Hidden Ireland North (7 Day Tour)

DAY 1: MEET AT DUBLIN AIRPORT, TRAVEL TO ANTRIM VIA HILLSBOROUGH

Terrain: sandy beach | Elevation gain: sea level | Walking Distance 2 miles (3.2 km)

The first part of our journey will take us directly north from Dublin to the coast of County Antrim. We will stop on the way for a visit to Hillsborough the famous and historical village in County Down renowned for its beautiful castle and Georgian houses. For our first two nights we will stay at a lovely hotel with great views of the Antrim Coast. The Antrim Coast is an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and you will soon see for yourself how the title was earned. Before dinner there should be time for a short stroll along the Causeway Coast.

Overnight: Bushmills, County Antrim. Meals Included: Dinner.

DAY 2: HIKE THE ANTRIM COAST FROM THE GIANT’S CAUSEWAY TO DUNSEVERICK

Terrain: well-maintained coast path, beach, cliffs | Elev 600ft. | Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7 km)

Our walk today will take us along the stunning Antrim coastline, highlighted by the world famous Giants Causeway. The Causeway consists of thousands of hexagonal black basalt columns. Sixty million years ago an undersea explosion resulted in this fascinating geological structure, and it is officially known as one of the great wonders of the Natural World. We break for lunch at the ruin of Dunseverick Castle. The views are spectacular and in fine weather, it is possible to see straight across to the coast of Scotland.

Overnight: Bushmills, County Antrim. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 3 A VISIT TO RATHLIN ISLAND

Terrain: country lanes, coastal track, rocky shore | Elev 200 ft. | Walking Distance 8 miles (12.9 km)

Today we take the ferry out to Rathlin Island: the only inhabited offshore island in Northern Ireland. Rathlin is only 15 miles from the Scottish coast at the Mull of Kintyre. We take a trip out to the West Lighthouse: famed for its bird life and home to tens of thousands of seabirds, including kittiwakes, guillemots, puffins and razorbills. Later we will walk down to Rue Point for a fine walk beside lakes and down to see the seals at the southern shore. We return later to the mainland and our guest house to relax and enjoy an excellent meal, perhaps with some locally caught seafood.

Overnight: Bushmills, County Antrim. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

DAY 4: TRAVEL FROM ANTRIM TO DONEGAL.  HIKE ARDS FOREST PARK

Terrain: road, forest, beach / dunes, coast path | Elev: 400 ft. | Walking Distance 8 miles (12.9 km)

Setting out this morning, our walk today will be at the Ards Forest Park peninsula. This is one of the northernmost peninsulas of County Donegal. This is the longest Ards Forest Park trail, visiting a variety of habitats, with interesting flora and fauna.  We switch from level ground at the seashore to more difficult conditions at higher elevations, providing much wonderful hill and coastal scenery.  We will then make our way to our lovely accommodation in the coastal  village of Dunfanaghy

Overnight: Dunfanaghy, County Donegal. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

DAY 5: VISIT GLEBE GALLERY AND HIKE GLENVEAGH NATIONAL PARK

Terrain: lakeside forest path | Elevation gain: 50 feet | Walking Distance 7 miles (11.2km) Our

We start today with a visit to Glebe Gallery, the former home of artist Derek Hill.  Glebe House is in a beautiful  setting beside a lake.  We will then make our way to  Glenveagh National Park for a walk which begins in the wild country in the mountains and finishes at the beautiful Lough Beagh and Glenveagh Castle gardens.

Walk Options: there is a shorter alternative of hiking just one or two miles.

Overnight: Dunfanaghy, County Donegal. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

DAY 6: SHEEP DOG DEMONSTRATION, HIKE AT THE FOOT OF BENBULBEN,  SLIGO.

Terrain: good gravel track and lanes | Elev 250 ft. | Walking Distance 3.4 miles

This morning we visit a sheep farm for a wonderful sheep dog demonstration with a family who have farmed the hills for generations.    We will then hike at Gortarowey in the foothills of Benbulben.  Our final journey brings us to Strandhill, a few miles outside Sligo Town.

Alternative walk options: this is a very easy hike, suitable for all.

Overnight: Strandhill, County Sligo. Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch.

DAY 7: DRIVE FROM STRANDHILL TO GALWAY.  TOUR ENDS GALWAY CITY

Last breakfast together and then we have a two hour drive to Galway City.  It is very straightforward to take a coach from Galway to Dublin City and / or Airport for your return or onward journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast.