Northern Ireland Adventure - 5 days

Northern Ireland Adventure - 5 days

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Northern Ireland Adventure - 5 days

5 Days Starting and ending in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Visiting: Belfast, Derry, Donegal

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

5-

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 5-day Northern Ireland Adventure, exploring the stunning landscapes and rich history of Northern Ireland and Ireland. Begin your journey in Belfast, traveling along the scenic Causeway Coastal Route to marvel at the UNESCO-listed Giant's Causeway and the historic Bushmills Distillery. Discover the well-preserved city walls of Derry, the dramatic cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way, and the enchanting Glens of Antrim. Experience the rugged beauty of County Donegal, including the towering Slieve League Cliffs and the serene Glenveagh National Park. Conclude your adventure with a visit to Hillsborough Castle and the option to explore Belfast's Titanic Museum. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and breathtaking views throughout this unforgettable journey.

Highlights

  • Giant's Causeway - Marvel at this incredible UNESCO-listed rock formation, one of the highlights of Northern Ireland

  • Derry - See the incredibly well-preserved city walls and explore this historic city at your own pace

  • Wild Atlantic Way - Admire the stunning scenery, dramatic cliffs and wheeling seabirds of the Donegal section of this famous coastal trail

  • Glens of Antrim - Venture off the beaten path through this captivating valley landscape, cherished by both locals and travellers alike

  • Causeway Coastal Route - Wander along the sandy shores of Downhill beach and take in the 18th century Mussenden Temple

  • Old Bushmills Distillery - Sample traditional Irish whiskey in the world's oldest licensed distillery, which has been operating since 1608

  • Slieve League Cliffs - Behold Ireland's second-highest sea cliffs, towering three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher

  • Glenveagh National Park - Delve into the beauty and history of this stunning natural landscape

Places You'll See

Titanic Museum, Belfast

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Belfast

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Location: Belfast

Accommodation Name: Mandalay B&B, Aranmore Lodge or similar

Belfast - Giant's Causeway - Portrush. Departing Belfast, we head north along the Causeway Coastal Route towards Carrickfergus, boasting one of Northern Ireland's best preserved Norman castles. Admire craggy cliffs, majestic ruined castles and beautiful scenery en-route. We’ll pause here briefly to capture some stunning photos of this impressive fortress before continuing our adventure to the breath-taking Glenariff Forest Park. This region of Northern Ireland is so breathtakingly beautiful that it has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The winding roads that lead here certainly add to its charm, making it feel like a hidden gem off the beaten path.





The next stop is Forest Park, with chance to indulge in some tea or coffee, or take a trip to the near-by waterfall. We continue our adventure north, navigating the exhilarating path to Torr Head. Along the way, make sure to keep an eye out for the magnificent view across the sea to Scotland, where the rugged Mull of Kintyre emerges on the horizon. The vista here is truly unforgettable. Once we reach the top of Northern Ireland, we visit Ballycastle for lunch and some free time.





We continue onwards towards Portrush. The highlight of this coastal drive is the magnificent Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO-listed geological formation where history, myth, and the sheer power of geology converge in a spectacular display. Marvel at this highlight of Northern Ireland before we continue to Bushmills Distillery for an optional tasting of their famous whiskey. We also make a quick photo stop at Dunluce Castle.





We arrive in the charming town of Portrush in the late afternoon. The rest of today is at leisure.





Please note: Pick up point for this tour is at 8:45 on day 1 (tour departs at 09:00) - Belfast Pick-Up, Donegall Square West, Belfast, BT1 6JH





Accommodation: Mandalay B&B, Aranmore Lodge or similar

Day 2: Derry

Location: Derry

Accommodation Name: Eske Villa, Railway Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Portrush - Derry - Dunree - Donegal. Departing Portrush, we head to Derry (Londonderry). The city teems with history, from its remarkably well-preserved historic walls to the poignant murals that commemorate its troubled past. With some free time on our hands, we have the option to independently explore Derry or join a guided walking tour.





After that, we re-join the coastline, stopping at the picturesque Dunree Head. The journey there involves a winding, clifftop road that offers breath-taking views. Upon reaching Dunree Head, we can overlook Dunree Beach and Lough Swilly, extending the gaze to the Fanad Peninsula. History enthusiasts will also find the Dunree Fort military museum fascinating to explore.





From this point, we'll journey through Mamore Gap, renowned as one of Ireland’s most picturesque routes. We pause for a moment to capture the stunning views from this famous vantage point. Our expedition then leads us to Donegal Town, where we will stay for the next two nights. Along the way, we’ll take additional breaks to explore, based on the weather and the group's preferences, before settling in for a well-earned rest.





