Wild North – 8 Day Tour of Ireland

From Dublin’s fair city, we set our compasses due west, making our way through the lush midlands of Ireland in search of the wild Atlantic coastline and the Bohemian city of Ireland, Galway.

Take the opportunity to explore and wander its bustling streets, sample its famed culinary delights and traditional music scene.

We jump from mainland Ireland to one of its most renowned island, Inis Mór, meaning big island. It is the largest of three islands that make up the Aran Islands.

Once we arrive on its limestone shores, you can either explore the island by foot, bicycle or jaunting cart, in which you can experience the island’s magnificent landscape of rocky fields, wild Ocean views and incredible monuments of Christian, pre-Christian and Celtic mythological heritage. Take in a visit to one of the most famous of them, Dún Aonghasa, which is a breath-taking fort that was built on a high cliff some 100 metres above sea level.

That afternoon, we make our way back to mainland Ireland before heading due west to the colourful coastal town of Clifden, where you can sample its famous culinary delights and traditional music nights.

Today’s adventure brings us to Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey. We will explore these majestic destinations, full of colourful scenery and wonderful history.

In Connemara National Park, take the opportunity to hike to the top Diamond Hill before we head to Kylemore Abbey for a bite to eat and time to explore its incredible history and unique gardens.

Later that afternoon, we commence our journey northwards passing Killary harbour and secluded picturesque lakes that line our path to the colourful town of Westport.

That evening, we will experience this vibrant towns legendary musical talent and culinary exploits. 

You have the day to either relax, explore or take an adventure in picturesque Westport. It is famous for Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holiest mountain and Clew Bay, which has an island for everyday of the year.

Westport is rich in historical areas of interest and a great traditional music scene. Be sure to experience it!!

Departing Westport, we will make our way along the northern wild and rugged coastline of Mayo before arriving in Donegal Town, known as the fort of the foreigners.

Our first stop of the the day is at Ballycroy National Park where you can explore its impressive visitor centre before we make our way to dramatic wild coastline at Downpatrick Head where we will have a picnic lunch overlooking a spectacular blowhole that plummets down to the wild Atlantic ocean, the ruins of St Patrick’s church building, a stone cross and the incredible site of Dún Briste (broken fort), a lone sea-stack standing close to the edge of the cliffs. Magical!!

Afterwards, we will make our way towards Donegal town. Along the way, we will take a stop off at the grave of a famous Irish poet, that of W.B. Yeats. Then we continue north towards Donegal Town, where that evening you can sample some of Donegal’s best culinary delights and music traditions.

Ballyliffin is our end destination today, as we head north exploring the wilds of Donegal with magnificent views of the dramatic Slieve League cliffs which are although less famous than the Cliffs of Moher, can reach almost three times higher, 601 metres (1,972 ft).  

Afterwards, we continue our journey around the dramatic northern tip of Donegal towards Glenveagh National Park and Castle. Set in some 16,500 hectares of County Donegal mountains, you have the chance to discover picturesque lakes, wild glens and woods, a large herd of red deer and the 19th Century Glenveagh Castle. 

That afternoon, we make our way to Ballyliffin, where you can relax, unwind or explore this beautiful quaint village near the historical town.

Today’s adventure is a real giant in many ways, as we take you along the dramatic coastal route of Ulster. We first head North to explore Malin Head, known as Ireland’s sunniest point and offers dramatic coastline views of the most northerly point of Ireland. Next stop Greenland!!

Once aboard, we make our way to the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its setting is famed for its unique rock formation of of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption nearly 60 million years ago or being Irish of course, we have a different version of how the causeway was built which involves two giants, a fight and a bridge. We won’t spoil the ending for you now as the story is best told at edge of the bridge!! 

Afterwards, we make our way to the vibrant coastal setting of Ballycastle, a seaside town famed for walking, kayaking, great food and where you can relax, unwind or simply gaze out at the majestic views before your eyes. 

We depart Ballycastle and make our way along the dramatic coastline of Antrim towards Belfast, where you can visit the Titanic museum, experience the amazing Black Cab Taxi Tour, explore Belfast with a Hop-on Hop Off City Tour or simply wander around its famous streets and experience great food.  

That afternoon, we head south to the capital of Ireland, Dublin, where you have the opportunity to visit many of its historical attractions, jump aboard the Dublin Hop-on Hop-off City Tour or simply relax and explore its vibrant streets. 

It is also our journey’s end, where we bid a fond farewell, full of happy memories that will last forever. Remember, Ireland is now your second home away from home!

Arriving back to The Ashling Hotel, Parkgate Street, Arran Quay, Dublin 8 at 6pm.