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    | Lough Eske

    Sample Itinerary

    Secrets of the Northern Coast


    Region: Northern Ireland – Giants Causeway & Belfast
    Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

    Accommodation: Luxury

    Grading: Your Own Pace

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

      Price: P.O.A. Make an Enquiry

      Trip Overview

      Created by: Patricia Doe


      From the misty Mountains of Mourne to the haunting beauty and tumbling waterfalls of Glenveagh National Park – welcome to the north of Ireland’s most captivating landscapes, a region steeped in myth and shrouded in legend. Travelling north, discover an area rich in history and folklore.

      Amidst sea spray and sunshine, step out onto the iconic rocks of the Giant’s Causeway, cross the waves to Rathlin Island, and venture into the rugged mountains of Donegal. With your expert guide, immerse yourself in a trip designed just for you, enjoying tailored activities and exclusive experiences. As evening approaches, discover the exquisite comfort of your luxury accommodation, enjoying wonderful food in a magical setting.

      Below is an example itinerary but activities can be changed, added and upgraded. All aspects of the trip will be tailored to you.

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      Day by Day
      Itinerary

      Day 1 – Welcome to Ireland Read Less

      Day 1

      Welcome to Ireland

      On your arrival in Ireland, meet your private guide and transfer north. Take the time to visit the medieval town of Carlingford, admiring its impressive medieval fortifications, historic buildings and delicious, local oysters. Afterwards, join your guide for a stunning walk through the hills of the Cooley Peninsula, an area that is technically a protected leprechaun habitat. Steeped in Irish mythology, listen to tales of warrior queens and cattle raids, before ferrying across the fjord to the majestic Mountains of Mourne and your accommodation for the next two nights. This evening, relax into your impressive Victorian hotel, tucked below the region’s highest peak and bounded by a perfect strand of silver sand.

      Overnight: Slieve Donard Hotel | Mourne Mountains

      Day 2 – The Mourne Mountains Read Less

      Day 2

      The Mourne Mountains

      Today, enjoy exploring one of the most captivating corners of Northern Ireland – the sweeping, soaring peaks of the Mourne Mountains. Head out with your guide to hike, ride or ramble through this dramatic landscape, which served as inspiration for C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia. Home to some of the best walking and biking trails in the region, enjoy panoramic views that stretch beyond the granite tors, all the way to the glittering ocean. The diverse habitat supports ravens, skylark, meadow pipit and peregrine falcons, while the Mourne Wall – which was finished in 1922 and took 18 years to complete – connects the desolate summits of 15 mountains and stretches for over 22 miles. Tonight, relax in the hotel’s award-winning spa, before choosing to dine in one of the three renowned in-house restaurants.

      Overnight: Slieve Donard Hotel | Mourne Mountains

      Day 3 – In the Footsteps of Giants Read Less

      Day 3

      In the Footsteps of Giants

      After a leisurely breakfast, head out with your guide to hike along the majestic Causeway Coastal Route. Bright in the summer months with blue spring squill, pink thrift and white sea campion, stroll along the Causeway Coast’s cliff tops watching seabirds swoop and dive above the swell. With the cliffs growing wilder with each step, soon the iconic Giant’s Causeway will come into view – the world-famous interlocking columns formed by volcanic eruptions 50-60 million years ago. Chat with your guide about the giants Finn MacCool and Benandonner, a legend born from this unique and mesmerising coastline. Later this afternoon, enjoy a scenic transfer to a lovingly-restored former coaching inn, located in a town known for its whiskey.

      Overnight: Bushmills Inn | Causeway Coast

      Day 4 – Exploring Rathlin Island Read Less

      Day 4

      Exploring Rathlin Island

      Off the northern shores of the Causeway Coast lies Rathlin Island. This morning, make the short crossing over the water to arrive in its welcoming bay. The history of the island is entwined in folklore, with the best known being that of Robert the Bruce. When driven from Scotland in 1306, he is said to have found inspiration to reclaim his crown by watching a spider’s perseverance when building its web. Today, Rathlin is home to Northern Ireland’s largest bird sanctuary and also three enchanting lighthouses. Enjoy exploring the salt-stung cliffs, ancient woodlands and secluded beaches with your knowledgeable guide. Learn about the island’s history of shipwrecks, before returning to the mainland in the golden glow of the afternoon.

