she tendered famous passengers all over the world. Your guests will receive the White Star experience from the moment they arrive with a welcome through the First Class Gangway. Luxurious décor is fitted to a similar style and standard as the great luxury liners of the past.

5.00pm Return to the Hotel 6.00pm Site Inspection at the Merchant Hotel

The Merchant Hotel

As Belfast’s only AA 5 star rated hotel, The Merchant Hotel pride themselves on impeccable customer service, grand and elegant décor and the quintessential fine dining experience. All of these elements combine to ensure your stay in Belfast is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Beautiful and unique rooms feature either an Art Deco or Victorian style, antique furniture and art combined with the best in 21st century technology to make for a second-to-none stay, enhanced only further by the friendly and welcoming team who will take care of your every need throughout your stay.

7.30pm Dinner in the Cathedral Quarter

Overnight in the Grand Central Hotel. TUESDAY 12th NOVEMBER 2019

Breakfast at leisure in the hotel. 9.00am Depart for Giants Causeway

The Giants Causeway & the Dark Hedges

The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, national nature reserve and Northern Ireland’s premier tourist attraction. This five-mile stretch of coastline is famous for its bizarre basalt hexagonal columns. It is as if the earth was offering those 40,000 stone columns which were formed millions of years ago through the cooling of molten lava. Their sheer number and uniformity will lead you to believe that the columns were carved by human hands, or perhaps truly by a giant. Departing, stop at one of Northern Ireland’s most photographed roads, the eerie magnificence that is the Dark Hedges. These serpentine trees were planted by the Stud family some 200 years ago.

11.00am Visit to Bushmills Distillery Bushmills Whiskey Distillery

In the small village of Bushmills, settled on the banks of the river, you will find the oldest working distillery in Ireland. A place where family and friends have worked for generations in a small Northern Ireland village that for over 400 years has kept to the philosophy that hand crafting small batches is the way to produce beautifully smooth tasting Irish whiskey. Visit the home of this famous Irish whiskey and see first-hand how the craft of whiskey making is carried out using traditional methods to create some of the finest Irish whiskey in the world.

12.00pm Lunch in Distillers Arms 2.00pm Site & Mini Treatments at Galgorm Manor 4.00pm Return to Grand Central Hotel Galgorm Resort & Spa

Galgorm Resort and Spa is set in 163 acres of lush parkland. Facilities include 75 bedrooms and luxurious suites, designed in a contemporary style whilst keeping the focus on superior quality features. Full business communications facilities are provided in-room as well as entertainment. However, the real attraction is the spa which earned Galgorm the title of World Luxury Spa Hotel of the Year 2018. While away the hours in award-winning spa facilities where prestigious treatments carried out by the highest-trained professionals

6.30pm Dinner & Site Inspection of Culloden Hotel

The Culloden Hotel

The stunning former palace of a Bishop, The Culloden is set in 12 acres of gardens and woodland. Truly the finest in Irish hospitality and a proud approved Virtuoso Property, the hotel is only 10 minutes from Belfast City Centre, yet feels like a true escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Views out over Belfast Bay are truly magnificent and a wonderful Spa offers ESPA beauty treatments and massages. The property also offers a number of fine dining options accompanied by world-class friendly service.

Overnight in the Grand Central Hotel.

WEDNESDAY 13th November 2019

Breakfast at leisure in the hotel. 9.00am Visit to City Hall Belfast City Hall

Belfast City Hall is an outstanding example of the Georgian architecture for which Ireland is world-renowned. The Rotunda at City Hall is available for hire and a venue for corporate events. This circular entrance hall is of impressive dimensions, with twelve pillars supporting an embellished gold leaf dome. This is a truly historic setting which has witnessed many events related to the City and the State.

10.00am Depart for Hillsborough Castle Hillsborough Castle

The royal palace of Hillsborough is on the edge of the ancient kingdom of Mourne. The Hill family after whom it is name acquired much of this former kingdom in the mid-18th century and built their castle as well as the adjacent village. The present palatial home replaced an earlier castle during the 18th century and in 1924 its fortunes changed when it became the royal palace and the official residence of the Royal Family when they are in Northern Ireland. Pictures of the family adorn the walls and give an insight into the less formal aspects of royal life.

12.00pm Lunch at The Cuan 1.00pm Visit to Winterfell

Game of Thrones Experience at Winterfell

When the jaw-dropping Game of Thrones drama hit our screens in 2011, the world gasped at the drama and beauty of its filming locations in Northern Ireland. Head to the very heart of the Seven Kingdom’s landscape and step into Old Castle Ward Estate, home of ‘Winterfell Castle’. Walk in the footsteps of the Game of Thrones actors with your enigmatic master and guide. View key scene locations such as ‘The Archway’ from King Roberts Arrival to ‘the Castle’ where Bran falls from the window ledge. You can even try your hand at the Game of Thrones archery experience.

4.00pm Check in to the Slieve Donard Hotel

The Slieve Donard Hotel

With stunning views of the County Down coastline and superb spa facilities, this 4-star hotel stands in 6 acres of grounds leading to the Royal County Down Golf Club. Beautiful rooms combine classical elegance and modern luxury and feature satellite TVs, seating areas and Wi- Fi access, with many featuring breath-taking views of the coastline or the mountains. Wonderful dining experiences are enhanced by the use of only the finest local Irish produce with stunning oak panelling and a real fireplace in the grand Oak Restaurant.

6.00pm Dinner in the Slieve Donard Hotel Overnight in the Slieve Donard Hotel.

THURSDAY 14th November 2019

Breakfast at leisure in the hotel. 9.00am Depart for Dublin Sheepherding stop en route 12.00pm Castle & Distillery Slane Castle & Distillery

Slane Castle is an iconic 18th-century castle in Slane, and has been home of the Conyngham family since 1703. A tour of the castle has a mystical quality and gives one the opportunity to learn about the family who have always resided here. The 1,500-acre estate is a natural amphitheatre and has an 80,000-person capacity and has hosted many concerts annually since 1981, including some huge names such as , Queen, and , to name a few. In 2017, the original 18th-century stable block of Slane Castle was converted into Slane Distillery, a brand-new visitor centre within a world-class working distillery.

3.00pm Dublin City Panoramic Tour 6.00pm Dinner & Site inspection of the Westbury Dublin

The Westbury Hotel

Voted Number 1 Hotel in the Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2018, this 5-star hotel has at the heart of its business a warmth of service which can only be a result of its family ownership. A proud member of the Leading Hotels of The World, the Westbury is nestled in the heart of cosmopolitan Grafton Street. Expect understated luxury and a celebration of Irish heritage throughout – from the flowers and the food to the artwork. The Westbury houses one of the country’s foremost art collections featuring the work of Sir John Lavery and Louis le Brocquy.

Overnight in the Westbury Hotel. Friday 15th November 2019

Breakfast at leisure in the hotel. 9.00am Check out & transfer to Dublin Airport