Northern Ireland & Atlantic Coast 2025/2026

You leave Portrush behind, charmed by this small village but ready to explore the bustle of Northern Irelands second biggest city, Derry.

Welcome to the historic walled city of Derry, home to the much loved TV series ‘Derry Girls’. Here, you’ll have ample time to immerse yourself in all that this energetic city has to offer. Choose from walking tours or city bus tours to make the most of your visit and explore as many sites as possible. Alternatively, you can delve deeper into the city’s offerings by visiting its fascinating museums, iconic landmarks, or the striking murals scattered throughout. Enjoy the time however you choose before we set off again for a hilltop fort that will take your imagination on a journey through the ancient past…

From here, you head to County Donegal, and your first stop is the jaw dropping hilltop fort of Grianan of Aileach. Rumoured to the site of the baptism of St Patrick, the neolithic burial chamber dates back to 200 BC. This imposing structure will show the ingenuity and skill of our ancestors, standing strong now even after centuries.

You then head into the picturesque Glenveagh National Park and past the soaring peak of Mount Errigal where you will also stop for a well-deserved lunch in beautiful surroundings, before traveling through the traditional fishing villages of the area. Along the way there will be plenty time for walks on the beach, photos, and soaking up the culture of County Donegal.

After a few photo stops on the way taking in ruined churches, beaches and glens, we arrive into Donegal in the early evening. Your driver guide will give you a short tour of the town to help you get your bearings before you are free to explore and find somewhere to enjoy an evening meal.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Donegal. (B)

Leaving Donegal get ready for a day exploring some of the oldest relics in Ireland and the ancient past they reveal. In the morning, you pass south along the coast near Donegal and into County Sligo. This area is home to dramatic views of the gorgeous mountain, Benbulben. There will be a few surprise stops and a comfort break scheduled into this part of your day.

Outside Sligo Town lies Carrowmore, where you have the chance to visit the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland, some of which date back over 6000 years.The scale and significance of this sight may leave you a little awestruck but you hopefully still have your appetite in tact as we are heading next to the quaint Crossmolina Village for your lunch break.

At Crossmolina, you’ll have time for lunch and to ponder over the landscapes, monuments and stories of the morning.

Moving westwards, you enter County Mayo, an area that was tragically ravaged by the Great Potato Famine. Winding roads curve through the picturesque farmlands, bogs and open moors, offering views of distant hills and the Atlantic coast, where you’ll visit the dramatic Achill Island. Here you have time to savour the rugged sea and peaceful beauty of Keel Beach and the atmospheric deserted village of Slievemore with its 5000 year old history. The landscape here is more than just beautiful – it’s alive with history, solitude, and soul.

From here it is a short drive to Westport – your base for the next two nights where your guide will do a quick orientation tour and drop offs at where you are staying.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Westport. (B)

You depart from Westport and have a short hours drive to your first stop of today, Kylemore Abbey.

The beautiful monastery at Kylemore Abbey is truly something to behold. Picture grand buildings and magnificent Victorian gardens that jumped off the pages of a storybook. A treat for both the eyes and soul. Next you Explore the Connemara National Park’s verdant marshes and incredible historical sites before a well earned lunch stop.

Roam Clifden, site of the first transatlantic flight landing, and home to a delightful castle while you pick one of their charming lunch spots to enjoy. The afternoon itinerary is flexible and your guide will ensure you take the route that best suits the weather and the interests of the group while ensuring you get a real off the beaten track adventure. You might want to include the legendary Twelve Bens, a famous jagged mountain range of Connemara, or be enchanted by the seemingly infinite blend of earth and sky at sunset on the Sky Road.

You arrive back in Westport for the evening, why not consider sampling some of their delicious local seafood in the town’s top notch restaurants.

Your overnight accommodation will be in Westport. (B)

Travel inland past Lough Mask to the village of Cong in the heart of Ireland’s lake district. Rows and rows of traditional stone homes provided the setting for John Wayne film classic, “The Quiet man”. You’re free here to visit the local museum devoted to the movie, or discover the magnificently restored 12th-century Cong Abbey.

Your route then weaves through the Maam Valley, a stunning pass lined by gorgeous mountains. Exiting the valley, you head to Galway City, a vibrant harbour city that combines traditional market life with high quality restaurants and pubs. It’s time to discover for yourself why Galway has inspired so many hearts, songs and stories.

Picturesque views, excellent food and cosy pubs await you within this lively town, You have the afternoon as free time to explore the city however you please but we recommend grabbing a leisurely lunch before we on for some whiskey! Now that you have a full stomach after lunch it’s the perfect time to head to Kilbeggan Distillery for a dram or two! The oldest licensed distillery on the planet, here you can relax with a glass of their famed whiskey; and grab a bottle to share with friends back home before you head back east to Dublin.

From here, it’s time to take the scenic route and a relaxing drive with time to reflect on the past five days as you make your way back to Dublin for the early evening. (B)