Causeway, Cliffs and Castles
Depart Dublin Airport 12noon
Return Dublin Airport 3pm
Mon 4 June to Weds 13 June
10 days
$3299

Day 1
From Dublin Airport we will drive up to Newgrange in County Meath. The tomb of Newgrange is said to be older than the Pyramids of Egypt. On the day of the Winter Solstice the sun shines directly through a slit in the stone: a truly amazing archaeological and mathematical achievement. The tomb was a burial place for the High Kings and nobility up until the coming of Christianity. Our afternoon here will include the visitor’s centre, audio-visuals and fully guided tour. For our first night we will be accommodated in the beautiful Bellingham Castle in the town of Castlebellingham in County Louth. Take time to relax and wander the grounds of the castle this evening.
Info: Half day walk and tour 1.5 miles (2.4km)


Day 2
Today we walk up and over the Black Mountains and the Cooley Hills of County Louth, then down through Ravensdale Forest Park. We will encounter ancient stone circles along the way and we’ll be rewarded with great views of Northern Ireland. Our next night is spent in the lovely medieval harbour village of Carlingford in County Louth. We will be accommodated at Ghan House.
Info: Full day walk 8 miles (12.9km)

Day 3
Wild Oxeye Daisy, Ballintoy Harbour, County Antrim
Today we will head further north and over the border into Northern Ireland. En route we will stop to walk at Glenarriff Forest Park: a wealth of woodland and waterfalls. We will then make our way to the Causeway Coast, Co. Antrim. The Antrim Coast has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We will be accommodated at a family run guest house in Ballintoy, with a lovely Irish welcome from our hostess Jean McCaw.
Info: Half day walk 7 miles (11.3km)

Day 4
The Giant's Causeway, County Antrim (photo: Jenny Bailey)
Today we take a spectacular walk from White Park Bay to the Giant’s Causeway. The Causeway is made up of 37,000 black basalt hexagonal columns. It is the result of a massive underground explosion, which took place some sixty million years ago. In 1693 the Royal Geographical Society publicised it as one of the great wonders of the natural world.
Info: Full day walk 9 miles (14.5km) (shorter option: 5 miles).


Day 5
This morning we will take the early ferry to Rathlin Island. Rathlin is famed for it’s abundant bird life. At the west end of the island is a lighthouse and a bird sanctuary is situated there. From there we can see puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes, guillemots and more. Our leisurely walk will be out to the West Lighthouse and back. We will be accommodated in the Manor House tonight with lovely harbourside views.
Info: Full day walk 7 miles (11.3km).



Day 6
We will take the morning ferry back from Rathlin. After our return to the mainland we drive west to Donegal. We will stop for lunch at Grianan of Ailleach: a magnificent ancient Ringfort. Then we will head for Glenveagh National Park and take a breathtaking walk to Glenveagh Castle. We will be accommodated for the next two nights at The Mill Guest House in Dunfanaghy, County Donegal.
Info: Half day walk 5 miles (8km).


Day 7
The Harbour, Rathlin Island, County Antrim
Setting out on foot from the hotel, our walk today will be at the Horn Head Peninsula. The walk will bring us through pine woods, sand dunes dotted with orchids, along a spectacular beach (bring your swimming costume), coastal tracks, with views of an arch in the sea. We will also have time to visit the Poor House museum in Dunfanaghy.
Info: Walking Distance 8 miles (12.9km).



Day 8
We head for Europe's highest sea cliffs at Slieve League (2000ft). The beauty of these cliffs will have to be seen to be believed and a walk over "One Man's Pass" will be exhilarating, (this will not be a compulsory part of the journey - be calm, vertigo sufferers!). An isolated gentle green road will bring us out onto the most majestic views of the Atlantic Ocean. This walk is truly an unforgettable one and is Donegal's piece de resistance. It will be hard for you to ever forget this beauty and stunning views. Our last two nights are spent at the beautiful Ard na Breatha Guest House in Donegal Town.
Info: Walking distance 7 miles (11.3km)




Day 9
Our final day will be spent walking the Bluestack Mountains and we will spend our last night in Donegal Town hopefully to find some excellent traditional music. Be warned about visiting County Donegal: you’ll want to come back!
Info: Full day walk 8 miles (12.9km).

Day 10
We will drive back to Dublin via Enniskillen and the Fermanagh Lakelands. We should get back to Dublin Airport at around 3 pm.

Remains of Dunluce Castle on the Antrim Coastal Path

"The footprints of an older race are here.
And memories of an old heroic time
And shadows of an old mysterious faith
So that the place seems haunted
And strange sounds float upon the wind."
Anon