The Northern Highlights of Ireland 6 Day Premium Group Tour

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Céad Míle Fáilte – An Introduction to Monks, Music, and the Magic of Galway
2 stops
1
Begin your journey at Dublin Airport, where our welcoming team greets you at the Bus Park, Zone 16, ensuring a smooth start to your Irish adventure. Settle in as you travel west through ever-changing countryside, passing rolling farmland and timeless rural landscapes en route to Clonmacnoise Monastery. Founded in the 6th century on the tranquil banks of the River Shannon, Clonmacnoise is one of Ireland’s most significant early Christian sites. Wander among its remarkable round towers, cathedral ruins, and intricately carved Celtic high crosses, each telling stories of faith, learning, and resilience. The serene atmosphere offers a powerful glimpse into Ireland’s spiritual and scholarly heritage, where history and devotion linger in every stone.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
2
Galway
Continue onward to the vibrant City of Tribes—Galway—renowned for its artistic soul and lively Atlantic energy. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walking tour that brings the city’s character to life. Stroll through Eyre Square, admire the historic Spanish Arch, and weave through narrow medieval streets alive with color, creativity, and centuries of stories. From street performers to traditional shopfronts, Galway captures the heart of Ireland’s west coast like nowhere else. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. Walk along the Salthill Promenade as the sun sets over Galway Bay, browse independent boutiques and craft shops, or immerse yourself in the sounds of traditional Irish music spilling from cozy pubs. After a memorable evening, unwind during a comfortable overnight stay in Galway, refreshed and ready for the adventures ahead.
4 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Connemara’s Wild Beauty and Sligo’s Poetic Charm
2 stops
3
Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden
Leaving Galway we journey into the wild raw beauty of Connemara's misty mountains, shimmering lakes, and winding rivers, with rugged peaks of the Twelve Bens rising on the horizon. Nestled beside a tranquil lake and framed by it's mist-draped hills we arrive at the iconic Kylemore Abbey. Originally built as a romantic 19th-century castle, the estate later became a Benedictine monastery, adding layers of spiritual and cultural significance. Explore the beautifully restored rooms, each revealing insights into its fascinating past, and admire the graceful architecture mirrored in the still waters below. Wander through the Victorian walled gardens, where vibrant flowerbeds, glasshouses, and quiet pathways create a haven of calm and contemplation. The surroundings invite reflection, making Kylemore one of Ireland’s most moving and memorable landmarks.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
4
Continuing north, the scenery grows even more dramatic. Rolling hills, rugged stone walls, sparkling lakes, and timeless villages stretch along your route, each bend in the road offering a new, postcard-perfect view. By early evening, arrive in Sligo, a town of myth, legend, and literary greatness. Known as the inspiration for W.B. Yeats—Nobel Prize winner and widely regarded as one of the most remarkable poets of the 20th century—Sligo’s wild Atlantic coastline and striking mountain landscapes left an indelible mark on his work. Walking in Yeats’ footsteps, you feel the same sense of drama and mystery that shaped his poetry, where windswept beaches, rugged hills, and shimmering lakes become vessels for imagination, reflection, and artistic brilliance. Settle in and unwind, allowing the spirit of Sligo and its poetic legacy to linger as you prepare for the adventures ahead.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
The Land of Chieftains, Castles, and Dramatic Cliffs
4 stops
5
Donegal Castle