      Overnight: Bushmills Inn | Causeway Coast

      Day 5 – Derry City and Glenveagh National Park Read Less

      Day 5

      Derry City and Glenveagh National Park

      Travel west this morning to the city of Derry. Join a local guide on a walking tour of one of the finest walled cities in Europe, learning about the city’s civil strife and proud, resilient culture. After a lovely lunch and an amble along the winding cobblestone streets, head into the rugged region of Donegal to explore Glenveagh National Park. With shimmering lakes, valleys ribboned in dark water and rocky peaks that shift with mountain mist, the best way to explore the national park is on foot. For those seeking a challenge, there is also the option of summiting Mt Errigal, the highest peak of the Derryveagh Mountains. This evening, relax in your stunning castle hotel, perhaps enjoying a swim before dinner.

      Overnight: Lough Eske Castle | Donegal

      Day 6 – The Wild Atlantic Way Read Less

      Day 6

      The Wild Atlantic Way

      Some of the best cold-water waves are found off the northwest Atlantic coast of Ireland. Renowned for both its beauty and its world-class surfing, it is a well-loved destination for both travellers and locals alike. This morning, if you wish, enjoy a private surfing lesson with a lovely instructor. Warm up again afterwards with hot coffee, soaking up the bohemian atmosphere of the west coast. After lunch, meet a local tweed-weaver to learn about the ancient craft and visit a traditional workshop. This evening, head into town to catch a live music performance in one of the spirited pubs – pint in hand sitting by a crackling fire, it’s the perfect Irish evening.

      Overnight: Lough Eske Castle | Donegal

      Day 7 – Homeward Bound Read Less

      Day 7

      Homeward Bound

      Depending on when you choose to depart, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your castle hotel. Enjoy a wander around the fantastic castle grounds before joining your guide, who will transfer you to the airport, to begin your journey home or to extend your stay in Dublin City.

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      Sample Itineraries
      Secrets of the Northern Coast

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

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      Sample Itineraries
      Secrets of the Northern Coast

      For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

      Trip Details

      Accommodation Read More

      Slieve Donard Hotel

      Spectacularly tucked at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, this beautiful 19th-century hotel offers immaculate grounds, a private strand, renowned spa treatments and fine dining.

      The Bushmills Inn

      In this characterful former coaching inn on the main street of Bushmills village – home of the renowned whiskey distillery – relax before turf fires, beneath oak-beamed ceilings or in the wood-panelled gas-lit pub.

      Lough Eske Castle

      One of Ireland’s best-kept secrets, the historic Lough Eske Castle strikes the perfect balance between modern comforts with old-world charm in a remote corner of northwest Ireland.

      Grading Read More

      At Your Own Pace

      On this adventure, you will be accompanied by a Wilderness Ireland guide who will be able to suggest and lead you on a range of activities such as gentle hikes, cycles, yoga or surfing, to immersive cultural and heritage experiences. As this is a luxury trip, your travel designer will work with you to customise the trip and activities to suit your interests and ability levels. During your trip, your guide will tailor any activities to your group, ensuring that you can explore at whatever pace you feel comfortable.

      Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

      Arrive in Dublin where your private guide will pick you up. At the end of your trip, your guide will return you to the airport, or drop you off at your requested destination so you may continue your onward journey.

      Speak to an Expert

      Patricia Doe

      An avid cyclist and hiker, Patricia enjoys exploring Ireland’s wild landscapes every chance she gets u2013 she particularly loves the under-appreciated regions of Mayo, Connemara, Sligo and Donegal. Having spent nearly a decade in the hospitality industry, Patricia is an expert on Ireland’s luxury and unique accommodations. As Wilderness Ireland’s General Manager and head of the sales team, Patricia is ready to help make your Irish adventure spectacular.

      Ask Patricia a Question

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      At Your Own Pace

      On this adventure, you will be accompanied by a Wilderness Ireland guide who will be able to suggest and lead you on a range of activities such as gentle hikes, cycles, yoga or surfing, to immersive cultural and heritage experiences. As this is a luxury trip, your travel designer will work with you to customise the trip and activities to suit your interests and ability levels. During your trip, your guide will tailor any activities to your group, ensuring that you can explore at whatever pace you feel comfortable.

      Find Out More

      Our holidays reviewed
      in your own words

      We’ll be back. May need to bring our kids next. Would love to have Liam.

      Molly Selsby
      Hiking - The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal
      Reviewed on 01/07/2019

      Rated 4.93 out of 5 based on 2,294 reviews

      Read More Reviews
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