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Ireland Beyond the Ordinary: A 10-Day Northern Journey

Wild Northern Ireland Explorer

Love

Duration

10 Days

Starts In

Dublin

Route

Dublin, Belfast, Bushmills , Donegal, Dublin

Ireland rewards those who venture beyond its most obvious corners, and this ten-day journey does exactly that. Beginning and ending in Dublin — one of Europe's great capital cities for food, culture and conversation — the route sweeps north through the Boyne Valley's prehistoric monuments, into Belfast's complex and fascinating streets, and along the Antrim Coast, one of the most dramatic shorelines on the continent. From there it pushes into the wild interior of County Donegal, a place that feels genuinely remote and unhurried in a way that much of Europe no longer does. History, landscape and culture sit in unusually close proximity throughout — often within the same afternoon. Private transfers handle the airport arrivals and departures, leaving the journey itself free to unfold at its own pace.

Includes

Driver/Guide: Private as per itinerary
Keytours 24-hour emergency assistance
Private arrival and departure transfers as per itinerary
Accommodations of your choice
Sightseeing tours and/or activites of your choice
Entrances Fees: As per itinerary with "Visit" marks

Excludes

Items of a personal nature
All other items not mentioned as included
Travel insurance; please inquire with your Keytours travel consultant
Gratuities for drivers, guides, and escorts

Itinerary

Day
1

Day 1: First Pint, First Steps

Fly into Dublin where a private transfer will be waiting to take you directly to your city centre hotel — a comfortable and seamless start to the trip after your journey. Once checked in, spend the afternoon easing yourself in: a wander through the cobbled squares of Trinity College, a look at the Long Room in the Old Library if time allows, and a stroll down Grafton Street into the Georgian grid south of the Liffey. By evening, make your way to the Liberties or Temple Bar for dinner — try somewhere serving modern Irish food rather than the tourist pubs. This is a city that rewards slow walking and aimless exploration.

Day
2

Day 2: Rebels, Relics & the River Liffey

A full day to dig into Dublin properly. Start at Dublin Castle and the Chester Beatty Library — one of the finest small museums in Europe, free entry, and consistently underrated. After lunch, cross the Liffey and explore the north side: the Hugh Lane Gallery, the Writers Museum on Parnell Square, and a walk through Smithfield. In the late afternoon, head to Kilmainham Gaol for a guided tour — essential context for understanding modern Irish history. The jail where the leaders of the 1916 Rising were executed is genuinely moving. Evening back in the city.

Day
3

Day 3: Stones Older Than Civilisation

Leave Dublin mid-morning and head north, stopping in the Boyne Valley en route. The passage tomb at Newgrange is one of the most extraordinary prehistoric sites in Europe — built around 3200 BC, it predates Stonehenge by five centuries and the Egyptian pyramids by several hundred years. The winter solstice alignment, where sunlight floods the inner chamber at dawn, is one of archaeology's great wonders. Tours depart from the visitor centre at Brú na Bóinne. Continue north across the border into Belfast, arriving by late afternoon. Check in and take an evening walk through the Cathedral Quarter.

Day
4

Day 4: Murals, Shipyards & Modern Belfast

A full day in Belfast, one of Europe's most compelling and fast-changing cities. Begin with a Black Taxi Tour of the political murals on the Falls Road and Shankill Road — an hour with a knowledgeable local driver is far more illuminating than any guidebook and provides honest, nuanced perspectives on the Troubles. Spend the afternoon at Titanic Belfast on the redeveloped waterfront — it is a genuinely world-class museum and the most visited tourist attraction on the island of Ireland for good reason. The building itself, shaped like ships' prows, is striking. End the day in one of Belfast's excellent modern restaurants.

Day
5

Day 5: The Road That Hugs the Sea

Head north out of Belfast and pick up the Antrim Coast Road — one of the great coastal drives in Europe, with the sea to your right and basalt cliffs rising to the left. Stop at Carrickfergus Castle, a remarkably intact Norman fortress right on the water. Continue north past Cushendall and through the Glens of Antrim, stopping at the Dark Hedges — a tunnel of ancient beech trees that feels genuinely otherworldly, especially early in the morning before the crowds arrive. Push on to the clifftop ruins of Dunluce Castle, dramatically perched above the Atlantic. Arrive at the Giant's Causeway late afternoon.

Day
6

Day 6: Columns, Cliffs & Whiskey

Spend the morning properly exploring the Giant's Causeway — the extraordinary basalt columns, formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk beyond the main formation along the coastal path for quieter views and better perspective on the scale. After lunch, drive a few miles east to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, suspended 30 metres above the sea between the mainland and a small island once used by salmon fishermen. In the afternoon, stop at the Old Bushmills Distillery, the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery, for a tour and tasting. A rewarding and varied day.

