Tour the Real Northern Ireland

I've written in a previous blog about my introduction to Northern Ireland, doing a small-group tour which took in tourist hotspots as well as off-the-beaten-track activities. It's the ideal way to see Ireland and especially Northern Ireland. When I first went people were a little surprised, as the Troubles were still going on – even though no tourist had ever been hurt in any incidents. It was a great shame, as the people there were as warm and as welcoming as anywhere else in Ireland.

Today Northern Ireland is much more popular, and I'm envious of anyone joining one of the Vagabond small-group tours there, which are running throughout 2007. They go to some of the places I visited, like the Giant's Causeway on the stunningly beautiful Antrim coast. But they do lots of other things too, and this is how the company itself describes the Northern Ireland tour:

Pristine coastline, vibrant cities, ancient mythology and a politically diverse cultural landscape await discovery for the discerning traveller. After 30 years behind borders, Northern Ireland has emerged as one of the most exciting holiday destinations in Europe. In 2007 Vagabond Tours are heading north on fully-guided, small-group 5 Day Adventures. In their custom-built Land Rovers Vagabond explores off-road, the hidden corners of the province. Drive through forgotten forests and on remote deserted beaches. Climb the Giant’s Causeway and ride the rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede. Learn to surf off the Antrim or Donegal coasts. Study the political murals in Belfast and Derry or take a horse trek on the sandy shores. Walk the Bloody Sunday Trail; hike through unspoilt Glenveagh National Park; discover Europe’s highest sea-cliffs. And each night relax in superb Spa Hotel or B+B accommodation. Departs Dublin. It’s the north, but not as you know it.

For more information on this Northern Ireland small-group tour, or any of Vagabond's other award-winning tours, visit their website by clicking here.

To read a little more about Vagabond's other adventures click here