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SmartFAM Experience – Northern Ireland
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Northern Ireland
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September 07 - 11, 2026
Smart Meetings Hosted Buyer Experiences are 100% complimentary for qualified meeting planners.
Meet in Ireland
Join us for an unforgettable Smart Fam experience through the heart of Northern Ireland, where iconic attractions, breathtaking coastal scenery, rich culture and incredible cuisine come together. From Titanic Belfast and the stunning Giant’s Causeway to the historic walls of Derry/Londonderry and the vibrant energy of Belfast, you’ll experience Northern Ireland at its very best, complete with unforgettable local flavors, fresh seafood and authentic dining experiences along the way.
SmartFAM Schedule
Monday 07th September 2026 – Journey from Dublin to Belfast
| 9:15 AM | Depart The Mercantile Hotel Dublin and transfer to Killeavy Castle Estate |
| 11:00 AM | Arrive at Killeavy Castle Estate |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch onsite with Executive Chef, Darragh Dooley |
| 1:30 PM | Transfer to Game of Thrones Studio Tour |
| 2:00 PM | Arrival at Game of Thrones Studio for interactive experience |
| 3:00 PM | Depart Game of Thrones Studio |
| 3:30 PM | Arrival at Hillsborough Castle |
| 4:15 PM | Depart Hillsborough Castle and transfer to Belfast |
| 5:00 PM | “Welcome to Belfast” drinks at The 5 Star Grand Central Hotel |
| 6:30 PM | Check in to The Bedford Hotel, Belfast’s newest Boutique Hotel |
| 7:00 PM | Evening dinner in the Ledger Library at The Bedford Hotel Belfast Overnight at The Bedford Hotel Belfast |
Tuesday 08th September 2026 - A Deep dive into Belfast City, Co. Antrim
| 09:20 AM | Depart Bedford Hotel and begin with a visit to Belfast City Hall |
| 10:15 AM | Taste and Tag Belfast – A Food and Street Art Odyssey around Belfast City |
| 12:30 PM | Show-around of the Merchant Hotel |
| 1:15 PM | Transfer to Titanic Belfast |
| 1:30 PM | Group lunch and bespoke guided tour of the Titanic Experience |
| 3:30 PM | Depart Titanic Belfast and transfer to McConnell’s Distillery |
| 3:45 PM | Show-around and whiskey tasting at McConnell’s Distillery |
| 5:00 PM | Depart McConnell’s by coach for an introduction to Political Belfast |
| 5:45 PM | Arrival at The Bedford Hotel with some time to re-fresh before dinner |
| 7:00 PM | Show-around and private dining at the 5 Star The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast |
| 9:00 PM | Optional post dinner drinks at the Crown Liquor Saloon |
| 10:30 PM | Return to The Bedford Hotel |
Wednesday 09th September 2026 – The North Antrim Coastline
| 08:45 AM | Depart The Bedford Hotel |
| 09:30 AM | Arrive at Galgorm Resort, Northern Ireland’s premier luxury hotel and spa |
| 10:00 AM | Experience The Thermal Village at Galgorm |
| 12:00 PM | Afternoon Tea in the Conservatory |
| 1:30 PM | Depart Galgorm and transfer to The Giants Causeway |
| 2:30 PM | Experience the Giants Causeway by Land and Sea |
| 5:10 PM | Depart the Giants Causeway and transfer to Dunluce Lodge |
| 5:30 PM | Arrival at Dunluce Lodge, 5 Star resort on the Causeway Coast |
| 7:00 PM | Evening dinner on-property | Overnight at Dunluce Lodge |
Thursday 10th September 2026 – Derry, Armagh and Down in a Day
| 09:15 AM | Depart Dunluce Lodge and transfer to the city of Derry |
| 10:30 AM | Show-around and tasting at the Walled City Brewery |
| 11:30 AM | Visit the 4 star Ebrington Hotel for property show-around |
| 12:00 PM | Join original Derry Girl Charlene McCrossan for a Derry Girls tour of the city |
| 1:30 PM | Depart Derry and transfer to Long Meadow Cider with lunch en-route |
| 3:30 PM | Tour and Tasting at Long Meadow Cider, The McKeever Families Orchard Farm |
| 4:45 PM | Depart Long Meadow Cider and transfer to 5 Star Gilford Castle Estate |
| 5:15 PM | Arrive at Gilford Castle Estate – Welcome Castle and Estate Tour on arrival |
| 7:00 PM | Farewell to Northern Ireland dinner in the Castle dining room | Overnight at Gilford Castle Estate |
Friday 11th September 2026 – Departure Day
| Departure transfers from Gilford Castle Estate to Dublin Airport |
COUNTDOWN
The Details
You should fly into Dublin Airport (DUB) https://www.dublinairport.com/
To qualify for this FAM trip, you must meet the following requirements:
You must have the ability to source and book group meetings internationally. Group bookings are defined as a minimum of 10 guest rooms per night.
Full participation in the program is required. Plan to arrive no later than 12:00 PM local time on Monday, September 7th, and depart no earlier than 10:00 AM local time on Friday, September 11th.
A valid passport is required to enter Ireland. An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is also required, unless you hold Irish or British citizenship. Apply here: www.gov.uk/eta. We strongly recommend applying 1–2 months before your travel date.
Please do not book any travel until you have received official FAM approval. Travel booked prior to approval is done at your own risk.
The hotel stay, arranged meals, group activities and travel stipend are included with your registration.
A qualified Meeting Planner can attend (1) one hosted buyer experience annually based on business needs. Hotels and destination partners may attend unlimited events. Contact our Sales Team for more information at [email protected]
