Tour Style: Budget Adventure Tours
Comfort Level: Budget
Print this pageDiscover Ireland on exhilirating hiking and biking trails from the bustle and buzz of the vibrant cities of Dublin and Belfast, to the beautiful, unspoilt shores of the tranquil Inishowen Peninsula and Atlantic coast, this week–long adventure tour is sure to amaze!
Few places on earth match the beauty and amazing diversity you'll experience on this outdoor adventure, where an eclectic mix of activities will take us on roads less travelled, through green hills laced with stone fences, and where tranquil pathways take us from one enchanted place to another.
You'll learn about the history of Ireland, from a time of ancient heroes to 'The Troubles', discover intriguing cities, elegant castles and explore amazing sites, from Bru Na Boinne and the Giant's Causeway to Dun Aengus, all of which are steeped in myth and legend. On the many great hiking and biking trails each day, you'll discover and experience diverging cultures and traditions, from the powerful, political and cultural wall murals of the north, to the lively, traditional rhythms of Inishowen, Connemara and the Aran Islands. At the end of seven active days, there's plenty of time to relax during the long summer evenings, wandering amongst the rural villages, meeting the locals and sampling some of our native 'black stuff' (Guinness), to the beat of traditional tunes.
Departing Dublin at 8.30am, we discover the vast Neolithic necropolis at Bru na Boinne and Ireland’s finest Celtic crosses at Monasterboice, before crossing the border to Northern Ireland. Walk or cycle the Lagan Canal Towpath into Belfast City. Spend the afternoon and evening exploring Belfast, including its iconic murals and Titanic Quarter, ending in the famous Crown Liquor Saloon.
We set out to explore the Antrim coastline, stopping to view Ess-na-Larach Waterfall in Glenariff Forest Park. Test your head for heights on Carrrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, before walking along the Causeway Coast to the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After crossing over Lough Foyle, we spend the night on the spectacular Inishowen Peninsula.
We begin our day by exploring Inishowen – a rugged corner of Ireland offering great opportunities for cycling and walking. Alternatively, opt to take a horse ride along the beach! We arrive in Derry (Londonderry) for lunch, and explore the city with a tour of the historic city walls and Bogside area. We complete our day with a drive through spectacular scenery, to our accommodation in Donegal, stopping at Grianan of Aileach Fort.
A visit to Glenveagh National Park and Castle offers great walking and cycling routes by the lake. We visit the weaving village of Ardara, before walking or cycling Mullaghmore Headland. In the afternoon, climb up Knocknaree Mountain to the mythical burial place of legendary queen Maeve. If this doesn’t appeal to you, why not opt to catch Atlantic waves on a surfing excursion, or relax as you sink into a homeopathic seaweed bath.
We begin our day with an exploration of The National Museum of Country Life, followed by a visit to the beautiful heritage town of Westport. After lunch, walk or cycle the stunningly desolate Doolough Valley, into Connemara, where we will end our day with a visit to the Gothic fantasy of Kylemore Abbey and Gardens. Tonight, we sleep in atmospheric Connemara.
Morning brings a leisurely walk alongside Killary Fjord, or you can opt to kayak in its pristine waters. The afternoon takes us through the middle of Connemara, with an option to cycle the stunning Inagh Valley, before we take to the waves and sail across Galway Bay, where Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, awaits us. This night sees us heading out to mingle with the locals, enjoying some hearty fare, creamy pints and traditional tunes!
The best way to experience the arid stone landscape of Inis Mór is by foot or bike, along the island's stone-clad trails. We visit Europe’s most impressive promontory fort, Dun Angus, an ancient structure perched perilously on an awe-inspiring, 100-foot cliff edge. In the afternoon, we sail back across Galway Bay, where you’ll have the evening to explore the vibrant medieval city of Galway, with its historic buildings, lively street entertainers and colourful pubs.
This tour is available on the following dates:
All of our tours are subject to a minimum amount of bookings - if you can see a green tick to show the tour is guaranteed to run, this means we have already met the minimum amount of bookings required.
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