Dublin to Donegal

Dublin - Trim - Cavan - Enniskillen (Northern Ireland) - Donegal (Republic of Ireland). Departing Dublin, we travel back in time to the 11th century and visit Bective Abbey, the second Cistercian Abbey in Ireland. Although the abbey is now in ruins, it provides a fascinating experience as you wander through the maze of dead-end passageways and staircases that lead to nowhere. You can let your imagination transport you back to when the abbey was built and picture what daily life might have been like.

Our next stop is Trim, a town located along the River Boyne and the home of Trim Castle, Ireland's largest Norman castle. You are free to explore both the castle and town during our visit.

Next we proceed to Cavan for lunch, before crossing the border into Northern Ireland. Reaching the island town of Enniskillen, you can spend some time exploring the cosy pubs, the castle, or simply strolling through the charming streets at leisure.

We then complete our drive through County Donegal, enjoying the magnificent scenery before arriving in Donegal Town, our base for the next two nights.

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: Eske Villa, Railway Lodge or similar

The first stop on today's excursion is the dramatic Slieve League Cliffs along the Wild Atlantic Way. These sea cliffs are three times the height of the popular Cliffs of Moher, making them the second highest in Ireland. Captivating views like these make for a perfect opportunity to take out your cameras and snap some Instagram-worthy shots.

While driving through the stunning and winding Glengesh Pass, towering mountains and steep valleys give us a sense of awe-inspiring smallness. A brief photo stop here refreshes you for the next adventure, as it's time to head to Leo's Tavern for lunch. A local watering hole, Leo's is known for hosting famous artists such as Clannad, Moya Brennan, and Enya.

After lunch, we move on to Glenveagh National Park Visitor Centre. This nationally protected area, located in County Donegal, offers an escape for nature and wildlife lovers, complete with breathtaking scenery and photo opportunities. As the day comes to a close, we head back to Donegal for the night and perhaps a nightcap at a local pub.

Accommodation: Eske Villa, Railway Lodge or similar

Donegal - Sligo - Dublin. Today we begin to make our way back to Dublin, with several stops en route. Our first visit is to Mullaghmore Beach, a favoured spot for a scenic beach walk and photography. Next, we head to Sligo, a historic coastal seaport with numerous noteworthy sites such as the Sligo County Museum and the Sligo Abbey, a medieval ruin showcasing the town's literary heritage.

After a delicious lunch at leisure, we drive through the heart of Ireland to Belvedere House and Gardens. This hunting lodge was constructed by Richard Cassels, Ireland's celebrated Palladian architect, for Robert Rochfort, the 1st Earl of Belvedere, in 1740. The mansion has an impressive Victorian walled garden and a charming forest that makes it a perfect place to end our trip. Our journey concludes with a drive back to Dublin.

Please note: This tour ends at 18:15 - Dublin Nassau Street Drop Off, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin.