Walking Ireland’s Wild Wonders
June 2027
Overview
Over the course of eleven days, journey through some of the most iconic destinations in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland — including the Giant’s Causeway, Cliffs of Moher, Croagh Patrick, and Dingle — while immersing yourself in the mythological and cultural richness of these rugged landscapes.
You’ll also escape the crowds and discover some of Ireland’s lesser-known gems, such as Sligo, Westport, Derry, and Donegal. Enjoy an unforgettable and authentically Irish experience as you mingle with locals in traditional, lively towns and villages. Gain deeper insight into Irish culture and heritage by learning from local guides and historians in Derry and by visiting a working sheep farm in Antrim. Lace up your walking boots and join us for an unforgettable journey through the heart and soul of Ireland.
Day by Day
Day 1 - The Causeway Coastal Route
First, meet your guide in the vibrant city of Belfast. From there, you’ll set off together on a scenic drive along the renowned Causeway Coastal Route, offering an authentic introduction to Ireland’s dramatic landscapes. The driving route is 130 miles long and has many historical and cultural landmarks. You’ll stop for a delicious lunch along the way. After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting a working sheep farm. As you step onto the farm, you’ll be greeted by the sights and sounds of the bustling agricultural operation that has been a way of life for many people for centuries.
Overnight: Bushmills | Grays Hotel
Room Type: Double / Twin
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2 - 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
Room Type: Double / Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 - 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.
Overnight: Donegal | Lough Eske Castle
Room Type: Double / Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 - 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: Double / Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5 - 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: Double / Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 - 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: Double / Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7 - Tour of Galway City
Galway City is loved by locals and visitors alike. It has the quaint feel of a rural town but all the facilities and culture of a large city. Begin your tour of Galway city by meeting a local historian who will gladly lead you through Galway’s historical landmarks, cultural hotspots, and hidden gems. After a two-hour guided city tour, you can enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. Afterwards, you will be taken to your comfortable accommodation in Co. Clare for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Overnight: Spanish Point | Armada Hotel
Room Type: Double / Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8 - 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: Spanish Point | Armada Hotel
Room Type: Double / Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 9 - Dingle & falconry experience
Travel from Doolin to Dingle, stopping in Adare to stretch your legs and enjoy lunch. Continue onward, taking in the breathtaking views along the way. Enjoy a private falconry experience, where you’ll get up close with birds of prey and learn about their flight and behaviour—all in a stunning coastal setting.
Overnight: Dingle | Dingle Benners Hotel
Room Type: Double / Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 10 - Slea Head & Local Tastes in Dingle
Your guide will take you to Slea Head, where you can enjoy the drive and soak in the area’s natural beauty. In the afternoon, visit a local microbrewery to meet the brewmaster and sample a flight of craft beers. Conclude the day with dinner at a celebrated seafood restaurant, savouring the finest of Dingle’s coastal cuisine.
Overnight: Dingle | Dingle Benners Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11 - Dingle to Tralee
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before bidding farewell to the wild beauty of the Dingle Peninsula. Travel to the town of Tralee, where you’ll have time for some last-minute shopping before departing the west coast and beginning your journey home.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip Details
- Inclusions
- 10 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
- Most meals are included as outlined in the itinerary: breakfast provided in the morning and lunch are provided daily, with dinner included on six nights.
- The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 1 to Day 11 inclusive
- All transfers in a private vehicle driven by our guide on guided days
- All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
- Private Sheep Experience
- Public entry of The Giant’s Causeway
- Private Experience of Derry Walking Tour
- Public Guided tour of Glencolumcille folk village
- Public entry of Carrowmore
- Public entry of Cliffs of Moher
- Private experience of Dingle Distillery
- Private Falconry Experience
- Personalised trip design and delivery
- 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
- Exclusions
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
- Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
- Gratuities for the main driver guide
- Notes
- All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
- A 25% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed.
- This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision.
- Activities are only private if so specified.
- Arrival & Departure
-
Your guide will meet you at Belfast Grand Central Train Station at 1:00 pm on the first day of your trip.
You will be returned to Tralee train station at 1:00 pm on the final day of your trip.
- Pricing
-
- For a trip with 11 people, the per-person price is €6,550, bringing the total trip cost to €72,050.
- For a trip with 13 people, the per-person price is €6,250, with a total cost of €81,250.
- For a trip with 15 people, the per-person price is €6,000, making the total trip cost €90,000.
- A single supplement fee of €2,190 applies for a single room.
- Terms & Conditions
-
Please see our booking terms here.