The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal

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)