Pick up from accommodation in Dublin or arranged location
09:30am
8-day private guided tour
Max 7 people
€5,800
Fully guided, customised and private tour
ABOUT
Unforgettable Experience
Join Trudy on this road trip of a lifetime, through some of Ireland’s most stunning and unspoiled Northern and Western landscapes. Ancient historic sites and stories of myths and legends await us on our journey together. Along the way, you’ll experience rich culture, history, and natural beauty like you have never seen before.
Travelling along the roads of the breathtaking coastal routes, winding through the Glens of Antrim and the mystical Giants causeway the road trip takes in one of the most important historic sites in the world, Brú na Bóinne, and the story of the most famous ship in the world.
You’ll feel the history calling from the historic walls of Derry city, be awe-inspired by the Slieve League cliffs and want to trek the rugged but beautiful lands of Donegal and Connemara. This Irish road trip is a real step in to history.
ITINERARY
Northern Horizons and Western Wonders Tour
Itinerary Details
Dublin to Belfast
Leaving your accommodation in Dublin we’ll travel through the Irish countryside of County Meath to explore the first of two UNESCO World Heritage sites on this road trip, the Newgrange Passage Tomb and the Brú na Bóinne Visitors Centre. At over 5,000 years old Newgrange is one of the oldest known structures in the world, predating the pyramids in Egypt, you’ll learn about the fascinating history of this Neolithic passage tomb.
We’ll then move on to Ireland’s first Cistercian monastery, situated in a beautifully peaceful valley it was founded in 1142 by French monks. The well-preserved monastic ruins give a real insight into monastic life in medieval Ireland. Its stone carvings, distinctive octagonal lavabo and chapter house make this abbey well worth a visit.
Winding our way through the Boyne Valley we’ll learn about the Battle of the Boyne, one of the most significant battles in Irish and British history between the Wiliamite forces of William of Orange and those of James, the deposed King of England. The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre tells the story of the battle and its consequences which marked the beginning of protestant dominance in Ireland.
Our first night will be spent at one of Trudy’s recommended accommodations in Belfast.
Belfast City
Spending the day exploring Belfast city we’ll see some of the fabulous architecture of the city which paints the picture of its industrious past. We’ll hear about the city’s turbulent history, complex political landscape, and journey through the peace process that followed with visits to famous landmarks such as the Peace Walls and the murals of the Falls and Shankill Road.
Stopping for lunch in a traditional Irish pub, you’ll be taught to pull your very own pint of Guinness is a unique experience before we begin to explore the Titanic Quarter and its Titanic Visitor Centre.
The centre sits on the original site where the world’s most famous ship was built and it takes you on an immersive and interactive journey showing you original artefacts from the ship while telling the tragic story of its maiden voyage and the heartbreaking lessons learned in the aftermath.
We’ll spend a second night in Belfast.
Belfast to Derry
Heading out of the city the road north takes us past the stunning seascapes of the Causeway Coast and through the winding roads of the Glens of Antrim, where we’ll stop to take some photographs along the way.
Some people will tell you there are over 40,000 hexagonally-shaped basalt columns formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity but those of us, who know, will tell you it was a passageway formed amid an argument between the Irish giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill and the Scottish giant Benandonner. We’ll let you decide the truth as you gaze over the scientific wonder and dramatic landscape.
Dunluce Castle will be the last stop of the day. A magnificent fortress, dating back to the thirteenth century, with stunning views from its perch on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It’s easy to see why it was chosen for the home of the Greyjoy’s in Game of Thrones.
We’ll end our day in Derry/Londonderry where we’ll stay for the night.
City of Derry
We’ll begin our day with a guided walking tour of the historic city walls of Derry, learning about the city’s rich history and turbulent past as we stroll along the ancient fortifications that offer panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.
As we descend into the city we’ll pass Derry’s famous murals which depict the city’s complex history, political struggles, and vibrant modern diverse society. The Museum of Free Derry will tell us the story of the struggle for civil rights and the civil rights movement in Derry in the 1960s and 70s, also giving an in-depth look at the tragic events of Bloody Sunday in 1972 through personal stories and artefacts and the outcome of the Saville enquiry in 2010.
