Donegal, Bundoran & Wild Atlantic Way - Jg Explorer

Itinerary

Donegal, Bundoran & Wild Atlantic Way

Windswept with mountain passes, labyrinthine coastlines and picturesque towns, we explore the unspoilt highlights of County Donegal in the stunning north west 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 the Wild Atlantic Way, the world’s longest defined coastal route. We also soak up the charms up Sligo and Bundoran, admire the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean from the incredible Slieve League Cliffs and discover the history of the area with a fascinating visit to the Glencolmcille Folk Village.

Donegal, Bundoran & Wild Atlantic Way

Day 1

We catch the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin where our tour manager joins us. We continue onwards to our overnight hotel in the Dublin area.

Donegal, Bundoran & Wild Atlantic Way

Day 2

We start with a visit to Glencolmcille Folk Village. This living history ‘museum’ is a replica of a rural village, offering a glimpse into life as it was for our ancestors. Next, we call at Killybegs, Ireland’s largest fishing port with a scenic harbour and also famous for its tapestries and carpets.

Later, we check in to the Abbey Hotel in Donegal, our base for the next three nights.

Donegal, Bundoran & Wild Atlantic Way

Day 3

We head to Donegal, where we start with 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.

Next, we head to the Slieve League Cliffs, one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets. We enjoy a guided minibus transfer to the Cliffs, rising almost 2,000 feet from 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.

Donegal, Bundoran & Wild Atlantic Way

Day 4

Today we make our way to Belleek Pottery, just across the border in Northern Ireland with a history spanning back to 1849. Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, the delicate products are sought after worldwide, famous for their signature translucent Parian ware, a type of porcelain that resembles marble. Browse the showroom for a unique souvenir to take home (or postage can be arranged!), learn more in the museum and watch the skilled artisans at work, creating timeless pieces by hand and preserving traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Next, we travel to Sligo for some free time and lunch at your leisure. Surrounded by rugged landscapes, this pretty coastal town boasts a castle, medieval abbey, traditional pubs and plenty of shopping opportunities.

On the way back to Donegal, we enjoy a stop in Bundoran, the most southerly town in County Donegal and a lovely seaside resort which has been delighting visitors for over two centuries. The Blue Flag beach is the perfect place to get some sea air, or why not enjoy some nostalgic entertainment at the traditional amusement arcades? There are also stunning coastal walks dotted with fairy bridges and a wishing chair.

Donegal, Bundoran & Wild Atlantic Way

Day 5

Checking out of our hotel, we travel to Dublin where we spend an 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 locally guided tour of the city before spending the night in our hotel in the Dublin area.

Donegal, Bundoran & Wild Atlantic Way

Day 6

We check out of our hotel very 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.

Due to ferry times, coach pickup times may be very early in the morning.

Donegal, Bundoran & Wild Atlantic Way

Day 1

We fly to Dublin airport and are transferred to our overnight hotel in the Dublin area.

Donegal, Bundoran & Wild Atlantic Way

Day 2

We start with a visit to Glencolmcille Folk Village. This living history ‘museum’ is a replica of a rural village, offering a glimpse into life as it was for our ancestors. Next, we call at Killybegs, Ireland’s largest fishing port with a scenic harbour and also famous for its tapestries and carpets.

Later, we check in to the Abbey Hotel in Donegal, our base for the next three nights.

Donegal, Bundoran & Wild Atlantic Way

Day 3

We head to Donegal, where we start with 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.

Next, we head to the Slieve League Cliffs, one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets. We enjoy a guided minibus transfer to the Cliffs, rising almost 2,000 feet from 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.

Donegal, Bundoran & Wild Atlantic Way

Day 4

Today we make our way to Belleek Pottery, just across the border in Northern Ireland with a history spanning back to 1849. Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, the delicate products are sought after worldwide, famous for their signature translucent Parian ware, a type of porcelain that resembles marble. Browse the showroom for a unique souvenir to take home (or postage can be arranged!), learn more in the museum and watch the skilled artisans at work, creating timeless pieces by hand and preserving traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Next, we travel to Sligo for some free time and lunch at your leisure. Surrounded by rugged landscapes, this pretty coastal town boasts a castle, medieval abbey, traditional pubs and plenty of shopping opportunities.

On the way back to Donegal, we enjoy a stop in Bundoran, the most southerly town in County Donegal and a lovely seaside resort which has been delighting visitors for over two centuries. The Blue Flag beach is the perfect place to get some sea air, or why not enjoy some nostalgic entertainment at the traditional amusement arcades? There are also stunning coastal walks dotted with fairy bridges and a wishing chair.

Donegal, Bundoran & Wild Atlantic Way

Day 5

Checking out of our hotel, we travel to Dublin where we spend an 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 locally guided tour of the city before spending the night in our hotel in the Dublin area.

Donegal, Bundoran & Wild Atlantic Way

Day 6

We transfer to Dublin airport for our return flight home.

Donegal, Bundoran & Wild Atlantic Way

• 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 Glencolmcille Folk Village, Killybegs, Slieve League Cliffs, Belleek Pottery, Sligo & Bundoran
• Cruise on Donegal Bay
• Escorted by a tour manager in Ireland

Optional locally guided city tour of Dublin (£19pp)

Due to ferry times, coach pickup times may be very early in the morning.

Donegal, Bundoran & Wild Atlantic Way

• Return flights 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 Glencolmcille Folk Village, Killybegs, Slieve League Cliffs, Belleek Pottery, Sligo & Bundoran
• Cruise on Donegal Bay
• Escorted by a tour manager in Ireland

Optional locally guided city tour of Dublin (£19pp)

Donegal, Bundoran & Wild Atlantic Way

• 3 nights at the Abbey Hotel, Donegal (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• Excursions to Glencolmcille Folk Village, Killybegs, Slieve League Cliffs, Belleek Pottery, Sligo & Bundoran
• Cruise on Donegal Bay

JG Explorer Coaches

We are pleased to introduce JG Explorer – a brand-new deluxe coach, thoughtfully designed to provide an elevated coach experience and ensure your journey is special and memorable.

Exclusive to the JG Travel Group, the design of these coaches has been meticulously thought through with your comfort in mind – with only 44 seats meaning more room on board and padded seats. There’s improved legroom and a footrest, making certain that wherever you sit, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your journey. We know it’s the small things that make a big difference in terms of ease and added convenience, so our JG Explorer coaches feature a floor-level, rear-mounted toilet, accessible to all customers.

On-board entertainment throughout your journey is easy to find on the JG Explorer, with access to Azimut, our wireless media system, providing films and quizzes. Simply bring along your smartphone or iPad and enjoy this entertainment interruption-free, with the use of our extra reliable Wi-Fi, free to all passengers and a handy USB port at each seat.

The layout of the JG Explorer includes a floor-level, rear-mounted kitchen with a sink, an espresso machine to purchase delicious Nespresso coffee, dispensed by your driver during comfort breaks, and a fridge stocked with cold drinks and milk. Customers are welcome to help themselves to complimentary JG bottles, that can be used for refill at the built-in cold-water filter, cutting down on the need for disposable plastic bottles and doing our part for the environment.

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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.

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