Hiking the Highlights of Ireland

Day 1 - Saturday 14^th June - The Causeway Coastal Route

Your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel at 11am to begin your adventure. First, you’ll head to a working sheep farm, where you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. As you step onto the farm, you’ll be greeted by the sights and sounds of a bustling agricultural operation that has been a way of life for many generations.

Following this authentic rural experience, you’ll set off on a scenic drive along the renowned Causeway Coastal Route—one of Ireland’s most breathtaking stretches of coastline. This 130-mile route is rich in historical and cultural landmarks, offering dramatic views and plenty of photo opportunities. Along the way, you’ll stop for a delicious lunch, before checking into your hotel this afternoon.

Your guide will join you for dinner tonight to give you an overview of the week, and you can cheers to the next 10 days of adventure ahead.

Overnight: Bushmills | Grays Hotel
Room Type: 1 Double / 1 Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles

Day 2 - Sunday 15^th June - The Giant's Causeway

Hiking along the Giants Causeway is a scenic and rewarding experience for hikers and geology enthusiasts. As you approach the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giants Causeway, you’ll see why it inspires several tales in Irish folklore. According to local legend, the Giants Causeway was created by two rival giants flinging rocks at each other across the sea. But the official scientific explanation attributes this site of thousands of basalt columns to ancient volcanic activity, formed some 50 million years ago. Leaving the Giants Causeway, you will begin your ramble to Dunservick. This route takes you along the stunning coastline of Northern Ireland, passing by rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and sweeping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean.

Overnight: Bushmills | Grays Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles

Day 3 - Monday 16^th June - The City of Derry

The city of Derry is awash with historical and cultural significance, and every trip there is complete with a walk along the city walls. Derry’s walls are one of Europe’s best-preserved examples of 17th-century fortifications, providing a unique glimpse into the city’s tumultuous past. A local guide will lead you along the walls to give you a unique perspective on their significance in different periods of history. Additionally, the Walls of Derry offer panoramic views of the city and the River Foyle. From the mural-filled city of Derry, you will travel to the countryside of Donegal, where you will be staying that night.

Overnight: Donegal | Lough Eske Castle
Room Type: 1 Double / 1 Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 3 km / 2 miles

Day 4 - Tuesday 17^th June - Folk Village at Glencolmcille

Start your day with a gorgeous coastal loop walk, stopping at historical monuments such as the Martello Tower and a Megalithic Tomb, and stopping at various viewpoints to witness the rugged coastline and sea cliffs across the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. Notably, along this route is the Folk Village at Glencolmcille, which will give you a real insight into what life was like in Ireland in the 18th to 20th centuries. From its thatched cottages to its authentic artefacts, this experience will give you a real sense of how our Irish ancestors lived. Tonight, feel like royalty by staying in a five star luxury castle hotel.

Overnight: Donegal | Lough Eske Castle
Room Type: 1 Double / 1 Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles

Day 5 - Wednesday 18^th June - Knocknarea & Strandhill

Knocknarea is a large hill steeped in mythology and folklore, with local legends suggesting it is the burial place of the warrior queen Maeve. Hiking to the summit of Knocknarea offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Carrowmore is a megalithic burial site which offers a fascinating glimpse of Ireland’s prehistoric past and a chance to marvel at our ancestors’ engineering and architectural achievements. Enjoy a tasty lunch in Strandhill, an area renowned for its surfing spots, with epic views of the wild Atlantic Ocean. You are finishing your evening in Westport, a coastal town filled with stunning natural beauty and a vibrant cultural scene.

Overnight: Westport | Westport Plaza Hotel
Room Type: 1 Double / 1 Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 3 km / 2 miles

Day 6 - Thursday 19^th June - Croagh Patrick

Croagh Patrick is steeped in religious and cultural importance, mainly tied to Ireland’s patron Saint, St. Patrick. It is said that St. Patrick retreated to Croagh Patrick to fast for the 40 days of Lent. Walking along the foot of Croagh Patrick, along the pilgrimage trail known as Tochair Phadraig, allows you to enjoy the tranquillity and a breath of fresh air away from the busyness of everyday life. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a burst of lively traditional Irish music in Westport, where you can relax with a pint by the warm fire or join in on the session.

Overnight: Westport | Westport Plaza Hotel
Room Type: 1 Double / 1 Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles

Day 7 - Friday 20^th June - Exploring The Aran Islands

Today, explore the Aran Islands—three wild and remote isles that once played a key role in ancient Irish trade and now stand as strongholds of traditional language, music, and culture. The largest, Inis Mór, is best explored by E-bike, offering a mix of breathtaking scenery and rich history. As you cycle around the island, your guide will take you to visit the dramatic cliffside fort of Dún Aonghasa, the nearby natural wonder known as the Wormhole, and the ancient ruins of the Seven Churches. You can relax at the peaceful Kilmurvey Beach or take in sweeping views from the tiny hilltop chapel of Teampall Bheanáin. Finish your ride in Kilronan village, where local craft shops and cafés offer a taste of island life.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Monks Stay Ballyvaughan
Room Type: 1 Double / 1 Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 - Saturday 21^st June - The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks along the Wild Atlantic Way, and for good reason. The cliffs were formed over 320 million years ago and are consistently one of Ireland’s top visitor attractions due to their dramatic beauty and rugged nature. You may even have seen them before in films such as Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and also The Princess Bride. Beginning your hike from the Visitor Centre, you will venture along the cliffs and breathe in the sea air while taking in the impressive views along the cliff edge on your way to Doolin. Learn about this region’s geology, wildlife, history, flora and fauna as the trail winds down to sea level, overlooking the numerous seabird colonies along the way. Once you reach Doolin, you can relax in one of its many well-known bars and restaurants.

Overnight: Ballyvaughan | Monks Stay Ballyvaughan
Room Type: 1 Double / 1 Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles

Day 9 - Sunday 22^nd June - Ross Castle & Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park is full of breathtaking landscapes and historic landmarks to explore. Delight in a short hike through the verdant woodlands and along the lakeshores of Killarney, keeping an eye out for the park’s herd of red deer and taking in the idyllic views that make this region special. End the hike with a visit to Ross Castle, a medieval castle set against Killarney National Park’s beautiful backdrop.

Overnight: Killarney | The Lake Hotel Killarney
Room Type: 1 Double / 1 Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 6 km / 4 miles

Day 10 - Monday 23^rd June - The Kerry Way

Journeying on the Kerry Way, you’ll follow the Old Kenmare Road hike, which is a place of tranquillity and solitude even during the busy summer season. This route was once the main road connecting Killarney to Kenmare in the 19th century. It cuts through the Killarney National Park, offering spectacular views of enchanting woodlands and dazzling lakes. This evening, you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner and drink together in a local restaurant, celebrating the week’s hiking achievements. If you’re lucky, you may even have the opportunity to enjoy some local traditional music.

Overnight: Killarney | The Lake Hotel Killarney
Room Type: 1 Double / 1 Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles

Day 11 - Tuesday 24^th June - Muckross House & Departure

After breakfast, enjoy one of the historic sites that Killarney National Park offers. Muckross House & Gardens overlooks Muckross Lake and dates back to the 19th century. After exploring Muckross House, it’s time to say goodbye to your new friends, and our guide will drop you off at Killarney train station.

Meals Included: Breakfast