North of Ireland
8 Days Touring the North Half of Ireland
Experience the beauty, history, and culture of Ireland’s most enchanting regions on this unforgettable 8-day adventure.
Explore the ancient Newgrange in the Boyne Valley, delve into the vibrant history of Belfast, and stand in awe of the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the bustling streets of Derry, and lose yourself in the rugged landscapes of Donegal, from the spectacular Inishowen Peninsula to the soaring Sliabh Liag cliffs. Conclude your journey in Galway, a lively city celebrated for its cultural flair and warm hospitality.
Led by an expert local guide, this tour is a seamless blend of Ireland’s rich heritage, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable charm, offering an immersive experience that captures the true spirit of the Emerald Isle.
Day 1: Dublin to Belfast
Depart Dublin in the morning and journey to the ancient Boyne Valley to explore the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site, including Newgrange or Knowth. Visit the Hill of Slane, St. Patrick’s symbolic beacon. Continue north to Belfast City, where you can settle in and experience the city’s fascinating attractions and vibrant nightlife for an overnight stay.
Highlights
Brú na Bóinne
Battle of the Boyne
Hill of Slane
Belfast Nightlife
Day 2: Explore Belfast City
Explore Belfast City with a Black Cab tour, uncovering its fascinating history and vibrant murals. Visit the historic Crumlin Road Gaol, then dive into the city’s maritime heritage at the Titanic Museum. Stroll through the lively Cathedral Quarter, filled with street art, cozy pubs, and cultural charm. Experience Belfast’s unique blend of culture, history, and modern attractions throughout the day.
Highlights
Black Cab Tour
Crumlin Road Gaol
Titanic Experience
Cathedral Quarter
Day 3: Travel the Causeway Coast
Journey from Belfast to the breathtaking Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop in Bushmills to explore the renowned distillery or charming village. Travel along the scenic Causeway Coast, with views of Dunluce Castle, famously featured in Game of Thrones, before arriving in Derry or Buncrana for the night, ready to explore more of Ireland’s rich heritage.
Highlights
Giant’s Causeway
Balintoy Harbour
Dunluce Castle
Causeway Coast
Day 4: Derry and Inishowen Peninsula
Begin the day exploring the historic walls of Derry and enjoying a fun-filled Derry Girls experience. Cross the border into Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula, visiting the ancient Grianan of Aileach ringfort and exploring Fort Dunree. Take in breathtaking views as you journey through the dramatic Mamore Gap, towards Ireland’s northernmost point, Malin Head.
Highlights
Walls of Derry
Derry Girls Mural
Grianan of Aileach
Gap of Mamore
Day 5: Glenveagh Castle and Gaeltacht
Visit Glenveagh National Park, its grand castle and beautiful Victorian gardens. Discover the Poisoned Glen, steeped in legend. Tour the Crolly Distillery and sample award-winning whiskey. Immerse yourself in the local culture of the Donegal Gaeltacht, where Irish language thrives. A day full of history, culture, and stunning scenery awaits. End in Donegal Town for an overnight stay.
Highlights
Glenveagh Castle
Crolly Distillery
Poisoned Glen
Gaeltacht Region
Day 6: Sliabh Liag Sea Cliffs
Experience Sliabh Liag (Slieve League), Europe’s highest accessible sea cliffs on Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way. See Muckross Head and Killybegs, Ireland’s premier fishing harbour, and learn Donegal’s maritime heritage. Immerse yourself in history at Glencolmcille Folk Village, and see life a century ago in one of Ireland’s most remote villages.
Highlights
Sliabh Liag Cliffs
Muckross Head
Killybegs Harbour
Glen Folk Village
Day 7: Donegal Town to Galway City
Depart Donegal Town and journey south along the Wild Atlantic Way, stopping at Mullaghmore with its stunning coastal views. Visit the enchanting Glencar Waterfall, a source of poetic inspiration, and travel through W.B. Yeats’ Country, steeped in literary charm and natural beauty. Conclude the day in Galway City, where traditional music, colourful streets, and a vibrant atmosphere await.
Highlights
Mullaghmore
Glencar Waterfall
WB. Yeats Country
Falconry Show
Day 8: Galway City to Dublin City
Spend the morning exploring Galway’s vibrant Shop Street and learn about the history of the iconic Claddagh Ring. Depart Galway and stop at Sean’s Bar, Ireland’s oldest pub, for a taste of history. Visit the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise, known for its impressive ruins and serene setting. Conclude the 8-day tour in Dublin City, bringing home unforgettable memories of Ireland.
Highlights
Shop Street
Sean’s bar
Clonmacnoise
Return to Dublin
Your private tour in County Donegal is completely customisable, based on your group’s interests and timeframe available. Chauffeur collection from and drop off to your accommodation in the county means that you don’t have to worry about car hire or public transport during your time in Donegal.
Donegal Tour Guide will help you to create the perfect Donegal tour itinerary to ensure that you make the most of your time here and don’t miss any of what Donegal has to offer. The best part is that you’ll be in the relaxed company of a Donegal native, touring at a pace that suits you. We are happy to suggest accommodation options.
Please note, Donegal Tour Guide does not book accommodation. It is the responsibility of the guests to choose and book their own accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a private tour?
Our private Donegal tours and extended tours of Ireland include travel in a luxurious Mercedes-Benz V-Class MPV with a qualified and experienced Irish driver-guide. The itinerary is fully customised to you/your group and is flexible to accommodate any last minute changes on the day.
Accommodation, meals and attractions entries are not included in the price.
Where do tours start from?
The pickup location for your private tour starts and ends at your accommodation, whether this is a hotel, guest house or Airbnb. The most popular towns to stay in as a base for exploring the county are Donegal Town, Buncrana and Letterkenny, but we can arrange pickups throughout Donegal.
For extended tours, we provide return transport from anywhere in Ireland.
What should I bring on a tour of Donegal?
We advise wearing layers you can easily take on and off for Ireland’s unpredictable weather and comfortable walking shoes. Don’t forget a well charged phone and/or camera and a battery backup.
Do you provide tours in other parts of Ireland?
Henry Doohan is an approved national tour guide with Fáilte Ireland and Approved Tourist Guides of Ireland (ATGI) and provides private tours and transport throughout Ireland, specialising in County Donegal.
What payment methods do you accept?
Donegal Tour Guide accepts Euro cash or Visa/Mastercard payment on the day of travel, or bank transfer or Visa/Mastercard payment in advance of travel. Please note, American Express is not accepted.
Can I join another tour?
Donegal Tour Guide only offers private tours and transfers, meaning that you will only be travelling with your own group. It is not possible to combine multiple groups.
How many passengers can you take?
Travel is in a Mercedes-Benz V-Class MPV with seating for seven passengers plus driver. Vehicle is insured and SPSV registered to carry passengers by the National Transport Authority.