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      Self Drive

      Belfast, Giant’s Causeway & Donegal

      2 review(s)

      Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

      From €2,550

      Travel Planning & Advice

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      Trip created by Patricia Doe
      View Patricia's Profile

      Region: Ireland;North West – Donegal & Sligo;Northern Ireland – Giants Causeway & Belfast
      Trip Type: Self Drive
      Accommodation: Deluxe
      Deposit From: €637.50 €637.50

      Grading: Your Own Pace

      Carbon Footprint: 96kg ? 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

      Magical and mythical, hear tales of giants, Jedis and heroes of Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway and Donegal as you explore the landscapes that inspired The Chronicles of Narnia, the Game of Thrones TV series and Star Wars.

      Highlights include the fascinating Giant’s Causeway as well as Belfast and the Causeway Coast, whose rejuvenated streets and inspiring landscapes have been collectively named Lonely Plant’s top region to visit. You’ll also climb the Slieve League Cliffs, three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher, spot puffins while island hopping, and visit the remote Glenveagh National Park, one of six parks in Ireland.

      This trip features deluxe graded accommodations. On our Self Drive trips, enjoy the flexibility to travel at your own pace as well as benefit from passionate, local guides on certain days (marked G) who will interpret the landscape and introduce you to the culture and history of Ireland. Leave the planning and reservations to us – we’ve identified the very best of each region to get a great sampling of the nature, history and culture of Ireland. Hikes and other outdoor activities are matched to your ability levels. The minimum group size is 2.

      Trip Highlights

      • Visit the world-famous Giant's Causeway and hike along award-winning Causeway Coast
      • Take a boat trip to a fascinating island home to diverse wildlife including puffins
      • Stand atop some of Europe's highest and most remote sea cliffs at Slieve League

      Day by Day Itinerary

      Day 1 – Belfast & Ireland’s Ancient East

      From Dublin, head north into Ireland’s Ancient East, once the heart of Ireland’s ancient Celtic civilisation and still replete with tombs and monuments. Off to Belfast, we’ll recommend the best way to learn more about this fascinating city and its turbulent history. 

      Day 2 – The Mystical Mountains of Mourne

      A region that once inspired CS Lewis’ Narnia series, the Mourne Mountains are rightly called a mystical place. Meet a local hiking guide to explore the wild region’s peaks and valleys, including the strange Mourne Wall, a 22 mile long wall crossing over a dozens hills and mountains and enclosing vast tracts of remote land. In the evening, perhaps get a taste of Belfast’s well-deserved reputation as a foodie destination! (B, G)

      Day 3 – Causeway Coast & the Giant’s Causeway

      Following a stunning coastal route – the ‘secret’ way to visit the Giant’s Causeway – it’s easy to see why the Causeway Coast was named as top region to visit by Lonely Planet. Admire castle ruins, dramatic cliffs, stunning beaches and picturesque harbours and even visit a few places that inspired and appeared on HBO’s Game of Thrones. The grande finale is at the spectacular Giant’s Causeway – octagonal columns of rocks created by feuding giants or volcanic activity – myth or science, you decide! (B)

      Day 4 – Boat Trip to Rathlin Island

      A bit of island hopping today! We’ll sail along the Causeway Coast and off to Rathlin Island, where (depending on the season) we might spot the resident island puffins. Discover hidden coves, dramatic lighthouses and many species of seabirds as well as heart-stopping coastal scenery while learning the local myths of the region. (B, G)

      Day 5 – Derry & Glenveagh National Park

      Into the quaint city of Derry, we’ll explore one of Europe’s few remaining fully walled cities as well as learn the city’s dramatic past and how it shaped Irish history to finally become a beacon of culture. Leaving Northern Ireland behind, we travel to the wilds of Donegal, hiking in Glenveagh National Park. Take in remote mountain and lake vistas and explore the forlorn castle tucked into a romantic mountain backdrop. (B)

      Day 6 – Slieve League Cliffs

      The Slieve League Cliffs are some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe (three times the Cliffs of Moher). With your private guide, explore the little-visited cliffs on one of the several hiking trails. One of our favourites follows a little-known ancient pilgrimage path where the remains of a mass rock (an illicit church) stands, arriving at the top of the cliffs. In the evening, it’s off to bustling Donegal town where fabulous local pubs await. (B, G)

      Day 7 – Departure

      Today, say goodbye to the wilds of Donegal. From here, you may head straight to the airport – we will provide interesting stops along the way. Alternatively, why not combine this itinerary with The Wild Atlantic Way: Ireland’s Surf Coast and enjoy another fantastic week in Ireland? (B)

