Northern Ireland Adventure - 5 days
Northern Ireland Adventure - 5 days
Northern Ireland Adventure - 5 days
5 Days Starting and ending in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Visiting: Belfast, Derry, Donegal
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
5-
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 5-day Northern Ireland Adventure, exploring the stunning landscapes and rich history of Northern Ireland and Ireland. Begin your journey in Belfast, traveling along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route to marvel at the UNESCO-listed Giant's Causeway and the historic Bushmills Distillery. Discover the well-preserved city walls of Derry, the dramatic cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way, and the enchanting Glens of Antrim. Experience the rugged beauty of County Donegal, including the towering Slieve League Cliffs and the serene Glenveagh National Park. Conclude your adventure with a visit to Hillsborough Castle and the option to explore Belfast's Titanic Museum. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and breathtaking views throughout this unforgettable journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Belfast
Location: Belfast
Accommodation Name: Mandalay B&B, Aranmore Lodge or similar
Belfast - Giant's Causeway - Portrush. Departing Belfast, we head north along the Causeway Coastal Route towards Carrickfergus, boasting one of Northern Ireland's best preserved Norman castles. Admire craggy cliffs, majestic ruined castles and beautiful scenery en-route. We’ll pause here briefly to capture some stunning photos of this impressive fortress before continuing our adventure to the breath-taking Glenariff Forest Park. This region of Northern Ireland is so breathtakingly beautiful that it has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The winding roads that lead here certainly add to its charm, making it feel like a hidden gem off the beaten path.
The next stop is Forest Park, with chance to indulge in some tea or coffee, or take a trip to the near-by waterfall. We continue our adventure north, navigating the exhilarating path to Torr Head. Along the way, make sure to keep an eye out for the magnificent view across the sea to Scotland, where the rugged Mull of Kintyre emerges on the horizon. The vista here is truly unforgettable. Once we reach the top of Northern Ireland, we visit Ballycastle for lunch and some free time.
We continue onwards towards Portrush. 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 Bushmills Distillery for an optional tasting of their famous whiskey. We also make a quick photo stop at Dunluce Castle.
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
Accommodation: Mandalay B&B, Aranmore Lodge or similar
Day 2: Derry
Location: Derry
Accommodation Name: Eske Villa, Railway Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Portrush - Derry - Dunree - Donegal. 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 our hands, we have the option to independently explore Derry or join a guided walking tour.
After that, we re-join the coastline, stopping at the picturesque Dunree Head. The journey there involves a winding, clifftop road that offers breath-taking views. Upon reaching Dunree Head, we can overlook Dunree Beach and Lough Swilly, extending the gaze to the Fanad Peninsula. History enthusiasts will also find the Dunree Fort military museum fascinating to explore.
From this point, we'll journey through Mamore Gap, renowned as one of Ireland’s most picturesque routes. We pause for a moment to capture the stunning views from this famous vantage point. Our expedition then leads us to Donegal Town, where we will stay for the next two nights. Along the way, we’ll take additional breaks to explore, based on the weather and the group's preferences, before settling in for a well-earned rest.
Accommodation: Eske Villa, Railway Lodge or similar.
Day 3: Bunbeg
Location: Donegal
Accommodation Name: Eske Villa, Railway Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Donegal - Bungbeg - Donegal. Today, we venture along the Wild Atlantic Way, a remarkable 1,600-mile coastal trail that ranks as one of the longest in the world, running the entire span of Ireland’s west coast. As we travel to Bunbeg, we'll make several stops to explore, with our itinerary adaptable to the weather and your specific interests, ensuring a memorable journey through this breath-taking landscape. We make our lunch stop in Gaeltacht town, where the Irish language is predominent.
Next, we continue along the Wild Atlantic Way, stopping at various points that offer stunning vistas of the rugged coastline and nearby islands. The journey then takes us through the awe-inspiring Glenveagh National Park. Here, we’ll disembark to allow time to fully experience the park’s splendour, including the craggy Derryveagh Mountains, the majestic Glenveagh Castle, and the stunning Glenveagh Valley. There's many walking routes here, or we can explore the castle accessed by a shuttle bus. We then head back to Donegal for the night.
Accommodation: Eske Villa, Railway Lodge or similar
Day 4: Donegal
Location: Donegal
Accommodation Name: Westville Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Donegal - Enniskillen. Today we explore more of the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route. We start with a visit to the Slieve League Cliffs, which tower 600 metres above the ocean (some of the highest in Europe).
Passing through the Gaelic-speaking communities of rural Ireland, we 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 Eniskillen to spend the night. We plan to arrive in the late afternoon, allowing some time to explore this vibrant, charming town. Situated on a small island in Lough Erne, Enniskillen boasts a picturesque setting, making it a perfect and idyllic stopover.
Accommodation: Westville Hotel or similar.
Day 5: Belfast
Location: Belfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enniskillen - Hillsborough - Belfast. We bid farewell to this charming island town and set off to our next destination, Hillsborough Castle, renowned for its marvellous gardens. Here, we can explore it's ornamental landscapes, serene woodlands, and picturesque glens that have delighted the Royal Family and numerous visitors over the years. There's an optional tour of the castle's exquisite state rooms, uncovering its intriguing history (tickets subject to availability), and perhaps enjoy a leisurely lunch.
Following this visit, it's a brief journey back to Belfast where we have the option to explore the Titanic Museum in the Titanic Quarter or remain on the bus for a scenic tour around the city, concluding our adventure.
What's Included
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4 breakfasts
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4 nights simple guesthouse (hotel upgrade available)
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Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning
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Escorted by a local driver-guide (tour guide and minibus changes on day 3)
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All road tolls
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20kg luggage - see Trip Notes for details
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Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.
What's Not Included
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International flights & visas
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Airport transfers (pick up and drop off information can be found in the Trip Notes)
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Meals not specified in itinerary
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!
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Entry fees unless specified
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning, escorted by a local driver-guide. Note that the tour guide and minibus change on day 3.
Accommodation
Enjoy 4 nights in simple guesthouses, with options to stay at Mandalay B&B, Aranmore Lodge, Eske Villa, Railway Lodge, and Westville Hotel or similar accommodations.
Age Policy
Min:5yrs with an adultChild discount available for 5-15 yrs sharing with 2 adults
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides transportation in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning.
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Is there a tour guide accompanying the group?
Yes, the tour is escorted by a local driver-guide. Please note that the tour guide and minibus change on day 3.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 4 nights in simple guesthouses, with an option for a hotel upgrade.
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Is luggage allowance specified for the tour?
Yes, there is a 20kg luggage allowance. Please see the Trip Notes for more details.
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Are there any optional activities during the tour?
Yes, there are optional activities such as a whiskey tasting at Bushmills Distillery and a tour of the state rooms at Hillsborough Castle (tickets subject to availability).
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What is the age policy for this tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 5 years, and there is a child discount available for children aged 5-15 years sharing with 2 adults.
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
Key highlights include visiting the Giant's Causeway, exploring Derry's historic city walls, admiring the scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way, and visiting the Slieve League Cliffs and Glenveagh National Park.
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What is the pick-up point and time for the tour?
The pick-up point for the tour is at Donegall Square West, Belfast, BT1 6JH at 8:45 on day 1, with the tour departing at 09:00.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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