The village of Ballycastle; Northern Ireland is ideally located on the Antrim Coast, famous for the Giant’s Causeway and Bushmills Distillery as well as its diverse and stunning scenery. Should you wish, you can spend more time in Scotland, Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland. Kintyre Express is a fast passenger ferry service that opens up Scotland and Northern Ireland for you. There are regular tours/sailings from April to September that link Campbeltown in Kintyre, Ballycastle on the Antrim Coast and Port Ellen on the Isle of Islay. The 13.25 metre passenger ferry features a fully enclosed, centrally heated cabin with 12 airline style seats.
Islay – Ballycastle – 13 distilleries in 5 days!
A great whisky tour with a difference. 2 whole days on Islay, visiting 9 distilleries, some tours and some tastings only. You decide order of preference, or leave it to us, we are there often! On the third day perhaps catch a distillery you didnee have time for day 2, the we take a wee passenger ferry to Ballycastle at 3pm, arriving in Northern Ireland at 4pm. Met by Mark, who will drive you to Belfast, overnight here and some great whisky bars! Next day you visit The Echlinville Distillery – Tour & Tipple offers an insight into the workings of Northern Ireland’s first newly licensed distillery for over 125 years. Enjoy welcome refreshments before following the journey from ground to glass. Hear how they sow, grow, harvest and floor malt all their own barley on their distillery farm. View copper stills and enjoy the whiskey maturation warehouse. After you have discovered the flavour, colour and mouthfeel of spirits, relax and enjoy two drinks of your choice in the bar. Then time for lunch before heading up to the Giants Causeway and Bushmills Distillery. At 4.30 sail to Campbeltown back on the Scottish mainland, overnight there. The tour ends, or we can add more days, just let us know. This tour can start on Islay or the mainland, we are flexible and can arrange all accommodations and transport. Maybe … Next day a tour of Glen Scotia and Springbank Distilleries, also the Cadenhead shop, a final night in Campbeltown.
Campbeltown – Ballycastle – 4 distilleries and 2 countries in 3 days!
Starting early from the 7.30am ferry from Campbeltown, you will be in Northern Ireland an hour or so later. Then discover the Giant’s Causeway before a tour at Bushmills Distillery – the original grant to distil was signed in 1608 by King James 1st and there has been distillation on site since then. The Bushmills Brand Experience includes a guided tour around a working distillery with all the associated sights and smells, tutored whiskey tastings, a specialist whiskey shop and a well stocked gift shop with exclusive Bushmills merchandise. At the conclusion of your tour you will be offered a whiskey in the 1608 Bar. There is also a restaurant serving lunches – ideal! Overnight in Belfast, some great whisky bars! Next day you visit The Echlinville Distillery – Tour & Tipple offers offer an insight into the workings of Northern Ireland’s first newly licensed distillery for over 125 years. Enjoy welcome refreshments before following the journey from ground to glass. Hear how they sow, grow, harvest and floor malt all their own barley on our distillery farm. View copper stills and enjoy the whiskey maturation warehouse. After you have discovered the flavour, colour and mouthfeel of spirits, relax and enjoy two drinks of your choice in the bar. Then heading back at 4.30 to Campbeltown on the Scottish mainland, overnightt here. Next day a tour of Glen Scotia and Springbank Distilleries, also the Cadenhead shop, a final night in Campbeltown. The tour ends, or we can add more days, just let us know. This tour can start anywhere on the mainland, we are flexible and can arrange all accommodations and transport.
For costs enquire to liz@mcleanscotland.co.uk