Northern Ireland – Belle Isle Castle & Estate
|
Belle Isle Castle Estate is situated on the northern tip of the meandering waterways of Upper Lough Erne, County Fermanagh and boasts a staggering 470 acres of stunningly beautiful countryside, taking in a total of eight picturesque islands. The Duke of Abercorn owns the estate and the jewel in its crown is Belle Isle Castle, a lovingly restored 17th century castle surrounded by a courtyard of luxurious accommodation. To Belfast , a city transformed ands revived in recent years and an unmissable experience.
Day 1
Transfer from Belfast International Airport by luxury executive coach to Belle Isle Estate having lunch en route.Arrive at Belle Isle Estate nestling close to the water’s edge and set within a landscape of lakes and islandsof gently rolling hills and fragrant woods. Enjoy a gourmetafternoon tea in the Grand Hall - Northern Irish style! Belle Isle is home to the Irish Cookery School, so every meal will be a gastronomic delight and afternoon tea is certainly no exception. Indulge yourself with freshly baked scones and traditional Northern Irish soda bread with rich Northern Irish creamy butter washed down with piping hot tea. Simple fayre – but simply delicious!
After tea you are free to explore the many hidden gems found around every corner of Belle Isle Estate, including the romantic secret garden. If you would like to venture a little bit further afield then why not take a short cruise on the estate’s wooden boat ‘Trasna’ and take in the amazing scenery of the many picturesque inlets and islands dotted throughout the waterways of Upper Lough Erne.
Or perhaps you would prefer to take things at a slower pace and chill out in the haven of the estate’s walled gardens enjoying the aroma of the apple trees - or better still, a glass of chilled chardonnay. Alternatively, why not relax curling up in front of a roaring log fire in the castle’s magnificent drawing room and enjoy anarray of antiques and the stunning views over the sunken gardens.
Depart Belle Isle by luxury coach to arrive at the magnificent National Trust property Castle Coole, former family home of the Earls of Belmore. Arrive at Castle Coole to a musical reception upon entering the house. You will adore the sounds of drummers and pipers playing while enjoying a drink in an anteroom to the Grand Hall.Dinner will be served in the Grand Hall with a harpist providing the soundtrack to a magnificent five-course meal. After dinner entertainment will consist of Irish dancing and a delightful classical music recital. Depart Castle Coole for Belle Isle
Day 2
Enjoy the culinary delights of a traditional Northern Irish breakfast served in the large dining room known as the Gallery. Transfer by luxury coach to the airfield to partake in the day’s first fantasticadventure – a Helicopter Treasure Hunt!Two helicopters, holding eight people each, will be on hand to aid your treasure hunt around the islands of Belle Isle. Enjoy a gourmet lunch.
Fancy yourself as a hot shot? Then why not take a pot shot, at a snipe from a moving boat? Go on give it a go! Snipe shooting will take place from a boat on a nearby lake – challenging but extremely rewarding! If this all sounds a little too fast paced then there are many other activities on offer at Belle Isle, including :A daylong cookery course – residentchef, Liz Moore, believes in taking a hands-on approach, so all guests partaking can also enjoy a gourmet lunch which is included.
Belle Isle also offers wine tasting courses, with winemakers and experienced wine tasters. If that doesn’t whet your appetite then why not try one of the following activities: Tennis on the estate courts ,Golf on a nearby championship course ,painting for pleasure and relaxation ,yoga and meditation in the Grand Hall
Return to Belle Isle Castle then evening Drinks reception in the elegant Drawing Room. A sumptuous banquet prepared by resident chef, Liz Moore, in the Grand Hall, a banqueting hall with a minstrel gallery. After dinner retire to the Drawing Room for a digestif and a game of bridge or perhaps chess to wind down after the day’s events.
Day 3
Depart Belle Isle Estate by luxury coach for Northern Ireland’s capital city – Belfast. Arrive at the Hastings Europa Hotel, in the heart of the city, which has been host to everyone, from international celebrities to former President Bill Clinton, not once – but twice!
Depart the Europa Hotel and walk across the road to the Crown Liquor Saloon, for a typical Irish pub lunch and a pint of the black stuff – Guinness! Its ornate tiled Victorian exterior and delightful gas lit interior make it one of the National Trust's greatest treasures. Upon arrival you will be whisked into an intimate snug (booth) for a bit of the local craic!
Depart the Crown Liquor Saloon by luxury coach for a panoramic tour of Belfast city. Be prepared to be impressed at how far Belfast has come in such a short time. See the famous murals in the west of the city, the magnificent buildings of Stormont, in the east, Queens University in the south and Belfast Castle in the north and of course the splendour of the City Hall – the heart of Belfast city. See the new developments at Laganside and the Titanic Quarter where the world famous ship was built.Return to the Hastings Europa Hotel.
Depart Hastings Europa Hotel for an historical pub tour of Belfast. The BlueBadge Guide will escort you through the streets of Belfast to the city’s mosthistorical pubs, including White’s Tavern, the Kitchen Bar and McHugh’s – Belfast’s oldest building.
Arrive at Cayenne restaurant. Placed in the top 10 restaurants in the UK by TimeOut’s Guide to Eating and Drinking in Great Britain and Ireland. Cayenne is owned by celebrity chefs Paul and Jeannie Rankin and is a dynamic mix of hot and funky food in a cool urban atmosphere.
We’ll let you decide on when you are ready to return to retire to your suite at the Hastings Europa Hotel – as your very own chauffeur will be at your beck and call throughout the evening.
Itineraries can be changed or customized according to your preference.
> Contact Us
|
|
|
More incentives