Northern Ireland
The Best of Northern Ireland: Past, Present and Future
Program No. 2209260MEADV-0219
Unravel the complex story of Northern Ireland as you meet its people, learn its history, explore its monuments and discover the exciting transformation of this vibrant region.
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DATES
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DATES
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Apr 23 - May 1, 2025
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3,589May 7 - May 15, 2025
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3,589Jun 11 - Jun 19, 2025
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3,589Aug 13 - Aug 21, 2025
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3,589Sep 17 - Sep 25, 2025
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3,589Oct 1 - Oct 9, 2025
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9 days
8 nights
15 meals
7B 3L 5D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
3
Political Murals in Belfast
Belfast
4
Titanic Belfast, Free Time
Belfast
9
Program Concludes
Dublin
At a Glance
Northern Ireland is known as much for its verdant landscapes as it is for its complex history of political and social tensions that culminated in three decades of violence known as the Troubles. Discover how an area so scarred by historical unrest is redefining itself as a haven of culture and heritage as you dive deep into the ever-shifting story of Northern Ireland, visiting the landmarks, learning about the key figures and gaining a deeper understanding of the events that forged this unique region.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 3 miles each day, with periods of standing. Varied terrain including paved streets with cobblestones, gravel and woodland paths, uneven rocky terrain.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Immerse yourself in maritime history at Titanic Belfast.
- Discover megalithic ruins and preserved castles as you explore the region’s lush countryside.
- Gain an insider’s perspective on historic Northern Ireland as you ride between Belfast’s vibrant political murals in a black taxi.
General Notes
Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials. Give us a call to combine this learning adventure with select dates of "The Best of Ireland: A Week on the Emerald Isle" (#22088) for even more learning in Ireland!
Suggested Reading List
(20 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
The Best of Northern Ireland: Past, Present and Future
Program Number: 22092
Silver Linings, Travels Around Northern Ireland
An account of travels, as well as the people, politics and traditions of Northern Ireland, infused with the author's humor and insightful reporting.
The Truth about the Irish
An irreverent A-to-Z guide to all things Irish by a native son and shrewd comic commentator, who casts aside many myths, starting with the first entry - A for alcohol (the Irish have the lowest per capita consumption of alcohol in the E.U., after Greece and Italy).
A Traveller's History of Ireland
From the Celts to the Norman invasions to modern-day Ireland, this short history is highly recommended for those who would like a brief overview of the Emerald Isle through the centuries.
Northern Ireland
Tonge examines the motivations, actions and achievements of the major players of the crisis -- IRA, UVF, UDA -- in this academic history of Northern Ireland over the last three decades.
For the Love of Ireland
Organized geographically, this rich anthology introduces Ireland through the words and lives of such luminaries as James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, Frank McCourt and Samuel Beckett.
Belfast Diary, War as a Way of Life
An American journalist's gripping first-person account of life in a Catholic neighborhood in Belfast in 1980.
Angela's Ashes
The Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir of an Irish childhood spent in abject poverty in the slums of Limerick, told with enormous wit, grace, and skill.
Ireland North Map
A locally published, detailed map of the northern part of Ireland at a scale of 1:250,000.
Rick Steves' Snapshot Northern Ireland
In his down-to-earth style, Steves presents the best values for sights, eating, sleeping and nightlife excerpted from the larger Rick Steves country guidebook. Included are maps and self-guided tours in Belfast, Portrush, the Antrim Coast, Derry and County Donegal.
The Giant's Causeway and the North Antrim Coast
An illustrated introduction to one of Northern Ireland’s most popular attractions that covers history, folklore, geology and wildlife.
Making Sense of the Troubles: The Story of the Conflict in Northern Ireland
A balanced and authoritative account of the Northern Ireland conflict by two scholars, award-winning journalist and Trinity College librarian McKitterick and teacher McVea, who have spent their professional lives making sense of the Troubles.
Troubles
Set on the eve of the Irish Rebellion, this first novel in Farrell's remarkable series illuminates the British Empire's decline in Ireland to hilarious, haunting effect. Winner of the Lost Man Booker Prize.
Belfast, A History
A sweeping chronicle of the rise and decline of Northern Ireland's largest city. Maguire shows how as grand a city that could build the Titanic collapsed into religious conflict soon thereafter.
