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    Hiking

    The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal

    84 review(s)

    Next Trip: 23rd - 29th Mar 2024 Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

    From €2,430 View Prices & Dates

    Travel Planning & Advice

    Book With Confidence

    Trip created by Louise Kavanagh
    View Louise's Profile

    Region: Northern Ireland – Giants Causeway & Belfast
    Trip Type: Hiking
    Accommodation: Classic
    Max Group Size: 8
    Confirmed: When 2 Travellers Book
    Deposit From: €607.50 €607.50

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 169kg ? What does this mean?
    Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    The rugged and beautiful wilderness of Northern Ireland and County Donegal is a corner of Europe that the rush of the modern world has overlooked.

    Our route takes us along the Causeway Coastal Route and the iconic Giant’s Causeway, collectively rated the world’s best region to visit in 2018 by Lonely Planet, and along the northern edge of Ireland to the dramatic mountains and glens of the Donegal, finishing at Slieve League, some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

    After exploring the wild Causeway Coast and Giant’s Causeway, we head into National Geographic’s Coolest Place on Earth, County Donegal. With its rolling mountains, soaring cliffs, white sand beaches, infinite bogs and timeless villages, Donegal is as romantically remote today as ever before. We’ll explore coastal headlands rich in wildlife, hike through remote hills awash with myths and legends, and retire to comfortable, characterful lodgings each evening.

    Trip Highlights

    • Hike iconic Irish landscapes including UNESCO World Heritage Site the Giant's Causeway, Slieve League Cliffs & Glenveagh National Park
    • Walk Ireland's most northernly peninsula and Star Wars filming location, Malin Head, where mountains meet sea.
    • Hike through Donegal, voted National Geographic's Coolest Place on Earth in 2017
    • Island hopping to Rathlin Island, in search of myths and puffins

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Day 1 – The Giant's Causeway & Causeway Coastal Route 

    Meeting in vibrant Belfast, you’ll explore a region once named as the coolest place on earth by Lonely Planet. Follow the fiercely panoramic clifftop of the Causeway Coastal Route as it gets wilder and more alien upon approaching the Giant’s Causeway, a fascinating geological phenomenon. Folklore claims that the Giant’s Causeway was formed by two rival giants who hurled rocks at each other across the sea, while science attributes this place to a long-ago volcano. Designated as a UNESCO site, the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast have inspired visitors for centuries. (L, D)

    Hike Details: 3 miles/5km | approx. 2hrs.

    Day 2 – Rathlin Island, Home to Puffins

    Many tales of myth and mystery surround Rathlin Island, with the legend of Robert the Bruce perhaps the most famous. In 1306, the Scottish King was driven from Scotland by Edward I of England and took refuge on Rathlin Island where he watched a spider persevering again and again to bridge a gap with its web. Eventually, it succeeded. Taking heart from the spider’s efforts, he returned to Scotland and eventually regained his crown. Sailing to this rugged little island today, our hiking loop takes in the bird sanctuary, home to an adorable resident puffin colony in season, unparalleled views of the stunning island coast and jagged sea stacks, and the lovely west lighthouse. (B,L,D)

    Hike Details: 5 miles/8 km | approx. 4hrs.

    Day 3 – Inishowen Peninsula

    The ancient territory of the O’Doherty clan of Co. Donegal is among the most remote regions of Ireland. Its northern shore is on the restless Atlantic Ocean with Lough Swilly forming its western boundary and Lough Foyle to the east. This parcel of undiscovered Ireland is perfect for outdoor lovers and budding photographers. After a ferry across the lough to the Inishowen Peninsula, explore a World War II-era lookout tower and climb the gradual shoulder of little-visited Crocknasmug hill for magical coastal views. In the evening, kick back with a local pint and an open fire. (B,L,D)

    Hiking Details: 5 miles/8km | approx. 3-4hrs.

    Day 4 – Malin Head - Ireland's Northernmost point

    At the tip of the vast and wild Inishowen Peninsula is Malin Head, the northernmost point of Ireland. Jutting into the restless Atlantic Ocean, it is so other-worldly that scenes from Star Wars Episode VIII were filmed here. Malin Head is a wild, windswept landscape peppered with ancient archaeological sites. Our hike climbs over rocky hills, across rugged headlands, and along dramatic coastal cliffs. (B, L, D)

    Hike Details: 4 miles/7km | approx. 3hrs.

    Day 5 - Glenveagh National Park

    Glenveagh National Park is a hauntingly beautiful wilderness of craggy mountains, pristine lakes, tumbling waterfalls and enchanted native oak woodland, dominated by Mount Errigal’s glittering quartzite peak. This morning we cross Lough Swilly on a local ferry for great views of one of Ireland’s three glacial fjords before we continue to our day’s hike along a lake to the mystical Glenveagh Castle. Here we’ll wander the cultivated castle gardens set in this romantic landscape before continuing our walk along a winding path through the Derryveagh Mountains. Passing abandoned settlements and forlorn ruins, learn the history of what life was once like in this desolate wilderness. (B, L, D)

    Hike Details: 5 miles/8km | approx. 4hrs

    Day 6 – The Towering Slieve League Cliffs

    The final hike is also one of the most impressive. The Slieve League Cliffs are some of Europe’s highest cliffs – three times taller than the Cliffs of Moher. Our hike takes us on the little-travelled Pilgrim’s Path, a route used for Christian pilgrimages for centuries. You’ll get the chance to do something few visitors get to do: stand atop the edge of the Slieve League Cliffs. There are terrific views of the cliffs, the Atlantic Ocean, the mountains of Sligo and Donegal Bay. Later, meet local tweed-makers still practising their craft on a traditional handloom passed down for generations, before we head into town together to enjoy a delicious farewell dinner in a local restaurant. (B, L, D)

    Hike Details: 5 miles/8km | approx 4 hrs.

