Go North Tour

Welcome to Ireland! Upon arrival in Dublin, you’ll make your way to your centrally located hotel and settle in. Today is yours to enjoy. There are no scheduled activities or commitments. Take some time to relax, stroll through Dublin’s streets, or discover some of the city’s landmarks on your own.

At the end of the day, head to bed to enjoy a restful night’s sleep in preparation for your adventure ahead. Tomorrow marks the beginning of what we hope will be an unforgettable journey filled with beautiful scenery, interesting history, and authentic local experiences.

Your Dublin hotel is included as part of your tour package. It has an excellent city-center location, so you’ll be within walking distance of many of Dublin’s attractions, restaurants, shops, and cultural sites.

Meet your guide and group members before leaving Dublin to go north and enter into the ancient province of Ulster, where the Irish Highlands begin. You’ll notice a change in the local accent, reflecting the region’s close ties to neighboring Scotland.

Your first major stop is the city of Belfast. Here, you’ll be joined by a knowledgeable local guide who will introduce you to the city’s massive murals and fascinating history. The large-scale murals and massive peace wall are exceptional and inspiring, offering valuable insight into the events and communities that have shaped this area.

After Belfast, you’ll journey along the gorgeous Antrim Coast Road and past the beautiful harbor towns of Carnlough and Cushendun. Considered one of the great scenic roads of the world, this winding route opened up the nine glens of Antrim which, until its completion in 1842, were only accessible by sea. Along the way, you head inland to the “Queen of the Glens,” the magical glacial valley of Glenariff. In the heart of the glen, you’ll find a botanical oasis set amidst cascading waterfalls in a clover covered gorge.

Your journey continues along this stunning coastline to grasp sight of Scotland, Ireland’s closest neighbor before pausing for a night’s rest along the Causeway Coast. The night is yours to explore the beach or harbour, sip a pint, or simply savor the views of the stunning coastline.

Wake up to the fresh sea air and hit the ground running to beat the crowds on your way to experience the amazing Giant’s Causeway. Descending into the ocean, its weird geological landscape is stacked with thousands of hexagonally shaped stone columns. This natural wonder has attracted visitors for hundreds of years and its geological importance has made it a World Heritage site. Formed by ancient volcanic activity and surrounded by legendary tales of giants, the Causeway is one of the must-see places to visit in Ireland.

From natural wonders to modern history, you’ll find exciting things to do in Derry, Ireland. Encircled by remarkably preserved 17th-century walls, Derry is the only completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe. Built in 1613, the walls have become synonymous with Northern Ireland history. As you walk through the city, you can explore the streets of Old Town or visit the famous Bogside murals. You’ll also have plenty of options for lunch, from tapas, to pubs to Michelin recommended restaurants.

Following lunch, cross into County Donegal and climb to a Neolithic ringfort sitting on the summit of a mountain overlooking Inishowen. With origins dating back to 1700 BC, this incredible site occupies a commanding position above Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly, offering marvelous views of three counties. The fort and hill are steeped in history from pre-Celtic times, through the Bronze age and St. Patrick’s visit in the 5th Century.

Continue your travels as you head through County Donegal and its small towns to your overnight stay in the charming village of Dunfanaghy. Situated on the Wild Atlantic Way, Dunfanaghy has tasty eateries and overlooks the beautiful shores of Sheephaven Bay. Relax at many of its Blue Flag beaches or hit the town known for one of the liveliest music scenes in County Donegal!

After a relaxing night in Dunfanaghy, you’ll head to the Fanad Head Lighthouse. Set spectacularly on sheer cliff walls, it silently guides ships in the thunderous North Atlantic. This lighthouse is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and famous lighthouses in the world. During a private guided tour, you’ll learn about the lighthouse’s maritime history before climbing to the top for an amazing view of the coastline and ocean.

Next, you journey along the wonderfully scenic shores of the Fanad Peninsula. This stunning coastline has an infamous maritime history and the setting for many a tale of tragic wrecks. Wind your way to the picturesque village of Rathmullan, site of the Flight of the Earls, for lunch.

Return to Dunfanaghy for a late afternoon on one of its many Blue Flag beaches or just sip a pint as you enjoy another night in this wonderful town.

