Autumn weekend tour to Ireland

This autumn, for the first time, we will be leaving Scotland and crossing the Irish Sea to explore the beautiful Antrim coast of Northern Ireland.

Our base will be the famous Bushmills Inn. http://www.bushmillsinn.com

Centuries of history exude from the old timber beams and rough plaster walls of this landmark inn. At its heart is the gas-lit sixteenth century snug, with soot-stained walls and ceilings and a pulley suspended above the fireplace. You could spend hours here over a Guinness or a dram, dreaming up romantic notions of encounters goneby. The snug is encased by a mere two-hundred year old inn, with an even more modern, yet sympathetically designed, outer shell. Guest rooms are spacious and atmospheric, with individual character and attention to detail in-keeping with the building's charm.

This place is a genuine meeting point for travellers and locals alike, buzzing with conviviality and conversation throughout a jigsaw puzzle of interconnecting public rooms and cosy corners. The outdoor courtyard and terrace come into their own in the summer months, while open peat fires provide the perfect ambience in other seasons. Service is attentive and friendly, many staff being young, local and very proud of the area. The menu offered throughout the restaurant and conservatory fuses local produce with a touch of creativity to make this one of the most renowned dining destinations in the North of Ireland.

Outline Itinerary

Friday 1^st October

We will cross the Irish Sea from the port of Cairnryan on the afternoon fast ferry service to Larne, departing at 15.00 and arriving at 16.00. Bushmills is around 90 minutes’ drive.

Dinner this evening at the hotel, followed by a few drinks. I suspect!

Saturday 2^nd October

After a full Irish breakfast your day is your own to explore the famous sights of the Antrim coastline, including the geological phenomenon of the Giants' Causeway, and the much-photographed cliff-top ruins of haunting Dunluce Castle. For the more adventurous, test your nerve and head for heights by venturing across the suspended rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede (picture below). Why not end the day with a visit to the famous Bushmills distillery. The city of Londonderry with its famous “walls” is also just a short drive away. We will offer plenty of suggestions for lunch and refreshment stops.

Dinner again back at the Bushmills Inn – and plenty of time to explore a couple of other local hostelries.

Sunday 3^rd October

The return ferry will be at the end of this afternoon, departing at 17.30 but this time operating to Troon, a little nearer to Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Today you will have time to drive the full length of the Antrim Coast, taking in the Torr Head road, the conservation village of Cushendun and the beautiful glens of Antrim. Or, with an early start, you could choose to make a trip into Belfast.

Price: £319 per person, based on two sharing a twin or double room ensuite.

Deluxe double or twin rooms are available for a supplement of £30 per person.

Some suites also available – price on request. These can work well for families.

Prices include two nights’ accommodation including dinner both nights, the ferry from Cairnryan to Larne and from Larne to Troon.

The supplement for a single person in a car by themselves is £175.

We will also supply a full route plan, maps and local guides and Robert’s Recommendations on what to see and do.

To book:

Call Robert Kidd on 0141 202 0638 or email to Robert@mckinlaykidd.co.uk to book your place.

Contact Matt to reserve the car of your choice.