Day to day 6

Day 1 We catch the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin where our tour manager joins us.

We continue onwards to our overnight hotel in the Dublin area.

Day 2 – Donegal Waterbus Cruise

We head to Donegal where we start with a leisurely cruise on Donegal Bay. Here we can spot the seal colony on Seal Island and admire the beauty of the Bluestack Mountains. Complete with a full commentary about the history, environment and wildlife of the area, this is a lovely way to take in the stunning natural beauty of Donegal Bay. The rest of the day is free to discover Donegal at your leisure. There is plenty to explore in this photogenic town, from the restored 15th-century castle to the ruined Franciscan Priory, or you may like to browse the traditional Donegal tweed in Magee’s, the town’s historic department store. Later we check in to the Central Hotel in Donegal, our base for the next three nights.

Day 3 – Glencolmcille Folk Village, Slieve League Cliffs & Killybegs

We start with a visit to Glencolmcille Folk Village. This living history ‘museum’ is a replica of a rural village offering a glimpse into life as it was for our ancestors. We then head to the Slieve League Cliffs, one of Ireland’s best kept secrets. Rising almost 2,000 feet from the Atlantic, they are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe and offer outstanding panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay. Finally we call at Killybegs, Ireland’s largest fishing port with a scenic harbour and also famous for its tapestries and carpets.

Day 4 – Glenveagh Castle & National Park

This morning we enjoy a scenic drive through County Donegal, passing the imposing Mount Errigal and Bloodyforeland, named after the intense red hue of the rocks during sunset. We travel to the Glenveagh National Park, a designated Special Area of Conservation and one of six national parks in Ireland. Located in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains, the park is a remote and beautiful sanctuary of peaceful lakes, peat bogs and rugged mountains. After visiting the park and exploring the striking Glenveagh Castle, we continue our picturesque journey with a coastal drive along the Wild Atlantic Way to the lovely village of Dunfanaghy.

Day 5 – Dublin (with optional guided tour £14pp)

Checking out of our hotel, we travel to Dublin where we spend an afternoon at leisure. There are plenty of historic sites, architectural splendours and iconic monuments to see from the oldest, Dublin Castle, to one of the newest, the Spire of Dublin. Or you may like to experience one of Dublin’s traditional pubs – there are 1,000 lining the city’s cobbled streets! We also have the option to join a locally guided tour of the city before spending the night in our hotel in the Dublin area.

Day 6

We check out of our hotel very early to catch the ferry back to Holyhead; therefore a voucher will be provided to enjoy breakfast on board. On arrival in Holyhead, we continue our journey home. Due to ferry times, coach pickup times may be very early in the morning.