Depart Sligo and travel north into the dramatic landscapes of County Donegal, one of Ireland’s most remote and unspoiled regions. Step back in time at Donegal Castle, a striking 15th-century stronghold that once served as the seat of the mighty O’Donnell chieftains of the North, rulers renowned for their power, courage, and influence across Ulster. Its walls and towers bear witness to centuries of political intrigue, fierce battles, and Gaelic resilience, standing as a testament to a turbulent era when clan loyalties and dynastic rivalries shaped the destiny of the region. Wander through the castle’s restored rooms and ramparts, imagining the lives of lords and ladies, strategists and warriors, whose decisions here once echoed across the north of Ireland. Every stone tells a story of strength, ambition, and survival—a living monument to the legacy of Ireland’s most formidable chieftains.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
6
Step into the world of Triona Design in Donegal Town, a living celebration of the county’s rich weaving heritage. Here, you’ll witness a weaving demonstration, seeing skilled artisans transform local Donegal wool into exquisite fabrics that have long defined this region. Weaving has been synonymous with Donegal for centuries, with fabrics once exported as far afield as Bellona and Florence in the 11th century, a testament to the enduring quality and global reputation of Irish craftsmanship. Triona Design continues this tradition today, creating contemporary clothing and accessories that blend heritage with modern style. Their designs have attracted a discerning international clientele, including the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker and other fashion icons, making each piece a unique story of culture, craft, and style.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
7
Sliabh Liag Cliff Experience & Visitor Centre
Continue along the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way, one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal routes, as the scenery grows increasingly rugged and dramatic. Passing through the bustling fishing town of Killybegs, Ireland’s largest port, watch the colorful boats bobbing in the harbor and breathe in the salty, pure Atlantic air. The journey reaches its awe-inspiring climax at Sliabh Liag, home to Europe’s highest accessible sea cliffs. Here, sheer rock faces drop dramatically into the roaring Atlantic, sending spray and wind across the cliffs in a sensory spectacle. Stand on the edge and feel the raw power of the ocean, the wind whipping your hair, as waves thunder below and seabirds wheel overhead. It’s a place of sublime beauty and primal energy on the edge of the world —a breathtaking meeting of land, sea, and sky that leaves an unforgettable impression and embodies the wild, untamed spirit of Donegal.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
8
Travel onward into Gweedore, a vibrant Gaeltacht region where Irish is spoken daily and cultural traditions thrive. Surrounded by rugged mountains and open ocean, this area represents the heart of Ireland’s cultural identity. Settle in for an evening enriched by a special dining experience at the renowned Leo’s Tavern, a true icon of Irish music and the legendary birthplace of Clannad and Enya. From this humble Donegal setting emerged pioneers of Celtic and ambient music whose recordings have sold tens of millions of albums worldwide, influencing generations of artists and bringing the sound of Ireland to a global audience. Within these walls, traditional roots met innovation, shaping a musical legacy that redefined Irish music on the world stage. As you dine, soak in an atmosphere where music, heritage, and storytelling still resonate—an unforgettable evening in a place where modern Irish musical history was born.
3 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 4
A Curated Journey of Wild Nature, Complete With Mountain Dew
3 stops
9
Glenveagh National Park
Begin the day immersed in the splendor of Glenveagh National Park, a vast wilderness where rolling mountains, glassy lakes, and wide-open skies stretch endlessly. At the heart of the park stands Glenveagh Castle, a romantic 19th-century retreat set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. Stroll through its lush gardens, where vibrant plantings soften the rugged terrain, creating a peaceful sanctuary. Together, castle and countryside capture the raw yet refined beauty that defines Ireland’s wild spirit.
