9-day Walking Tour of Northern Irish Coast to Giant’s Causeway
Join Keith, a certified mountain guide, on this magical 9-day walking tour along the Northern Irish coastline terminating at the Giant's Causeway.
Group
9 Days
May - Sep
Intermediate
Beginner
Highlights
- Explore the bohemian city of Galway.
- Visit Glenveagh National Park and Castle.
- Hike along world-renowned Coastal Walk and Giant's Causeway.
Description
Join me for this captivating 9-day tour along the unspoiled northern Irish coastline as we explore both the landscape and culture of this storied island!
We begin our tour in the bohemian city of Galway, which has drawn poets, musicians and actors from all over the world. After our tour, we make our way to the idyllic village of Clifden, winding through the Connemara lake district along the way.
While in the area we will hike up and down Beebaun to explore the Benedictine, Kylemore Abbey and do the infamous “famine” walk to Killary Harbor, learning some Irish history along the way.
As we progress farther up the coast, we will explore more cultural sites, while taking in some awe-inspiring views. As we wind our way up the coast, we will visit the poet WB Yeats’s grave, Donegal and Glenveagh Castles and the Country Life Museum. We will also enjoy a secluded walk along the beach at Mullagmore, hike either up or around Europe’s tallest sea cliffs and get the chance to spot some wildlife as we hike through Glenveagh National Park.
We will then cross over into Northern Ireland, where we will immediately explore the ancient fort at Grianan An Aileach before spending the rest of the morning in the city of Derry, which remains the only pedestrian city in all of the British Isles.
We will take in the history and modernity of the city as we walk along the 17th century walls, while observing the changing skyline, before heading off to explore Dunluce Castle.
We will now head to the coastal walk and Giant’s Causeway, both of which have been made famous by “Game of Thrones”. We will spend the whole day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site and some of the golden beaches surrounding it.
Finally, we head into Belfast for a city centre tour, where we will learn about war and peace in this city of Catholics and Protestants. Then off to Dublin where we will have a final goodbye drink before bidding you farewell.
So what are you waiting for? Book now for this experience of a lifetime on this 9-day tour exploring the northern Irish coast!
If you like the look of this trip then we also think you will enjoy our 15-day tour of Ireland and Northern Ireland!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Transport during the trip
- Permit and entrance fees
Price details
- Price includes breakfast, but does NOT include lunch, dinner or drinks. Please also note that price reflects shared accommodations. There is an extra fee of €320 for a private room.
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Galway City to Clifden
We will meet and explore the bohemian city of Galway. In the evening, we will head to the town of Clifden.
Day 2: Mt Beebaun and Kylemore Abbey
We will hike up Beebaun and down toward Kylemore Abbey. In the evening we will go to a local village and learn a traditional Irish dance.
Day 3: The "Famine" Walk at Killary Harbour
We will go on one of two different walk options to enjoy the picturesque scenery. In the afternoon, we will follow the path of the “famine” walk to Killary Harbor.
Day 4: Beach Walk and Donegal Castle
In the morning, we will visit the Country Life Museum then walk along a secluded beach at Mullagmore. In the afternoon, we will travel north through Sligo and explore Donegal Castle. We will stay in Ardra.
Day 5: Slieve League Cliffs or Glen Colm Kill
Today we have two options. We can either hike up the tallest sea cliffs in Europe (weather permitting) or we can hike through the Glen Colm Kill, which provides lovely views fo the cliffs from below.
Day 6: Glenveagh National Park and Castle
Today we will hike through Glenveagh National Park and take a guided tour of Glenveagh Castle in the afternoon.
Day 7: Grianan An Aileach, Derry and Dunluce Castle
This morning we cross over into Northern Ireland and visit the ancient fort of Grainan An Ailech. Afterwards, we explore the city of Derry. In the afternoon, we head to Dunluce Castle before going on to spend the night at Ballintoy.
Day 8: Giant's Causeway
We will walk along the Coastal Walk and then go to explore the world-renowned Giant’s Causeway.
Day 9: Belfast and Dublin
On our final day, we will our the downtown of Belfast before heading to Dublin in the evening and having a farewell drink before saying goodbye.
About the guide
Keith
4.0
(1)
Mountain Guide
I have been a guide for over 10 years in Ireland, Asia and Europe. I have extensive experience with individuals and groups. I can cater for any size group and also have a fleet of coaches to take you to your destination.
Mountains have always been part of my life and it is there that I feel most comfortable and content.
Mountains in my hone country are incredible, challenging but there are routes for all levels of walkers or climbers.
Languages
French | English
Certificates
UIMLA
What people are saying about Keith
Amy
Keith had a last minute family event so he wasn’t our guide. It was a little disjointed because we had two different guides that switched halfway. While they were both wonderful, they weren’t as familiar with the routes. There were errors with our hotel bookings, we should have had one single, one triple and one double but that wasn’t how the rooms were booked. Once we only had two rooms. I also feel like the name should be changed to hiking tour of Southern Ireland rather than walking and there should be more detail on the website about the lengths of the walks, elevation gain etc. it is posted as easy for the occasional walker but many of the hikes were intense and required a good degree of fitness. My mother ended up spraining her knee as she wasn’t in good enough shape for the intensity. The hikes and Ireland were beautiful.
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