Walk Northern Ireland and Donegal

The trip starts in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. It's a city rich in history and culture, known for its industrial heritage and turbulent political history. The Tour Leader plans to meet you in reception at 5pm for the introductory briefing, followed by a short walking tour of the city and the option to enjoy a group meal (not included). There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Belfast at any time. A transfer will be provided if you arrive into either Belfast International Airport (BFS), George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) or Belfast Port ferry terminal on the first day of the tour and, if you didn't book your international travel through Explore, you have provided us with your arrival details no later than a month before your trip starts. If you arrive earlier in the day you could take a Black Cab Tour, a great way to get acquainted with Belfast's complex history and neighbourhoods. Other popular sights that are definitely worth a visit are the interactive Titanic Museum and Hillsborough Castle, a short drive out of town. St. George's covered Market offers a delightful mix of food, crafts, and antiques, a great place to sample some Northern Irish delicacies.

After breakfast we depart Belfast by bus along the coast to Ballystrudder taking in some of the city's famous political murals on our way. Our first walk is along the Gobbins Cliff Path, an exhilarating walkway that wraps around the beautiful basalt cliffs along the Antrim coast. With its dramatic bridges, tunnels, cliff-cut staircases and spectacular views, this is one of Northern Ireland's most exciting walking experiences. The path ends at a hilltop viewpoint where we're treated to glorious views of the Seven Sisters Caves along with the Kraken Cave and the Heddles Port. In the afternoon, we visit Glenarm Castle, home to the McDonnell family, the Earls of Antrim. It is one of Northern Ireland's most important estates. Delve deep into the history of the castle as it's brought to life by the family butler and house staff. Finish the tour with an amazing view of the historic walled garden, which dates back to the 17th century. After the guided visit we continue to Ballycastle where we spend the night. Today's moderate 5 kilometre / 3 mile walk is expected to take around three hours with some steep ascents and descents. The cliff-side path is narrow in places, with staircase sections - please bear this in mind if you suffer from vertigo or struggle with steps. * Please note that for departures on 4th May 2025, 25th May 2025, and 24th August 2025, we will visit Hillsborough Castle instead of Glenarm. Known as 'The Grandest House in County Down' Hillsborough Castle has served as a grand family home, the official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and is a royal residence for visiting members of the Royal Family. Our visit to Hillsborough will take place before continuing to the Gobbins Cliff Path.

Today we take the public ferry to Rathlin Island, known for its rugged beauty and rich wildlife. Rathlin Island is home to only 160 people and steeped in rich history, with an Iron Age fort, a 14th century castle, and a 16th century town house. The island is an area of special conservation with large limestone and basalt cliffs that are nesting sites for thousands of sea birds including the puffin. We'll enjoy a guided walk with a local guide along quiet roads and tracks, learning about the various sea birds, flora and fauna and local life on the Island. The walk passes the site of Robert the Bruce's hiding place during his time on the Island. After free time for lunch, we'll visit the RSPB Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre. The centre is home to Northern Ireland's largest seabird colony and provides the chance to explore Rathlin Island's unique 'upside down' lighthouse, part of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland trail. Rathlin is home to Northern Ireland's only breeding pair of red-billed choughs and more recently corncrake. The best time to see puffins is from May-July. Returning by ferry back to Ballycastle on the mainland, we'll be back in time for dinner. Today's leisurely grade 6.4 kilometre / 4 mile walk is expected to take around one-and-a-half hours along a flat route. Please note that while the main seabird centre is easily accessible, there are 98 steps down the cliffside to the viewing platform and a further 64 to bottom floor of the lighthouse.

