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Belfast & Dublin Literary Tour

Overview

For a somewhat small island, Ireland has made a huge contribution to the world of literature.  Many world-famous writers, poets and playwrights were born and lived here and were inspired to write about the spectacular beauty, culture and history of their native isle.  Our literary tours include a range of historical visits with a literary focus, allowing students to discover the story behind some of the most famous literary works to come from Irish writers.

Students will discover more about Ireland’s literary heritage along with visits to some of its most famous attractions.  They’ll also have an opportunity to visit Seamus Heaney’s hometown of Derry (also known as Londonderry).

You might also consider extending your trip, take a look at our other Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland itineraries for some inspiration!

Our Suggested Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Depart school by coach and take the ferry to Belfast.

    Begin your trip with a visit to Crumlin Road Gaol.  This former prison first opened its gates to prisoners in 1846 and for 150 years was a fully operational prison.  During those 150 years the Gaol has housed murderers, suffragettes and loyalist and republican prisoners.

    Afterwards, learn more about the historical context of the Troubles with a guided walking tour of Belfast’s most notorious areas – the Shankill Road and the Falls Road.

    Arrive and settle into your accommodation.

  2. Day 2

    Travel by coach to the city of Derry (or Londonderry).  It’s Ireland's only remaining walled city and offers 1500 years of social, cultural and religious history.

    Discover more about Derry’s Troubles History with a guided tour of Bogside, the scene of the infamous Bloody Sunday of 1972, and the city’s murals.

    After your walking tour, enjoy some free time and pick up some lunch in the historic centre of Derry or at the Foyleside shopping centre.

    Learn more about one of Ireland’s most notable literary talents with an afternoon visit to the fantastic Seamus Heaney Homeplace.

    Afterwards, take a bespoke guided tour of Heaney’s native South Derry, to find out more about the people, places and countryside that inspired Ireland's greatest poet.

    Return to Belfast.

    Optional evening activity: Enjoy an evening of bowling at the Odyssey!

  3. Day 3

    In the morning, pay a visit to Titanic Belfast and discover the story of the Titanic, from her birth in Belfast to her discovery on the sea bed.

    Later, visit the Ulster Museum and discover everything from WW1 History to dinosaurs at the largest museum in Northern Ireland!

    Depart Belfast and travel to Dublin.

    Arrive and settle into your accommodation.

  4. Day 4

    Begin your day with a guided literary walk around Dublin, a UNESCO City of Literature.  The guide will take you to places of interest closely associated with famous Irish writers, poets and playwrights, including James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, Jonathan Swift and more.

    Then visit the Chester Beatty Library.  Manuscripts, miniature paintings, prints, drawings, rare books and decorative arts complete this amazing collection - the result of the collecting activities of one man, Sir Alfred Chester Beatty!

    In the afternoon, stop by Trinity College, one of Dublin's must-see attractions.  It is Ireland's oldest university and many famous writers were educated here, including Oscar Wilde.

    You have the opportunity to visit the Old Library and Book of Kells while visiting Trinity College Dublin. The Old Library is home to a great cultural treasure, a 9th-century gospel manuscript of biblical illustrations remarked for their intricate designs! 

  5. Day 5

    Spend your final morning visiting the General Post Office Museum.  This interactive museum will give you an insight into modern Irish history as the GPO was the headquarters for the 1916 Easter Rising which eventually led to the creation of the Irish Republic.

    Depart Dublin and drive up to Belfast to take the ferry back to the UK.

School Trip Accommodation

Accommodation

We use safe and secure accommodation especially suited to schools.  Our accommodation is usually 2* or youth hostel standard and provides a perfect base for enjoying your tour.  All accommodation we use is audited, and our auditing regime is verified by independent experts.