A cultural connection of walkers to landscapes and local life.
Fully-Guided Tour
Choose from a selection of departure dates
7 Days - 6 Nights
Connect with culture, history, community and yourself.
Priced from:
$2248USD
Questions?
Call Us. +1 623.561.0846
$750 USD Deposit Due With Registration
Subject to exchange rate at time of booking
per person, double occupancy
WALKING
The rush of the modern world has seemingly pushed people past the rolling mountains, towering cliffs, swathes of white sand beaches and tiny villages of Northern Ireland and County Donegal. Lucky us! This region of Ireland is as romantically remote as it has been for generations and so far, it has eluded the hoards of "hit and run tourists" that can occasionally overrun small communities in popular destinations like Ireland.
Our route takes us from the Giant’s Causeway, along the northern edge of Ireland to the dramatic edge of some of Europe’s highest sea cliffs. We'll explore rugged headlands, vast bogs and coastal paths rich in wildlife.​
CONNECTION
The rugged and beautiful wilderness of the Causeway Coastal Route and the iconic Giant’s Causeway,was collectively rated as one of the world’s best regions to visit in 2018 by Lonely Planet. The northern edge of Ireland to the dramatic mountains and glens of the Donegal, we'll hike across mountain landscapes awash with myths and legends, we’ll taste the freshest of seafood, retiring each evening to comfortable and characterful lodgings.
Northern Ireland Highlights
CREATE CONNECTIONS
We offer a unique opportunity to explore Northern Ireland on foot. This gives you an up close look at life there and the chance to interact with the locals more genuinely.
A MORE FULL EXPERIENCE
The chance to hike and explore during the day and evening in different locations allows you to really get to know a place. You'll see a new locale each day along the way.
BETTER WALKS, BETTER LIFE
Combine walking and traveling in a rich historical and cultural landscape. Active exploration makes the adventure uniquely yours.
Your Experience
Level of Activity
This is a walking holiday with moderately strenuous hikes over several consecutive days. Daily distances range from 5-8km (~3-5 miles).
Each day usually consists of 3-5 hours of activities, most centered around walking over various terrains. City streets, village cobblestone walkways, well-worn countryside paths with uphill and downhill components. Achieving a specific destination (point A to B) is not usually the goal and alternative transportation or participation level is generally available.
Your day pack will include a liter of water, snacks, rain jacket, sunscreen, personal items, and a camera.
Level of Comfort
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This trip features accommodations chosen for their excellent location, service and comfort. All accommodations provide breakfast.
Whether you’re looking for the liveliness of a traditional Irish music session or the sound of the crashing waves, all the accommodations we use on the Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal Hiking Trip play an exciting part in your journey through the northern part of the Emerald Isle!
Accommodations are priced and booked for double occupancy. We do not charge single person supplements to people booking on their own. You will be assigned a roommate (of the same sex).
Day-By-Day
Please note that the details of this itinerary are subject to change. Many of the planned activities are organized according to availability, events or seasonal dates, appropriate weather conditions or the discretion of our guides. We make every effort to provide the experience described in the itinerary with the understanding that some things may change.
DAY 1
The Giant's Causeway
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Designated as a UNESCO site, the Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast have inspired visitors for centuries.
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Distance: 3 miles/5km, approx 2hrs.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
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From vibrant Belfast to the Giant’s Causeway, explore Lonely Planet’s top 2018 region. Legend has it that a Scottish giant hurled abuses across at the Irish giant, Finn MacCool. To have a proper fight, Finn built a causeway over to Scotland – what we call the Giant’s Causeway. Learn the entire story during today's walk.
Follow the fiercely panoramic clifftop Causeway Coastal Route as it becomes wilder and more alien as we approach this fascinating geological phenomena.
DAY 2
Sailing to Rathlin Island
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The quiet shores of Rathlin Island are clouded in myth and mystery. Your guide will share one of the island’s most fascinating tales. It's about a famed Scottish king Robert the Bruce, who was exiled to the island where he watched a spider persevering again and again to build its web.
Distance: 9km/ 5.5 miles | approx. 4-5 hours*
​Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We’ll sail to the island to explore a bird sanctuary that is home to puffins part of the year and we'll visit a stunning clifftop lighthouse to spot other seabirds who live on the island.
Our hike finishes across from a tiny but picturesque village better known as the set for Game of Thrones’ Iron Islands. Later today visit the famous Bushmill's Distillery to sample the local whiskey.
DAY 3
Fjords of the Inishowen Peninsula
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The ancient territory of the O'Doherty clan of Co. Donegal is the most northerly part of Ireland. Jutting dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean, the Inishowen Peninsula is bordered by the impressive Swilly Fjord and Lough Foyle. This is the undiscovered Ireland, a world apart, a timeless place.
