Dublin, Northern Ireland & Galway
Take in the best of Northern Ireland and the northern part of the Republic on this 5-day tour from Dublin. Join a city tour of Belfast and see the awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway. Explore the walled city of Derry, embrace the wild nature of Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal and visit Country Mayo, scene of the devastating potato famine of the 1840s. Admire the dramatic Atlantic coast, sample traditional Irish whiskey and explore beautiful Galway independently.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Belfast sightseeing & Giant's Causeway
Day 1 Belfast sightseeing & Giant's Causeway
Dublin - Belfast (Northern Ireland) - Portrush. Welcome to the Emerald Isle! Leaving Dublin, we head to the Northern Irish capital of Belfast, a city renowned for its industrial heritage and tumultuous history. A brief city tour will give you a comprehensive overview of the capital's triumphs, tragedies, and essence. Afterward, we have the opportunity to explore the Titanic Quarter and indulge in a delightful lunch. The regenerated hub, where the iconic liner was constructed and launched in 1911, is home to the award-winning Titanic museum, HMS Caroline, and black cab tours.
Moving on from Belfast, we immerse ourselves in the serene and picturesque views of the Antrim Coast and Glens, designated an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As we travel along the sinuous roads from Ballycastle, prepare to be amazed by the splendid surroundings of the Giant's Causeway. This is where history, myth, and natural beauty converge into a breathtaking experience. This is perhaps the most famous attraction in Northern Ireland, sure to blow you away!
After admiring the iconic Giant's Steps, we complete our drive to the quaint fishing village of Portrush, where we spend the night.
Please note: Check-in closes at 08:45 on day 1 (tour departs at 09:00) - Dublin Nassau Street Pick Up, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin.
Accommodation: Mandalay B&B, Aaranmore Lodge or similar
Day 2 Return to the Republic
Day 2 Return to the Republic
Portrush - Derry - Donegal (Republic of Ireland). Our first visit today is Derry, a magnificent 17th-century walled city with seven captivating gates. In 2013, Derry was designated as the UK City of Culture. There is free time to explore here.
Leaving Northern Ireland, we cross back into the Republic and drive through County Donegal, where you'll discover breathtaking natural landscapes and a deep Gaelic heritage. As we make your way through scenic Glenveagh National Park, we will marvel at Mount Errigal's towering summit and pass by charming traditional fishing villages. You'll have ample time for leisurely strolls, taking snapshots, and immersing yourself in the local way of life before arriving at our overnight lodging in Donegal.
Accommodation: Eske Villa, Railway Lodge or similar
Day 3 Donegal coast, Sligo & Achill island
Day 3 Donegal coast, Sligo & Achill island
Donegal - Sligo - Achill - Westport. Travelling south, we take in the stunning coast of Donegal and enter County Sligo. The area boasts stunning mountain views of Benbulben. Carrowmore, located outside Sligo Town, offers the opportunity to visit the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland, with some dating back over 6000 years.
Continuing west, we arrive in County Mayo, which was famously and devastatingly ravaged by the Great Potato Famine of the 1840s. The winding roads through picturesque farmlands, bogs, and open moors offer views of distant hills and the Atlantic coast, where Achill Island can be found. Achill is connected to the mainland by a bridge, and we enjoy some time to appreciate the rugged landscape and peaceful beauty of the island. Then it's onward to Westport, where we will be staying for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Clooneen House, Boffin Lodge or similar
Please note: Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery will be temporarily closed from 31st August 2024 until Spring 2025 due to renovations at the site. During this time, the site will be inaccessible to the public and an additional stop nearby will be scheduled; or, the tour will spend more time at other stops, depending on group preferences.
Day 4 Connemara National Park
Day 4 Connemara National Park
Today we explore Westport and Connemara National Park, with a flexible itinerary that best suits the weather, as decided by our expert tour guide. Various options are available, such as visiting the magnificent Kylemore Abbey, Connemara National Park, Clifden (the site of the first transatlantic flight), the Sky Road and the Twelve Bens of Connemara. After an amazing day filled with exploration, we head back to Westport to indulge in the delicious local seafood at the top-rated restaurants in town.
