Causeways, Cliffs & Castles: An Adventure in the North of Ireland
5 day tour

  • Torr Head Causeway Coastal Route
  • Giant's Causeway
  • Slieve League Cliffs
  • Enniskillen Castle
  • Glenveagh National Park

New for 2025 - Get ready to fall in love with the North of Ireland, because with wild views and coasts like these, how could you not?

 


Tour map

Tour Highlights

Castles
Distilleries
Mountains
National Parks
UNESCO Heritage Sites
Waterfalls
Walks
Forests

Glens of Antrim - Journey off-the-beaten track along this striking valley landscape beloved by locals and travellers alike. 

The Giant’s Causeway - Feel the power of giants in the unique and breathtaking coastal formations of the Causeway.    

County Donegal - This part of Ireland will spellbind you with striking coastal views, rugged mountain tops, and rich Irish heritage.

Slieve League Cliffs - Gaze upon the second-highest sea cliffs in Ireland, three times the height of the Cliffs of Moher. 

Wild Atlantic Way - Get ready to be blown away by the wild beauty and unique experiences waiting for you on this epic coastal route.

The Causeway Coastal Route -Over 200km of a spectacular drive along the rugged coast steeped in history, myths, and remarkable geology. 

Derry/Londonderry -Explore the city of Derry, Ireland’s only completely intact historic Walled City, and the home of the popular TV show Derry Girls.  

Glenveagh National Park -Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of this striking natural landscape.  

 

 

Your journey

 

Northern Ireland is really showing off... which isn’t hard considering how many incredible places she has to her name. Her wild and crashing coastline will determinedly steal your attention. Her scenic drives are famous around the world – and for good reason. And her history is both intriguing and plentiful.  

And if you’ve ever wanted to get to know Northern Ireland a bit better: this is the adventure for you. By the time you get home, you’ll have memories more precious than souvenirs and photos that seem as if they must have been Photoshopped... only the beauty here is very, very real.  

 

Tour Details

Starts
Check-in closes at 08:45 (tour departs at 09:00) - Belfast Pick-Up, Donegall Square West, Belfast, BT16JH
Finishes (approx.)
17:00 - Belfast Drop Off, Donegall Square West, Belfast, BT1 6JH
Luggage
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.
Discounts

Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)

Important information
  • This tour crosses the border, so you will need both euro and British pound sterling
  • Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
  • Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
Tour inclusions
  • Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
  • Air conditioning as standard
  • The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
Tour exclusions
  • Entry fees to visitor attractions
  • Tour accommodation

Itinerary

Day 1

  • Admire the elemental beauty of the Causeway Coast
  • Walk where giants fought and changed the earth at the unique and stunning Giant’s Causeway
  • Meet the ‘Queen of the Glens’ and get to know her beauty up close and personal 
  • Indulge in a dram or two of whiskey at Bushmills Distillery 

Good morning Belfast! The adventure begins with us leaving behind this vibrant city and heading north along the coast to the historic town of Carrickfergus. As one of the oldest towns in Northern Ireland, it’s no wonder it has a castle – and luckily, it’s one of the best-preserved castles in the country. We pull in here for a quick photo stop of this impressive Norman stronghold before heading to Glenarrif Forest Park. 

Glenarrif is the ‘Queen of the Glens’. But what glens? The nine famous glens (valleys) that make up the Glens of Antrim. This area of Northern Ireland is so striking it's been classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and given the windiness of some of the roads, it definitely feels ‘off-the-beaten-track'.  

Once we arrive at the forest park, you might like to treat yourself to a tea or coffee at their lovely Tea Room, or perhaps meander along their easy 1.5km trail to the waterfall. Perhaps both?  

What we love about this area is simple: the views. We continue north via Torr Head (a windy path not for the faint of heart) - and you’ll be pleased to see this special and spectacular part of the world. As we journey along the coast, keep an eye out for a stunning view all the way across into Scotland of the Mull of Kintyre.  

