The Wild Coasts of the North
6 day tour

Day 1

• Admire the elemental beauty of the Causeway Coast
• Walk where giants fought and changed the earth at the unique and stunning Giant’s Causeway

You leave Belfast and travel north following the winding and magnificent Causeway Coastal Route. A truly sensational experience, the journey takes you past craggy cliffs, ruined castles and through the sweeping glens of Antrim, an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The crowning glory of this coastal drive is the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, a place where history and myth collide spectacularly with raw geological power. Waving farewell to the giant’s steps, you head on to see another spot of rare beauty, the Dark Hedges.

This haunting beech avenue was planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century to impress the visitors approaching their mansion. Since then, the Dark Hedges have impressed millions of travellers, photographers, and fans of Game of Thrones.

Reinvigorated by the sea air and the mind-blowing scenery, you arrive in Portrush in the late afternoon where you stay for the night.

Day 2

• Discover the vibrant cultural scene and rich history of Derry
• Learn more about the pioneering spirit of Irish emigrants in the Ulster American Folk Park

You say farewell to the coastal charms and head to Derry.

From the almost intact historic walls to the murals commemorating the more recent troubled past, this city is steeped in history. And it’s also quickly becoming one of the most important artistic and cultural hubs in Northern Ireland. You’ve got free time to explore Derry for yourself or you can join an optional walking tour.

Next, you travel to the Ulster American Folk Park, where you can discover the story of emigration from Ulster to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Learn about the hardships these bold people had to face and the impact they made in the new land.

In the late afternoon, you travel to Enniskillen, a small island town and your overnight base. Enjoy an evening stroll around this lovely area or discover the famous Irish charm as you chat with the locals in a cosy pub.

Day 3

• Spend the morning exploring Enniskillen Castle or get on an optional lake cruise
• Get to know the charming city of Armagh, known for local ciders and Irish Black Butter

In the morning, you can decide to explore Enniskillen a bit more. You may visit its many galleries and craft shops, explore the 15th-century castle, or see the beautiful Lough Erne on an optional cruise.

Then, you say farewell to the lovely island town and head east through County Armagh, Ireland’s Orchard County, to the ecclesiastical city of Armagh. This city loves St Patrick so much it boasts two cathedrals dedicated to him. They also love their Bramley apple, so make sure to try local ciders and the legendary Irish Black Butter. This is also where you join a new bus for the continuation of your tour to county Donegal. Your guides will help you transfer your luggage and introduce you to your new travelling companions.

From here you head to Donegal Town, your overnight stop for tonight. This town boasts a panoramic backdrop of the Blue Stack Mountains, plus plenty to do in town, including an array of restaurants for your dining options.

Day 4

• Head along the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world
• Gaze upon the Slieve League Cliffs, some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe

Today you wrap yourself in wilderness as you journey along the wild Atlantic coast.

First are the Slieve League Cliffs that tumble down 600 metres to the unrestrained ocean. These impressive crags are among the highest in Europe and are steeped in legends.

The landscape continues to get wilder as you travel through the sparsely populated Irish-speaking communities to Glencolmcille. Here you can visit the Folk Village and have a glimpse into daily life and culture of people from the 18th century onwards.

Taking a break from the coastal delights, the route takes you through a striking mountain pass at Glengesh to the picturesque village of Ardara for lunch.

Then, you continue to explore the Wild Atlantic Way and stop at locations graced with magnificent views of the rugged coast and islands, before travelling through the impressive Glenveagh National Park.

In the early evening, you arrive in Letterkenny, a vibrant town full of history and great traditional bars, where you spend two nights.

Day 5

• Reach the northern-most point of Ireland at the rugged headland of Malin Head
• Drive along Mamore Gap, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland

Leaving Letterkenny the next morning, you head straight for Fort Dunree. This strategic clifftop fort is now also home to a military museum.

From here you travel along Mamore Gap, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland. Spend some time discovering the treasures found along the route, including a holy well devoted to St Eigne.

Next up you make your way to the lovely little town of Carndonagh for lunch. This market town boasts loads of pubs and restaurants, not to mention it’s the site of the Donagh Cross (or St. Patrick’s Cross).

After you’ve filled your belly, it’s up to Malin Head. This is the northern-most point of mainland Ireland and you should ensure your camera is ready to snap pictures of this wild and rugged headland.

After a quick comfort break, your adventure continues to Grianan of Aileach. This peculiar hilltop fort dates back to 1700 BC and has some breathtaking views. You then head back to Letterkenny for the night.

Day 6

• Explore the beauty of Downhill Beach and the striking Mussenden Templee
• Sip whiskey at the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery

Today you travel back into Northern Ireland to admire the beauty of Downhill, a prominent stop on the Causeway Coastal Route. Here, you will get blown away by the majestic cliffs and wide sandy beach sprawling out along the water’s edge.

Take a stroll along Downhill beach before you pop up to see Mussenden Temple perched right on the cliff’s edge. This 18th-century temple was originally built to house the eccentric Earl Bishop’s library and is now one of the most photographed places in Ireland.

Our next stop is at the seaside village of Castlerock for a well-deserved lunch break. This town is home to a mere 1500 people and boasts an incredibly beautiful landscape that attracts many visitors.

No trip to Ireland is complete without a bit of whiskey, so you head off next for Old Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery. Learn all about their distilling process with a tour and enjoy a taste of their fine whiskey.

With this delicious whiskey warming your insides, it’s time to head back to Belfast.