A seven day hiking tour in County Antrim in Northern Ireland, and Donegal, Sligo and Mayo in the Republic of Ireland. We visit the Giant’s Causeway, Rathlin Island, the hills and coast of Donegal, a sheep herding demonstration, and an exploration of Sligo’s fascinating coastal history.
Itinerary Information
| Hidden Ireland North Tour Details for 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sun 4 Jul to Sat 10 Jul 2027 12 Places Available | Pick up Dublin Airport 11 am, Drop off Galway City 12 noon Duration 7 Days | US$5999 US$1499 Single Supp |
| Sun 29 Aug to Sat 4 Sept 2027 12 Places Available | ||
Tour Highlights
Included In 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 three 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: Portballintrae, 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: Portballintrae, 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 hotel to relax and enjoy an excellent meal, perhaps with some locally caught seafood.
Overnight: Portballintrae, Bushmills, County Antrim. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 4: TRAVEL ANTRIM TO DONEGAL. VISIT GLEBE GALLERY, HIKE GLENVEAGH NP
Terrain: lakeside forest path | Elevation gain: 50 feet | Walking Distance 7 miles (11.2km)
We have a long drive across the top of Ireland from east to west, finishing in County Donegal. Our first stop will be a visit to Glebe Gallery, the former home of artist Derek Hill. Glebe House is in a beautiful setting beside Lough Gartan. 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 5: 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. We take the longest trail, visiting a variety of habitats, with interesting flora and fauna. We switch from level ground at the seashore to more challenging terrain at higher elevations. But we will be rewarded with wonderful hill and coastal scenery.
Alternative: if you don’t wish to hike today and would like a “day off” then this is an ideal time to hike in to the village of Dunfanaghy.
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.
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