Compare Wild West and North Tour by Overland Ireland vs Wild Atlantic Way Tour North by Extreme Ireland

Day 1: Sunday – Dublin to Belfast

Titanic Experience Belfast on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

We begin the first day of your adventure with a visit to the magical stone age passage tomb at Newgrange which is richly decorated by megalithic art. After exploring this Neolithic structure we will travel north to Belfast.

Next up this afternoon is the full Titanic experience at Titanic Belfast. This splendid interactive visitor centre was voted the world’s leading tourist attraction in 2016. Prepare to be moved by the wonderful stories told about the world’s most famous ship.

We will finish the day with an enthralling black cab tour of Belfast. This tour is optional but highly recommended. Alternatively, if you just need to take a breath and chill, you can spend some time exploring the city’s coolest pubs, shops and restaurants.

Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes

The Ultimate Tour of Ireland - Small Groups, Big Experiences on your Overland Ireland Ultimate Small Group Tour

Day 2: Monday – The Giant’s Causeway to Derry

Today will be both a test of mental strength and a celebration for your soul. The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most anticipated features of this tour and it never disappoints. The Causeway Coastal Route is breath-taking and while crossing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge you will feel the exhilaration of the air beneath your feet while the anticipation builds.

Game of Thrones fans will have officially landed in their spiritual home as we take a sneak peak of one of its most famous filming locations, The Dark Hedges.

Our next stop is Londonderry, Northern Ireland’s second largest city, steeped in rich history. Explore the city by night and look forward to a tour of the walled city on day 3.

Total driving time: 3 hours

Carrick-a-Rede Bridge on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

Traditional Music Sessions and Local Craft Beers on your Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 3: Tuesday – Derry to the Hills of Donegal

Londonderry on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

Before leaving Derry, let our friends take you on a walking tour of the city. Understand the struggles of our past and the long road to current peaceful times in the North.

Now it is time to venture into the wild northwest – The hills of Donegal. We continue our exploration of Northern Ireland and embark on a magnificent drive over the Glengesh Pass, on to Maghera Beach and by Assaranca Waterfall.

One of our highlights today will be the stunning views and a walk along one of the highest cliffs in Europe – Slieve League which stands over 600m above the Wild Atlantic Ocean. Our accommodation tonight is in the picturesque village of Ardara, County Donegal.

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Comfortable Accommodation on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 4: Wednesday – Westport to Connemara

Today’s road trip will take you through William Butler Yeat’s County – Sligo and down towards Ireland’s favourite town – Westport!

Our time in Westport begins with a wonderful walking tour of the town and a fabulous lunch to set yourself up for an unforgettable journey through Connemara National Park and the famous Famine Trail.

We will arrive at Kylemore Abbey in the heart of Connemara in the afternoon. You will have time to roam the abbey and Victorian Walled Garden on this 1000 acre estate overlooking Kylemore Lake and the majestic Connemara National Park.

Stay in Clifden and discover some great bars, restaurants and nightly music and have a chat with the locals over a pint of the Black Stuff!

This year we have added the option of staying in Ballynahinch Castle!

Total driving time: 4 hours

Experience Westport on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

Your Fully Guided Overland Ireland Small Group Tour Lets You Meet Friendly Locals

Day 5: Thursday – The Aran Islands

Aran Islands on your Wild West and North Tour of Ireland

After a short drive cross country to Rossaveal Pier on Galway Bay we take the ferry to the Aran Islands. We will land on rugged Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands.

We explore the Island by bicycle or by special request jaunting. Our route will take in the stone fort of Dún Aonghasa, which lies 100m over the ocean before making our way back to the mainland. While you are there you might pick up a few words of “Gaelic” from the locals and maybe get an original Aran Sweater!

Our departure from Rossaveal is the start of our Galway adventure. We will hug the coastline into bustling bohemian Galway. Expect a great atmosphere, entertaining street performers and plenty of craic in this much celebrated town.

Total driving time: 2 hours

Its Your Holiday, Do It Your Way - Your Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 6: Friday – Galway to Dublin

Galway is a city that has its Medieval history at its very heart.

Now that you have a “feel” for Galway, our guide will take you down the narrow medieval streets where you can duck in and out of brightly coloured shops.

