Tours of Ireland

THIEVES & STEEL
Day Tour

This corner of Ireland has a wealth of experiences, activities and history, and we’ve selected the best to give you a very different view of Northern Ireland! You’ll travel through history, starting in the 5th century in the walled town of Carrickfergus, then you’ll meet the giants of Victorian steam power in picture-postcard Whitehead, and finish off on the Gobbins Cliff Path to get your heart racing. 

You’ll experience it all through the eyes of local people: your driver, and your onboard guide and storyteller. They’re local, professionally trained and very experienced, but what you’ll love most about them is their warmth and welcoming spirit. You’ll hear their stories, share the craic and, through them, you’ll understand what it’s like to be Irish.

The storyteller is a unique part of the Thieves & Steel Tour – as you travel, they’ll delight you with tales of fairies, giants and local folklore. It’s all part of the magic of this tour: the day combines ethereal myths and legends with the power of castles, engines and steel walkways. It’s Ireland as you’ve never seen it before.

Luxury Small Group Tour with:

  • Maximum of 15 people per tour
  • Dedicated and experienced local driver
  • Dedicated and knowledgeable local storytelling guide
  • Executive transport
  • Belfast City Hall / Belfast city centre hotel pickups 
  • Private guided tour of the Whitehead Railway Museum
  • Private guided tour of The Gobbins Cliff Path
  • Private guided tour of Carrickfergus Castle

STG£90  per person

Travel through history, live your own legend

Your local guide will lead you through a day when culture meets history meets nature. As you take in a 12th century Norman castle, 19th century steam engines and a thrilling cliffside walkway, you’ll discover the lesser known side of Ireland and feel more a part of this place than ever.

Lots of Exciting Activities
+ precious hidden gems!

The day begins when we pick you up at Belfast City Hall, or your hotel if it’s in Belfast city centre. Your driver and guide are both local, experienced and great characters too. They’ll welcome you onboard the luxury mini coach and take care of you throughout the tour.

You’ll travel along the coast from Belfast to imposing Carrickfergus Castle sitting on a huge rocky promontory at the edge of the walled town of Carrickfergus (call it ‘Carrick’ and you’ll be talking just like the locals!).  To enter this 800-year-old stronghold, you have to pass under a terrifying portcullis hanging overhead, but once inside, a friendly and talented tour guide will bring the castle’s history to life.

Only 10-15 minutes away is the late-Victorian seaside resort of Whitehead, where you’ll make tracks for the award-winning Whitehead Railway Museum. Here you’ll enjoy a private tour, explore five fascinating galleries, step on board historic carriages and see restoration work happening live.

After lunch, you’ll blow away the cobwebs with a walk along the Gobbins Cliff Path at Islandmagee. Built in the Edwardian era and now restored, the walkway includes tubular tunnels and suspension bridges floating just above the sea, and it passes hidden caves and secret passageways once used by smugglers and privateers. And don’t forget to keep your eyes open for dolphins swimming off the rocky coastline!

A day spent off the beaten track, the Thieves and Steel Tour is fascinating and exhilarating in equal measure.

How are we Different?

  • Maximum of 15 people per tour
  • Belfast City Hall / Belfast city centre hotel pickups 
  • Private guided tour of the Whitehead Railway Museum
  • Private guided tour of The Gobbins Cliff Path
  • Private guided tour of Carrickfergus Castle
  • Professionally trained local onboard storytelling guide
  • Professionally qualified local driver
  • VIP executive mini coach
  • VIP customer service
  • No hidden trip charges