A Place Apart, Northern Ireland in the 1970s
In this travelogue, the celebrated southern-Irish travel writer bicycles deep into the mayhem of late-1970s Northern Ireland. Her penetrating, intelligent prose finds Murphy interviewing both Catholics and Protestants and sorting out her opinions and emotions about the conflict.
Belfast Noir
Set in Northern Ireland’s capital, this collection of previously unreleased noir stories covers the city’s history from the Troubles to the present.
Titanic, The Story of the Unsinkable Ship
A coffee-table introduction to the Titanic and its disastrous maiden voyage. Utilizing firsthand documents and personal accounts, Riffenburgh guides readers through the Titanic, from the drawing tables of her architects to what occurred as the ship sank.
Reading in the Dark
This novel follows a Catholic boy growing up in Northern Ireland in the 1950s, dealing with a family full of secrets and a city full of hatred.
How the Irish Saved Civilization
This bestselling history tells the generally unknown story of Ireland's preservation of classical learning in the Dark Ages, revealing how the saints and scholars, monks and scribes labored to reproduce the important texts that spread as they evangelized Europe.
Those Are Real Bullets: Bloody Sunday, Derry, 1972
This definitive account of the massacre that left unarmed Irish Catholic demonstrators dead and wounded uses interviews and declassified documents to capture the chaos of that fateful day.
Ten Men Dead: The Story of the 1981 Irish Hunger Strike
Belfast, 1981: Ten Long Kesh prisoners starved themselves to death in protest against the British government. This is their story.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
9 days
Program Begins
Belfast
Program Concludes
Dublin
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
15
| 7B |
3L |
5D |
Activity Level
Northern Ireland is known as much for its verdant landscapes as it is for its complex history of political and social tensions that culminated in three decades of violence known as the Troubles. Discover how an area so scarred by historical unrest is redefining itself as a haven of culture and heritage as you dive deep into the ever-shifting story of Northern Ireland, visiting the landmarks, learning about the key figures and gaining a deeper understanding of the events that forged this unique region.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Immerse yourself in maritime history at Titanic Belfast.
- Discover megalithic ruins and preserved castles as you explore the region’s lush countryside.
- Gain an insider’s perspective on historic Northern Ireland as you ride between Belfast’s vibrant political murals in a black taxi.
General Notes
Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials. Give us a call to combine this learning adventure with select dates of "The Best of Ireland: A Week on the Emerald Isle" (#22088) for even more learning in Ireland!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 3 miles each day, with periods of standing. Varied terrain including paved streets with cobblestones, gravel and woodland paths, uneven rocky terrain.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(20 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
9 days
8 nights
What's Included
15 meals | 7B | 3L | 5D |
3 expert-led lectures
9 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
7 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Dublin, To Belfast, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Belfast
Meals:
D
Stay:
Leonardo Hotel Belfast
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
After checking in at the hotel, take some time to freshen up and relax before Orientation. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This program is staffed with a Group Leader who will accompany us throughout the program and deal with logistics, deliver informal talks, conduct some field trips, and serve as an information resource on program-related topics. At various points during the program, we will be joined by local experts, who will lecture and conduct field trips. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
In the hotel, we will have a 3-course plated and served meal with coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Political Murals in Belfast
Location:
Belfast
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Leonardo Hotel Belfast
Activity Note
Entering/exiting taxis; driving about 20 miles, approximately 2.5 hours total field trip time including frequent breaks from driving. Walking about 2.5 miles, periods of standing; paved streets, some cobblestones.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room, the full Irish breakfast buffet offers choices such as eggs, bacon, sausages, tomato, potatoes, cereals, fruit, toast, pastries and jams, plus juices, coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
We’ll gather in the hotel for an illustrated talk on the colorful and evocative political murals of Belfast, delivered by a local expert. The political mural tradition in the north of Ireland is more than a century old, and the lecture will trace the history of this distinctive form of political expression from the earliest examples — painted before the War of Independence, by loyalists who supported British rule — to its heyday in the 1980s and 1990s, and more recent murals painted since the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. After the lecture, we’ll walk to Belfast’s City Hall for a docent-led field trip. We’ll discover more of Belfast’s fascinating history as we explore this grand 1906 Baroque Revival building, and gain an insight into its links with the ill-fated ocean liner Titanic. We’ll board a motorcoach after our field trip, and ride to our lunch venue.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, we’ll have a plated lunch with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
It has been said that a city can be defined by its taxi drivers and nowhere is this truer than in Belfast. Via the renowned Black Taxis, we will ride to see the colorful and evocative murals of West Belfast with commentary by the local expert taxi drivers, stopping at some of the most significant to hear further explanations and take photos.
