DAY 1: DUBLIN TO BALLINTOY

We leave Dublin at 8.30am and head north, cross the border into Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. Take time to see the city and visit Belfast’s Titanic Experience to learn about the iconic, yet doomed ship or take the famous Black Cab Tour with a local cabbie at the wheel. You will get to the Loyalist and Republican heartlands, with their famous political murals and will hear all about the recent Troubles of the city.

We continue onward to 'The Dark Hedges', an avenue of beech trees that starred as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones. Then on to the rural village of Ballintoy where we stay overnight. You have the chance to visit the stunning Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge where you can sway Indiana Jones' style over the choppy Atlantic Ocean, before enjoying a stunning sunset over Ballintoy harbour that was also seen in Game of Thrones as Lordsport on the Isle of Pyke.

DAY 2: BALLINTOY TO DERRY

What a way to start the day, the Giant's Causeway! Follow in the footsteps of giants at the eighth natural wonder of the world, with its thousands of hexagonal columns. Created by a giant or geology, you decide! This place has inspired artists and stirred scientific debates for centuries and is one of the most Instagrammed places in Ireland!

After hearing the tales of the giant Finn MacCool, we travel further along the beautiful Irish coast to Derry, our home for the night. This medieval city will test your emotions as you are brought face to face with its troubled history, both past and present, on an optional award-winning walking tour led by a local guide. (B)

DAY 3: DERRY TO GALWAY

Today we cross the border back to the Republic of Ireland. Visit the final resting place of our world famous poet and Nobel Prize winner W.B. Yeats before travelling for lunch in the colourful town of Westport, on the edge of an Atlantic inlet. The earliest settled habitation in this charming town dates back a staggering 5000 years!

In the afternoon we travel through the wild and rugged Connemara National Park, home to a herd of cute Connemara ponies!  You will see the majestic mountains in the north and bogs and lakes in the south that have inspired Irish musicians for centuries. We’ll spend the night in Galway, the cultural capital of Ireland. The City of Tribes is known for its lively atmosphere and buskers, and you are always guaranteed to have a great craic in the local pubs. (B)

DAY 4: INIS MÓR

Travel back in time when we take a ferry across the Atlantic Ocean and spend a whole day on Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands. The locals are fluent in Irish Gaelic and super friendly, so if you feel like brushing up your Gaelic skills, get chatting with them and get some serious insight into a rural island way of life.

You can rent a bike or hire a horse and cart and explore the island’s magnificent landscape. There are a staggering 3,000 miles of stone walls on Inis Mór, you have never seen anything like that!  And don’t miss the awe-inspiring Dun Aonghasa, a 3,000-year-old Iron Age ring fort perched on the edge of a 300-foot high cliff. After a fen-feckin-tastic day, it’s time to head back to the mainland for a pint of Guinness or two in one of Galway’s many buzzing pubs. (B)

DAY 5: GALWAY TO DUBLIN

We explore the weird and magical world of the Burren, Ireland’s limestone 'lunar landscape', home to ancient tombs, fairies and leprechauns where your Guide will tell you stories about the magical side of Ireland. After getting our fill of folklore, we make our way to the epic Cliffs of Moher.

The famous cliffs rise hundreds of meters over the wild Atlantic Ocean, with amazing views that you might have seen on the big screen in movies like Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince and The Princess Bride. Breathe in the fresh sea air and take in the views before we cross the peat bogs of Central Ireland and head back to the Fair City of Dublin, arriving at approximately 5.30pm. (B)

(B) Breakfast

Optional Activities

Our philosophy is all about allowing you to be an independent traveller, it's at the heart of what we do. To keep it simple we've got your accommodation covered as well as some of the must-see highlights. For everything else, you can either choose it now and add to your booking, or pay locally subject to availability. It's up to you.

Award-Winning Derry City Walking Tour

Derry is known as the “home of the troubles” and after this walking tour you will understand why. You will hear all about the changes that Derry has gone through since the “Good Friday” agreement and the amazing history of this great city. 

Black Cab Tour of Belfast

West Belfast is a microcosm of "The Troubles", encompassing the very fabric of what divides the communities in Belfast. During this tour, your driver will take you on an exploration of this part of Belfast, and they will provide you with a fresh perspective on events, as seen through the eyes of the local people, and as also seen from their different points of view.

ON TOUR

Accommodation in hostel dorm is included in the price of your tour. We use the best hostels available and generally use small 4 to 6 bed dorms.

ON TOUR OVERNIGHTS

Sheep Island View Hostel, Ballintoy

Set in one of the most picturesque parts of Northern Ireland overlooking the stunning coastline, this family run hostel is sure to charm you. After staying here you'll know what a warm Irish welcome is!

Travelodge, Derry City

This centrally located, contemporary hotel features all the facilities you'd expect with plenty of local attractions within easy reach. There's a stylish cafe-bar to keep you refreshed, twin and triple rooms are standard.

Kinlay Eyre Square, Galway

A fantastic, newly renovated, award winning hostel located in the heart of vibrant Galway with top class facilities and well travelled staff there to help you get the most out of your stay.

PRIVATE ROOMS UPGRADES

Fancy some 'together' time? Private Room Upgrades can be selected at time of booking when available. Most private rooms (min. 2 people) are accommodated within the hostel but where this is not possible, you may be required to make your own way to your accommodation located a short walk away from the main drop off point. Some private rooms have en-suite facilities whilst others have shared bathrooms.

BEFORE AND AFTER TOUR

We don't reserve accommodation before your tour starts or after your tour finishes. We recommend checking out our Accommodation section under 'Essential Info'.