Day
7

Day 7: Walled Cities & Wilder Shores Day

Drive west to Derry — officially Londonderry, though most people use both names depending on community background, and both are accepted. Walk the 17th-century city walls, the most complete set of intact city walls in Ireland, for views over the Bogside and the broader city. Visit the Museum of Free Derry for a clear-eyed account of Bloody Sunday and the civil rights movement — it is small, well-curated, and important. Cross the border into the Republic and drop down into County Donegal in the afternoon. The landscape changes almost immediately — wilder, emptier, more rugged.

Day
8

Day 8: The Edge of Ireland

A full day to explore one of Ireland's most dramatic counties, largely bypassed by mainstream tourism. Head first to Malin Head, the most northerly point on the island of Ireland — windswept, bleak, and utterly beautiful. Drive back south along the Inishowen Peninsula and then cut west toward Slieve League, whose sea cliffs — at nearly 600 metres — are among the highest in Europe, dwarfing the more famous Cliffs of Moher. The walk along the cliff edge is exhilarating and not to be missed. If time allows, take a drive around the Fanad Peninsula with its lighthouse. Donegal is vast and rewards unhurried exploration.

Day
9

Day 9: The Road Less Travelled

Leave Donegal and head south through the interior of the country — a very different Ireland from the coastal highlights. Drive through County Leitrim (one of the least-visited counties in Ireland, with its lake-dotted drumlin landscape), dipping into County Cavan or across through County Monaghan. These are quiet, agricultural counties with a particular kind of unhurried beauty and none of the tourist infrastructure of the west coast. Stop for lunch in a small town — Monaghan town itself is pleasant and underappreciated. You should be back in Dublin by late afternoon or early evening, with time for a final dinner in the city.

Day
10

Day 10: One Last Morning

A relaxed final morning in Dublin. If you have a later flight, there is still plenty to see: the National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street has world-class collections of Celtic gold and Viking artefacts, all free to enter. The Merrion Square area is lovely for a final walk, with its Georgian townhouses and the small park where Oscar Wilde's statue sits in characteristic repose. Pick up any last provisions at the Fallon & Byrne food hall or grab coffee in one of the excellent independent cafés around Rathmines or Ranelagh. When the time comes, your private transfer will collect you from the hotel and take you directly to Dublin Airport for your departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the Wild Northern Ireland Explorer package?

The Wild Northern Ireland Explorer package includes several key components to ensure a seamless travel experience: - Private driver/guide as per itinerary - 24-hour emergency assistance from Keytours - Private arrival and departure transfers - Accommodations of your choice - Sightseeing tours and/or activities of your choice - Entrance fees for sites marked as 'Visit' in the itinerary. Please note that items of a personal nature, travel insurance, and gratuities for drivers and guides are not included.

How many nights do we spend in each city on this itinerary?

On the Wild Northern Ireland Explorer itinerary, travelers will spend a total of 10 days with the following distribution of nights: - Dublin: 2 nights - Belfast: 2 nights - Bushmills: 2 nights - Donegal: 2 nights - Dublin: 1 night. This allows for ample time to explore each location while enjoying the unique experiences they offer.

Is a rental car included in this package, and how long can we use it?

Yes, a rental car is included in the Wild Northern Ireland Explorer package. The rental duration is for 5 days, allowing you to explore at your own pace. You will pick up the car at Belfast George Best City Airport and drop it off at any location in Dublin. This provides flexibility to discover the scenic routes and attractions along the way.

Can we customize the accommodations or activities included in this package?

Yes, the Wild Northern Ireland Explorer package offers customization options for both accommodations and activities. You can choose the type of lodging that best suits your preferences and select specific sightseeing tours or activities that interest you. Keytours Vacations can assist you in tailoring your itinerary to ensure it meets your travel desires.

What should we know about transportation between destinations on this tour?

Transportation on the Wild Northern Ireland Explorer itinerary is handled through private transfers and a rental car. You will have private transfers for your airport arrivals and departures, while the rental car allows you to explore the various destinations at your leisure. This combination provides both convenience and the freedom to enjoy the scenic routes.

What kind of support can we expect during our trip?

During your trip on the Wild Northern Ireland Explorer itinerary, you will have access to Keytours' 24-hour emergency assistance. Additionally, your private driver/guide will be available to provide insights and support throughout your journey. Should you have any questions or need assistance, you can reach out to your Keytours travel consultant for help.

Are there any additional costs we should be aware of that are not included in the package?

Yes, there are several additional costs that are not included in the Wild Northern Ireland Explorer package. These include: - Items of a personal nature - Travel insurance (which you can inquire about with your Keytours travel consultant) - Gratuities for drivers, guides, and escorts - Any activities or excursions not specifically mentioned as included. Be sure to budget for these additional expenses when planning your trip.

Book Your Trip

Include Flights?

Yes

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