Dinner:
At the Titanic Hotel, located in the former headquarters of Harland & Wolff, we’ll enjoy a 3-course plated and served candle-lit dinner with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase. A local expert will deliver a talk as we dine.
Evening:
During dinner, our host will deliver a talk on the history of industry in Belfast. We’ll linger over dinner to enjoy the conversation and camaraderie. After returning to the hotel by motorcoach, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Day
4
Titanic Belfast, Free Time
Location:
Belfast
Meals:
B
Stay:
Leonardo Hotel Belfast
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 3 miles, less than 1/2 hour. The morning is a self-led experience, approximately 2 hours, with pace and distances walked determined by the individual; flat terrain, elevators to all levels. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We’ll board a motorcoach for a field trip to Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest exhibition dedicated to the ill-fated liner. During this self-led exploration, take your time at your own pace to see and do what interests you most. The facility is situated on site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where the Titanic was designed and built. A series of nine interactive galleries present the story in innovative and insightful ways, from initial conception through construction, the maiden voyage and sinking, on to discovery of the wreck. With striking architecture that suggests a ship’s bow, incorporating symbols of water and the White Star Line logo, the building is the nucleus of one of the world’s largest urban regeneration projects, the Titanic Quarter. When completed, it will encompass 185 acres of cultural, educational, leisure, residential, and business facilities to transform the entire area. After our field trip, the remainder of the day is free for independent exploration, returning to the hotel independently.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
5
Giant's Causeway, Local Distillery, To Derry
Location:
Derry
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
City Hotel Derry
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 105 miles, approximately 3.5 hours. Walking about 3 miles, periods of standing; paved streets and paths, some uneven grassy areas; it is possible to walk on the uneven hexagonal "steps" of the basalt formation at Giant’s Causeway, and there are routes that involve minimal changes of level; shuttles are available from visitor center to Causeway to reduce walking distance. Some steps at the brewery.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
As we check out of the hotel, luggage will be loaded on to our motorcoach and we will transfer to Derry with a stop en route at the Giant's Causeway, made up of more than 40,000 hexagonally-shaped basalt columns resulting from lava flows stretching back 60 million years. Led by a National Trust expert, we will walk through this natural phenomenon, now a designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that still stirs debate.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Portrush, we’ll have a plated lunch plus coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue our learning adventure with a field trip to a local distillery. After our visit, transfer continues to Derry.
Dinner:
In the hotel, we will have a 3-course plated and served meal with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Donegal, Glenveagh National Park
Location:
Derry
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
City Hotel Derry
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 125 miles, approximately 4 hours. Walking about 2 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved and gravel paths, grass lawns; step-free access to most areas at Glenveagh Castle, but some areas including viewing platforms are accessible only by stairs.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
We will set out via motorcoach for an expert-led field trip to Donegal, beginning at Glenveagh National Park and Castle. One of six national parks in Ireland, Glenveagh covers nearly 40,000 acres (16,000 hectares) of unspoiled wilderness, glens, forests, lakes, estate grounds, and a castle with ornate gardens in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains. The park’s many different habitats support a great variety of plant and animal life. The castle is a Victorian construction built between 1867 and 1873 by a wealthy land speculator, John Adair, who was hated by the local people for his eviction of tenants. Adair intended to develop it into a hunting estate but died before his plans could be implemented. His widow carried out major improvements to the castle over the next several decades. Glenveagh changed hands a number of times until the final owners gave it to the nation to become a national park. We’ll explore the castle and park with a local expert during our field trip.
