Experience Northern Ireland in style with the ultimate road trip, stopping at several Blue Book Houses along the way. 

With an endless list of activities to enjoy and countless sights to see, where better to explore this summer than Northern Ireland? Follow this special road trip itinerary as we take you through our beautiful Northern Irish Blue Book properties, from Newforge House in Armagh all the way to Bishop's Gate Hotel in Derry. 

Day 1 & 2:  Game of Thrones Studio Tour & the City of Belfast 

To begin your trip, base yourself at the beautiful Newforge House, a 5 star family-run country house in Co. Armagh. On top of  the gorgeous interiors, seasonal dining options and calming location, there is a tonne to do and see around Newforge House to ensure that you get your road trip off to the right start. 

It wouldn't be the ultimate Northern Ireland road trip without a Game of Thrones element, and what better way to start your trip than a visit to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge. Just under a 30 minute drive from Newforge House, indulge your inner GOT fan and discover all the behind-the-scenes scerets. Be sure not to forget that tickets for this experience must be booked in advance! To make a full day of it, why not do some discounted shopping at the retail outlet park The Boulevard, just minutes from Linen Mill Studios. 

One day just isn't enough to discover everything that this area has to offer. Not only is Newforge House a dream for GOT fans, it is also the perfect base for a day trip to Belfast, roughly 30 minutes away. Whether you're a history buff or a foodie at heart, there truly is something for everyone in this buzzing city, making it an ideal outing for day two of your trip.

For those who would rather stay close to the hotel, Rowallane Gardens, Lough Neagh, Hilden Brewery and the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum are just a few of the many historical and interesting places on the door step of the hotel, so there's no need to miss out on the fun! 

 

Day 3 & 4: The Gobbins, Seamus Heaney Homeplace Exhibition & The Dark Hedges

Once you've explored all that there is to offer around Newforge House, it's time to move on to your next stop, the luxurious Ardtara Country House

On route to this gorgeous hotel, use day 3 to explore the extraordinary Gobbins Cliff Path. Adding only an hour to the trip from Newforge to Ardtara, we promise it's well worth the detour. This incredible cliff-face claims to be the most dramatic coastal walk in Europe, and we're inclined to agree. Originally designed by railway engineer Berkeley Deane Wise, its first section of construction finished in 1902. Even back then, the path was a success, attracting many visitors from across Ireland and the UK. Having had to close in 1954, after some serious rennovations this unique visitor experience was able to open once again in 2016. Only accessible through guided tours, be sure to book in advance so you don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind outing!

After a long day exploring the Antrim coast, an oasis of luxury and relaxation awaits you at Ardtara. Take the night to experience their award winning dining and rest up for the next day of activities. 

For day 4, we reccomend hitting the road early to get a full day of activities in before heading to The Bushmills Inn that night. 

Only a 15 minute drive from the hotel, you can find the inspiring Seamus Heaney Homeplace Exhibition. This experience takes you through not only the works, but also the life of one of Ireland's greatest writers. Located right in the heart of the area that influenced and inspired so many great works, ithis is the perfect setting in which to fully immerse yourself in these famous pieces of literature. 

Once you're finsihed the experience, it's time to get going again and head to the award-winning Bushmills Inn to stay the night. If the GOT fan in you still isn't fulfilled, consider a small  to see The Dark Hedges along the way, a filming location used in season 2 of Games of Thrones.

Day 5 & 6: The Giant's Causeway & The Village of Bushmills

For day 5, its time to visit one of the most popular sites in Northern Ireland, The Giant's Causeway.  Known to the Irish as the 8th wonder of the world, you will not want to miss your chance to visit this natural beauty. Irish mythology states that this site was created by Irish giant, Fionn Mac Cumhaill, however science suggests that it was a result of an ancient volcanic fissure eruption. Whatever you believe, it's well worth a trip, especially with it being only a few minutes drive from The Bushmills Inn. 

After a busy day of exploring, come back to the hotel to relax for the evening. Enjoy the delicious food and finish the night off with a taste of Bushmills Whiskey in The Gas Bar. 

After breakfast, use day 6 to explore the small village of Bushmills. As this village is home to the oldest licensed distillery in the world, the Old Buhsmills Distillery is a must-see. With guided tours available to book, you can learn all about how the craft of Whiskey-making is carried out in this long-standing distillery. 

That afternoon, make your way to Bishop's Gate Hotel, the perfect place to stay for your final stay in the city of Derry. If you have the time, stop off to see the Mussenden Temple and Magilligan Point on your way. 

 

Day 7: The City of Derry 

What better place to finish off the Ultimate Northern Ireland Road Trip than the lively city of Derry? Recently rising in popularity due to the hilarious TV show 'Derry Girls', there is tonnes to do and see. Located perfectly within the historic city walls, there is no better hotel from which to discover the magic of this city than Bishop's Gate. 

While in Derry, fill your day with interesting and historical experiences such as a tour of the historic city walls, or a visit to the peace bridge. Take a photo by the Derry Girls mural or discover why Derry is considered a hot shopping spot. 

In the evening, or perhaps for lunch before you head home the next day, make sure to visit the Michelen reccomeneded Browns Bonds Hill restaurant, a haven for foodies in Derry.

 

And that's it! Ultimate Roadtrip complete.