Our five day north by west experience is one of our most popular cultural and historical tours of Ireland. On this easygoing experience tour of Ireland, you will embrace Irish history, from famine to freedom, in just five days. Sweeping down from the land of giants to the castle of pirates, our Irish local tour guides will elevate this accessible and immersive experience through the majesty of storytelling, including tales of modern conflict in Belfast and Derry, and ancient Celtic folklore.

 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Easygoing experience tour of Ireland
  • Walk the legendary Giants Causeway
  • Bike along the Great Western Greenway
  • Take a famous black taxi tour of Belfast or visit the gigantic Titanic Museum
  • Dare to cross the Carrick A Rede Rope Bridge
  • Take a ramble around Slieve League – Ireland’s steepest cliffs
  • Discover the ancient Donegal fort  ‘Griannan of Aileach’
  • Travel along the Antrim Coast taking in many stunning Game of Thrones locations
  • Learn the tragic history of Derry City on an award-winning historical walking tour
  • Catch fantastic live Irish music performances and meet friendly locals.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

  • 5 Full day easygoing experience tour of Northern Ireland
  • Overnights:  Westport x 2, Ballycastle x 1, Donegal x 1
  • Services of a highly-trained and professional Irish Experience tour guide
  • 4 delicious and hot filling Irish breakfasts
  • 5 Full days in a luxury touring vehicle
  • Discover the ancient Donegal Ringfort
  • Historical walking tour of Derry and the city walls.
  • Experience traditional Irish music sessions in local cosy pubs
  • Entrance fee to Giants Causeway & Slieve League
  • Leisure time to pursue independent interests
  • Easygoing walks or activities for all levels of fitness (optional)
  • All relevant taxes

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

Lunch and dinner

Food and Drinks

Gratuities (optional)

Flights

Travel Insurance (Can be booked via Nomads HERE)

Dublin Accommodation pre or post tour

Any flexible and optional activities named below 

Giant Irish Experience (5 Days)

Dates & AvailabilityFROM EUR
€1139

ITINERARY:

Begin your easygoing experience tour of Ireland from Dublin and travel to Antrim’s Causeway Coast via Belfast.

  • Cross into Northern Ireland (remember, UK £ sterling required).
  • Explore Belfast with a guided Black Cab Tour (Tour Option – £15 per person), and enjoy a visit to the fantastic Titanic Centre (Tour Option – £18.50 per person) or follow the Glass of Thrones trail.
  • Discover one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives, the Causeway Coastal Route.
  • Overnight at Ballycastle

The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.

This morning we will continue along the stunning Causeway Coast,
  • We will take in Game of Thrones locations and the stunning Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, where you can sway Indiana Jones’ style over the choppy Atlantic Ocean below.
  • The Giant’s Causeway, renowned for its polygonal columns of layered basalt, is the only World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland.
  • Take a guided walking tour of Derry/Londonderry, Ireland’s only walled city
  • Visit an ancient stone ringfort at Grianán of Aileach.
  • Visit Eddie Doherty’s weaving studio. One of Ireland’s few remaining handweavers
  • Traditional Irish music and crafts in the quaint town of Ardara.
Overnight in Adara, Donegal

The average driving time today is 3 hours.

