Northern Ireland & Atlantic Coast
5 day tour

  • Galway
  • Giant's Causeway
  • Titanic Experience Belfast
  • Lough Corrib

Weave through Northern Ireland’s rich tapestry of history and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Irish coastline.

Tour map

Tour Highlights

Beaches
Gaelic Culture
National Parks
Literature
Mountains
Film Locations
UNESCO Heritage Sites

Belfast - A city steeped in the history of Ireland, its hopes and dreams and heartaches.

The Titanic Quarter - See the regenerated waterfront where the Titanic was constructed and explore the tragic histories of the people who built it.

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

Derry - Enter the only completely walled city in Britain and Ireland, and discover markets, spires and museums.

Donegal - Venture into this land of castles, rugged coasts and thick forest, where Gaelic culture is writ large and proud.

The Wild Atlantic Way - Discover the rugged beauty of one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world.

County Mayo - Explore the typical Irish scenery and magnificent wildlife of this land with a tragic past.

Westport - Sweep past Atlantic views and across fabulous verdant earth before you enter this pretty bay front village.

Kylemore Abbey - Explore this waterside Gothic Benedictine nunnery.

Galway - Stone-clad buildings line the winding lanes and medieval walls of this ancient harbour city, all set to the sounds of traditional music pouring from cosy pubs.

 

Your journey

 

History can affect you in different ways.

It can shock you with savage battles. It can inspire you with ancient beliefs and myths. And it can amaze you with feats of endurance and strength.

On this tour you experience all the extreme breadths of Irish history as you sweep down from dramatic sea cliffs to ancient castles. You weave through the modern stories of Belfast, the Celtic beliefs of Giant’s Causeway, and all the tales that made Ireland the place it is today.

Take this adventure and experience the enchanting and educational landscapes of Northern Ireland and the Atlantic Coast.

 

Tour Details

Starts
Check-in closes at 08:45 (tour departs at 09:00) - Dublin Nassau Street Pick Up, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin,
Finishes (approx.)
19:00 - Dublin Nassau Street Drop Off, Opposite the Kilkenny Shop, Nassau St, Dublin,
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
  • Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
  • This tour crosses the border, so you'll need euro and the British pound sterling
  • 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

  • Explore historic Belfast with an insightful city tour
  • Learn about the tragic history of the world’s most famous maritime disaster in the museums and attractions of the Titanic Quarter
  • Wander the glens and coast at Antrim, an area of outstanding natural beauty overlooking the superb Scottish coast
  • Walk where giants fought and changed the earth at the unique and stunning Giant’s Causeway

Departing Dublin you head north to Belfast, a city famed for its industrial heritage and turbulent past. You take a short city tour which covers the capital’s triumphs, tragedies and soul.

You then have time for lunch and exploring in the Titanic Quarter, a regenerated hub where the famous liner was built and launched in 1911. Here you can visit the award winning Titanic museum, board the HMS Caroline or take a black cab tour of the city.

Leaving bustling Belfast behind, you travel through the phenomenal scenery of the Antrim Coast and Glens, an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Moving along the winding roads from Ballycastle, you enter the awe inspiring setting of the Giant’s Causeway, a place where history and myth collide spectacularly with raw geological power. Waving farewell to the giant’s steps, you head to Portrush, a charming fishing village and your home for the night.

 

Day 2

  • Marvel at the 17th-century walled city of Derry, with its famous 7 gates and bustling markets
  • Immerse yourself in the ancient Gaelic culture of Donegal as you pass through its rugged mountains
  • Experience the haunting beauty of the remote Glenveagh National Park

You head to Derry, the fabulous 17th-century walled city that boasts 7 ornate gates. Derry was designated as UK City of Culture in 2013, and you get time to explore its museums, galleries and excellent markets.

From here, you head to County Donegal, which boasts stunning scenery and a strong Gaelic heritage. You then head into the picturesque Glenveagh National Park and past the soaring peak of Mount Errigal, before traveling through the traditional fishing villages of the area. Along the way there will be plenty time for walks, photos and soaking up the local culture before arriving at your overnight stop in Donegal.

Day 3

  • Wander amongst the ancient standing stones of Carrowmore*
  • Explore the bogs and misty moors of County Mayo
  • Gaze in awe at the magnificent sea cliffs of Achill Island

In the morning, you pass south along the coast near Donegal and into County Sligo. This area is home to dramatic views of the gorgeous mountain, Benbulben.

Outside Sligo Town lies Carrowmore*, where you have the chance to visit the largest collection of megalithic tombs in Ireland, some of which date back over 6000 years.

Moving westwards, you enter County Mayo, an area ravaged by the Great Potato Famine. Winding roads curve through the picturesque farmlands, bogs and open moors, offering views of distant hills and the Atlantic coast, where you’ll visit the dramatic Achill Island. Here you have time to savour the rugged sea and peaceful beauty. From here it is a short drive to Westport – your base for the next two nights.

*Please note that Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery will be temporarily closed from 31st August 2024 until Spring 2025 due to renovations at the site. During this time, the site will be inaccessible to the public. If you are joining this tour, an alternative stop (or more time at another stop) will be arranged. We apologise for the inconvenience.

Day 4

  • Explore the Connemara National Park’s verdant marshes and incredible historical sites
  • Stroll through the superb grounds at Kylemore Abbey
  • Roam Clifden, site of the first transatlantic flight landing, and home to a delightful castle
  • Be enchanted by the seemingly infinite blend of earth and sky at sunset on the Sky Road
  • Prepare to be stunned by the legendary Twelve Bens, the famous jagged mountain range of Connemara.

Westport and the Connemara National Park are the areas you explore today.The itinerary is flexible and your guide will ensure you take the route that best suits the weather .

Your options include the beautiful house and grounds at Kylemore Abbey, the Connemara National Park, Clifden (the first transatlantic flight landed here), the Sky Road, and the Twelve Bens of Connemara.

After an incredible day of exploration you return back to Westport, where you can dine on the delicious local seafood in the town’s top notch restaurants.

Day 5

  • Gaze into the past at the iconic 7th century ruins of Cong Abbey
  • Walk the iconic locations of “The Quiet Man” on the scenic shores of Lough Corrib
  • Enjoy the culture, sea views, and historic streets of Galway City

Traveling through the heart of Connemara, you arrive in the town of Cong on the shore of Lough Corrib. This area was where “The Quiet Man” was filmed and you’re free to wander the local museum devoted to the movie. Alternatively, you can visit the magnificently restored 12th century Cong Abbey.

Your route then weaves through the Maam Valley, a stunning pass lined by gorgeous mountains. Exiting the valley, you head to Galway City, a vibrant harbour city that combines traditional market life with high quality restaurants and pubs.

You have free time to sample the town’s delicious seafood before we head to Kilbeggan Distillery for a tipple. This is the oldest licensed distillery in the country, and boasts a superb museum.

You then travel back to Dublin.

Accommodation

Where does this tour stay overnight?

You stay one night in Portrush, one night in Donegal, and two nights in Westport*.

 

*Please note that some accommodation providers in Westport require pre-payment. If you select us to organise your accommodation, depending on who we book, we may contact you to arrange payment prior to departure.

 

 

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.

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