Accommodation: Eske Villa, Railway Lodge or similar.

Day 3: Bunbeg

Location: Donegal

Accommodation Name: Eske Villa, Railway Lodge or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Donegal - Bungbeg - Donegal. Today, we venture along the Wild Atlantic Way, a remarkable 1,600-mile coastal trail that ranks as one of the longest in the world, running the entire span of Ireland’s west coast. As we travel to Bunbeg, we'll make several stops to explore, with our itinerary adaptable to the weather and your specific interests, ensuring a memorable journey through this breath-taking landscape. We make our lunch stop in Gaeltacht town, where the Irish language is predominent.





Next, we continue along the Wild Atlantic Way, stopping at various points that offer stunning vistas of the rugged coastline and nearby islands. The journey then takes us through the awe-inspiring Glenveagh National Park. Here, we’ll disembark to allow time to fully experience the park’s splendour, including the craggy Derryveagh Mountains, the majestic Glenveagh Castle, and the stunning Glenveagh Valley. There's many walking routes here, or we can explore the castle accessed by a shuttle bus. We then head back to Donegal for the night.





Accommodation: Eske Villa, Railway Lodge or similar

Day 4: Donegal

Location: Donegal

Accommodation Name: Westville Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast

Donegal - Enniskillen. Today we explore more of the Wild Atlantic Way coastal route. We start with a visit to the Slieve League Cliffs, which tower 600 metres above the ocean (some of the highest in Europe).





Passing through the Gaelic-speaking communities of rural Ireland, we drive through the striking mountain pass at Glengesh to Ardara, a scenic village where we stop for lunch.





Heading back to the coast, we make our way to Eniskillen to spend the night. We plan to arrive in the late afternoon, allowing some time to explore this vibrant, charming town. Situated on a small island in Lough Erne, Enniskillen boasts a picturesque setting, making it a perfect and idyllic stopover.





Accommodation: Westville Hotel or similar.

Day 5: Belfast

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Location: Belfast

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enniskillen - Hillsborough - Belfast. We bid farewell to this charming island town and set off to our next destination, Hillsborough Castle, renowned for its marvellous gardens. Here, we can explore it's ornamental landscapes, serene woodlands, and picturesque glens that have delighted the Royal Family and numerous visitors over the years. There's an optional tour of the castle's exquisite state rooms, uncovering its intriguing history (tickets subject to availability), and perhaps enjoy a leisurely lunch.





Following this visit, it's a brief journey back to Belfast where we have the option to explore the Titanic Museum in the Titanic Quarter or remain on the bus for a scenic tour around the city, concluding our adventure.

What's Included

  • 4 breakfasts

  • 4 nights simple guesthouse (hotel upgrade available)

  • Transportation in 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning

  • Escorted by a local driver-guide (tour guide and minibus changes on day 3)

  • All road tolls

  • 20kg luggage - see Trip Notes for details

  • Note: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go.

What's Not Included

  • International flights & visas

  • Airport transfers (pick up and drop off information can be found in the Trip Notes)

  • Meals not specified in itinerary

  • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture!

  • Entry fees unless specified

Mode of Transport

Travel comfortably in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning, escorted by a local driver-guide. Note that the tour guide and minibus change on day 3.

Accommodation

Enjoy 4 nights in simple guesthouses, with options to stay at Mandalay B&B, Aranmore Lodge, Eske Villa, Railway Lodge, and Westville Hotel or similar accommodations.

Age Policy

Min:5yrs with an adultChild discount available for 5-15 yrs sharing with 2 adults

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides transportation in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with air-conditioning.

  • Is there a tour guide accompanying the group?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by a local driver-guide. Please note that the tour guide and minibus change on day 3.

  • What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 4 nights in simple guesthouses, with an option for a hotel upgrade.

  • Is luggage allowance specified for the tour?

    Yes, there is a 20kg luggage allowance. Please see the Trip Notes for more details.

  • Are there any optional activities during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional activities such as a whiskey tasting at Bushmills Distillery and a tour of the state rooms at Hillsborough Castle (tickets subject to availability).

  • What is the age policy for this tour?

    The minimum age for this tour is 5 years, and there is a child discount available for children aged 5-15 years sharing with 2 adults.

  • What are some of the key highlights of the tour?

    Key highlights include visiting the Giant's Causeway, exploring Derry's historic city walls, admiring the scenery along the Wild Atlantic Way, and visiting the Slieve League Cliffs and Glenveagh National Park.

  • What is the pick-up point and time for the tour?

    The pick-up point for the tour is at Donegall Square West, Belfast, BT1 6JH at 8:45 on day 1, with the tour departing at 09:00.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.