
In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour worth booking?
In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour is a 6-hour experience in Belfast, United Kingdom, from $349 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $349 per person
InSite Tours Ireland provides travelers with award-winning, customized experiences that highlight the finest aspects of Ireland's culture, history, and landscapes. This unique and intimate journey offers a profound connection to the landscapes and moments that inspired Nobel Prizewinning Poet Seamus Heaney, brought to life by Fergal Kearney's personal stories and insights. Whether you're new to Heaney's work or deeply familiar with it, the tour promises an emotionally enriching experience, steeped in the poet's heritage and the beauty of his homeland. This Seamus Heaney tour provides an exclusive, immersive journey into the poet's world, offering guests a deep, personal connection to the landscapes and inspirations behind his work.
What you get
About this experience
InSite Tours Ireland provides travelers with award-winning, customized experiences that highlight the finest aspects of Ireland's culture, history, and landscapes. This unique and intimate journey offers a profound connection to the landscapes and moments that inspired Nobel Prizewinning Poet Seamus Heaney, brought to life by Fergal Kearney's personal stories and insights. Whether you're new to Heaney's work or deeply familiar with it, the tour promises an emotionally enriching experience, steeped in the poet's heritage and the beauty of his homeland. This Seamus Heaney tour provides an exclusive, immersive journey into the poet's world, offering guests a deep, personal connection to the landscapes and inspirations behind his work.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Bottled water
- Live commentary on board
Not included
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Queen's University
The beautiful Lanyon Building at Queens is one of Belfast's landmark architectural gems, but adjacent to this is the Seamus Heaney Library, dedicated in his honour as both student and teacher.
30 minutes here
We will take a detour to take in the panorama of Seamus Heaney's beloved South Derry, a living breathing map of the places celebrated in his work. We will stop at the ancient coaching inn at Crosskeys for some refreshments.
30 minutes here
In his seminal poem 'The Lough Neagh Sequence' Heaney charts the astonishing journey of the Lough Neagh Eel from the Sargasso Sea, across the Atlantic and upriver on the Bann to Lough Neagh. On this visit you will see the existing Fishery which keeps the tradition of Eel Fishing alive in this community.
25 minutes here
Bellaghy
We will take in the local GAA grounds where the Heaney's played Gaelic Football, then pass by the Forge at Hillhead, which features in one of Seamus Heaney's earliest poems from A Door Into the Dark.
10 minutes here
We will not be taking to the water, but we will visit The Strand at Lough Beg, Seamus Heaney's 'favourite place in the world'. Here you will listen to his poem of that name that commemorates his cousin who was murdered during the Troubles.
30 minutes here
We will visit the award-winning Tap House Bar and Restaurant to enjoy a sumptous local lunch, prepared using locally sourced produce. Extra Cost.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
When Seamus Heaney died in August 2013, he took the local community by surprise by choosing his native Bellaghy as his final resting place. He he lies, his gravestone facing westwards over his beloved Tamlaghduff with the simple epitaph 'Walk on Air Against Your Better Judgement'.
15 minutes here
Seamus Heaney's final public act for this community in Bellaghy was the unveiling in April 2008 of The Turf Man by artist David Annand. Inspired by his seminal poem 'Digging', Seamus said of the sculpture at its unveiling, 'it is the right image, in the right place'.
15 minutes here
Before we visit the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, we will stop for lunch at the adjacent Tap House Bar and Restaurant. The HomePlace is a purpose built museum the pays homage to the great poet and his lifetime's work. During your tour you can hear Seamus hauntingly reading his own poems as you take a journey through his life.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Belfast
Go to the front entrance of The Guildhall. You will be met there by your driver/guide.
Meeting point
Belfast
Go to the front gates of Belfast City Hall. You will be met there by your driver/guide.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Go to the front entrance of The Guildhall. You will be met there by your driver/guide.
Ends at
Go to the front gates of Belfast City Hall. You will be met there by your driver/guide.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 3 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- InSite Tours Ireland
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 16 years
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
1 mentionTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Seamus Heaney Fans take Note.
Wonderful immersive experience that gave great insight into the life and poetry of Seamus Heaney with a knowledgeable and amiable guide who knew the poet personally. My highest recommendation to anyone who loves poetry and wants to find out more about Nobel Prize winner Seamus Heaney. Five stars.
Response from the operator: Thank you Jonnie and Michael for taking the day out with me in The Footsteps of Seamus Heaney. I am delighted that you enjoyed our journey together and I do hope to see you again soon.
via Tripadvisor
wonderful way to learn about Seamus Heaney
We were on cruise and specifically wanted a tour to highlight the work and life of Seamus Heaney. We were not disappointed with Fergal. He picked us up at the dock, right on time and a lovely comfortable car. He drove us to a number of important places in Heaney's life and read poetry at these key locations. Later in the day, we drove to the Heaney museum in his hometown. It could not have been better-emotional, touching, well-organzied. Thank you Fergal!!!
Response from the operator: Hi again Maria and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your wonderful reflection on our time discovering the wonderful world of Seamus Heaney. I am so happy that I didn't disappoint and that you both had an immersive trip into the life and the history of my lovely friend Seamus Heaney. I understand that it was emotional and touching but it is always my honour to be graceful and respectful to the great poet. And to the lovely people from all over the world who love and appreciate his work. Thank you. Dúradh Is Maith Liom É Go raibh maith agat Mo Chairde.
via Tripadvisor
An Experience That Lives In My Soul
Mr. Fergal was a larger than life man. Throughout the trip, he told me so many personal stories of the land we explored, I wish I had written them all down! He's intelligent, hilarious, and very humble, despite all the great things he's done in the tourism industry for Ireland. I truly felt entwined into the land during my seven hour trip, and I wish there could have been a day tour #2. It was that good! At some points, I got emotional viewing the sights, and him telling me about the history of the sights. I learned so much about Seamus Heaney and his homeland from Fergal. Without him, my trip to Ireland wouldn't have been nearly as remarkable. Thank you Fergal!
Response from the operator: Hello there Adam and thank you from my heart for this wonderful review of our day together exploring the Homeground of Seamus Heaney, a homeground shared by myself throughout our lifetimes. It was a privilege to host you and to share our little part of Ireland with you on our day together. I really look forward to your thesis on our journey and if I can be of further help, you know where to find me. On Seamus Heaney's HomeGround! Go Raibh Maith Agat Mo Chairde!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Belfast.
How much does In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour cost?
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Prices start at $349 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Belfast usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Belfast is not rushed.
Is In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Belfast, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Belfast can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Belfast and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Belfast within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Belfast?
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On Outty we rank every Belfast experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include A History of Terror - Belfast City Centre Walking Tour, Belfast Black Taxi Tour: Private Journey Through History, Belfast's Political Mural Taxi Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Belfast?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Belfast?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour?
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Included: Professional guide; Bottled water; and Live commentary on board. Not included: Food and drinks, unless specified; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 6 listed pickup locations in and around Belfast. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Belfast. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about In the Footsteps of Seamus Heaney | Private Car Tour?
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Across 3 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, organization. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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