3 hours • Admission ticket included
10
Wild Atlantic Way
Leaving Glenveagh, we travel along the Wild Atlantic Way, passing the coastal villages of Creeslough, Dunfanaghy, Falcarragh, Gortahork, and Magheroarty. Along the route, encounter the Mass Rock, remnants of the old railway line and viaduct, and the stark reminder of the former workhouse. Rugged boglands stretch to the horizon, opening onto dramatic Atlantic views, with Tory Island amongst others visible offshore—a journey through wild landscapes, rich history, and the raw beauty of Donegal’s coast.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
11
Crolly Distillery, Visitors' Experience
We then visit Crolly Distillery, a hidden gem nestled in the foothills of Errigal Mountain. This boutique distillery uses the traditional direct flame method of distillation, a rare and labour-intensive process producing richer, more characterful spirits. Set in a restored historic building, it draws on pure mountain water and generations of craftsmanship. Crolly Distillery also celebrates the origins of uisce beatha, first distilled in Western Europe by Coptic monks associated with St Colmcille in the 6th century. Today, it blends ancient tradition with modern skill, creating spirits deeply rooted in Donegal’s landscape and heritage.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Walk the Walls In the Footstep of Giants
3 stops
12
Today we bid farewell to Donegal, one of Ireland’s most spectacular counties, and journey to Derry, a city where past and present intertwine on every street and stone. Step onto the remarkably preserved city walls, encircling the city like a fortress frozen in time, and enjoy sweeping views of the River Foyle and the streets below. Walking these ancient ramparts, you feel the weight of centuries—each weathered stone whispering stories of resilience, conflict and triumph. Below, Derry’s vibrant streets burst with color and life, from lively markets and a thriving arts scene to the familiar locations made famous by the hit television series Derry Girls, which brought the city’s sharp wit, warmth, and unmistakable spirit to a global audience. As you stroll through the city, you’ll see how history, humour, and creativity have shaped not only Derry’s identity, but the resilient and welcoming spirit of its people.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
13
Dunluce Castle
Travel along the breathtaking Antrim coastline, where rugged cliffs meet the Atlantic. Perched dramatically above the crashing waves, Dunluce Castle emerges for a memorable photostop, its weathered ruins standing as a testament to centuries of romance, intrigue, and fierce battles. The castle’s dramatic setting also caught the eye of modern storytellers, featuring in Game of Thrones, where its wild, windswept presence helped bring fantasy to life. With the ocean roaring below, Dunluce is haunting, majestic, and unforgettable—a place where history, legend, and cinematic drama collide.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
14
Giant's Causeway
Continue through the quaint village of Bushmills, home to the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, before arriving at the Giants Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches thousands of interlocking basalt columns into the sea, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago and steeped in legend—said to have been built by the giant Finn McCool. Walk among these natural marvels, feel the power of the earth, and hear whispers of ancient tales carried on the wind. Conclude the day with an evening in Belfast.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 6
Titanic Memories and the Dublin Farewell
3 stops
15
Titanic Belfast
After breakfast, we visit Titanic Belfast, an awe-inspiring monument to ambition, innovation, and human spirit. Rising from the historic docklands, its striking architecture evokes the hulls of the very ships built here. Inside, interactive galleries, evocative exhibitions, and immersive storytelling bring the Titanic’s story to life—from her conception in Belfast’s shipyards to her tragic maiden voyage and enduring legacy. Feel the pulse of innovation, hear the voices of those who built her, and step onto recreated decks where dreams and determination once set sail. Titanic Belfast is more than a museum; it is a journey through history, engineering, and emotion, leaving every visitor inspired.
1 hour 30 minutes • Admission ticket included
16
We then embark on a guided political tour, delving into Belfast’s complex and moving history. Visit the Falls Road and Shankill neighborhoods, adorned with vivid murals that tell stories of struggle, resilience, hope, and community. Learn how ordinary people shaped the city’s narrative, and gain insight into the social, political, and cultural forces that continue to mold Belfast’s vibrant present and hopeful future.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
17
Dublin
In the afternoon, we journey south to Dublin, the road offering time to reflect on everything experienced together. From wild coastlines and ancient castles to quiet villages and everyday moments of rural Ireland, this has been a journey lived as much through people as through places. There were shared laughs on the bus, conversations over meals, music heard in unexpected places, and encounters with locals that revealed the true warmth of the country. As Dublin comes into view, the tour gently draws to a close—not as an ending, but as a collection of memories carried forward. New acquaintances have become friends, stories have been shared, and a deeper connection to Ireland now lingers. These are the moments that stay with you long after the journey ends, a reminder of Ireland’s spirit and the people who brought it to life.
2 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Not recommended for travelers who have mobility restrictions and cannot access stairs

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