7-day tour of Northern Ireland & Ireland | Giant’s Causeway & Slieve

Day 1: Arrival in Dublin & drive to Belfast

You’ll land in Dublin and pick up your hire car straight away. The drive towards Belfast takes you through lush Irish countryside and marks the start of your adventure. As soon as you enter Northern Ireland, you’ll feel the atmosphere change: from tranquil valleys to a city brimming with stories, historic grandeur and contemporary energy. Today, you’ll check in, settle into your rhythm and slowly immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Belfast and its turbulent past.

Day 2: Discovering Belfast

In the morning, you’ll visit Titanic Belfast, the striking museum on the historic shipyard where the RMS Titanic was designed and built. You’ll walk through nine immersive galleries, see original artefacts and stand on the spot where the ship once slid into the water.

In the afternoon, a different side of the city awaits. During a Black Cab Tour, a local driver will tell you about Belfast past and present. You’ll drive past murals, Peace Walls and neighbourhoods scarred by the Troubles, and see how the city has evolved from a conflict zone into a creative, vibrant capital.

Day 3: Country life & cider

You leave the city behind and head into the countryside, where the pace slows and the scenery turns greener. In the morning, you visit a farm in the hills, where a shepherd directs his border collies with the sound of his whistle – a skill that has been passed down here for generations.

In the afternoon, you head towards the orchards of County Armagh. Amidst apple trees and quiet country lanes, you discover how cider is made, from fruit to bottle, and enjoy a relaxed picnic amongst the rows of trees.

Day 4: Coastal route and departure for Donegal

Today you’ll follow one of the island’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. You’ll start at the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, stretched between two cliffs and dangling over the Atlantic Ocean, once built by salmon fishermen, today a place that makes your heart beat a little faster. Next up is the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic spots. Thousands of basalt columns seem to descend into the sea like steps; no wonder legends claim that giants were at work here.

You’ll round off the day at the Dark Hedges: a winding avenue of beech trees, mysterious and photogenic, as if you’re stepping into a landscape where fairy tales and reality meet.

Day 5: Glencolmcille & Slieve League

You leave the coast and drive on towards County Donegal. In the morning, you visit Glencolmcille Folk Village, a charming open-air museum where traditional cottages, ancient crafts and the Irish language bring the lives of past generations to life.

In the afternoon, pure natural beauty awaits. You stand at the edge of the impressive Slieve League Cliffs; at almost 600 metres, they are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe, more than three times higher than the Cliffs of Moher. The Atlantic Ocean stretches endlessly out below you, with nothing but wind, silence and sea.

Day 6: Derry/Londonderry Walking Tour

Today you’ll drive to Derry/Londonderry, Ireland’s only fully walled city. During a guided walk along the city walls, you’ll discover the Guildhall, the Bogside area and the Peace Bridge. You’ll sense how this city, once divided, now stands as a symbol of resilience, culture and reconciliation.

Day 7: Return home

After breakfast, you’ll head back home. The impressive landscapes, lively pubs and rugged coastlines will linger in your memory for a while. Northern Ireland and Ireland are not easily forgotten.

What should you expect in terms of budget?

For this tour, you can expect a guide price starting from 5,000 euros for two people. This price includes international flights, a hire car and accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, and depends on your travel dates, hotel choices and any extras such as excursions or extensions.

Frequently asked questions about this Northern Ireland tour

When is the best time to visit Northern Ireland and Donegal?

Choose the period from May to September. The days are longest then, which is essential for making the most of coastal routes such as the Causeway Coastal Route. In spring, the landscape is at its greenest, whilst September often offers mild late-summer days.

Is a hire car essential for this tour?

Yes, a hire car is absolutely essential. Although Belfast and Derry are easily accessible, the most beautiful highlights, such as the Slieve League Cliffs and the Giant’s Causeway, are in remote locations that are difficult or time-consuming to reach by public transport.

What makes this tour unique?

This tour combines the vibrant, urban history of Belfast and Derry with the unspoilt wilderness of the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal. You’ll visit landmarks that are over three times higher than the famous Cliffs of Moher, without the large tourist crowds found in the south.