Lunch:
At Leo’s Tavern near the village of Crolly, renowned as the musical birthplace of world-famous talents Enya, Clannad, and Moya Brennan, we’ll enjoy a plated lunch with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
Afternoon:
We’ll then return to the hotel by motorcoach along the North West Coast, with a short stop for independent exploration in the charming former fishing town of Dunfanaghy on Sheephaven Bay. Once we arrive at the hotel, we’ll have some time to relax before dinner.
Dinner:
Hotel plated meal.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Derry City Walls, Free Time
Location:
Derry
Meals:
B
Stay:
City Hotel Derry
Activity Note
Walking about 1.5 miles, periods of standing; paved streets and paths, some steps and steep sections. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
Setting out on foot, we will go on an expert-led walking field trip around the city of Derry, the only remaining city in Ireland with virtually complete walls surrounding the old inner core. The walls were erected early in the 17th century as defenses against encroaching English and Scottish settlers. Today, they serve as a walkway to observe the combination of heritage and contemporary culture within the Renaissance Style street plan. In addition to the walls, we will go to Bogside and conclude the morning at the Guildhall where a local expert will discuss on Derry’s past and present.
Lunch:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon:
Free time for independent exploration in Derry,
Dinner:
On your own to explore more of the local fare.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
8
Ulster American Folk Park, Brú na Bóinne
Location:
Dublin
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
CityNorth Hotel
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 135 miles, approximately 4 hours. Walking about 2.5 miles, periods of standing; varied terrain including paved streets, some cobbled areas, gravel and woodland paths; steps to some areas at Ulster American Folk Park, including entrances to some buildings; uneven floors, low ceilings and low narrow entrance to Neolithic tomb at Brú na Bóinne; paved paths and grass outside burial mounds.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, luggage will be loaded onto the motorcoach and we will leave Derry for Dublin. En route, we will stop to visit the Ulster American Folk Park, an open-air museum that tells the poignant story of emigration from Ulster to America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Volunteers in period costumes demonstrate day-to-day tasks of the era and the site consists of period housing, industry, and even a full-scale sailing ship.
Lunch:
On your own at the Folk Park.
Afternoon:
Brú na Bóinne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves one of the most archaeologically significant prehistoric landscapes in the world. In addition to megalithic art, Brú na Bóinne includes a number of Neolithic age burial chambers. After an introduction to the site by our Group Leader, we’ll explore the visitor center and take a shuttle bus to one of the tombs. At the tomb, informative displays detail how their survival through more than 5,000 years reflects the sophistication of their design, and the ingenuity of the Stone Age people who constructed them. We’ll arrive at the Dublin airport hotel late afternoon, with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a 3-course plated and served farewell dinner with coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Day
9
Program Concludes
Location:
Dublin
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s “Transportation Information” regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
15 Meals
7 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 01, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025
- Apr 23, 2025 - May 01, 2025 (Belfast to Dublin)
- May 07, 2025 - May 15, 2025 (Belfast to Dublin)
- Jun 11, 2025 - Jun 19, 2025 (Belfast to Dublin)
- Aug 13, 2025 - Aug 21, 2025 (Belfast to Dublin)
- Sep 17, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025 (Belfast to Dublin)
- Oct 01, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025 (Belfast to Dublin)
- Apr 22, 2026 - Apr 30, 2026 (Belfast to Dublin)
- May 06, 2026 - May 14, 2026 (Belfast to Dublin)
- Jun 03, 2026 - Jun 11, 2026 (Belfast to Dublin)
- Aug 12, 2026 - Aug 20, 2026 (Belfast to Dublin)
- Sep 09, 2026 - Sep 17, 2026 (Belfast to Dublin)
- Oct 07, 2026 - Oct 15, 2026 (Belfast to Dublin)
Participant Reviews
Based on 34 Reviews
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Stephen Roche was the best tour guide we had ever experienced. Thoughtful, kind and he had a wealth of Irish history that made the trip most educational and still made it entertaining.
If, and when, we decide to travel internationally, or domestically, it'll definitely be through Road Scholar.
Thank you for the trip of a lifetime.