As we reach the top of Northern Ireland, we stop in at the charming seaside town of Ballycastle for a bite to eat and some free time.  

We carry on after lunch and continue along the coastline, following the winding and magnificent Causeway Coastal Route. We’ll make photo stops along the way – as there are many incredible viewpoints to choose from and lots of Northern Ireland history to learn about, so we like to keep things flexible depending on the weather and our group. 

But most will say that the crowning glory of the Causeway Coast is the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway... and you’ll hear no argument from us. Myth, history and science collide at this spectacular location of raw geological power. Many have debated its origins over the years. What’s left is for you to decide: is it science or myth? 

To finish off the day, you stop in at Bushmills Distillery for an optional tasting of their famous whiskey before a quick photo stop to see the dramatic Dunluce Castle. Game of Thrones fans may sense a familiarity with this spot – and you should. CGI was used to enhance the ruinous castle to stand in for Castle Greyjoy in the popular series.  

We arrive in the town of Portrush in the early evening for your overnight stop, where you can enjoy this quaint seaside resort escape.  

Day 2

  • Discover the vibrant cultural scene and rich history of Derry 
  • Striking views and fascinating history collide at Dunree Head 
  • Drive along Mamore Gap, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland 

There’s nothing like waking up somewhere unfamiliar and exciting. And today we depart Portrush to the famous town of Derry/Londonderry.  

From the almost intact historic walls to the murals commemorating the more recent troubled past, this city is steeped in history. And it’s also quickly becoming one of the most important artistic and cultural hubs in Northern Ireland. You’ve got free time for a bite to eat and to explore Derry for yourself or you can join an optional walking tour. 

We then pop up along the coast once more to the striking Dunree Head. The road in is a twisting clifftop route with some pretty spectacular views – and the view from the Head itself gazes over Dunree Beach and Lough Swilly, all the way to Fanad Peninsula. And history buffs will love exploring the military museum of Dunree Fort, too.  

From here you travel along Mamore Gap, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland, where we'll stop for a photo at this iconic viewpoint. Your adventure continues as we make our way to Donegal Town, our overnight stop for the next two nights. We’ll make some extra stops along the way depending on the weather and the interests of your group, before taking a well-deserved break. 

Day 3

  • Head along the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world 
  • Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Glenveagh National Park 

Today you wrap yourself in the wilderness as you journey through the Wild Atlantic Way. At 1600 miles long, it’s one of the longest-defined coastal trails in the world and stretches the length of Ireland’s west coast. We’ll make various stops along the way – depending on the weather and your interests – as we make our way to Bunbeg.  

This small town is our lunch stop for the day and is known as a Gaeltacht town – a place where the Irish government recognises that the Irish language is the predominant language used.  

Then, you continue to explore the Wild Atlantic Way and stop at locations graced with magnificent views of the rugged coast and islands, before travelling through the impressive Glenveagh National Park. We'll hop off the bus here and give you plenty of time to immerse yourself in the beauty of this park, including the rugged Derryveagh Mountains, the dramatic Glenveagh Castle, and the striking Glenveagh Valley. 

Perhaps you’ll choose one of the walks and meander along the shores of Lough Veagh or perhaps you’ll jump on the shuttle bus and head out to explore the castle. Whatever you choose to do with your time, you’ll quickly come to understand why we love this area.

Day 4

  • Gaze upon the Slieve League Cliffs, some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe 
  • Explore the striking landscape of the Wild Atlantic Way 

The Wild Atlantic Way is one of those places where you must immerse yourself in it for as long as possible... because it’s that untamed and beautiful with that much to see. So, first up today are the Slieve League Cliffs that tumble down 600 metres to the unrestrained ocean. These impressive crags are among the highest in Europe and are steeped in legends. 

The landscape continues to get wilder as you travel through the sparsely populated Irish-speaking communities. Taking a break from the coastal delights, the route takes you through a striking mountain pass at Glengesh to the picturesque village of Ardara for lunch. 

