Donegal & Ireland's Wild Northwest

Itinerary

Donegal & Ireland's Wild Northwest

Windswept with mountain passes, labyrinthine coastlines and picturesque towns, we explore the unspoilt highlights of County Donegal in the northwest of Ireland on this delightful break. We take in some of the breathtaking coastal scenery from different perspectives, including a cruise around Donegal Bay and a scenic drive along part of the Wild Atlantic Way, the world’s longest defined coastal route. We also discover the fascinating Ulster American Folk Park, admire the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from the incredible Slieve League Cliffs and uncover the area's history, with a guided tour in Derry~Londonderry.

Donegal & Ireland's Wild Northwest

Day 1

We catch the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin and continue onwards to our overnight hotel in the Dublin area.

Donegal & Ireland's Wild Northwest

Day 2

On our way to Donegal, we cross briefly into Northern Ireland for a visit to the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh and discover the story of Irish emigration to America through a collection of carefully reconstructed historic buildings from both sides of the Atlantic. The experience begins in rural Ireland, where we explore authentic cottages, farmhouses and workshops that reflect the everyday lives of the people who had to leave their homeland in search of a better future. At the heart of the park is its most striking feature: a full-scale reconstruction of one of the notorious 'coffin ships.' These vessels carried thousands of emigrants across the Atlantic during the 18^th and 19^th centuries. The nickname reflects the perilous nature of the voyage, as many passengers faced overcrowding, disease and harsh conditions, with some never reaching their destination. Then we are transported to the New World through a series of reconstructed American buildings, from frontier homes and stores to churches and civic buildings, which reveal how Irish emigrants adapted to a new environment while helping to shape American society.

Half Day

Donegal & Ireland's Wild Northwest

Day 3

We visit Glencolmcille and discover more about life in Ireland’s Gaeltacht, the country’s traditional Gaelic-speaking regions. The village is made up of a series of carefully reconstructed cottages representing different periods of Irish history. As we travel through this spectacular part of Ireland, we experience the beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way, with its rugged mountains, windswept cliffs, rolling moorland and sweeping ocean views. 

Next, we journey to the Slieve League Cliffs, one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets. We enjoy a guided minibus transfer to the Cliffs, which rise almost 2,000 feet above the Atlantic. They are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe and offer outstanding panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay.

Later, we call at Killybegs, Ireland’s largest fishing port, with a scenic harbour and also famous for its tapestries and carpets.

Full Day

Donegal & Ireland's Wild Northwest

Day 4

Today, we head to Derry~Londonderry – the only completely walled city on the island of Ireland. We head out on a walking tour with a local guide, where highlights include the gleaming Peace Bridge across the River Foyle, St Columb’s Cathedral and the beautiful Guildhall. We enjoy some free time here after our tour.

Then we relax on a leisurely cruise on Donegal Bay. Here we can spot the seal colony on Seal Island and admire the beauty of the Bluestack Mountains. Complete with a full commentary about the history, environment and wildlife of the area, this is a lovely way to take in the stunning natural beauty of Donegal Bay.

Donegal & Ireland's Wild Northwest

Day 5

After checking out of our hotel, we travel to Dublin, where we spend the afternoon at leisure. There are plenty of historic sites, architectural splendours and iconic monuments to see, from the oldest, Dublin Castle, to one of the newest, the Spire of Dublin. Or you may like to experience one of Dublin’s traditional pubs – there are 1,000 lining the city’s cobbled streets! We also have the option to join a guided tour of the city before spending the night in our hotel in the Dublin area.

Half Day

Donegal & Ireland's Wild Northwest

Day 6

We check out of our hotel early to catch the ferry back to Holyhead; therefore, a voucher will be provided to enjoy breakfast on board. On arrival in Holyhead, we continue our journey home.

Donegal & Ireland's Wild Northwest

Day 1

We fly to Dublin airport and continue onwards to our overnight hotel in the Dublin area.

Donegal & Ireland's Wild Northwest

Day 2

On our way to Donegal, we cross briefly into Northern Ireland for a visit to the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh and discover the story of Irish emigration to America through a collection of carefully reconstructed historic buildings from both sides of the Atlantic. The experience begins in rural Ireland, where we explore authentic cottages, farmhouses and workshops that reflect the everyday lives of the people who had to leave their homeland in search of a better future. At the heart of the park is its most striking feature: a full-scale reconstruction of one of the notorious 'coffin ships.' These vessels carried thousands of emigrants across the Atlantic during the 18^th and 19^th centuries. The nickname reflects the perilous nature of the voyage, as many passengers faced overcrowding, disease and harsh conditions, with some never reaching their destination. Then we are transported to the New World through a series of reconstructed American buildings, from frontier homes and stores to churches and civic buildings, which reveal how Irish emigrants adapted to a new environment while helping to shape American society.

