Belfast to Carrickfergus and Ballymena: Private day trip
Private ride with a local driver
5h 45mRound tripPrivate driver
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About your trip
Journey through County Antrim's historic heartland to discover Norman fortifications and traditional Ulster culture where ancient castles meet contemporary Irish communities. Experience medieval architecture and regional traditions, with your driver navigating through scenic Antrim countryside while you anticipate encounters with fortress heritage and authentic Irish culture.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Belfast whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.Discover more with local expertise
Your driverâs local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden cafĂŠ here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips youâll love sharing later. This isnât a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.Explore at your own pace
Your professional Daytrip driver will meet you at your accommodation in Belfast and transport you safely to Carrickfergus and then to Ballymena, allowing you to explore County Antrim's medieval heritage and traditional Ulster culture showcasing Norman history and Irish community life.
Perfect for any private group
Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.Good to know
- Two-way private car transfer
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Personalized pickup and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
- Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions in Carrickfergus and Ballymena should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
- Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From âŹ141
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotalâŹ423
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance
Start in Belfast
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Carrickfergus
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - admission not included


Explore Northern Ireland's best-preserved Norman castle, strategically positioned on Belfast Lough where medieval fortifications have guarded the harbor for over 800 years. Walk through massive stone walls, climb ancient towers, and explore medieval chambers while learning about Norman invasion, Scottish settlement, and centuries of siege warfare. Visit the castle museum displaying medieval weapons, armor, and artifacts revealing daily life in medieval Ulster while interactive exhibits explain castle construction and defensive strategies. Explore the historic town center with its traditional Ulster architecture, antique shops, and family-run restaurants serving traditional Irish cuisine including Ulster fry, fresh seafood, and traditional Irish stew. Walk along the medieval harbor where traditional fishing boats dock alongside modern yachts while learning about the town's role in Irish maritime history. Visit the Carrickfergus Museum showcasing local history, traditional crafts, and cultural heritage while traditional pubs offer Irish music sessions and storytelling preserving Ulster folk traditions. The castle's commanding position provides spectacular views across Belfast Lough to the Antrim coast while sunset illuminates ancient stones creating magical photographic opportunities.
2
Ballymena
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - admission not included


Discover this traditional Ulster market town where Irish heritage thrives around traditional agriculture, local crafts, and community traditions reflecting authentic County Antrim culture. Explore the town center's traditional architecture including historic churches, traditional shops, and family businesses that have served the community for generations. Visit local farmers' markets selling organic produce, traditional Irish foods, and handmade crafts reflecting rural Ulster traditions and agricultural heritage. Experience authentic Irish culture through traditional pubs offering live music sessions, local restaurants serving regional specialties, and community centers hosting traditional Irish dancing and cultural events. Learn about Ulster-Scots heritage through local museums, historic sites, and cultural centers preserving the unique blend of Irish, Scottish, and English influences that shaped County Antrim culture. Visit traditional workshops where craftsmen create traditional Irish furniture, textiles, and pottery using techniques passed down through generations. Local restaurants serve hearty Ulster cuisine emphasizing local ingredients including fresh lamb, traditional breads, and regional specialties while traditional festivals throughout the year celebrate Irish music, dance, and agricultural heritage maintaining community traditions in contemporary Irish society.
Back to Belfast
Weâll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions, here are the answers.Day trips offer travelers private round-trip transportation to popular sightseeing locations. One of our professional drivers will pick you up in a luxurious, climate-controlled car, take you to the site of interest, and wait for you while you explore before driving you back to your hotel.
Yes! Youâre free to choose the pickup and drop-off times that work best for you. However, the time spent at the destination is fixed and cannot be changed.
Each sightseeing stop has a recommended duration that includes plenty of time to explore. However, it is possible to customize the time spent at each sightseeing stop at a later stage in the booking process to best fit your unique schedule.
Your Daytrip driver will wait for you nearby for the duration of your exploration, meaning youâll never have to wait for your return trip transportation to arrive. Your comfort and convenience are our top priorities, and we aim to close out your day trip with a return on your schedule.
The price of a day trip does not include any entrance tickets, guided tours, or meals you may partake in at your destination. The price covers round-trip transportation in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver who can provide local insights en route.
Day trip bookings can be canceled up to 24 hours before your trip for a full refund, no strings attached. While the destination and stops are predetermined, it is possible to change your pick-up point, whether it is at your hotel or some other location within the city.
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