This exciting new tour takes you to the top of Ireland and the stunning northern shores of County Donegal, Derry and the Antrim Coast. We include visits to the Giants Causeway, plus a guided tour of Derry and the glorious Inishowen Peninsula
Day 1 SUNDAY We travel across into North Wales making stops for refreshments before arriving at the Faenol Fawr Country House Hotel near Bodelwyddan for dinner and our overnight stay.
Day 2 MONDAY We travel to Holyhead for the early crossing to Dublin, having breakfast on board. On arrival we drive north through the counties of Meath, Louth and Monaghan to Tyrone. Enjoy the beauty of the lake scenery that surrounds Enniskillen or the wooded landscape of The Sperrins before arriving in Buncrana for our 4-night stay.
Day 3 TUESDAY After breakfast make your way to Bushmills town for free time before we continue to the UNESCO World-Heritage listed Giants Causeway, a series of volcanic stone columns carved by the force of nature and surrounded by more stunning coastal scenery. Discover all about this astounding attraction at the impressive visitor centre including the romantic legend of giant Finn MacCool who laid down the causeway as a path across the sea to his ladylove in Scotland. A regular shuttle bus escorts visitors from the visitor centre down to the shore and stones (small charge payable locally).
Day 4 WEDNESDAY Today we have a local coach & guide join us as we drive up to Ireland’s northernmost point, Malin Head. This region is a protected national park, with wonderful ocean views and rare species of flora and fauna. The tour continues next to Derry/Londonderry on the banks of the River Foyle, the only completely walled city in Ireland and enjoying a resurgence following its 2013 crowning as UK City of Culture. The award-winning Tower Museum provides a full history of this absorbing city; the Guildhall, Bogside Murals and new Peace Bridge are other distinctive monuments.
Day 5 THURSDAY Explore Donegal, beginning with a drive through the Glenveagh National Park under the shadow of imposing Mount Errigal. The county is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on three sides, providing spectacular sea views as you drive along its coastline. The west of Donegal has a significant Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) region where customs, traditions, skills and language have been preserved for centuries.
Day 6 FRIDAY Leaving our hotel after breakfast, we head down to the Ulster American Folk Park, where we can walk in the footsteps of the bold Irish emigrants who set sail for America in the 18th & 19th Centuries as you stroll through the bustling street and traditional farmhouses. Also see the cramped quarters of the ship where they lived during the twelve-week crossing. Later, we continue to Dublin, Ireland’s capital city, for free time. Dinner and our overnight stay is at the Stillorgan Park Hotel.
Day 7 SATURDAY An early start sees us on the ferry to Holyhead, enjoying breakfast on board. Once back in the UK, we cross Wales into England, arriving in the south to meet our taxis in the evening.
Overlooking the majestic Lough Swilly, and only a short drive from the centre of the popular seaside town of Buncrana located on the Wild Atlantic Way, the hotel’s well-appointed bedrooms and inviting public areas make this the perfect base from which to explore the region. The hotel has an indoor pool, sauna and steam room. There is Wi-Fi and a lift to all floors.