Paul & Doug
— Review left October 4, 2024
This was a wonderful experience. Stephen Roche was so knowledgeable and I learned so much from his talks and especially on the bus. The speakers, Bill Rolston and Peter McLaughlin were excellent. The murals and that presentation by the Black Taxi drivers was an unbelievable experience. I also enjoyed the Titanic Center and I was impressed with the quality of that center. I couldn't follow the man that was the presenter at Bushmills and I didn't catch his humor but that is due to my hearing loss. The presenter at Giants Causeway was very difficult to understand so I didn't learn much from that presentation. Glenveagh National Park was beautiful and driving around Donegal was very nice. Leo's Tavern was a lighter and happy place to be. I loved the music. The tour of Derry's walls was great. Although Angela Hegarty put me to sleep. The Ulster American Folk Park was very interesting and I am glad we went to see that. Bru na Boinne was also an interesting stop that I had no idea that Ireland had a Neolithic site. Everyday was filled with new learning experiences and I am so glad I took this trip to Northern Ireland.
— Review left September 30, 2024
We had an excellent time in Northern Ireland!! Surprisingly there was sunshine too! The program was very well put together and the other participants made it very enjoyable. We heartily recommend Road Scholar’s program!!
— Review left September 30, 2024
The trip to Northern Ireland is a highlight--full of surprises and deep learning!!
— Review left September 29, 2024
What an interesting variety of experiences in a beautiful country. The history of the area is captivating.
— Review left September 22, 2024
The itinerary and places visited were great. Could have used more time at the Ulster American Museum and less time at the Titanic Museum.
— Review left August 28, 2024
Until I took this Road Scholar trip, I had no idea how the history and politics of North Ireland are still very much impacting current events in Ireland. It was fascinating and pertinent to conditions in the United States, historically and currently, in so many ways. I gained amazing insight from the experience.
— Review left August 26, 2024
I have finally found my roots and feel strength in the resulting "growing pains".
— Review left August 22, 2024
Top notch!
— Review left May 18, 2024
The was my first time in Ireland and I started on my own for three nights in the Republic before taking the train to Belfast to meet the Road Scholar group. One realizes after getting off the train that you are in the UK. The two countries are similar but the differences are striking. If you’ve never been to Northern Ireland, this is a fine eye-opening trip. Belfast is full of charm in addition to its troubling past and this trip shows both with taxi tours, educational lectures and stunning scenery and history sites and sights. Eileen, our guide was great. She was friendly, cheerful, well-organized, and efficient. The only negative comments I have concern the hotel in Derry. The food service was glacial, taking almost three hours for dinner the first night we ate there. Worse, if you’re a CPAP user, beware. There are no outlets on the nightstands and the nearest wall outlet accepts only a D version plug, such as what I’ve seen only in India. This forced me to string my extension cord across the room to the opposite wall near the desk and draped over the floor. This could be dangerous during the night if one is up and about. That deficiency aside, this was a wonderful trip. Don’t let Northern Ireland’s troubled past deter you from a marvelous experience with friendly people, impressive history and breathtaking scenery,
— Review left May 10, 2024
I have taken several RS trips and this was one of the best. This is my second Ireland adventure organized by EIL for RS. They do a wonderful job. I've learned a lot. I suggest you find a good timeline of Irish history and keep it handy on the trip. Excursions and lectures hop centuries with wild abandon.
— Review left May 5, 2024
The Best of Northern Ireland Past, Present and Future was an eye opener. It covered the "Troubles" to present day. Eileen our guide was knowledgeable. She was concerned about everyone's needs. We covered a lot of territory in a short period of time. I recommend this trip.
— Review left October 22, 2023
If you have never been to Northern Ireland this tour is an eye opener: history galore, beauty of landscape and up to date information on the status of relations with the Republic of Ireland.
— Review left October 3, 2023
Don't wait to visit your homeland. I am a fourth generation Irish descendant and the tour of Northern Ireland filled in much of what I did not understand.
— Review left September 23, 2023
Our trip guide, Martina was wonderful! The trip had a lot of wonderful elements but I want to discuss the things I think you could address.
1. I agreed to have you find me a roommate and assumed you’d notify me if you found one. I didn’t hear anything so wrongly assumed I didn’t have one. I was very startled when I was changing clothes in my room and someone came walking in! It would take very little for you to notify your traveler that they should expect a roommate.