Explore Donegal, and enjoy the scenic drive to Ireland’s most beautiful regions.
  • From the Hills of Donegal to a magnificent drive over the Glengesh Pass.
  • Wander the wild stone path along the Slieve League Cliffs – these dramatic 600m/2000ft cliffs
  • Drive along the coastline of Mullaghmore Head and after, stop by the small fishing village of Mullaghmore. Savor some fresh seafood and enjoy a warm welcome from the locals.
  • Look out for the majestic Classiebawn Castle in the distance and admire the picturesque stone harbor.
  • Visit Glencar Waterfall – Hidden away within the lush forest isn’t the biggest waterfall in Ireland but it’s undoubtedly one of its most picturesque.
  • Arrive in time for an evening stroll around one of Ireland’s most atmospheric towns, Westport
Overnight in Westport
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.
Today you have a chance to discover Westport and beyond.
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Westport house. Explore historic Westport House one of County Mayo’s best-loved attractions with beautiful parklands, lakes and a fascinating history of Westport House that goes back to the 1500s when the famous Pirate Queen of Connaught, Grace O’Malley, built one of her castles here.
  • Choose to climb Croagh Patrick – Ireland’s Holy Mountain
  • Or hire a bike and discover the amazing Great Western Greenway from Achill Island to Westport
  • Or just spend the day wandering the towns colourful streets, visiting friendly pubs and cafes and craft shops.
  • You will have the evening free to experience this most exciting market town, full of fantastic pubs and restaurants, many with traditional Irish music. Listen out for the Irish language – Gaeilge – being spoken by some locals and take in the many and varied cultural experiences awaiting you.
Overnight in Westport
This morning you will wake up in Westport and have time to stroll around one of Ireland’s most atmospheric towns.
  • En route back to Dublin you’ll have the chance to explore Ireland’s rich rural heritage at the Museum of Country Life; a modern exhibition space amid landscaped gardens.
  • Arrive back in Dublin between 5 pm and 6 pm – time to say goodbye, we hope you’ve enjoyed your Giant Irish Adventure.

Giant Irish Experience (5 Days)

Dates & AvailabilityFROM EUR
€1139

Frequently asked questions

It’s very important to us that you have all your questions answered about our 5-Day Giant Irish Experience Tour. We’ve collected some of the questions we get asked most often and answered them below. Or visit our general FAQ page here for more answers!

And if you still can’t find the answers you need, give us a call or send us an email and we’ll help you out!

What time and where do the tours depart from?

All of our tours depart from Jurys Inn Hotel, Parnell Street Dublin

Our pick-up times from the Hotel are at 8.45 am.

 

All of our tours arrive at the  Ashling Hotel, 10 – 13 Parkgate St, Stoneybatter, Dublin 8

Our drop-off times at the Hotel are at 6.30 pm approx.

Or if you book a tour with a train transfer on the last day, to Dublin Heuston, Heuston Station, St John’s Rd W, Dublin

Our arrival times at the train station are 6.30 pm. (You can choose an earlier arrival time by train if you wish)

 

How Do I Get From Dublin Airport to Dublin City Centre/Tour Start Point??

Please click on link below

DUBLIN AIRPORT TO CITY CENTRE

Which accommodations do you recommend near to start/drop off point?

The tour will depart at 8.45 am at Jurys Inn on Parnell Street, Dublin City Centre, and end at 6.30 pm approx at The Ashling Hotel OR Heuston station.

Hotel/B&Bs near pick-up point:

Point A Hotel, The Wynns Hotel, Tom, Dick & Harriet’s Acc, The Kingfisher Townhouse, The Charles Stewert B&B, Cassidys Hotel, Parkway B&B, Academy Plaza Hotel, Holiday Inn Express City Centre, The Gate Hotel, Castle Hotel, The Belvedere Hotel, The Maldron Hotel (Parnell Square), Temple House North Great apartments and Halfpenny Bridge Holiday Homes.

Hotel/B&Bs near the drop-off point:

Ashling Hotel, Phoenix Park Hotel, Maldron Hotel Smithfield, McGettigans Townhouse, Generator Quality Hostel, Hilton Hotel Kilmainham, The Hendrick Smithfield

Third-party websites such as Booking.com, Trivago, b&bireland.com or Hostelworld (which also has B&Bs) offer very competitive rates that are more often than not, better than any tour operator rates.

What is the accommodation like? Where will we stay?

Depending on which accommodation package you choose; You will stay in a variety of accommodations all carefully selected to ensure that each place offers a new experience. 