    Day 7 – Yeats Country & Departure 

    This morning, we say goodbye to the Wild Atlantic Way coast in Donegal, and transfer to Co. Sligo, or “Yeats Country,” so nicknamed since Ireland’s national poet W.B. Yeats drew great inspiration from Sligo’s landscapes and natural beauty. Along the way, we’ll stop at Yeats’ grave, tucked under the shadow of Sligo’s iconic mountain Ben Bulben, before making our way to Sligo town. (B)

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    Hiking
    The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal

    To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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    Trip Dates & Prices

    Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    23rd Mar - 29th Mar 20248 places leftUNCONFIRMED€2,430Book Now
    13th Apr - 19th Apr 20248 places leftUNCONFIRMED€2,430Book Now
    27th Apr - 3rd May 20241 place leftCONFIRMED€2,430Book Now
    11th May - 17th May 2024Trip FullFULLY BOOKED€2,430
    22nd Jun - 28th Jun 20241 place leftCONFIRMED€2,430Book Now
    6th Jul - 12th Jul 20248 places leftUNCONFIRMED€2,430Book Now
    20th Jul - 26th Jul 20248 places leftUNCONFIRMED€2,430Book Now
    3rd Aug - 9th Aug 20248 places leftUNCONFIRMED€2,430Book Now
    24th Aug - 30th Aug 20244 places leftCONFIRMED€2,430Book Now
    14th Sep - 20th Sep 20243 places leftCONFIRMED€2,430Book Now

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    This trip features accommodations chosen for their excellent location, service and comfort. All accommodations provide breakfast. Whether you’re looking for the liveliness of a traditional Irish music session or the sound of the crashing waves, all the accommodations we use on the Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal Hiking Trip play an exciting part in your journey through the northern part of the Emerald Isle.

    We do not charge single-person supplements to people booking on their own. However, you will be expected to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you specifically require a single room you will have to pay the single supplement charge which is subject to availability.

    Meals Read More

    Breakfast is provided each morning, as well as lunch and snacks throughout the trip. Dinner is provided every night.

    All meals are included in the price of this trip as marked on the daily itinerary. Local pubs and restaurants offer a wide choice of local dishes.

    On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

    Inclusions Read More
    • 6 nights accommodation in unique and cosy guest houses and hotels
    • All meals during the trip as noted (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
    • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable hiking guide/driver throughout
    • Pickup and transport throughout the trip, starting in Belfast and finishing in Sligo
    • 6 days of hiking along the dramatic coastline and landscapes of Northern Ireland and Donegal
    • Entrance and admission fees as stated in the itinerary, incl. boat trips
    Trip Grading Read More

    Green Graded 1-3

    Our green graded trips include shorter hikes, with few ascents, and are generally over smoother (but usually not paved) terrain. We include more cultural stops along the way and walk at a leisurely pace.

    Often our green graded trips include hikes in flatter coastal areas or in valleys, and will last around 2-4 hours each day. To help you decide if you are fit enough for this trip, ask yourself:

    Can you comfortably hike for 6 miles (10km), including some ascents, over generally good terrain?

    Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

    You will be met by your Wilderness Ireland Guide at the Lanyon Place Train Station in Belfast at 12.00. You will be returned to Sligo MacDiarmada Railway Station by 12.00 on the final day of your trip

    Photo Gallery

    Make This Trip Private

    Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

    Speak to an Expert

    Louise Kavanagh

    From scuba diving to motorbikes to hiking, Louise is no stranger to adventure! Born and raised in County Sligo, Louise has a love for Ireland’s West Coast – particularly the northwest. Louise is one of the team’s expert trip designers – she is ready to help you explore Ireland’s wild places. When not at work, Louise can usually be found underwater exploring Ireland’s unique coastlines or else zipping through the countryside on her motorbike.

    Ask Louise a Question

    Meet Your Guide

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    Green Grades 1-3

    Our hiking trips range from very straightforward low-level hikes to trips that include more challenging itineraries which will take you to a new mountain top each day.

    Our green graded trips include shorter hikes, with few ascents, and are generally over smoother (but usually not paved) terrain. We include more cultural stops along the way and walk at a leisurely pace.

    Often our green graded trips include hikes in flatter coastal areas or in valleys, and will last around 2-4 hours each day. To help you decide if you are fit enough for this trip, ask yourself:

    Can you comfortably hike for 6 miles (10km), including some ascents, over generally good terrain?

    Trip Reviews

    Rated 4.92 out of 5 based on 84 review(s) of Hiking – The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal

     

    Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

    That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

    JM

    Jeffrey Melton

    Reviewed on 15/09/2023

    Age: 60 - 70
    Country: United States
    Trip Date: 26/08/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Top notch

    LP

    Lynn Pollack

    Reviewed on 11/09/2023

    Age: 70 - 80
    Country: USA
    Trip Date: 26/08/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Our trip was absolutely wonderful. Each hike, each vista, was gorgeous! Everything ran smoothly and our guide, Maria O’Reilly, was amazing! She was a wonderful storyteller, unflappable, warm, funny and engaging. Most importantly, she somehow managed to be there for each of us when we needed encouragement. She created a very cohesive, comfortable group out of the eight of us. I loved every day of the trip and would love to do another trip.

    JI

    Joyce Ingber

    Reviewed on 08/09/2023

    Age: 50 - 60
    Country: Canada
    Trip Date: 26/08/2023
    Trips Taken: 2

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    We enjoyed both Wilderness Scotland and Wilderness Ireland. We would probably do Wilderness Ireland again and maybe Wilderness England. The hotel staff and wait staff in restaurants were also so accommodating and hospitable! Thank you Maria and group for a trip of a lifetime!

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