Today you’ll make your way into the heart of County Donegal to spend the day at Glenveagh National Park. A place of spectacular natural beauty, it is the setting for the fantastic Glenveagh Castle, a striking Victorian estate built in the 1870s as a private retreat amidst some of the country’s best scenery. It hosted a variety of celebrities from the 1940s to the 1980s before being donated to the Irish people. Enjoy a tour of the castle as you wander through the enchanting network of gardens, stroll along the lakeshore, and watch the skies for golden eagles!

Your journey continues as you travel along Donegal’s quiet country roads, passing waterfalls and picture perfect towns as you arrive at your final stop in the town of Ardara. This welcoming town is known for its world-famous weaving tradition. Local artisans continue to produce some of Ireland’s finest woolens, carrying on skills that have been passed down through generations.

End your day with your final stop in the town of Ardara. It is filled with lively pubs, chatty locals, and talented musicians. It’s often considered one of the best places in Donegal to experience authentic Irish culture. Enjoy your hotel at the edge of town with its lovely grounds and cozy bar, and settle in, as you’ll be spending the next two nights here.

Enjoy free time in the morning to sleep in, relax, or stroll about Ardara discovering its delightful local craft shops and eateries. In the afternoon, you’ll set out to visit one of Donegal’s most spectacular stretches of coastline. Along the way, you’ll encounter a beautiful waterfall and one of the best beaches in Ireland. With huge sand dunes and ancient sea caves, the wild Atlantic shoreline has inspired countless local stories and legends, shaped by a history of smuggling, tragedy, and romance.

Your next destination is Glencolmcille, one of Ireland’s most important centers of Gaelic culture. It is known for its strong Gaelic speaking community and early Christian standing stones. The beautiful area is surrounded by megalithic tombs, gorgeous beaches, and awe-inspiring landscapes. After a fun-filled day, you’ll return to Ardara for a second night.

This morning, bid farewell to Ardara and set out for some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, the Donegal Slieve League Cliffs. Locally known as the Bunglass Cliffs, they’re set atop Slieve League Mountain and rise almost 2,000 feet above the crashing waves! Meander along dramatic gorges and enjoy spectacular coastal views at these incredible cliffs.

Lowering your gaze, you’ll continue along the coast past Killybegs, home to Ireland’s largest fishing fleet, before arriving at Donegal town. You’ll explore Donegal Castle with its fine fortified tower, built in the 1400s as the stronghold of the O’Donnell clan. Afterwards, enjoy free time to roam this small town’s cafes, craft shops, and pubs.

After lunch, you’ll head inland to the lovely waterways of Lough Erne. On a narrow island overlooking the lake, you’ll discover an intriguing archeological site. Hidden within a forgotten cemetery stand strange stone figures that predate Christianity, their origins and purpose still debated centuries later. These enigmatic forms may be related to the Celtic goddess of war, and they offer a fascinating connection to Ireland’s ancient past.

Leaving the island, you’ll finish your day in the border town of Monaghan. This authentic town sits among hills and drumlins far from the typical tourist trail. It is also the home of the Irish poet Patrick Kavanaugh. Since you will be staying in the center of town, you can sample great food and chat with locals before hitting one of the many pubs around town.

You’ll leave Monaghan and follow a trail where myth and reality collide through great battles, ancient sites, and epic tales. Passing the lush green countryside of the Boyne Valley, you’ll continue south toward the Cooley Peninsula. Winding through small back roads, you’ll find a magnificent example of a Portal Dolmen. This megalithic tomb is a delicate balance of large stone boulders, each weighing tons and supporting a massive capstone. Legend has it that a giant carried the 35-ton capstone all the way from Scotland.

On the northern side of the peninsula, you’ll arrive at the beautiful town of Carlingford. Home to a wealth of medieval structures, including the imposing 12th Century King John’s Castle, this town features panoramic views overlooking oyster-rich Carlingford Lough. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the town, browse local shops, and sample some of its fine cafes.

As you return to Dublin, your Go North adventure comes to a close. Reflect on a week filled with amazing views, fascinating ancient monuments, quaint towns, and some of the best places to visit in Ireland. We hope you’ll leave with wonderful memories and an appreciation for the beauty and history of Ireland’s north.

Slan Beo! Irish for “Goodbye, live life!”