Slieve League Cliffs | Republic of Ireland
Save 25%
FROM: £739 pp

Uncover the best of Northern Ireland, the Wild Atlantic Way and County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland on this 4-day group tour from Belfast. Wander through the gardens of royal Hillsborough Palace and visit Armagh. See the towering Slieve League Cliffs, drive through Glenveagh National Park and take in the strategic Fort Dunree on the Inishowen Peninsula. Admire the view from Malin Head, stroll along Downhill beach and sample Irish whiskey at the world's oldest licensed distillery.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Guesthouse
Hotel Prices/Dates

Trip Highlights

Hillsborough Castle - Stroll through the manicured gardens of this royal palace and opt to visit the state rooms
Inishowen Peninsula - Take in the strategically located Fort Dunree and opt to explore the onsite military museum
Causeway Coastal Route - Wander along the sandy shores of Downhill beach and take in the 18th century Mussenden Temple
Wild Atlantic Way - Admire the stunning scenery, dramatic cliffs and wheeling seabirds of the Donegal section of this famous coastal trail
Malin Head - Stop at the most northerly-point of the island of Ireland, where filming for Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi took place
Old Bushmills Distillery - Sample traditional Irish whiskey in the world's oldest licensed distillery, which has been operating since 1608

Included

3 breakfasts
Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning
All road tolls
Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.
3 nights simple guesthouse (hotel upgrade available)
Escorted by a local driver-guide 
20kg luggage - see Trip Notes for details

Not Included

International flights & visas
Meals not specified in itinerary
Entry fees unless specified
Airport transfers (pick up and drop off information can be found in the Trip Notes)
Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!

Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Belfast!

Belfast - Donegal (Republic of Ireland). Welcome to Northern Ireland! Our tour starts with either a visit to the Titanic Museum or you can hop on the bus for a scenic drive around the city, taking in Stormont, Queen's University and more. Leaving Belfast, we make our way to Hillsborough Castle, renowned for its beautiful gardens. This is a favoured residence of the Royal Family and you can stroll through the gardens or opt to head inside and take in the ornamental state rooms (availability of tickets may vary).

Crossing the border into the Republic of Ireland, we make our way through the rugged landscapes of County Donegal, arriving at Donegal town for our first overnight. Donegal offers a variety of restaurants and cosy pubs where you can enjoy traditional music alongside a hearty meal.

Please note: Pick up for this tour is at 9:15 on day 1 (tour departs at 09:30) - Belfast Pick-Up, Donegall Square West, Belfast, BT1 6JH

Accommodation: Eske Villa, Railway Lodge or similar
Overnight: Donegal

Day 2

Exploring the Wild Atlantic Way

Donegal - Wild Atlantic Way - Letterkenny. Today we are exploring the untamed wilderness of the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route. Our journey begins with a visit to the Slieve League Cliffs, which plummet an impressive 600 meters down to the untamed ocean.

We continue through sparsely populated Irish-speaking communities on our way to Glencolmcille. Here, depending on the season, you can visit the Folk Village and gain a fascinating glimpse into the culture and daily life of people from the 18th century onwards.

We drive through the striking Glengesh mountain pass and make a stop in the village of Ardara, where you can enjoy lunch at leisure. Returning to the coast, we continue to explore the Wild Atlantic Way, pausing at breathtaking locations that offer stunning views of the rugged coastline and picturesque islands. We then pass through the magnificent Glenveagh National Park.

Arriving in the town of Letterkenny, the evening is free to head out and explore.

Accommodation: Dillons Hotel, Killerin House B&B, Ardlee House B&B or similar
Overnight: Letterkenny  |  Breakfast

Day 3

Fort Dunree, Mamore Gap & Grianan of Aileach

Letterkenny - Fort Dunree - Carndonagh - Grianan of Aileach - Letterkenny. This morning, we set off for the Inishowen Peninsula and Fort Dunree. This fort, situated on a strategic clifftop, also houses a military museum.

Next, we pass through Mamore Gap, one of the most picturesque routes in Ireland. Along the way, take the opportunity to explore the various attractions, including a holy well dedicated to St Eigne. We then stop for lunch in the charming town of Carndonagh. This market town offers an array of pubs and restaurants, and it is also home to the ancient Donagh Cross or St Patrick’s Cross.

After lunch we travel to the northernmost point in Ireland, Malin Head. Known for its untamed and rugged coastline, the unique beauty here has even caught the attention of filmmakers, as it served as a filming location for Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi.

Our final visit of the day is Grianan of Aileach. Dating back to 1700 BC, this remarkable hilltop fort offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Then it's back to Letterkenny for the evening.

Accommodation: Dillons Hotel, Killerin House B&B, Ardlee House B&B or similar
Overnight: Letterkenny  |  Breakfast

Day 4

Causeway Coastal Route, whiskey & Belfast

Letterkenny - Downhill (Northern Ireland) - Portstewart - Belfast. Crossing back into Northern Ireland this morning, we visit Downhill, a popular stop along the Causeway Coastal Route. Marvel at the stunning cliffs and expansive sandy beach that stretches along the water's edge. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Downhill beach before we make our way up to Mussenden Temple. This 18th-century temple was originally built as a library for the unusual Earl Bishop and has now become one of Ireland's most famous landmarks and a location featured in the television series Game of Thrones.

We then enjoy a well-deserved lunch break in the pretty coastal village of Portstewart.

No visit to Ireland is complete without indulging in some whiskey. The final stop on our tour is the Old Bushmills Distillery, the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery which has been in operation since 1608. With the delightful taste of whiskey lingering within, it is time to make our way back to Belfast, where our tour comes to an end.

Please note: This tour finishes at 18:00 - Belfast Drop Off, Donegall Square West, Belfast, BT1 6JH
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room.

Read More

Prices & Dates

All departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 2 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room.

Read More

At a Glance

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Belfast
Ends
Belfast
Departs
Wednesdays & Saturdays
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 16
Hotel Rating
Simple guesthouse (hotel upgrade available)
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guide
Meals
Breakfast: 3
Countries
Ireland, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Minimum Age
5 yrs, accompanied by an adult
Arr. Transfer
No
Dep. Transfer
No
OTG002650Northern Ireland & County Donegal - 4 daysEuropeHandpickedEuropefalse25Irelandhttps://dev.onthegotours.com/uk/Ireland/Northern-Ireland-and-County-Donegal-4-dayshttps://www.onthegotours.com/repository/Northern-Ireland-and-County-Donegal-main-image--Slieve-League-Cliffs-809571689069383_crop_flip_300_300_f2f2f2_center-center.jpgGroup_Tours