Donegal & the Wild Atlantic Way from Belfast

Good morning Belfast! Our tour starts with either a visit to the Titanic Museum in the well-known Titanic Quarter, or you can hop on the bus early and enjoy a scenic drive around the city of Belfast. Who knows what you'll see, maybe Stormont Estate, Queen's University, or some amazing political murals.

After a bit of culture, we leave Belfast and travel to Hillsborough Castle and its stunning gardens. Here, you get to discover ornamental grounds, tranquil woodlands, and charming glens that have been a joy to the Royal Family and thousands of visitors. If you fancy, you can choose to explore the beautiful state rooms of the castle and find out more about its fascinating history (tickets subject to availability) and even grab a bite to eat for lunch.

Next, heading for the border past Lower Lough Erne, the landscape will get more rugged as you cross into the beat bogs and Hills of County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland.

You will stay overnight in the town of Donegal, a popular foodie destination lined with cosy pubs filled with traditional music.

Overnight - Donegal Town

Today you wrap yourself in wilderness as you journey along the wild Atlantic coast. First are the Slieve League Cliffs that tumble down 600 metres to the unrestrained ocean. These impressive crags are among the highest in Europe and are steeped in legends. The landscape continues to get wilder as you travel through the sparsely populated Irish-speaking communities. Taking a break from the coastal delights, the route takes you through a striking mountain pass at Glengesh to the picturesque village of Ardara for lunch.

Then, you continue to explore the Wild Atlantic Way and stop at locations graced with magnificent views of the rugged coast and islands, before travelling through the impressive Glenveagh National Park.

In the early evening, you arrive in Letterkenny, a vibrant town full of history and great traditional bars, where you spend two nights.

Overnight - Letterkenny

Leaving Letterkenny, the next morning, you head into the Inishowen Peninsula and straight for Fort Dunree. This strategic clifftop fort is now also home to a military museum.

From here you travel along Mamore Gap, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland. Spend some time discovering the treasures found along the route, including a holy well devoted to St Eigne.

Next up, you make your way to the lovely little town of Carndonagh for lunch. This market town boasts loads of pubs and restaurants, not to mention it’s the site of the ancient Donagh Cross or St Patrick’s Cross. After you’ve filled your belly, it's time to make your way up to Malin Head. With its wild and rugged coastline, this northern-most point of Ireland feels out of this world, so no wonder it was used as a filming location for Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi.

After a quick comfort break, your adventure continues to Grianan of Aileach. This peculiar hilltop fort dates back to 1700 BC and has some breathtaking views. You then head back to Letterkenny for the night.

Overnight - Letterkenny

 

Today you travel back into Northern Ireland to admire the beauty of Mussenden Temple perched right on a cliff’s edge. This 18th- century temple was originally built to house the eccentric Earl Bishop’s library and is now one of the most photographed places in Ireland and a Game of Thrones location.

Our next stop is at the seaside town of Portstewart for a well-deserved lunch break where you have free time to explore. But no trip to Ireland is complete without a bit of whiskey, so you head off next for Old Bushmills Distillery, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery to try their smooth and fruity creation.

With this delicious whiskey warming your insides, it’s time to head back to Belfast.

Return to Belfast at  approximately 18:00