This morning we continue along the coast to Dunseverick Castle where we'll meet our local walking guide for the hike to the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its hexagonal basalt columns. Walking along the North Antrim cliff path, we'll take in the stunning geological formations and dramatic sea views before making our way down a steep staircase, known as the Shepherd's Steps to finally arrive at the foot of the Giant's Causeway. Our next stop today is at Dunluce Castle for a photo opportunity. Located on the edge of a basalt outcropping, this now-ruined medieval castle and seat of the MacDonnell clan is only accessible via a bridge connecting it to the mainland. Continuing to Coleraine we'll swap our bus for the train, embarking on one of the most scenic railway journeys in Northern Ireland. The train route towards Londonderry, a.k.a Derry, runs alongside the expansive golden sands of Benone Strand, offering breath-taking views of the coastline. Upon arrival in Derry, we'll head out on a captivating walking tour of this historic city with our tour leader, taking in the well-preserved city walls, the murals at Bogside, and the Guildhall. Today's moderate 9 kilometre / 5.6 mile walk is expected to take around three hours with some steps and 200 metres / 656 feet of ascent.

After breakfast, we drive into County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland to the Grianan an Aileach (Stoney place of the sun). Located at 250 metres above sea level, the view of the peninsula from the fort here is breath-taking. Continuing to Glenveagh National Park, we'll take a walk along the lakeside in the direction of the 19th century castle. This walk offers stunning views across Lough Veagh and its scattered islets to the cliffs and open hilltops beyond, offering a glimpse of the peaceful Irish wilderness. This afternoon we'll head into the heart of Country Donegal to visit a local whiskey distillery. Discover the secrets of Irish whiskey production during a guided tour and sample some of the fine spirits. We spend the next two nights in Donegal Town. Located at the mouth of the River Eske, it is a picturesque town known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic landscapes. Today's leisurely grade 3.5 kilometre / 2 mile walk is expected to take around one hour along a flat gravel path. There is the option to return to the visitors centre on foot or by bus.

We depart after breakfast to the Slieve League cliffs, which, at over 600 meters, are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Starting at the Slieve League cliffs visitor centre, we'll take the shuttle bus 4.5km to the viewing point. From here we'll enjoy a guided walk along the cliff paths, enjoying the panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and the wild, rugged coastline. Leaving these magnificent cliffs behind, we continue by bus to the quaint fishing village of Killybegs where you will have free time for lunch. After, take some time to explore Killybegs at your leisure. Stroll around the harbour, watch the fishing boats, or visit the Killybegs International Carpet Making & Fishing Centre to learn about the town's maritime and industrial heritage. Alternatively, relax at a local café or do some shopping in the village. We'll head back to Donegal town in the late afternoon. This morning's leisurely grade 1.5 kilometre / 1 mile linear walk is expected to take around an hour.

This morning we head to Northern Ireland's Sperrin Mountains, an area of outstanding natural beauty known for its rolling hills and quiet valleys. Our final scenic walk of the holiday will be led by a local tour guide up the Carntogher Mountain, where they will recount stories of the Irish migrants who travelled through this area. You'll be rewarded at the top with a stunning view of Lough Neagh, the Sperrin's and the Mourne Mountains. Returning to our bus, we'll visit Glenshane Country Farm to experience the timeless tradition of sheepdog herding with a demonstration by a 4th-generation farmer and shepherd. This fascinating display highlights the important role of sheepdogs in rural life and offers a unique insight into the techniques and skills passed down through generations. Afterwards, we'll enjoy an included lunch at the picturesque farm, featuring a selection of soup and sandwiches. Leaving the mountains behind, we'll drive to our final destination, Ballymena. Today's moderate grade 6 kilometre / 3.7 mile circular walk is expected to take around three hours with 300 metres / 984 feet of ascent. Sections of this route can be boggy underfoot.

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Ballymena, there are no activities planned today so you can depart at any time. We recommend basing yourself in Belfast if you choose to extend your stay to explore more of the area. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today your tour leader can help organise this for you (at own cost). You need to depart from either Belfast International Airport (BFS- a 30 minute drive), George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD- a 40 minute drive) or Belfast Port ferry terminal (a 40 minute drive).