2. The Belfast Hotel rooms were okay but the food was inedible! Especially dinner the first night. The chicken was so overdone you couldn’t cut it. The fish was also awful and the steamed vegetables were mush. The breakfast wasn’t much better.
3. The City Hotel Derry was awful! When we got to our room we found two small beds pushed together. As two independent women traveling separately that is unacceptable. The room was very dirty. The phone and tables were sticky, the bathroom walls and floor were dirty and the chair and carpet were ripped and grungy. The manager came to the room and agreed that it was dirty but said this was done to their standard. When we asked for a different room he resistance. We persevered and got a cleaner room with appropriate beds. The breakfast food was awful.
4. Our only free time in Derry was taken away because you changed going to the Folk Park to that afternoon. I had to give up the Folk Park tour because I wanted to explore the beautiful city of Derry. The next day we only had the Newgrange experience and then to the hotel. Road Scholar only got us tickets to walk around Newgrange instead of spending the additional few dollars that would’ve allowed us to get inside the burial chamber and to also see the Knowth burial chambers. The entire group was very annoyed and disappointed.
The Folk Park and the entire Newgrange experience was something I was really looking forward to and didn’t get to experience on tour. All because of poor planning on Road Scholars part.
— Review left September 11, 2023
I loved this program. Although this was my fourth trip to Ireland, it was my first experience in Northern Ireland and it changed my perspective on the country and the people. I would recommend to anyone visiting Ireland, go first to the north to get a sense of the true history of the people, the Troubles and the country, and then visit the Republic.
— Review left September 10, 2023
I want to start by saying our guide for the trip, Martina, was great, knowledgeable, great sense of humor and accommodating. The areas we visited were interesting for the most part, and I had specifically wanted to see Northern Ireland and The Republic.
What was really unfortunate were the hotels. They were both substandard and barely one star if that. The first one, in Belfast was marginally better than the last which was pretty horrific, the first room in that hotel had beaten up torn and stained furniture, the window would only open a crack, the bathroom was gross. In any case they moved us to a different one which at least was clean. It
Both hotels had very little options for breakfast, most appeared to be pre cooked and the only way to get a fresh egg was to request a hard boiled one.
The pacing of the trip was fine, I'm glad we got a chance to see the cities, especially in our free time, we explored the inner part of Belfast, specifically the entrees, little alleys containing the oldest pubs and shops dating back to the founding of the city. We also, on our own, found lots of places to hear music at night which was great.
All in all I’m happy I had the experience, I enjoyed some of the speakers we had, hearing the different points of view.
I really feel Road Scholar needs to get other accommodations for people, that part of the trip was not pleasant.
— Review left September 7, 2023
I had a wonderful time on the tour to Northern Ireland!
— Review left September 7, 2023
The Northern Ireland program was great. I have a different perspective as a result of taking this trip. I would highly recommend.
— Review left August 24, 2023
The trip was all I hoped it would be and more. All lecturers and guides at sites were excellent. David Hume not only gave a fine lecture, but he was helpful to me in planning for some independent travel after the tour. GL Allister was a clever fellow in many respects, and also went the extra mile to help with independent travel. The site selections offered wonderful variety, and the restaurant selections outside the hotels were splendid. Staying at high rise tourist hotels is a bit of a drag. But the Belfast and Derry hotels were in excellent locations. Thank you for not making us pack and move every one or two days. We were well able to manage day trips away from the cities whilst staying 3 nights at the same place.
— Review left July 14, 2023
It was a nice trip.
— Review left July 7, 2023
Helped me clarify "Ireland" in my mind: how and why there are two countries, and see 'the Troubles' for what they were. Great to see that the country is moving forward!
— Review left May 20, 2023
This was my 3rd RS trip. First, I want to say that our tour guide, James Monaghan, was a lovely man whose enthusiasm for history and his country were evident throughout the trip. Even when events didn't go as planned he made the best of the situation. The taxis for our tours of Belfast failed to show up even though James had verified them with EIL (the group contracted for the trip). Through James' intervention, within about 20 minutes 3 taxis came and we got a fantastic tour. The tour of Belfast City Hall was listed as a guided tour, but those did not start until the following week. So, we guided ourselves. In Portrush, James had tried for two days to get someone at the Lacada Brewery to answer, and on the day we were there it was closed. However, we were able to walk around the quaint seaside town of Portrush. The trip to Glenveagh was a bit of a disappointment as the castle was closed and we could only see the gardens.
