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. After 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 BALLINTOY

Terrain: well-maintained coast path, beach, cliffs | Elev 600ft. | Walking Distance 8 miles (12.8 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.

Alternative Walk Options: shorter alternative of hiking five miles. Overnight: Bushmills, County Antrim. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 3: TRAVEL TO DONEGAL, HIKE GLENVEAGH NATIONAL PARK, VISIT CASTLE GARDENS.

Terrain: lakeside forest path | Elevation gain: 50 feet | Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7 km)

We’re off into the west today to County Donegal: we will be located in the village of Dunfanaghy, in the Gaelic-speaking region of the north western Ireland. Our accommodation is the award-winning Mill Guest House and Restaurant. This area is famous for excellent traditional Irish music and we hope to be able to enjoy hearing some music in the pubs. We will stop at 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 4: HIKE ARDS FOREST PARK, VISIT POOR HOUSE MUSEUM

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.  On our return through Dunfanaghy there will be time to visit the Poor House Museum. We will round off the day nicely with another wonderful four-course dinner at the Mill.

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

DAY 5: HIKE AT DUNLEWY LOUGH AND THE POISONED GLEN, TRAVEL TO SLIGO

Terrain: forest / lakeside path, some muddy trails | Elev 300 ft.| Walking Distance 8 miles (12.9 km)

This morning we will head south to County Sligo, but on our way we stop to walk near Dunlewy Lough and the Poisoned Glen, in Donegal. This is a magnificent walk through the hills and forests of Donegal in the shadows of mighty Mount Errigal. Tonight we will stay at Drumcliff in County Sligo. After dinner there will be time to visit the grave of W. B. Yeats at Drumcliff Church.

Alternative Walk Options: if you don’t wish to walk, there is an opportunity to visit the Dunlewy Centre: a community-based culture and arts development centre.

Overnight: Grange in County Sligo. Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch.

DAY 6: SHEEP DOG DEMONSTRATIOM, HIKE AT STREEDAGH,  SLIGO, TRAVEL TO GALWAY

Terrain: sand, sand dunes, paths, lanes | Elev 150 ft. | Walking Distance 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 down at the Sligo coast with a local history / archaeological expert.  Our final journey brings us to Galway City where you can enjoy music on the streets and in the bars.

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

Overnight: Galway Town. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

DAY 7: TOUR ENDS GALWAY CITY

Last breakfast together in Galway.  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.