Dublin to Belfast Black Cab, Dunluce Castle and Giant's Causeway

Departure point times and locations are:

7 AM at The Starbucks Cafe on 1 College Green
7:05 AM at Dublin Bus Office, 59 O’Connell Street, Dublin 1

Please make sure you get to the meeting point at least 10 minutes early. We cannot wait for any latecomers.

Next on the tour is the visit to an area of Belfast City known as the Shankill. During the "Troubles" the Shankill was a centre of loyalist paramilitary activity, where the modern Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and Ulster Defence Association (UDA) had its genesis. Loyalist paramilitary groups pledging allegiance to the British monarchy and to maintaining the partitioned 6 counties of Ireland known as Northern Ireland within the United Kingdom. Similar to the Falls area the Shankill is adorned with huge murals celebrating historical events, honouring people from the past some of whom from the local community. At all stops during the, in total, 90 minute tour our guests have ample opportunity to capture amazing images of the world’s largest outdoor art gallery. There will be lots out time spent out of the cab, the group size is so small the tour will be a very personalised experience. Your guide has personal stories and folklore to share.

Arriving in Belfast City at 9.15, a 20 minute break where bathroom facilities/refreshments are available. Groups of passengers averaging 5 in number will then be escorted by a local driver guide to a black cab and the tour of the world’s largest outdoor art gallery begins. A unique and riveting experience, a journey into the most recent conflict in Irish history all guided by local with first-hand experience, intimate knowledge of the city’s most recent tragic political, social, religious conflicts which have convulsed the two countries of Ireland and the United Kingdom but in particular the communities of Northern Ireland for decades. Visit west Belfast most well-known and easily identified mural is that of Bobby Sands located on the side of Sinn Féin's Falls Road building. This area known as the Falls is predominantly Catholic Nationalist / Republican. Also a collection Irish republican and international politically themed murals known as 'The International Wall' and the "Peace Wall"

As part of the Black Cab tour your guide will visit what is known as the "Peace Wall or Walls". Here you will be told of the reasons why they are built and to what benefit. They effectively split the Roman Catholic community from the Protestant community. The first peace lines of "the Troubles" were built in 1969, following the outbreak of civil unrest in 1969. Initially built as temporary structures, they are now permanent structures as they are effective in limiting the sectarian violence perpetrated they the worst elements in both communities. The walls are wider, longer, more numerous than ever. They have multiplied over the years. They have been increased in both height, length and number since the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. In Belfast 75% of the 97 peace lines are in the north and west of the city. These area's are home to the poorer and more disadvantaged inhabitants of Belfast. Sadly 67% of the deaths during the "Troubles" occurred within 500 metres of one of these walls.

The drop off for the Political Black taxi tour will be outside the impressive Titanic Experience building. You will be able to use the restroom and visit the café downstairs.

Touring the rugged coast of Antrim, its remote glens, sheer faced cliffs, small fishing villages and pristine beaches is one of the world’s most stunning and unspoilt coastlines.
The Giants Causeway’s basalt columns are world famous with the latest celebrants to the area the cast, directors and producers of the tv series Game of Thrones. Many of the settings for the series you will see and hear of with ample opportunity to capture images on the day. The coastline dotted with harbour fishing villages, small rural farming towns. The north Atlantic waters look across to Scotland’s west coast. You can clearly see Scotland on a clear day. Enjoy!!

Dunluce Castle is an iconic historical castle which dates back over 500 years. With its location on the Cliff Edge of the north Atlantic, making it one of the most dramatic settings in Europe. The castle has been frequently used over the years in many movies most recently the tv series Game of Thrones (House of Greyjoy). There will be paid admittance included to visit and peruse castle and ground for 30 minutes. On a clear day you can see the coast of Scotland. A magical place for the adventurous photographer and for those who enjoy watching the abundant variety of wild birds which inhabit the coastal cliffs.

We arrive at the Giants Causeway at 2.30pm (lunch options available). Created 60 million years ago due to a series of volcanic eruptions which layered the surrounding area with 40,000 interlocking basaltic rock columns.
Set off on the trail to the "Giant's Boot" apparently lost by Finn just over 2 metres large. Can it get any more magical? Take a seat in the famous "Wishing Chair." A must experience, the "Wishing Chair" is a natural throne formed of perfectly shaped columns of basaltic lava. Now the "Camel" the only steed capable of carrying Finn home across long distances. The Camel a basaltic dyke formed from cooling lava which has pushed its way through other layers of rock. The Clifftop Trail is a bird's eye view of the Giant's Causeway, a unique way to see the World Heritage Site and explore the stunning north coast of Ireland over to Scotland. The Causeway has trails for all ages. There is also a free train up and down from the centre to the coast.