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Private Belfast St Patrick’s Trail & Hillsborough Castle Tour

3 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Belfast, Northern Ireland
Book online or call us

from $932.08 per group (up to 6)

Lowest Price Guarantee
Discover St Patrick
Private Belfast St Patrick’s Trail & Hillsborough Castle Tour Image 2
Hillsborough Castel
Hillsborough Castle
Private Belfast St Patrick’s Trail & Hillsborough Castle Tour Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 21 (0) days in advance.
8 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Make the most of your Belfast port day with a private journey through Northern Ireland’s heritage. Travel in a Mercedes MPV reserved for your group of up to six as you follow the story of St Patrick, enjoy the coastal setting of Newcastle, and continue to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens.

After pickup from Belfast Cruise Port or another agreed location, visit the Saint Patrick Centre and his traditional burial place in Downpatrick before continuing through the countryside with a dedicated driver-guide. The pace can be adjusted where practical around your interests, attraction access, and ship schedule.

Travel with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and refreshments included. Entrance fees, meals, and gratuities are not included unless stated.

- Private Mercedes MPV for up to six
- Belfast cruise-port pickup and return
- St Patrick heritage and royal history
- Flexible pace with a personal driver-guide
- Wi-Fi and refreshments included

What's Included

  • Bottled water
  • WiFi on board
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Admission to St Patricks Centre may apply.
See 2 moreSee 4 more

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

Travelers will be met by our driver displaying a name board.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Inch Abbey

Explore the atmospheric ruins of Inch Abbey, a medieval Cistercian monastery set beside the River Quoile. A short walk leads to the abbey, where you can admire the historic remains, enjoy the surrounding countryside, and take photographs at a relaxed pace. The site also appeared in *Game of Thrones* as Robb Stark’s camp, where he was proclaimed King in the North. On selected summer dates, a living-history monk may be present, but this cannot be guaranteed. Free Admission
Read more

45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Slieve Patrick Statue

Visit the Saint Patrick statue on Slieve Patrick, created to mark the 1,500th anniversary of his arrival in the area. From the elevated setting, enjoy wide views across the surrounding countryside and Strangford Lough. The ground is uneven and there are no formal footpaths, so comfortable, supportive footwear is recommended. Parking is provided at the entrance; there are no footpaths so sensible shoes are advisable.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

Saul Church

Visit Saul Church, traditionally associated with the beginning and end of Saint Patrick’s mission in Ireland. According to local tradition, Patrick established his first church here after arriving in the area in AD 432 and later died at Saul on 17 March 465. Your driver-guide will explain the site’s religious significance and its place in the story of Ireland’s patron saint.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Struell Wells

Discover Struell Wells, one of Ireland’s most complete medieval holy-well complexes and a historic pilgrimage site associated with Saint Patrick. See the Eye Well, Drinking Well, and the surviving medieval bathhouses while learning about the traditions and legends connected with the site. The terrain and historic structures may be uneven, so suitable footwear is recommended Free Admission
Read more

45 minutes Admission Ticket Free

The Saint Patrick Centre

Visit the Saint Patrick Centre, home to a permanent exhibition dedicated to Ireland’s patron saint. Through multimedia displays and historical interpretation, learn about Patrick’s life, writings, journeys, and lasting influence on Irish history and culture. Admission to the exhibition is payable separately.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

St. Patrick's Grave

Visit the traditional burial place of Saint Patrick outside Down Cathedral on Cathedral Hill. The site has been an important place of pilgrimage since the early medieval period. Saint Brigid and Saint Columcille are also traditionally associated with the burial site, reflected in the well-known words: “In Down, three saints one grave do fill: Patrick, Brigid and Columcille.”
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Newcastle

Pause in the seaside town of Newcastle, set between the Irish Sea and the Mourne Mountains. Enjoy time for lunch, a short walk, or views toward Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest mountain. Newcastle is also home to the renowned Royal County Down Golf Club. Meals and personal purchases are not included.
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1 hour 30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

Complete the day at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Northern Ireland’s royal residence. Explore the landscaped grounds, including ornamental lawns, woodland paths, waterways, and peaceful garden areas. An interior castle visit available when the correct ticket and access are confirmed. Admission is payable separately unless stated otherwise.
Read more

2 hours Admission Ticket Free

Show 7 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Belfast St Patrick’s Trail & Hillsborough Castle Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-451776P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
3 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
3
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 21 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Belfast St Patrick’s Trail & Hillsborough Castle Tour?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Bottled water.
  • WiFi on board.
  • Air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Parking Fees.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch.
  • Gratuities.
  • Admission to St Patricks Centre may apply.
  • Admission to Hillsborough Castle & Gardens may apply.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Private Belfast St Patrick’s Trail & Hillsborough Castle Tour is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Private Belfast St Patrick’s Trail & Hillsborough Castle Tour will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Bottled water
  • WiFi on board
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Parking Fees
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
  • Admission to St Patricks Centre may apply.
  • Admission to Hillsborough Castle & Gardens may apply.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Report Product Issue

Activity name