Doug & Karen's Northern Irish Adventure

Day 1 - Thursday 1^st May - The Mystical Mountains of Mourne

Meeting your Wilderness Ireland guide in Dublin this morning, you will travel north into the Mountains of Mourne. Your guide will choose a route in the stunning scenery of the central Mournes today, with the goal of summiting at least one of the Mourne region’s majestic peaks. While many flock to the highest point of this mountain range, we prefer instead to uncover and share some of the less familiar territory and hidden gems of the region. Expect quiet slopes and picturesque valleys dotted with lakes and sheep on a backdrop of jagged silhouettes. Today your route will intersect with the Mourne Wall, a 22-mile dry-stone wall that traverses the whole range. Requiring 18 years to build, the desolate Mourne Wall is as much an iconic part of the Mournes as the soaring granite peaks. Our aim is to take in some of the 15 peaks along the wall’s path, absorbing views of lake-filled valleys and the sea beyond. From here, head into the heart of Northern Ireland, Belfast, where your guide will join you for a welcome dinner tonight.

Overnight: Belfast | The Merchant Hotel
Room Type: x1 deluxe victorian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles

Day 2 - Friday 2^nd May - Cultural Day in Belfast City

Start your introduction to northern Ireland with a Black Cab Experience. Belfast has had a turbulent history and today you will find out all about it – Belfast was at the heart of The Troubles for over thirty years and you’ll see firsthand how this shaped the city and its residents. Many stories of this time are now depicted through the murals dotted throughout the city, which are now recognized as political art. Visit the peace walls and hear tales from your local guide – an expert who lived through it. Built in Belfast’s Harland and Wolff shipyards, the ill-fated Titanic and Belfast’s history are linked forever. This afternoon, visit Belfast’s Titanic Quarter to enjoy the ultimate Titanic afternoon. Your Private tour around the Titanic Experience takes you through the 10 galleries taking you through the story of the ship and her final hours. You have the option to also step onto the decks of the last remaining White Star Line vessel – SS Nomadic after.

Overnight: Belfast | The Merchant Hotel
Room Type: x1 deluxe victorian
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Saturday 3^rd May - The Causeway Coastal Route

Today you will follow the stunning causeway coastal route out of Belfast along the northernmost coast to Portrush, Co Antrim. The Causeway Coastal Route is possibly one of the world’s greatest road trips, featuring castles, temples, cliff-top walks, caves, Game of Thrones filming sites, remote islands, and its most famous attraction, The Giant’s Causeway. En route, you will visit the Gobbins Cliff Path, which is a spectacular cliff walk that offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea. As you embark on the cliff walk, you will be able to witness the sheer natural beauty of the area, including stunning waterfalls, diverse birdlife, and rugged cliffs. The grand finale is at the spectacular Giant’s Causeway – octagonal columns of rocks created by feuding giants or volcanic activity – myth or science, you decide! Your guesthouse tonight offers breathtaking views as it overlooks the stunning Atlantic Ocean.

Overnight: Portrush | Blackrock House B&B
Room Type: x1 seaview king
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 4 km / 2 miles

Day 4 - Sunday 4^th May - Rathlin Island

Many tales of myth and mystery surround Rathlin Island, with the legend of Robert the Bruce perhaps the most famous. In 1306, the Scottish King was driven from Scotland by Edward I of England and took refuge on Rathlin Island where he watched a spider persevering again and again to bridge a gap with its web. Eventually, it succeeded. Taking heart from the spider’s efforts, he returned to Scotland and eventually regained his crown. Sailing to this rugged little island today, our hiking loop takes in the bird sanctuary, home to an adorable resident puffin colony in season, unparalleled views of the stunning island coast and jagged sea stacks, and the lovely west lighthouse.

Overnight: Portrush | Blackrock House B&B
Room Type: x1 seaview king
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles

Day 5 - Monday 5^th May - Exploring Derry City

Derry City is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. Built in the 17th century, the walls, approximately 1.5km in circumference, form a walkway around the inner city and provide a unique promenade with which to view the layout of the original town. Your private guide will incorporate the tragic events of Jan 30th 1972 when a peaceful protest turned violent leading to the killing of 14 unarmed men and boys along with the injury of many other in an event knows as Bloody Sunday into your guided experience today.

Take a step off Derry’s 400-year-old City Walls and step inside the delightfully Dickensian Craft Village – the Jewel inside Derry’s crown. The reconstructed 18th Century streets meets a 19th century square, packed with an inviting mix of artisan shops, home to local crafters, restaurants and coffee shops. The perfect lunch/ afternoon tea activity before moving to Donegal town.

Overnight: Donegal | Lough Eske Castle
Room Type: x1 superior deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Tuesday 6^th May - The Towering Slieve League Cliffs

The final hike is also one of the most impressive. The Slieve League Cliffs are some of Europe’s highest cliffs – three times taller than the Cliffs of Moher. Our hike takes us on the little-travelled Pilgrim’s Path, a route used for Christian pilgrimages for centuries. You’ll get the chance to do something few visitors get to do: stand atop the edge of the Slieve League Cliffs. There are terrific views of the cliffs, the Atlantic Ocean, the mountains of Sligo, and Donegal Bay. Later, meet local tweed-makers still practicing their craft on a traditional handloom passed down for generations, before you head into town with your guide to enjoy a delicious farewell dinner in a local restaurant.

* The walk this day includes a 500 metre/1,640 feet elevation gain.

Overnight: Donegal | Lough Eske Castle
Room Type: x1 superior deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles

Day 7 - Wednesday 7^th May - Yeats' Grave & Departure

This morning, we say goodbye to the Wild Atlantic Way coast in Donegal, and transfer to Co. Sligo, or “Yeats Country,” so nicknamed since Ireland’s national poet W.B. Yeats drew great inspiration from Sligo’s landscapes and natural beauty. Along the way, you’ll stop at Yeats’ grave, tucked under the shadow of Sligo’s iconic mountain Ben Bulben, before your guide drops you to Sligo town.

Meals Included: Breakfast