 

B&B/Guesthouse Accommodation

B&Bs in the Republic of Ireland are rated on a 2-5 scale, and all meet the Fáilte Ireland minimum standards. B&Bs in Northern Ireland are not rated under a star system but are

inspected by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, and so are of a satisfactory level of comfort and service. Guesthouses on the island of Ireland are rated on a 1-4 scale.

We only use 3 to 4 stars.

 

You’ll find here 3 types of accommodation that we use.

 

Townhouse

The choice of townhouse B&Bs runs from detached, and semi-detached to large period houses in a

city, town, or village. Many are in an ideal location for city visits and shopping, they are often close to train and bus services.

 

Country home

Country homes are those in a rural setting. They offer a wide selection of premises such as Georgian residences, modern bungalows, and traditional Irish homes.

All with modern amenities, facilities, and adequate garden and green surrounds

 

Historic houses

Historic houses are private houses of significant historical and architectural merit and character.

They are based in towns and rural settings.

Most guest accommodation includes a private bathroom with a bath and/or shower. TV with remote control and tea/coffee facilities.

 

Hotel classification

Hotels on the island of Ireland are rated on a 1-5 star scale. We only use 3 to 4 star

 

3 stars

This ranges from small family-run hotels to larger city hotels. Every guest room will have a private bathroom. 3-star restaurants prepare food to high standards in a relaxed atmosphere.

 

4 stars

This includes contemporary hotels and period houses to the highest standards with all modern comforts. Accommodation is luxurious, with suites available. These hotels also house

restaurants that dish out excellent food and service.

Are private rooms available?

All rooms are private with a private bathroom  – twin room, double room, single room and family rooms

A twin room is a room with 2 single beds, whilst a double room has 1 large bed suited for two people. Both rooms are designed for double occupancy. A single room is a single bed, designed for single occupancy.

How old are the people on your tours?

We get a pretty wide range of age groups on our tours, anywhere from people in their 30s to 70s. In any case, we reckon it’s more about attitude than age, which is why social dynamics usually work so well. If you love the idea of getting out into the most incredible landscapes on the island of Ireland, with your feet on the ground rather than looking out of a coach window all day, and you enjoy your creature comforts — we know you will love our trips!

Do you need any outdoors experience for these trips?

You certainly don’t need any technical outdoor experience to enjoy your Irish Experience trip. If you enjoy being out and about in the outdoors and are a generally active person who enjoys hobbies like walking, cycling, golf, tennis, or dancing then you will have no problems at all with the walks and activities on your trip. Remember all walks and activities are optional. 

If your trip has kayaking as an option on it there’s no need for you to have ever been kayaking before. The kayaking is suitable for beginners and you will be in double sea kayaks, which are very stable. A specialist kayak guide will teach you everything you need to know before you head out and will be with you out on the water.

If your trip has biking on it you will need some biking experience to complete the bike ride on your trip. The trails we bike on are undulating gravel tracks that are rated as “easy” trail rides but you’ll need to have done some biking before to comfortably and safely take part in the bike rides. The activities on our trips are very flexible and many of our guests opt to walk instead of bike. The trails we bike on are shared walking/biking trails so you’ll be able to enjoy a walk with your guide if you prefer.

The same goes for horse riding as an option on your trip. Beginner or advanced rider, fast-paced jaunt or relaxing leisure trek, there’s something to suit you. There’s no pressure to go fast. Relax and take in the scenic locations. More experienced riders may be offered the chance to canter or even gallop. All of our horseback riding experiences are fully guided and safety-approved. Our trusted suppliers are local, family-operated businesses. They have the utmost concern for animal welfare.

 

Do I bring a suitcase or backpack?

Either is fine, it’s up to you! We ask that you bring only one large backpack/suitcase (25kg) and a day pack. If you are going to be travelling with a lot more than 25kg, then please let us know.

Are there any laundry facilities along the way for the longer tours?

Laundry facilities can be accessed during the two-night stays in Westport, Killarney, Dingle, and Clifden.

Your guide will advise you on where best to access laundry facilities

Is a deposit required and when is the balance due?