The stunning drive continues as we head to Enniskillen, our stop for tonight. We’ll aim to arrive late afternoon to give you a bit of time to explore this bustling little town. Nestled on a small island on Lough Erne, Enniskillen has a beautiful setting, making it an idyllic stopover.  

Day 5

  • Explore the gorgeous gardens at Hillsborough Castle, one of the official royal residences 
  • Get to know the city of Belfast better on a scenic drive around its more popular spots 

You say farewell to the lovely island town and head to your next stop on the tour, Hillsborough Castle and its stunning gardens. Here, you get to discover ornamental grounds, tranquil woodlands, and charming glens that have been a joy to the Royal Family and thousands of visitors. If you fancy, you can choose to explore the beautiful state rooms of the castle and find out more about its fascinating history (tickets subject to availability) and even grab a bite to eat for lunch. 

From here it’s just a short journey back to Belfast where you can choose between a visit to the Titanic Museum in the Titanic Quarter, or instead stay on the bus and enjoy a scenic drive around the city of Belfast before the tour comes to an end. 

 

Accommodation

Where does this tour stay overnight?

Your tour stays one night in Portrush, two nights in Donegal Town, and one night in Enniskillen. 

 

How can I book accommodation?

Accommodation is not included in the price of your tour. To book accommodation, there are two options: either Rabbie’s Tours can book it for you, or you can book your own. For information on how to do this, please see the ‘Accommodation’ tab on FAQ page HERE.

Alternatively, please email us your questions at tours@rabbies.com or call us on +44(0)131 226 3133.

Information you can find on the FAQ page, under the ‘Accommodation’ tab: types of accommodation, room types, the booking process, getting to and from your accommodation, and cancellation terms.

How much will the accommodation cost?

We book accommodation with third-party providers on your behalf and each property sets their own rates. Rates vary considerably depending on the accommodation standard, facilities, location, and local demand. We therefore can’t tell you exactly how much your accommodation will cost until your request has been allocated to a specific property.

As a guide, you can expect to pay the following prices, per person per night:

 

Approximate prices, per person per night

Overnight Location

 

Sole Occupancy

Multiple Occupancy

 

(1 person per room)

(2+ people per room)

B&B Standard

£80 - £120

£60 - £80

UK & Northern Ireland

€80 - €120

€60 - €80

Ireland

B&B En-suite

£100 - £145

£55 - £95

UK & Northern Ireland

€100 - €145

€55 - €100

Ireland

Hotel

£110 - £190

£75 - £150

UK & Northern Ireland

€130 - €235

€75 - €150

Ireland

NOTE: Prices quoted are for guidance only and may be higher on some occasions, especially for last-minute bookings and when demand is high (E.g. peak season, weekends, holidays, special events etc)

Breakfast will be included unless otherwise noted. The type of breakfast provided will vary from place to place so you may receive either a full cooked breakfast, a continental style breakfast (E.g., toast, fruit, cereal), or a packed breakfast bag or tray (E.g., porridge pot, fruit, granola bar).

FAQs

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

Your cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked.

For one-day tours: You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure

For tours of between two and nine days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure

For tours of 10 or more days: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure

For all European packaged tours: You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 42 days before the tour departure.

If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.

To cancel your booking, email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

Click here to view terms and conditions

Can Itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

Unfortunately, we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you'll have regular comfort breaks.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

We aim to accommodate everyone. To read more information on how we do this, click here to go to our accessibility guide.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy Britain and Ireland. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs .

Restrictions

Children
We regret we dont carry children under the age of 5 years old on our scheduled tours.

If your child is less that 1.35m tall, you should let us know and we will provide a suitable booster seat.
Luggage
You're restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person. This should be one piece of luggage similar to an airline carry-on bag (approximately 55cm x 45cm x 25cm / 22in x 17in x 10in) plus one small bag for onboard personal items.

Customer reviews



NEW Text
NEW