5 DAY NORTHERN IRELAND AND ATLANTIC COAST Trip by Rabbies

Destination
Starts at

Dublin

Destination
Ends at

Dublin

Destination
Duration

5 days

Destination
Group Size

Maximum 16

Destination
Physical Rating

easy Information

Destination
Style

discovery Information

About your trip

This five-day trip will take you on a journey through Northern Ireland’s deep and fascinating history, while also showing off the breath-taking scenery of the Irish coastline as well as the lively and friendly cities found along the way.

It will begin by departing Dublin for Belfast where you will explore the museums and attractions of the Titanic Quarter, including the award-winning Titanic Museum, which details the tragic story of the world’s most famous maritime disaster. From there a stunning drive along the Antrim Coast will lead to Unesco heritage site, the Giant’s Causeway, a place where history and myth collide in front of the glorious backdrop of the Northern Irish coast.

More of the area’s riveting history will be discovered in Derry, while the Glenveagh National Park awaits in Donegal, as well as fishing villages and the soaring peak of Mount Errigal, en route to the house and grounds of Kylemore Abbey, the Connemara National Park and the top notch restaurants of Westport, serving fresh seafood pulled right from the water nearby.
 
Eventually, the trip will wind down in Galway City, with its famous pubs and Kilbeggan Distillery the perfect way to say goodbye before returning to Dublin to depart. 

Trip Highlights

  • Learn about the fascinating heritage and often difficult past of Northern Ireland's unique capital, Belfast. 
  • Set foot where giants once stood in Northern Ireland's legendary Giant's Causeway. 
  • Explore the walled city of Derry and learn why it was once named the UK City of Culture as you wander through its museums, galleries and bustling markets.
  • Get back to nature in the stunning Connemara National Park, lined with towering mountains and amazing landscapes.
  • Head to temple bar, listen to Irish musicians and have a pint of Guinness as you find out what the craic is in Dublin.

Your Itinerary

  1. Day 1 From Dublin to Belfast


    9:00 AM - Starting Time. Meeting point: Dublin Nassau Street - Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin.


    Check-in closes at 08:45 (tour departs at 09:00) 

    Departing Dublin you head north to Belfast, a city famed for its industrial heritage and turbulent past. You take a short city tour which covers the capital’s triumphs, tragedies and soul. You then have time for lunch and exploring in the Titanic Quarter, are generated hub where the famous liner was built and launched in 1911. Here you can visit the award winning Titanic museum, board the HMSCaroline or take a black cab tour of the city. Leaving bustling Belfast behind, you travel through the phenomenal scenery of the Antrim Coast and Glens, an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Moving along the winding roads from Bally castle, you enter the awe inspiring setting of the Giant’s Causeway, a place where history and myth collide spectacularly with raw geological power. Waving farewell to the giant’s steps, you head to Portrush, a charming fishing village and your home for the night.

    Accommodation

    Hotel or B&B in Portrush

  2. Day 2 Explore Derry and immerse yourself in the ancient Gaelic culture of Donegal.

    You head to Derry, the fabulous 17th-century walled city that boasts 7 ornate gates. Derry was designated as UK City of Culture in 2013, and you get time to explore its museums, galleries and excellent markets. From here, you head to County Donegal, which boasts stunning scenery and a strong Gaelic heritage. You then head into the picturesque Glenveagh National Park and past the soaring peak of Mount Errigal, before traveling through the traditional fishing villages of the area. Along the way there will be plenty time for walks, photos and soaking up the local culture before arriving at your overnight stop in Donegal.

    Accommodation

    Hotel or B&B in Donegal

  3. Day 3 Breathtaking views of the Atlantic Coast.

    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. 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. Moving westwards, you enter County Mayo, an area 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. From here it is a short drive to Westport – your base for the next two nights.

    Accommodation

    Hotel or B&B in Westport

  4. Day 4 Connemara National Park.

    Westport and the Connemara National Park are the areas you explore today. The itinerary is flexible and your guide will ensure you take the route that best suits the weather. Your options include the beautiful house and grounds at Kylemore Abbey, the Connemara National Park, Clifden (the first transatlantic flight landed here), the Sky Road, and the Twelve Bens of Connemara. After an incredible day of exploration you return back to Westport, where you can dine on the delicious local seafood in the town’s top notch restaurants.

    Accommodation

    Hotel or B&B in Westport

  5. Day 5 Bye bye Ireland!

    Traveling through the heart of Connemara, you arrive in the town of Congon the shore of Lough Corrib. This area was where “The Quiet Man” was filmed and you’re free to wander the local museum devoted to the movie. Alternatively, you can visit 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. You have free time to sample the town’s delicious seafood before we head to Kilbeggan Distillery for a tipple. This is the oldest licensed distillery in the country, and boasts a superb museum. You then travel back to Dublin.


    19:00 - Approximate Return Time. Tour finishes at Dublin Nassau Street Drop Off, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St., Dublin.

What's included

  •  Professional and friendly driver guide
  • 4 Breakfasts
  • Small group (16 people max) for a more personal experience
  • Transport in a 16-seat Mercedes luxury mini-coach

What's not included

  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance
  • Hotel Transfers (unless otherwise stated in the Included Activities section above)
  • Flights to and from the destination
  • Entrance fees unless specified
  • Food & drinks
  • Tip or gratuity

Customer Reviews

Accommodation

Accommodation Notes

Accommodation is in either 3* hotels or B&B.

Please note that due to some hotels being located in remote destinations and therefore being some small family-run properties, we might not be able to allocate the same accommodation for the whole group and might need to split the group is different nearby hotels.

Important Info

  • Tour starts at 9:00 AM. Meeting point: Dublin Nassau Street - Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin.
  • Tour ends at approx 19:00. Tour finishes at Dublin Nassau Street Drop Off, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St., Dublin.
  • You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) and a small bag for onboard personal items.
  • Children aged 5 -15 are eligible for discounted pricing on this tour. For detailed information regarding rates and conditions, please contact us directly.

Additional Info

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Conditions:

a. cancellation more than 21 days before the tour date: 0% of the tour price*

b. cancellation less than 21 days before the tour date: 100% of the tour price;

c. in the event of a ‘no show’ the charge is 100% of the tour price.


Cancellations made more than 21 days before the tour date may also incur the cost of one night’s

accommodation for each separate accommodation booked (which will be at the discretion of the Company and subject to any costs or charges incurred or imposed by any of our suppliers)."                

                

*Amendments or Cancellations to Extended Tour bookings:

Once an extended tour booking has been confirmed, Rabbie's reserve the right to apply an administration charge for any cancellations or amendments to bookings (including date changes). In the event that Rabbie's are charged any fee by Third Party accommodation providers, we may also pass this cost on to the Booking Agent.

                                                

Terms & Conditions

 Read our Terms and Conditions page for more details.