Explorer-X Journeys Western Coast

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights

Overview

Experience the ultimate bespoke guided tour of Ireland’s Northern Coast, combining rich history, exquisite tastes, and breathtaking landscapes. Beginning in the capital city of Dublin, your introduction to Ireland’s history begins with a informative historical walking tour. From here, your private guide/ driver will take you to vibrant Belfast where a private Black Cab Tour will take you through the history of the Troubles, a turbulent time for all Ireland that especially affected the people of Northern ireland. Over the course of the next few days, your guide along with some local experts will help you to discover the best of the Northern Coast through cultural and active, nature based authentic experiences. The cumulation of your trip is the the 5 star Lough Eske Castle where you will reside and explore Donegal before returning to Dublin.

Day by Day

Day 1 - Welcome to Ireland

Fáilte go hÉireann, welcome to Ireland

On arrival in Ireland, a private airport transfer will be waiting at Dublin Airport to take you the short distance to your city hotel.Check in will not be available till later today unless you have opted to book a pre night however, fell free to store your luggage, freshen up, grab a bite to eat, and head out into Dublin’s vibrant streets to start exploring.

For an easy introduction to Dublin life, we recommend making your way through leafy St Stephens green to Trinity Collage and the Book of Kells. Tour the collage campus grounds with the onsite tour guide ( public) before making your way to the long Library for a self guided immersive Book of Kells Experience.

We have some great restaurants to recommend to you for this evening with everything from fine dining to pub grub catered for.

Overnight: Dublin 2 | The Alex Hotel
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Dublin's Fair City

Today you enjoy a walking tour with a local private guide through this vibrant capital city, with its mix of 1,000 years of architecture from the mediaeval to Georgian to modern. See the Georgian style Merrion Square, lush St. Stephen’s Green and Fitzwilliam Square, as well as O’Connell Street, the site of the ‘1916 Uprising’ that led to Ireland’s independence in 1922. Your guide is also a historian who will bring the city to life with colourful tales of life in the city in times gone by.

We simply cannot neglect to recommend you visit The Guinness Storehouse today for a tour and a pint in their sky lounge with commanding views over the capital below. Is it touristy, yes, is it iconic and a must do, yes! It’s one of the reason’s Ireland is so famous.

Overnight: Dublin 2 | The Alex Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Ireland's Sport Culture

Spend a relaxing morning at your leisure, exploring Dublin at your own pace. Take time to explore world-class museums, cozy cafés, or simply enjoy the city’s buzzing atmosphere.

In the afternoon, take your Dublin experience to the next level with a private Gaelic Games session. Step onto the field for an introduction to the traditional Irish sports of hurling and Gaelic football, guided by expert coaches who will teach you the skills and techniques behind these fast-paced, thrilling games.

 

Day 4 - Westport & Achill Island

Nestled against the picturesque backdrop of Clew Bay and embraced by the rolling hills of County Mayo, Westport stands as a charming gem along the Wild Atlantic Way. This vibrant town seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, boasting colourful Georgian architecture with a lively atmosphere fuelled by its traditional pubs, artisanal shops, and a bustling market square. Spend some time this morning exploring the town at leisure before you and your guide leave the world behind as you head off to Achill Island for a day of exploration. Achill is the largest island in the country and encompasses dramatic land and seascapes which have provided inspiration for artists and writers for many years. There are many looped walks on the island and you can chat with your guide which one suits you best. Hike to the soothing melody of crashing waves before grabbing lunch at a local, cosy pub.

Overnight: Westport | Knockranny House
Room Type: Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Connemara - Local Shellfish Farm

Leaving Westport behind this morning its time to make your way into the wild and rugged landscape of Connemara. The hills and mountains of Connemara are defined by the ocean surrounding, and this is particularly evident at the beautiful Killary Fjord. This morning you will visit a family run shellfish farm where you can head out onto the fjord, lift a string of mussels for hauling and harvesting and understand the lifecycle of these delicious shellfish. After, your guide will lead you on a short hike along the shores along the fjord, delving into Irish history at a famine-era abandoned village and bringing to life the rich and ancient histories of the landscape. Your accommodation this evening, Ballynahinch Castle is one of Ireland’s finest luxury castle hotels, set in a private 700 acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks in the heart of Connemara, Co. Galway. This authentic and unpretentious Castle Hotel stands proudly overlooking its famous salmon fishery, with a backdrop of the beautiful Twelve Bens Mountain range.

Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle
Room Type: Classic Riverside

Day 6 - Connemara National Park - Diamond Hill

Stick on your hiking boots once again as today you’ll embark on a captivating 7km trail through Connemara National Park as you climb a narrow pathway to the top of Diamond Hill, Connemara’s most iconic hilltop. From the summit, enjoy stunning views from the mountains to the Atlantic. To one side, the silhouette of Connemara’s hills and mountains beckon, rugged and wild. On the other side, the sea glistens in the distance. Look just below, and you can out the turrets and towers of Kylemore Abbey, a gothic-style manor set amongst the slopes.  Head back to your hotel via the stunning Abbey and Gardens to tour the grounds and hear the romantic story behind this iconic site. This evening we would recommend dinner at Ballynahinch’s Owenmore Restaurant, which overlooks the salmon river and the wooded estate.

Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle
Room Type: Classic Riverside
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - The Burren

Heading further south this morning, as soon as you set foot on today’s trail you’ll be immersed in another world where time appears to stand still. You’ll set off for the Mullaghmore Loop Walk in The Burren. Its unique, striated limestone landscape was shaped by ancient seas and is famous for its Mediterranean and alpine wildflowers. The region is steeped in history as well, with over 2,500 historical monuments to be explored. You’ll have lunch at a local tearoom followed by a visit to the adjoining Burren Perfumery where only natural and organic ingredients are used in production. It’s the oldest working perfumery in Ireland! Afterward, it’s a short drive to your first hotel, Gregan’s Castle, a former retreat for poets and authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. You’ll be back in time for a cool pint of Guinness by the fire before dinner at its award-winning restaurant.

Overnight: The Burren | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Aran Islands

It’s hard to resist the allure of one of the many islands that dot the Irish coastline and today you will take to the water and ferry to The Aran Islands. The history of these islands goes back millennia and today Gaelic is still the daily spoken language of the inhabitants. The Aran islands seem to defy their size by all they have to offer: breathtaking scenery, medieval castles, cliffs and prehistoric forts are all to be found on this little group of islands. Inis Mór, the largest of the three islands, is your destination today. The sheltered side of the island has many little beaches and coves, a resident colony of seals and the tiny village of Kilronan. The wilder side has huge limestone cliffs facing the open Atlantic, an ancient fort crumbling over the cliff edge and scores of ancient relics from the Christian and pre-christian era. On the return ferry, admire one of Ireland’s most impressive natural sites, the Cliffs of Moher.

Overnight: The Burren | Gregans Castle
Room Type: Classic
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Adare and Killareny

Leaving Co. Clare behind this morning, make your way into the Kingdom of Kerry. Your first stop this morning is into the buzzing village of Adare, where you can stretch your legs with a wander between its traditional thatched-roof cottages, local art galleries, and warming cafes. Continue on after lunch to check in to your accommodation, nestled on a private estate on the edge of Killarney National Park. Enjoy some free time to explore the colourful Killarney town this afternoon, known for its bustling atmosphere and traditional Irish pubs. Finish the day listening to some tunes by an open fire.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House
Room Type: Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 10 - Killarney National Park

Enjoy a day of exploration in Killarney National Park – the jewel in the county’s crown and the largest of Ireland’s National Parks. Today the park encompasses 26,000 acres of mountains, woodlands, lakes, waterfalls and history. Historic manor houses and abbeys make for an interesting visit but Killarney is best explored via the water with a private boat trip across the lake. After your invigorating boat tour, your guide will lead you through the grounds and gardens of Muckross House, a 19th century mansion set upon the shores of the glistening lake. Time and energy levels allowing, it’s only a short walk up to the base of the serpentine Torc Waterfall winding its way from the mountainside and into the lush canopy of trees.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House
Room Type: Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - The Ring of Kerry