Accommodation: Clooneen House, Boffin Lodge or similar
Day 5 Galway, whiskey & back to Dublin
Day 5 Galway, whiskey & back to Dublin
Westport - Cong - Galway - Dublin. Driving through the rural heart of Connemara, we reach the charming town of Cong, which sits on the shore of Lough Corrib. The town is notable for being the filming location for the classic movie "The Quiet Man," and you are welcome to explore the local museum dedicated to the film. Alternatively, we recommend a visit to the stunningly renovated 12th-century Cong Abbey.
From Cong, we travel through the Maam Valley, a breathtaking pass flanked by gorgeous mountains. Reaching the vibrant harbour city of Galway, there is free time to delve into the traditional market culture, high-end restaurants, and pubs. Tuck into some delicious seafood to line the stomach before we move on to Kilbeggan Distillery, the country's oldest licensed whiskey distillery. After our visit, we make our way back to Dublin, and our tour comes to an end.
Please note: This tour ends at 19:00 - Dublin Nassau Street Drop Off, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Accommodation
This premium B&B is a 6-minute walk from Portrush railway station, which offers direct trains to Londonderry/Derry and Coleraine, and is 7.9 miles from the Giant's Causeway. The bright, airy rooms feature wood floors, TVs, free WiFi, and tea and coffee-making facilities. A full Irish breakfast and off-street parking are included, and there is also a guest lounge with a TV.
On this tour, you will stay in bed and breakfast properties (B&Bs). These are usually smaller residential properties, with just a handful of guest rooms. You’ll have a bedroom, bathroom and often, access to a communal dining room for breakfast. Rooms will always be clean and comfortable, with a private bathroom. Bathrooms are usually en-suite, but on rare occasions, access may be via a communal hallway. This means that the bathroom will still be private and only for your personal use, but it is not en-suite (located in the room). You will need to leave the room to use the bathroom.
The Railway Lodge Guest House, located just a 3-minute walk from the centre of Donegal Town, is a well-established, family-run B&B operating since 1999. All rooms are en suite and include free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
This unpretentious bed-and-breakfast is 5.5 km from Westport train station and 7.7 km from Westport House and Country Park. The simple, cosy rooms come with en suite bathrooms, TVs, tea and coffee-making facilities, minifridges, and free Wi-Fi. A complimentary full Irish breakfast is also provided.
Tour Reviews
Dublin, Northern Ireland & Galway - 5 daysTake in the best of Northern Ireland and the northern part of the Republic on this 5-day tour from Dublin. Join a city tour of Belfast and see the awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway. Explore the walled city of Derry, embrace the wild nature of Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal and visit Country Mayo, scene of the devastating potato famine of the 1840s. Admire the dramatic Atlantic coast, sample traditional Irish whiskey and explore beautiful Galway independently. Handpicked53745We really enjoyed the tour. Our driver/guide Gabrielle was very knowledgeable and great fun. He made the tour memorable. We would have liked more time in Galway. We would certainly recommend the tour to others.
Dublin, Northern Ireland & Galway - 5 daysTake in the best of Northern Ireland and the northern part of the Republic on this 5-day tour from Dublin. Join a city tour of Belfast and see the awe-inspiring Giant's Causeway. Explore the walled city of Derry, embrace the wild nature of Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal and visit Country Mayo, scene of the devastating potato famine of the 1840s. Admire the dramatic Atlantic coast, sample traditional Irish whiskey and explore beautiful Galway independently. Handpicked537451Weather perfect😎 2 :Itinerary excellent 3: accommodation ,spotlessly clean Delicious breakfast’s & charming hosts. We are sad to report that Gabriel our driver/guide was unable to keep his current political opinions on English political figures to himself which greatly affected our enjoyment of what should have been a perfect tour.we appreciate History of my own land is tragic but why discuss Brexit & call English guilty of racism .We hope you will advise that Gabriel is sent on course to revise his approach
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