Half Day

Donegal & Ireland's Wild Northwest

Day 3

We visit Glencolmcille and discover more about life in Ireland’s Gaeltacht, the country’s traditional Gaelic-speaking regions. The village is made up of a series of carefully reconstructed cottages representing different periods of Irish history. As we travel through this spectacular part of Ireland, we experience the beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way, with its rugged mountains, windswept cliffs, rolling moorland and sweeping ocean views. 

Next, we journey to the Slieve League Cliffs, one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets. We enjoy a guided minibus transfer to the Cliffs, which rise almost 2,000 feet above the Atlantic. They are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe and offer outstanding panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay.

Later, we call at Killybegs, Ireland’s largest fishing port, with a scenic harbour and also famous for its tapestries and carpets.

Full Day

Donegal & Ireland's Wild Northwest

Day 4

Today, we head to Derry~Londonderry – the only completely walled city on the island of Ireland. We head out on a walking tour with a local guide, where highlights include the gleaming Peace Bridge across the River Foyle, St Columb’s Cathedral and the beautiful Guildhall. We enjoy some free time here after our tour.

Then we relax on a leisurely cruise on Donegal Bay. Here we can spot the seal colony on Seal Island and admire the beauty of the Bluestack Mountains. Complete with a full commentary about the history, environment and wildlife of the area, this is a lovely way to take in the stunning natural beauty of Donegal Bay.

Donegal & Ireland's Wild Northwest

Day 5

After checking out of our hotel, we travel to Dublin, where we spend the afternoon at leisure. There are plenty of historic sites, architectural splendours and iconic monuments to see, from the oldest, Dublin Castle, to one of the newest, the Spire of Dublin. Or you may like to experience one of Dublin’s traditional pubs – there are 1,000 lining the city’s cobbled streets! We also have the option to join a guided tour of the city before spending the night in our hotel in the Dublin area.

Half Day

Donegal & Ireland's Wild Northwest

Day 6

We transfer to Dublin airport for our return flight home.

Donegal & Ireland's Wild Northwest

• Return coach travel & ferry crossings
• 2 nights at a selected hotel in the Dublin area (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• 3 nights at the Abbey Hotel, Donegal (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• Breakfast on the return ferry home
• Excursions to Ulster American Folk Park, Glencolmcille, Slieve League Cliffs, Killybegs, Derry~Londonderry & Dublin
• Cruise on Donegal Bay
• Guided walking tour of Derry~Londonderry
• Services of a tour manager in Ireland

Optional guided city tour of Dublin (£19pp)

Please note: due to ferry times, coach pickup times may be very early in the morning.

Donegal & Ireland's Wild Northwest

• Return flight to Dublin
• Airport taxes & luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person)
• Airport transfers in Ireland
• 2 nights at a selected hotel in the Dublin area (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• 3 nights at the Abbey Hotel, Donegal (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• Excursions to Ulster American Folk Park, Glencolmcille, Slieve League Cliffs, Killybegs, Derry~Londonderry & Dublin
• Cruise on Donegal Bay
• Guided walking tour of Derry~Londonderry
• Services of a tour manager in Ireland

Optional guided city tour of Dublin (£19pp)

Back to top

Accommodation

Abbey Hotel, Donegal, Republic of Ireland JG3

The Abbey Hotel (JG3 rating) is located in the main square of charming Donegal and is right next to Donegal Castle. The en-suite rooms offer tea and coffee-making facilities, Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV. The hotel also features a bar and restaurant that uses only fresh, Irish produce.

Hotel Rating

Hotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.

Selected hotel, Dublin area JG3

Stay at a range of comfortable hotels chosen for their convenient location within approximately one hour's drive of Dublin.

Your hotel will be confirmed approximately 3 weeks before departure, therefore we cannot guarantee that the hotel will have a lift and/or ground floor rooms and may be unsuitable for those with limited mobility.

Hotel Rating

Hotels with a JG3 rating tend to be a more formal style of hotel, often part of a hotel chain, or are very-welcoming family-owned properties. Generally, they offer a greater range of facilities and services, and bedrooms tend to be a little more spacious with additional features. Public areas are larger and include lounge seating, bar and restaurant with good quality food served either buffet style or waiter service.

Back to top