Discover the highlights of Northern Ireland and County Donegal on this 6-day group tour encompassing the Causeway Coastal Route and the Wild Atlantic Way. Visit the spectacular Giant's Causeway and see the towering Slieve League Cliffs. Admire filming locations including Game of Thrones' Dark Hedges and Star Wars' Malin Head. Visit Derry, Armagh and Donegal, sip Irish whiskey at a local distillery and stay in the island town of Enniskillen.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
The Giant's Causeway & Dark Hedges
Belfast - Giant's Causeway - Portrush. Departing Belfast, we head north along the Causeway Coastal Route. Admire craggy cliffs, majestic ruined castles, and the sweeping Glens of Antrim, an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The highlight of this coastal drive is the magnificent Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO-listed geological formation where history, myth, and the sheer power of geology converge in a spectacular display. Marvel at this highlight of Northern Ireland before we continue to the Dark Hedges. This haunting avenue of beech trees was originally planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century to create an impressive approach to their mansion, and it has since gained fame as the filming location for the Kings Road in Game of Thrones.
We arrive in the charming town of Portrush in the late afternoon. The rest of today is at leisure.
Please note: Pick up point for this tour is at 8:45 on day 1 (tour departs at 09:00) - Belfast Pick-Up, Donegall Square West, Belfast, BT1 6JH
Overnight: Portrush
Derry, Ulster American Folk Park & Enniskillen
Portrush - Derry - Ulster American Folk Park - Enniskillen. Departing Portrush, we head to Derry (Londonderry). The city teems with history, from its remarkably well-preserved historic walls to the poignant murals that commemorate its troubled past. With some free time on your hands, you have the option to independently explore Derry or join a guided walking tour.
Our next visit is to the Ulster American Folk Park, a fascinating destination that delves into the tale of emigration from Ulster to North America during the 18th and 19th centuries. There is a long intertwined history between the USA and Ireland. President Joe Biden's family hail originally from County Mayo and John F Kennedy's four grandparents were all children of Irish immigrants.
Our final destination today is the island town of Enniskillen. Take advantage of the evening to explore the beautiful surroundings or immerse yourself in Irish hospitality down at a local pub.
Overnight: Enniskillen | Breakfast
Into the Republic
Enniskillen - Armagh - Donegal (Republic of Ireland). There's free time this morning to further explore the galleries, shops and 15th-century castle in Enniskillen. Then it's on to Armagh, Northern Ireland's orchard and a city known for its two cathedrals dedicated to St Patrick. After free time to explore and try the local cider, we board a new bus and cross the border into the Republic of Ireland, arriving in Donegal. The evening is at leisure.
Please note: In Armagh, we change bus and there may be new additions to the group. Rest assured that the maximum group size of 16 will not be exceeded. You may also change guides at this point on the tour.
Overnight: Donegal | Breakfast
The Wild Atlantic Way
Donegal - Letterkenny. Today we explore the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route, home to some of Ireland's most impressive scenery. We start with a visit to the Slieve League Cliffs, which tower 600 meters above the ocean.
Passing through the Gaelic-speaking communities of rural Ireland, we visit the Folk Village at Glencolmcille and take a look at life here in the 18th century. We then drive through the striking mountain pass at Glengesh to Ardara, a scenic village where we stop for lunch.
Heading back to the coast, we make our way to Letterkenny, stopping often at viewpoints and other attractions to make the most of this idyllic region. Passing though Glenveagh National Park, we arrive at our destination.
Overnight: Letterkenny | Breakfast
Fort Dunree, Mamore Gap & Grianan of Aileach
Letterkenny - Fort Dunree - Carndonagh - Grianan of Aileach - Letterkenny. This morning, we set off for the Inishowen Peninsula and Fort Dunree. This fort, situated on a strategic clifftop, also houses a military museum.
Next, we pass through Mamore Gap, one of the most picturesque routes in Ireland. Along the way, take the opportunity to explore the various attractions, including a holy well dedicated to St Eigne. We then stop for lunch in the charming town of Carndonagh. This market town offers an array of pubs and restaurants, and it is also home to the ancient Donagh Cross or St Patrick’s Cross.
After lunch we travel to the northernmost point in Ireland, Malin Head. Known for its untamed and rugged coastline, this area served as a filming location forStar Wars VIII: The Last Jedi.
Our final visit of the day is Grianan of Aileach. Dating back to 1700 BC, this remarkable hilltop fort offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Then it's back to Letterkenny for the evening.
Overnight: Letterkenny | Breakfast
Causeway Coastal Route, whiskey & Belfast
Letterkenny - Downhill (Northern Ireland) - Castlerock - Belfast. Crossing back into Northern Ireland this morning, we visit Downhill, a popular stop along the Causeway Coastal Route. Marvel at the stunning cliffs and expansive sandy beach that stretches along the water's edge. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Downhill beach before we make our way up to Mussenden Temple. This 18th-century temple was originally built as a library for the unusual Earl Bishop and has now become one of Ireland's most famous landmarks and a location featured in the television series Game of Thrones.
We then enjoy a well-deserved lunch break in the pretty coastal village of Castlerock, which has a population of just 1,500 people.
No visit to Ireland is complete without indulging in some whiskey. The final stop on our tour is the Old Bushmills Distillery, the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery which has been in operation since 1608. With the delightful taste of whiskey lingering within, it is time to make our way back to Belfast, where our tour comes to an end.
Please note: This tour finishes at 18:00 - Belfast Drop Off, Donegall Square West, Belfast, BT1 6JH
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price.