      Download Itinerary

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      Self Drive
      Belfast, Giant’s Causeway & Donegal

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

      Fields marked with * are mandatory

      The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

      Book Now

      Price from: €2,550
      Duration: 7 Days 6 Nights

      Trip Details

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      Accommodation Read More

      This self drive trip features deluxe standard accommodations chosen for their excellent location, service and comfort. This self drive trip is graded Deluxe, meaning you can expect to stay in some of Ireland’s top 4 star hotels recognised for their comfort, exceptional service, great locations, wonderful amenities and unique charm. Expect character and luxury in some of Ireland’s most beautiful and sought-after castles, manors, deluxe guesthouses and boutique hotels. Each traveller has a choice of double or twin rooms, all of which are en-suite with a shower.

      Single rooms are available upon request. If you would prefer a double room for single occupancy, a supplement will be charged depending on availability. If you require a single room, please get in touch and let us know.

      Meals Read More

      Each morning, enjoy a hearty homemade breakfast of your choice at your accommodation. We’ll provide local recommendations for afternoon and evening meals in each town or region as well as wilderness picnics for those days spent in the great outdoors.

      Inclusions Read More

      This trip includes the following:

        • 7 days/6 nights in Deluxe hand-picked 4 and 5 star standard accommodations
        • A detailed itinerary and map outlining your itinerary, accommodations and stops
        • Breakfast every morning at your accommodation (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
        • The services of experienced and knowledgeable guides or local expert-led activities at various stages in the trip as stated in the itinerary (Guided days marked G)
        • Self guided activities as stated in the itinerary
        • Recommended stops, hikes and points of interest along the way
        • 24/7 hour in-country support

      This trip includes all accommodation, some guiding and activities as well as breakfast. It does not include drinks or any gratuities you may choose to leave.

      Trip Grading Read More

      At Your Own Pace

      On this adventure, you will be accompanied by a Wilderness Ireland hiking guide for several days, who will be able to suggest and lead you on a range of hikes from gentle, low-level rambles to challenging days visiting remote summits. Just let them know what type of hike you would like to do and they will be ready.

      On the other days of the trip, you will self guided and can explore at whatever pace you feel comfortable.

      Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

      Pick up your rental car at Dublin Airport (please note that all car rentals are made independently by you) and head to Belfast on Day 1 of your trip. You can drop off your car at the airport of the final day of your trip.

      Learn more about getting around Ireland here.

      Upgrade and Customise Your Trip Read More

      Extend Your Stay

      Why not extend your stay in Ireland with another exciting week exploring the Wild Atlantic Way? Our Self Drive – Ireland’s Surf Coast to Westport follows on from where you left off in Donegal by continuing south to picturesque Sligo, west to the wild and open spaces of Mayo and finishes in the lively town of Westport. Simply ask your Adventure Consultant about extending your tour.

      Car Hire

      Planning to hire a car here in Ireland? Make your life easier by leaving the car rental process up to us. Just tell us your preferences and we’ll take care of the rest.

      Photo Gallery

      Speak to an Expert

      View Profile
      Patricia Doe

      An avid cyclist and hiker, Patricia enjoys exploring Ireland’s wild landscapes every chance she gets – 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

      Discovery journeys are self-drive with personal activity experiences tailored to your own personal activity level. They allow you to discover Ireland with one-to-one meet ups with local guides and experts who can lead you through activities and hikes at you own pace. They also include overnight stops at the very best local 4 and 5 star accommodations. For the days you are self-guided, we will provide you with suggestions of places to stop, eat and things to see along with maps and directions.

      Trip Reviews

      Rated 5.00 out of 5 based on 2 review(s) of Self Drive – Belfast, Giant’s Causeway & Donegal

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      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.

      KW

      Keltin Wiens

      Reviewed on 18/05/2022

      Age: 30 - 40
      Country: USA
      Trip Date: 09/05/2022
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      If you're going to see Ireland, do it like this. Everything, and I mean everything, with Wilderness Ireland was amazing and everything I could have asked for. We continued through Ireland after our official W.I. trip ended and hit some of the popular spots. I realized how very blessed I was to have experienced Ireland in such a unique way, that I felt sorry for the people on the cheesy tour buses.

      Show More
      LM

      Laci McGee

      Reviewed on 18/05/2022

      Age: 30 - 40
      Country: USA
      Trip Date: 09/05/2022
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      I’m going to suggest Wilderness Ireland to anyone that asks and probably a few that don’t. We had a great trip with no complaints but definitely some sore legs. We have even been considering what parts of this trip our parents would like for future visits to Ireland.

      Show More

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