All multi-day tours have a €150 deposit.

The final payment of the remainder is due 30 days before the departure date or on the date of booking if within 30 days of the departure date. Failure to pay the remainder within 3 days of this payment notice may result in the booking being canceled.

Please see our terms and conditions for full deposit and payment details

What happens if I need to cancel?

*We take a €150 deposit and this is fully transferrable! We will transfer your deposit to any other trip or trip date as long as we have availability*

Our cancellation policy is:

Following your payment of part or all of the Fees, if you cancel your Tour:
(a) more than 30 days prior to the start date of the Tour, the Deposit is non-refundable (can be deferred to another tour).
A full refund (excl. deposit); and
(b) within 30 days from the start date of the Tour, the Deposit is non-refundable (cannot be deferred to another tour). No refund.
If you cancel on the start date of the Tour or any time thereafter (including by leaving the Tour) or you do not show up for the Tour, you will be liable to pay the Fee in full and no refund will be made to you. We will notify you as soon as possible if we need to suspend or reschedule a Tour.

OPTION 1:

B&B (Bed and Breakfast or Guest House)

The real Irish B&B experience is the opportunity to stay in a local family-run business. You will be greeted with the warmest of Irish welcomes.  They are great value for money, with a real small hotel experience.

  • Private rooms – single, twin, double and family rooms available
  • 3* and above rating
  • Small, locally run and independently owned accommodation
  • Low-cost, quality private accommodation
  • En-suite guaranteed
  • Quality Breakfast provided

OPTION 2:

Original Irish Hotels

Formerly Manor House Hotels & Irish Country Hotels, we are a collection of unique owner-run hotels located in Ireland’s most outstanding destinations. Open the door to the magic of unmissable moments with Ireland’s leading collection of independent hotels.

  • Private rooms – single, twin, double and family rooms available
  • 3* and 4* rating
  • On-site amenities
  • Quality Breakfast provided
  • En-suite guaranteed

Please note:

B&B Single Supplement – is mandatory for solo travellers – Solo travellers must pay extra to have their private room.

B&B –  Twin/Double Room Share – is automatically included when 2 travellers book together

  • What do twin/double and single mean?

A twin room is a room with 2 single beds, whilst a double room has 1 large bed suited for two people. Both rooms are designed for double occupancy. A single room is a single bed, designed for single occupancy.

  • Are family rooms available?

We always try to accommodate your needs. For any special requests, please contact us at info@irishexperiencetours.com or call us on +353 (0)86 160 6604

Gather your favourite people to share an Irish adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip – featuring all the legendary Irish Experience hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities.

Choose from the selection of dates for your group; All dates are available for 8+ guests. If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or your preferred date is not available, we’ll create a departure just for you. Call or email us to reserve your date.

stairway to Dunluce castle on the causeway coast - Irish Experience Tours
small group multi day tour in Northern Ireland
Two females and two males cycling on a sunny day on the great western greenway Westport , Mayo
group tour of peace wall Belfast
sunset view at the Giants causeway
young travelers at the peace wall Belfast city
crossing the rope bridge at Carrick a Rede
couple overlooking Connemara on small group tour
group biking on Aran Islands
Aerial shot of Dun Aongus Fort on Inismore , Aran Islands , Galway , Ireland
basalt columns on the Giants Causway Northern Ireland Tours
Torr Head hiking Causeway coast Northern Ireland
Rolling green hills and Causeway Coastline Northern Ireland , small group tours
A couple on walking tour of Derry , taking a photo of The Guildhall
Erie photo of The Dark Hedges Northern Ireland, famous Game of Thrones location
Private tour of Ireland in Northern Ireland
Solo traveler taking in the fresh sea air at the Giants Causeway
colourful harbour view of Cushden hotel with small blue and red boats
night time view of Titanic Museum Northern Ireland
Ancient stone fort at Grianán of Aileach, County Donegal
a group of girls having a picnic on the beach on the Aran islands