In a tribute to John Hume, a key figure in the peace process of Northern Ireland and the only man to receive all three peace prizes, The Nobel Peace Prize, The Martin Luther King Jr. Nonviolent Peace Prize and The Gandhi Peace Prize, the Guildhall has all three of John’s medals on display. It also holds an exhibition telling the story of the plantation of Ulster.
The rest of the day is free to take lunch in one of the city’s many charming cafés, and the Craft Village in Derry is a must if you are looking to pick up a gift made by local artisans. After an afternoon of relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere of Derry, we’ll spend a second night in the city.
Derry to Donegal
As we’re leaving Derry we’ll stop briefly at Grianán of Aileach, an ancient stone fort over 3,500 years old which overlooks both Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle, while en route to Glenveagh National Park its nineteenth-century castle. Built by John George Adair, we’ll take a self-guided tour of the castle and take some free time to enjoy the beautiful gardens – Trudy’s personal favourite is the natural landscape of the woodland garden.
There’ll be plenty of opportunities to take off on one of the park’s many hiking trails and take in the views of the sparkling lakes and rugged mountains.
After lunch in Glenveagh we’ll head through the beautiful countryside of County Donegal, over the Blue Stack mountains and head toward Donegal town where we’ll visit the beautifully preserved medieval O’Donnell Castle on the banks of the river Eske. A self-guided tour will teach us about its fascinating history over the last 600 years.
The day will be capped off with a chance to explore some of the local stores before heading to our accommodation near the town.
Donegal to Connemara
We’ll set off westward from Donegal town and follow the coastal route that winds its way along the Wild Atlantic Way, stopping for some all-important photo stops.
Taking in the stunning views of the Slieve League Cliffs, standing 2000ft high, the cliffs are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Once at the top, we’ll enjoy the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and its rugged coastline below. Weather dependent we’ll take a boat trip to explore the waters below and maybe meet some of the local dolphins.
After lunch, we’ll travel to County Sligo and Lissadell House, a historic mansion with a fascinating past. We’ll learn about the influential Gore-Booth sisters who once lived here and hear stories of its famous visitors, including W.B. Yeats, who found inspiration in the house and its surroundings.
Arriving at our accommodation in Connemara in the early evening there will be plenty of time to relax and explore the local restaurants and pubs for the night.
Connemara
We’ll continue the road trip with a breathtaking drive along the famous Sky Road, one of Ireland’s most scenic coastal routes. Soaking in the sweeping vistas of Connemara’s rugged coastline, dotted with secluded beaches, dramatic cliffs and picturesque islands as we make our way to Kylemore Abbey.
We’ll visit the magnificent neo-Gothic mansion nestled in the heart of Connemara and take a self-guided tour of the abbey learning about its fascinating history, from the Henrys who built it to the Benedictine nuns whose presence is still there today.
Heading to Galway City we’ll have some free time to soak in the atmosphere of this vibrant city with buskers (street musicians) playing as you stroll along the streets of the City of The Tribes.
There is also the opportunity to take in a sheep-dog demonstration, visit to an oyster farm or hike in the Connemara National Park while in the area. Trudy can arrange these excursions in advance.
The final night will be spent in Galway City where you can enjoy the city’s vibrant offerings and become part of the Irish nightlife.
Midlands
Leaving Galway behind we’ll head off towards Dublin, travelling through the scenic midlands region, known for its rolling hills and picturesque villages.
We’ll stop in the midland town of Athlone on the river Shannon where we’ll visit the strategically built thirteenth-century Athlone Castle and Sean’s Bar, Ireland’s oldest bar.
Further along the river, we’ll visit Clonmacnoise, known locally as seven churches. Founded by St. Ciarán in the sixth century it’s known for being one of the most important centres of learning in the medieval period with a round tower, a Cathedral and several churches all ripe for exploration.
Clonmacnoise is also famous for its ornate high crosses decorated with biblical scenes and Celtic designs dating back to the ninth and tenth centuries.
Travelling through the midlands we’ll head to County Offaly visiting one of two distilleries, Kilbeggan Distillery, famed for being Ireland’s oldest distillery or Tullamore Dew Distillery, famed for its triple distilled processes.
We’ll finish our Irish road trip as we arrive back in Dublin ending our great adventure together.
DISCOVER
Good to Know
MEMORIES
Gallery