Definitely the best parts of the trip were the tours of Belfast and Derry. Learning about their history and seeing first-hand the art, buildings, and monuments was truly awesome. The Giant's Causeway and the Titanic Experience were also great.
There were three "talks" given. Savannah Dodd gave a talk on "Conflict and Photography in Northern Ireland" which was excellent. The other two speakers were less so. The Guild Hall speaker was a bit late and forgot the flash-drive with his presentation. Lastly, the agenda for the trip was changed from the last time we were last given information. A bit of a surprise. Although there was one afternoon in Belfast for independent exploring, there was none in Derry, as had originally been scheduled. So, several people skipped parts of the Derry tour to go out on their own.
The glitches really need to be worked out: cut down on the lectures, have some free time in each city, and make sure the castle is open! There were also some minor but irritating problems at both hotels.
— Review left September 17, 2022
The Best of Northern Ireland: Past, Present, and Future provides an excellent description of the program. We gained an informed perspective on the physical, political, and cultural aspects of contemporary Northern Ireland.
— Review left September 13, 2022
I will feel much more like donating if you enforce cdc rules. Come on! Get with it!
— Review left September 9, 2022
Northern Ireland is a country that should be on everyone's travel list. Its countryside and highways are beautiful and efficient, and the two cities on the itinerary full of history and culture. Just remember that the midges may be out during a visit to Glenveigh National Park and prepare with bug spray or even a face net. But you will not be disappointed with the flowers, gardens, fields, and overall friendliness of the residents. Giant's Causeway should be on all must see lists! We even enjoyed a guided walking tour to the causeway formations with options for additional hiking on the return trip. Pack your walking shoes or hiking gear for this trip!
— Review left August 26, 2022
Since taking the wonderful Road Scholar “Best of Ireland” program many years ago, I have always wanted to go back for the Northern Ireland program. This program did not disappoint. Our Group Leader Martina was knowledgeable, friendly, and such fun to be with. The itinerary is well paced and we were lucky to have beautiful weather. Visiting Titanic Belfast was a highlight. I came away with a better understanding of The Troubles and other issues that the country faces.
— Review left June 24, 2022
Road Scholar programs are a wonderful way to introduce you to a place, it's history, it's people, and it's culture. The guides are friendly, informative, knowledgeable, and take very good care of you
— Review left June 21, 2022
Terrific tour of Northern Ireland, giving insight and history into the Troubles but also including the famine, emigration, beautiful gardens, a folk park, neolithic tombs and the wonderful Titanic Museum. Highly recommended! Tour guide Martina was excellent and all of the activities were worthwhile.
— Review left June 20, 2022
The Giant's Causeway is what drew me to Northern Ireland, but this program showed me there is so much more to see. We had experiences from prehistoric Newgrange, through many years of domination by other countries, discussed The Troubles, experienced the Titanic, and enjoyed Irish food, alcohol, beer, and culture. The small group size and many outside activities made us feel quite safe during this time as travel resumes post pandemic.
— Review left June 19, 2022
The Northern Ireland program was breezily easy, educational, and dotted with pleasant surprise. History, music, scenery, language with delightful accents, and helpful, good natured locals take the cake. A friend I met there emailed later that being back in the U.S. was an adjustment after all the nice people in Ireland. True enough. I could do it all again -- and I may.
— Review left June 7, 2022
Wonderful opportunity to see New Grange!
— Review left May 15, 2022
This trip provided me with many insights into the "Troubles" most Americans aren't aware of or taught in school. Very sobering and thought provoking. Not all gloom and doom though. Plenty of opportunity to see and do other things in this beautiful country with it's wonderful people.
— Review left July 1, 2019
This program is an interesting educational experience. It encompasses a part of the world that I really knew little about and educated me as to the strife and hardship of a divided island part of which became free of the United Kingdom and part of which is a divided country that remains. All points of view were presented well in a multi-faceted educational program.
— Review left May 17, 2019