UNIQUE 5 DAY TOUR
This is a small group tour with a max of 8 people which gives all our guests an opportunity to really connect with our guide and experience more in the day versus being on a large coach tour. Feel like one of the locals while you travel through off the beaten track locations but also hit some of the main tourist attractions on your journey. You get to travel through many different Irish landscapes and embrace many different experiences while staying in top 4 star hotels and boutique Irish B&Bs. We also welcome you to our home and small farm for an evening where you will get to have a personal experience of fun, food and an outdoor music session. Here you will meet the family and get an insight to what it is like to grow up in the countryside in Ireland. Enjoy the carefully selected activities, pub experiences and wonderful Irish food. Our aim is to showcase an Ireland that we are proud of and want to share with you.
DAY 1 - UNCOVER IRELAND'S HIDDEN HEARTLANDS
A short hike to uncover Loughcrew Megalithic Cairn
A short hike to the highest point in County Meath where you will get to find Loughcrew Megalithic Cairn, an ancient rite of passage tomb older than the pyramids of Egypt. You will hear local folklore stories, see carvings on stones dating back 5000BC and visit the Loughcrew Megalithic centre, an old Irish thatched cottage for a cup of coffee/tea.
Kayaking/Boating to Cloughoughter Castle
Visit County Cavan, famous for its 365 lakes and take a kayak or boat trip to Clough Oughter Castle. This is an enchanting castle built on a crannog (man-made island). Hear about the many tales of Irish Chieftains and battles that are linked to this monument. The castle ruin is part of the Marble Arch Geopark on Lough Oughter lake adjacent to the charming Killykeen forest park and is only accessible by water.
Rural Adventure home farm experience
Travel to our rural farm and home for a personal experience and a welcome meal (gourmet pizza prepared in an outdoor wood fired pizza oven along with a choice of salads) Also outdoor acoustic Irish music session provided by guide around a fire (weather permitting)
Overnight in a 4 star Country House Hotel
Full Irish or continental breakfast included
DAY 3 - JOURNEY ALONG THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY
Walk along one of the highest cliffs in Ireland and Europe
Sliabh Liag Cliffs, situated on the South West coast of County Donegal, are said to be one of the highest and finest marine cliffs in Europe. There are terrific views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay as you walk towards the terrifyingly high top of Sliabh Liag, where the cliff face of Bunglas rises over 600m above the raging ocean.
Glenveagh National Park, Castle & Gardens
Located in Glenveagh National Park, for castle lovers, this is a must see with it's beautiful grounds and gardens. There is also walking trails around the castle with wonderful views of castle and national park.
Immerse yourself in the "Gaeltacht"
Immerse yourself in the 'Gaeltacht' - one of the few areas left where Irish is spoken as a first language rather than English.
Overnight in a 4 star hotel
Full Irish breakfast or continental option included
DAY 5 - CONNECT WITH BELFAST'S PAST AND EXPLORE IRELAND'S ANCIENT EAST
Belfast political walking tour
Understanding Belfast's troubled history from both sides of the conflict with an honestly presented political tour led by both Republican and Loyalist political ex-prisoners. Discover a side of Belfast you won't find in the Tourist books. Walk the streets on both sides of the Peace Line with the men and women who served time in Northern Irish prisons for fighting for their beliefs. Republican and Loyalist ex-prisoners will share their own personal stories and the conflict's effects on their communities while walking you through memorials and murals that show their troubled history.
Visit the harbour where the titanic was built
See the location where the Titanic was constructed and walk along the regenerated waterfront by the Titanic museum, while hearing the tragic stories of the people who helped to build it.
Lunch stop at Strandfield vegetarian farm cafe
Lunch stop at Strandfield vegetarian farm cafe, health food and flower shop.
Visit Monasterboice Monastery, Round Tower and stone carved High Crosses
Visit the Boyne Valley and its historic ruins of early Christian settlement dating back to the 6th Century, including its famous 35 metre round tower and two of the finest stone carved High Crosses in Ireland. Hear tales of notorious Viking raids and Irish monks trying their hardest to protect their lives and valuables.
DAY 2 - VENTURE TO THE WEST OF IRELAND
Breathtaking Glencar Waterfall
Visit the Glencar Waterfall and enjoy breathtaking views of this valley where lake and mountains meet.
Explore the myths of Knocknarea Mountain on a hike
Hike on an all weather trail to the summit of Knocknarea Mountain and be rewarded with views of the Atlantic coastline and Ben Bulben Mountain along with exploring the mythological legend Queen Maeve's Cairn. This generally takes 2.5 hours on a round trip.
Stop off at the surf village of Strandhill for a tasty lunch.
Horseback riding on a wild atlantic beach
1 hour horseback ride on Trawalua Strand where beginners will be brought at a leisurely walk while experienced riders will enjoy the thrill of a canter or gallop along the golden sandy beach. If horseback riding is not your thing, enjoy a gentle stroll on one of the amazing secluded beaches recommended by our guide.
Overnight in a Boutique Hotel B&B
Full Irish or continental breakfast included
DAY 4 - EMBRACE THE SPIRIT OF THE NORTH COAST
Dunluce Castle
This castle, built on a cliff, is said to be the inspiration for Castle Greyjoy in Game of Thrones. It is a photographer's dream and well worth the stop. This is just a photo stop, we will not be entering the castle due to time constraints on this action-packed day.
Giant's Causeway
A must see on this coastline - 40,000 interlocking hexagonal stone columns, formed as lava cooled down after a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. There is also the folklore legend that this causeway was created and destroyed by the famous giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill which your guide will tell you all about - we believe the giant story, of course.
Game of Thrones Ballintoy Harbour
A quaint little harbour and for Game of Thrones fans, the harbor where Theon Greyjoy returns home to the Iron Islands from Winterfell, and where he meets his sister Yara for the first time. It is also close to the location where Theon was baptized.
The famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge
Get to see the rugged coastline from a different angle on the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. The bridge links the mainland to a tiny island and is one of the main tourist attractions in Northern Ireland. An exciting and well worth, though daring crossing.
The Dark Hedges
Known to Game of Thrones fans as “The Kings Road”, on which Arya Stark travels after her escape from King’s Landing - this row of stunning gnarled 245 year-old beech trees intertwined over a country lane, attracts thousands of amateur photographers every year.
Freetime in Belfast City
Freetime in Belfast City to enjoy the vibrant pubs and restaurants in your own time with advice from your local guide.
Overnight in a 4 star hotel in Belfast City Center
Full Irish or continental Breakfast included