The Wild Coasts of the North
6 day tour
Wrap yourself up in the wilderness and uncover rich heritage and epic landscapes on your journey along the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coast.
Tour map
Tour Highlights
The Giant’s Causeway - Feel the power of Irish 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.
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.
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.
Mussenden Temple - The ruins of this 18th-century mansion belonged to an eccentric Bishop and was originally built as a library.
Malin Head - Explore the northern-most point of Ireland and get your camera ready for pictures of this rugged headland that appeared in Star Wars.
Your journey
Soaring cliffs, thousands of mysterious basalt columns, and sweeping white beaches; the coasts of the North of Ireland are undeniably a sight to behold.
And as you travel through the island, you can’t help but notice the profound impact this rough landscape has on everything around you.
In county Donegal, you discover proud and resilient communities speaking Irish. At Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, you start believing that the legend you’ve heard is true. And after time spent exploring this sometimes unforgiving landscape, you understand why music is so merry and Guinness tastes so refreshing in legendary Irish pubs.
So dive deep into this land shaped by nature and return home with a head full of unforgettable sights, fascinating stories, and merry melodies.
Tour Details
Check-in closes at 23:45 (tour departs at 00:00) - Belfast Pick-Up, Donegall Square West, Belfast, BT16JH
00:00 - Belfast Drop Off, Donegall Square West, Belfast, BT1 6JH
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.
Students, seniors over 60, and children between 5 and 15 (unfortunately, we don't carry children under 5 years old)
- This tour crosses the border, so you will need both euro and British pound sterling
- Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes
- This tour combines two of our trips. This means you swap your bus, guide, and a few of your friends during the journey.
- Attraction tickets may need to be purchased in advance. More information is provided in your booking confirmation e-mail
- Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
- Air conditioning as standard
- The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide
- 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
You leave Belfast and travel north following the winding and magnificent Causeway Coastal Route. A truly sensational experience, the journey takes you past craggy cliffs, ruined castles and through the sweeping glens of Antrim, an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Your driver will talk with the group about where they might stop along the way for photos!
You stop in at the charming seaside town of Ballycastle for a wander and some lunch. After this, you'll pop down to see the impressive Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge before it's back on the road.
The crowning glory of this coastal drive is the awe-inspiring Giant’s Causeway, a place where history and myth collide spectacularly with raw geological power.
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.
Reinvigorated by the sea air and the mind-blowing scenery, you arrive in Portrush in the late afternoon where you stay for the night.
Day 2
- Discover the vibrant cultural scene and rich history of Derry
- Learn more about the pioneering spirit of Irish emigrants in the Ulster American Folk Park
You say farewell to the coastal charms and head to 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 to explore Derry for yourself or you can join an optional walking tour.
Next, you travel to the Ulster American Folk Park, where you can discover the story of emigration from Ulster to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Learn about the hardships these bold people had to face and the impact they made in the new land. Please note, due to the remote nature of the park, there is no alternative during this part of the tour.
In the late afternoon, you travel to Enniskillen, a small island town and your overnight base. Enjoy an evening stroll around this lovely area or discover the famous Irish charm as you chat with the locals in a cosy pub.
Day 3
- Spend the morning exploring Enniskillen Castle or get on an optional lake cruise
- Explore the magnificent Hillsborough Castle, with gardens that you'll want to lose yourself in
In the morning, you can decide to explore Enniskillen a bit more. You may visit its many galleries and craft shops, explore the 15th-century castle, or see the beautiful Lough Erne on an optional cruise (subject to season and availability).
Then, 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.
This is also where you join a new bus for the continuation of your tour to county Donegal. Your guides will help you transfer your luggage and introduce you to your new travelling companions.
From here you head to Donegal Town, your overnight stop for tonight. This town boasts a panoramic backdrop of the Blue Stack Mountains, plus plenty to do in town, including an array of restaurants for your dining options.
Day 4
- Head along the Wild Atlantic Way, one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world
- Gaze upon the Slieve League Cliffs, some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe
Today you wrap yourself in wilderness as you journey along the wild Atlantic coast.
First 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.
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.
In the early evening, you arrive in Letterkenny, a vibrant town full of history and great traditional bars, where you spend two nights.
Day 5
- Reach the northern-most point of Ireland at the rugged headland of Malin Head
- Drive along Mamore Gap, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland
Leaving Letterkenny the next morning, you head straight for Fort Dunree. This strategic clifftop fort is now also home to a military museum.
From here you travel along Mamore Gap, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland. Spend some time discovering the treasures found along the route, including a holy well devoted to St Eigne.
Next up you make your way to the lovely little town of Carndonagh for lunch. This market town boasts loads of pubs and restaurants, not to mention it’s the site of the Donagh Cross (or St. Patrick’s Cross).
After you’ve filled your belly, it’s up to Malin Head. This is the northern-most point of mainland Ireland and you should ensure your camera is ready to snap pictures of this wild and rugged headland.
After a quick comfort break, your adventure continues to Grianan of Aileach. This peculiar hilltop fort dates back to 1700 BC and has some breathtaking views. You then head back to Letterkenny for the night.
Day 6
- Discover the striking beauty and iconic location of Mussenden Temple
- Relax with a beautiful view in the beach town of Portstewart
Today you travel back into Northern Ireland to admire the beauty of Mussenden Temple perched right on a cliff’s edge. This 18th-century temple was originally built to house the eccentric Earl Bishop’s library and is now one of the most photographed places in Ireland and a Game of Thrones location.
Our next stop is at the seaside town of Portstewart for a well-deserved lunch break where you have free time to explore.
And as our tour comes to a close, worry not - there are still beautiful things to see. We keep this final afternoon flexible and your driver-guide will find local spots to show off to you on your route back to Belfast.
Accommodation
Where does this tour stay overnight?
You stay one night in Portrush, one night in Enniskillen, one night in Donegal Town, and two nights in Letterkenny.
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:
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Approximate prices, per person per night |
Overnight Location |
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Sole Occupancy |
Multiple Occupancy |
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(1 person per room) |
(2+ people per room) |
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B&B Standard |
£80 - £120 |
£60 - £80 |
UK & Northern Ireland |
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€80 - €120 |
€60 - €80 |
Ireland |
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B&B En-suite |
£100 - £145 |
£55 - £95 |
UK & Northern Ireland |
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€100 - €145 |
€55 - €100 |
Ireland |
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Hotel |
£110 - £190 |
£75 - £150 |
UK & Northern Ireland |
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€130 - €235 |
€75 - €150 |
Ireland |
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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
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.
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.