After a leisurely breakfast this morning, the day ahead is fully dedicated to exploring The Ring of Kerry, a route which covers the perimeter of the Iveragh Peninsula’s stunning coastline, beaches, mountains, and hidden lakes. Your first destination is just up the road at a traditional farming cottage, where the hosts will teach you the long-standing craft of Irish soda bread making and take you on a guided tour of the surrounding farm. Spend the rest of the day stopping along our favourite hidden-gem beaches, visiting the birthplace of Ireland’s most prominent rebel figure, and admiring the dramatic rapidly changing lanscapes.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House
Room Type: Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Kerry to Dublin - Newgrange

It’s time to head over to the east of Ireland today for a tour of the Neolithic historical site, Brú na Bóinne. The World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne is Ireland’s richest archaeological landscape and is situated within a bend in the River Boyne. Brú na Bóinne is famous for the spectacular prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth which were built circa 3200 BC. These ceremonial structures are among the most important Neolithic sites in the world and contain the largest collection of megalithic art in Western Europe. Staying in the city tonight, say goodbye to your guide before enjoying dinner at one of the many award winning restaurants Dublin has to offer.

Overnight: Dublin | The Merrion
Room Type: Queen
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 13 - Depart

This morning, a private transfer will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel and drop you back to Dublin airport. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and look forward to welcoming you to our shores once again.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 33 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Breakfast each morning
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide in Wales from Day 1 to Day 9
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide in Scotland from Day 9 to Day 13
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide in Ireland from Day 16 to Day 31
  • All transfers in a private vehicle driven by your in-country guides on guided days
  • Airport Transfer on Arrival Day in Wales, includes Meet & Greet
  • Airport Transfer on Arrival Day in Scotland, includes Meet & Greet
  • Airport Transfer on Departure Day from Scotland – Hotel to Glasgow Airport
  • Airport Transfer on Arrival in Belfast
  • Airport Transfer on Departure from Dublin – Airport
  • All Ferry Travel Included in the Itinerary
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Entry to Cardiff Castle
    • Welsh Mining Experience Tour
    • Entry to Pembroke Castle
    • Private boat trip to Ramsey Island
    • Entry to St Davids Bishop’s Palace
    • Entry to St Davids Cathedral
    • Half Day Private Walking Tour of Edinburgh Historic Centre with Expert Local City Guide
      • Includes entry to Edinburgh Castle
    • Full Day Private Walking Tour of Edinburgh with Expert Local City Guide
      • Includes entry to 2 Attractions of interest & Edinburgh Modern Art Gallery Exhibition if applicable
    • Private Woodcarving Workshop
    • Entry to Cawdor Castle
    • Entry to Eilean Donan Castle
    • Max 3 Entry Fees. on Skye, as per client interest
    • Donation for entry to Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum
    • Private Walking Tour of Glasgow with Expert Local City Guide
      • Includes max 2 entry fees as per interest
    • Belfast Black Cab experience
    • Private Irish Dancing experience
    • Entry to the Gobbins Cliff Path
    • Traditional Sheep Farm Visit
    • Private Walking Tour of Derry
    • Private Foraging experience
    • Local Shellfish experience
    • Boat Tour on the Lakes of Killarney
    • Traditional Soda Bread experience
    • Entry to Bru Na Boinne
    • Historical Walking Tour of Dublin
    • Entry to the Book of Kells & Trinity College
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • All Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for main driver guides
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking
  • A 20% 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 specified as such
Optional Upgrades Read More
  • Room Upgrades may be available in some locations, subject to availability. Pricing on request.
Pricing Read More

Pricing:

The NET price for this itinerary, based on one solo traveller, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:

  • £13,010 GBP for Wales

The NET price for this itinerary, based on one solo traveller, and including a £12 per person conservation contribution is:

  • £12,975 GBP for Scotland

The NET price for this itinerary, based on one solo traveller, and including a €12 per person conservation contribution is:

  • 29,756 EUR for Ireland

Conservation Contribution

This voluntary donation of £12 per person goes towards conservation projects in the locations we operate.  If you would like to opt out just let your trip designer know.

Click here for more information.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.