DDiscover the rugged beauty, rich history, and spectacular landscapes of Northern Ireland on this unforgettable walking vacation in Ireland.
Recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s top destinations for walking, this journey blends dramatic coastal hikes, historic landmarks, and cultural experiences.
Our tour begins in historic Belfast, where we explore key sites from “The Troubles”, gaining insight into the city’s past and vibrant transformation. Heading north along the Causeway Coastal Route, we stop in Ballygally and Bushmills, home to the famous Bushmills Distillery.
Along the coast that we see some of the UK’s finest natural wonders, such as the iconic and unforgettable Giant’s Causeway.
Birders will love Rathlin Island with its colony of seals and seabirds soaring and diving around rugged cliffs.
Thrill seekers will want to cross the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, but there are also gentler pursuits. Castles and country homes pop up everywhere here and we can’t resist stopping in to visit, even one or two that are private, but we are invited in anyway.
We conclude where we started, in Belfast, with time to visit the city before a grand farewell dinner at our hotel.
Meet in Belfast for a poignant black taxi tour of the town. Northern Ireland now is a peaceful place, and Belfast continues to heal. We visit memorials and important historic sites, and hear moving first-hand accounts. After, we transfer to Ballygally hotel for our Welcome Dinner.
Ballygally, Ballygally Castle
After a short ascent, walk the ridge with splendid views of Scotland across the sea into Glenarm, one of the nine Glens of Antrim. We continue to the private Glenarm Castle with its beautiful park, home to the Earls of Antrim. We take lunch in the castle gardens and enjoy a walk through the Earl’s private garden and estate.
Ballygally, Ballygally Castle
Today’s hike takes us to the Queen of Glens to explore the most dramatic of the nine Glens of Antrim, Glenariff. We’ll pass waterfalls, gorges and woodland, and continue to the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge hanging precariously over an 80-feet chasm (crossing is optional!) Then head to the tiny harbor village of Ballintoy and walk along the water’s edge on the glorious sandy beach at White Park Bay.
Bushmills, Bushmills Inn
Transfer to Ballycastle Bay where we take a ferry to fascinating Rathlin Island, eight miles off the coast towards Scotland. This island has a particularly unspoiled environment which attracts scientists and bird watchers alike. It is where Robert the Bruce retreated from Edward I (Longshanks) in 1306 and where, in 1898, Marconi made the world’s first radio communication.
Bushmills, Bushmills Inn
Today we’ll follow the course of the River Bush to the coast and onward to the magnificent clifftop ruins of Dunluce Castle. After a tour of this historic site we continue walking westwards to seaside Portrush, for lunch. In the afternoon, choose to visit the gardens of Benvarden House or take a tour of the famous Old Bushmills distillery.
Bushmills, Bushmills Inn
Walk along a memorable stretch of coastline past the Giant’s Causeway – the extraordinary geological phenomenon of 40,000 basalt columns. We descend by the shepherds’ steps to the stones themselves and stop into the visitors center. After lunch, we take the coastal path around Runkerry Point, then transfer to Belfast with some time to explore the city before our Farewell Dinner this evening.
Belfast, The Merchant Hotel
After breakfast we will provide transport to both Belfast airports or Lanyon Place Station for transfers to Dublin.
