Northern Ireland: Hiking Highlights

Day 1 - Derry

Meeting your private guide this morning, your first port of call is the historic walled city of Derry. Here you will meet a local guide for a short walking tour of the city walls. A fascinating introduction to the politics and history of this part of Ireland, this tour offers real insight into the area’s turbulent recent past and sets the scene for further exploration. Spend your first night inside the city’s walls. After experiencing some of Northern Ireland’s up-and-coming foodie scene, perhaps head to the pub for a traditional music session and absorb the city’s convivial atmosphere.

Overnight: 4 star | Bishop’s Gate Hotel | Derry (B)

Day 2 – The North Antrim Coast

Today, it’s off to one of Europe’s most celebrated coastlines – the stunning geological marvel and UNESCO heritage site of the Giant’s Causeway. Your first walk takes in an upland region of the north coast, offering a taste of things to come. Nipping off the beaten path to Binevenagh, where craggy cliffs, heathery bogs and mountain tracks provide some of the best views of the coastline and hills beyond. Travelling onwards, we will stop at a beach-side shack to sample Ireland’s best and freshest seafood, fantastic local beers and ciders, which can be enjoyed sitting right on the sand overlooking the rolling ocean waves.

Overnight: 4 star | Bushmills Inn | Causeway Coast (B)

Day 3 – The Giant's Causeway

Tailoring a walk to suit you this morning, your guide will select a portion of the Causeway Coastal Way. Each section of this long-distance trail brings its own mini-adventure, such as crossing a rope bridge, passing tiny secluded harbours and following trails atop sheer cliffs. Stroll across miles-long white sand beaches and soak up history of hidden ruined castles along the way. Eagle-eyed Game of Thrones fans will spot multiple filming locations along the hike. And the jewel in the crown of the Causeway Coast is of course the Giant’s Causeway itself, with its imposing basalt columns gradually revealing themselves as you walk. Later enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the world’s oldest whiskey distillery just around the corner from your hotel in Bushmills village.

Overnight: 4 star | Bushmills Inn | Causeway Coast (B)

Day 4 – Rathlin Island

Welcome to Rathlin Island – smell the salt in the air, listen to the crashing waves and the sounds of birds and seals.  Intertwined with the legend of Robert the Bruce and the spider, this rocky outcrop is home to Northern Ireland’s largest seabird colony. Keep an eye out for puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, and fulmars nesting on the island’s craggy cliffs. Our hiking loop takes in the bird sanctuary, the stunning island coast, sea stacks and a chance to visit the unique ‘upside down’ west lighthouse.

Overnight: 4 star | Bushmills Inn | Causeway Coast (B)

Day 5 – The Glens of Antrim

Leaving the north coast behind, walk in the picturesque Glens of Antrim, a region comprising nine glens that radiate from the Antrim Plateau to the coast. An area of outstanding natural beauty, drink in the gorgeous scenery from lush green valleys dotted with wildflowers to rocky hilltops. Options include a visit to Glenariff Forest, with its leafy native woodland, low lying trails and alluring waterfalls. Otherwise, your guide will choose from a variety of hill walks – perhaps heading to the region’s highest point and walking part of the plateau itself. The landscape is varied and swings between bucolic pasture and windswept mountainsides. It’s easy to see why C.S. Lewis was inspired by these mystical lands to create his fictional world, Narnia.

Overnight: 4 star | Slieve Donard Hotel | Co Down (B)

Day 6 – The Mountains of Mourne

The highest and most dramatic mountain range in the northern reaches of Ireland, the slopes and hills of the Mourne Mountains are criss-crossed with 18th century smuggler’s routes and their peaks capped with dramatic granite tors. Your guide will choose the best route for you through the mountains, with the goal of summiting at least one of the Mourne region’s majestic peaks. Another option includes enjoying an easy lakeside walk in the aptly named Silent Valley. Keep an eye out for the Mourne Wall – a 20-mile long dry stone wall that bisects the mountain range.

Overnight: 4 star | Slieve Donard Hotel | Co Down (B)

Day 7 – Depart

After a leisurely breakfast, your guide will drop you at either Belfast or Dublin Airport for departure. (B)