Distance: 8km/ 5 miles | approx. 3-4 hours
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Ireland is perfect for outdoor lovers and shutterbugs. After a ferry across the lough to the Inishowen Peninsula, explore a World War II era lookout tower. Our hike includes a climb up the gradual shoulder of little-visited Crocknasmug Hill for magical coastal views. In the evening, kick back with a local pint and an open fire!
DAY 4
Star Wars on Malin Head
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At the tip of the vast and wild Inishowen Peninsula is Malin Head. Jutting into the restless Atlantic Ocean, it is so other-worldly that scenes from the 2017 Star Wars Episode VIII were filmed here! Malin Head is a wild, windswept landscape peppered with ancient archaeological sites.
Distance: 7km/4 miles, approx. 3hrs*​
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Our hike climbs over rocky hills, rugged headlands and along dramatic coastal cliffs. We’ll cross Lough Swilly on a local ferry for great views of one of Ireland’s three glacial fjords and make our way to an adorable Donegal coastal village.
DAY 5
Glenveagh National Park and Mount Errigal
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Here we get the opportunity to explore the gardens before continuing our walk beyond the castle walls, passing abandoned settlements on a winding path through the Derryveagh Mountains. Learn the history of what daily life was like in this desolate wilderness.
Distance: 8km/5 miles, approx. 4hrs
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Glenveagh National Park is a hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, tumbling waterfalls and enchanted native oak woodland. Overlooked by Mount Errigal, whose glittering quartzite peak dominates the northwest corner of Ireland, our hike follows a path along the lake to the mystical Glenveagh Castle.
DAY 6
Slieve League Cliffs
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Our final hike along the Slieve League Cliffs is possibly the most impressive.
After saying goodbye to the windy Slieve League cliffs, enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner.
Distance: 6km/4 miles, approx. 4hrs*
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The cliffs at Slieve League are some of the highest in Europe - three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher in the south. Hike in the footsteps of pilgrims of a time gone by, and follow the ancient Pilgrim’s Path. Impressive from a historic perspective, you’ll also drink in terrific views of the Atlantic Ocean, the mountains of Sligo and the shimmering Donegal Bay. Meet locals such as tweed-makers still practicing their craft on a traditional handloom.
DAY 7
Depart for Home ​
OR
Points Beyond
Meals Included: Breakfast
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This morning, we shall say goodbye to the Wild Atlantic Way coast in Donegal and transfer to County Sligo. Nicknamed “Yeats Country” it was named for WB Yeats, Ireland’s national poet who was greatly inspired by Sligo’s landscapes and natural beauty. Along the way, we will stop at Yeats’ grave, tucked under the shadow of Ben Bulben Mountain, Sligo’s iconic table mountain, before making our way to Sligo town in time to catch regular train connections to Dublin.
People Love Traveling
with Walking Connection
"I now know I can do anything!"
- Connie G.
"Its the places you go and the people I meet, that's why I have traveled with you for the last 30 years."
- Larry D., Arizona
"“This truly was the trip of a lifetime as we were educated about the history of these fabulous mountains, their flora, fauna, people, and treasurers. Thank you so for creating the smooth sailing of this experience!"
- Denise and Frank D.
Questions?
Great! We love talking about Northern Ireland! Give our FAQs below a quick look. You might find answers there. Or email us: info@WalkingConnection.com or call us at +1 (623) 561.0846 to speak with a team member. Either way, we are at your service, so please don't hesitate to reach out!
WHAT DOES THE PRICE INCLUDE?
•Exciting itinerary chosen by Walking Connection co-founder, Jo Ann Taylor in partnership with our local team in Ireland •Expert local walking guides •6 nights lodging at boutique hotels/lodges •Daily meals, as indicated in itinerary •Ground and ferry/boat transfers throughout •Transportation of luggage each day •All activities detailed in itinerary •Detailed Know Before You Go information, including recommended website, reading lists, packing list, and weather forecast
WHAT DOES THE PRICE NOT INCLUDE?
•Local guide gratuities •All international and domestic airfares with tax (not listed in the above inclusions) •Airport transfers at beginning and end of trip •All items of a personal nature, including beverages and shopping •All passport and visa application fees, vaccination and medical consulting fees •All international departure taxes collected at airport of departure •Additional hotel stay pre- or post- scheduled itinerary •Early check-in or late check-out of rooms •Optional tours •Photographs or phone calls •Discounts/Refunds on any unused portion of the tour •Travel Insurance •Anything that is not expressly stated in the itinerary or on the inclusion list above
WHAT IS THE CANCELATION POLICY?
Should you have to cancel your tour the following terms will apply: •Due to the exclusive and small group nature of this adventure, all cancellations requests will forfeit the initial trip deposit •For cancellations 31-60 days prior to the trip, 70% penalty of the total trip cost •For cancellations and no shows 30 days or less prior to the trip, no refunds •No refunds will be made for any unused portion of the tour
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Call us at (623) 561-0846 to speak with a Walking Connection Team Member.