UK & Ireland Holidays

Donegal and the Giant's Causeway

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Ireland's spectacular north

Join us amid some of Ireland's finest scenery. A land of rivers and loughs, some sweeping in from the sea; of towering mountains and sheltered glens; where the Irish language is still widely spoken and traditional music rings out from the pubs and bars of its ancient villages and towns.

One of the most popular towns in Ireland's north, with a host of modern facilities, Letterkenny in County Donegal is an ideal base for our short stay. Dominated by the vast cathedral of Saints Eunan and Colomba, the town lies just north of the River Swilly, and a short distance from beautiful Lough Swilly.

Day One

Fly to Belfast and transfer to your hotel (approximately two hours). Depending on your arrival time, you'll be able to spend the rest of the day exploring the town or relaxing in a pub or cafe.

Day Two

Spend today exploring Letterkenny, or join our optional half-day excursion to Donegal. Centred on its ancient marketplace, the 'Diamond', Donegal has a rich history that is reflected in its imposing Jacobean castle. Wander the streets, or take a 70-minute waterbus trip (payable locally) around Donegal Bay, before we return to our hotel.

Day Three

This morning we'll head to the windswept coast of County Antrim for our included excursion to the Giant's Causeway. Long associated with legendary Irish hero Finn McCool, its basalt columns, which rise like stepping-stones from the Atlantic, were in fact formed after a volcanic eruption 60-million years ago. Take the mini-bus from the visitor centre to the Causeway, or walk the mile-or so along the cliff path and marvel at the breathtaking views.

After time for lunch (payable locally), we'll continue to Dunluce Castle, one of the most extensive ruins of a medieval castle in Northern Ireland, rising dramatically from a precipitous basaltic rock standing over a hundred-feet sheer above the wild sea. Explore this dramatic place before we return to Letterkenny.

Day Four

Today's optional excursion is to the stunning Inishowen Peninsula, home of Ireland's most northerly point, Malin Head. Visit the Doagh Isle Famine Village, where 19th-century Irish life is recreated, before continuing through the
remote peninsula town of Carndonagh to see wild, windswept Malin.You'll return this evening to Letterkenny.

Day Five

Transfer back to Belfast for your flight home, taking with you some wonderful memories of this very special part of the world.

2011 itinerary changes

Please note that for 2011 departures, the optional excursion on Day Four is to Glenveagh National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty, rather than Malin Head and the Inishowen Peninsular.

Wining and dining

Hearty and tasty, Irish cuisine emphasises local produce and the freshest ingredients - try potato scones, scallops, mussels and Atlantic salmon. And don't miss the many opportunities to enjoy the 'black stuff' - typically Guinness or Murphy's - in the region's welcoming pubs.