Try on Claddagh Rings, Galway shawls and pass through The Spanish Arch to take in the famous Claddagh fishing village.

Transportation is provided with the GoBus, a direct bus from Galway to Dublin city centre or Dublin Airport in case you need to catch a flight home.

Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Day 1:  The Adventure Begins - Galway City & Clifden

The Wild Atlantic Way – North begins in Galway and ends in Dublin. For those of you who are flying into Dublin you’ll be happy to know that you get a FREE day tour with this tour.  Why not join the Cliffs Of Moher day tour and get dropped off just outside Galway City the day before our tour starts? Once you meet with your group you will travel westward to the picturesque town of Clifden, deep in the wilds of wild and beautiful Connemara. You can spend time here getting to know your fellow travellers in the many pubs and restaurants in this beloved town.

Highlight of the day:  FREE Cliffs Of Moher day tour/Clifden Town

Overnight: Clifden

Restaurant Suggestion: Ardagh Restaurant

Day 2: Connemara & Killary fjord

Connemara is the heartland of Ireland for many, it holds the dreamy image of Ireland many picture in their minds. This is a place of outstanding beauty. We will visit Connemara National Park and make some photo stops along the way including at Kylemore Abbey, a romantic monastery set among the mountains and lakes. After visiting the immaculately kept grounds, we will see the working man's view of Connemara when we visit a mountain sheep farm. See a sheep dog demonstration, and maybe have the chance to shear some sheep!  Afterwards, you will do the famous 'Famine Walk' along Killary Harbour where Irish families were ordered to build paths during the famine years in exchange for food.

Highlight of the day: Hike the famous Famine Walk

Overnight: Clifden

Restaurant Suggestion:  Guy’s Bar & Snug Restaurant

Day 3: Achill Island & Wonderful Westport

Today you will see and experience two fascinating sites. Firstly a megalithic tomb that still stands 5000 years on and the deserted village of Slievemore. A whole community was forced to leave their homes during the 1840's because of crippling high rents imposed by their landlords. Then, be amazed by one of Ireland's most hidden treasures at Keem Bay. You can either swim in the bay or walk along the high sea cliffs with amazing Atlantic views. Afterwards, we will leave Achill by bike and you will experience the Great Western Greenway - an old railway line used by the English gentry. Today it’s a bike trail which we will cycle from Mulranny to Newport. From there we will collect you and transfer you to the town of Westport.

Highlight of the day: Cycle along The Great Western Greenway

Overnight:  Westport Town

Restaurant Suggestion: The Olde Bridge Restaurant

Day 4: Sligo & Amazing Beach Walks

This morning's first adventure you will try SUPing, or 'Stand Up Paddling', along what is known as Ireland's Amazon River. From there, we will visit the Victorian seaweed baths at Enniscrone (optional extra)  before we meet Auriel Robinson, a marine historian who is passionate about the area. She will take you on a fascinating guided walk explaining the history of the area and the fate of the Spanish Armada. Then we head for Mullaghmore where you are free to explore the lovely beach and have a swim. You will be staying here for the next two nights.

Highlight of the day:  Stand Up Paddling along Ireland’s Amazon

Overnight:  Mullaghmore

Restaurant Suggestions: Eithna’s by the Sea

Day 5: Donegal & The Mighty Slieve League Cliffs

Today we head along the coast to the long beach at Rossnowlagh. The beach spans 3km, so we'll walk to the end and back to get some fresh sea air in our lungs. If anyone feels like a quick dip in the ocean, we're happy to join you. We then move further north to Donegal town where we visit impressive Donegal Castle. This was once home to a local 'Chieftain' called ''Red" McDonnell and was built in 1474. Your guide will take you to one of the signature stops of the whole tour. Your Wild Atlantic Way tour will end on a high when we see the highest sea cliffs in Europe at Slieve League! This is a special location, ruggedly beautiful and impressive.

Highlight of the day: Slieve League Cliffs

Overnight: Mullamore

Restaurant Suggestion: The Quay Bar

Day 6: Strokestown House & Back To Dublin

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and today we are heading back to Dublin. We have one last treat for you as we make a stop at Strokestown House. You will have a guided tour of this stately home. From here, it is only another hour and a half until we say our final farewells in Dublin.

Highlight of the day: Strokestown House

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