Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Dublin to Belfast
You'll arrive in Dublin and pick up your rental car to begin exploring Ireland on your own. From there, head north to Newgrange where you can walk through ancient stone burial mounds and check out the mysterious underground passageways. Later in the day, continue on to Belfast, Northern Ireland's capital, where you'll see impressive architecture and street art throughout the city. Stop by City Hall, the Albert Memorial Clock Tower, and the famous 'Big Fish' sculpture sitting by the River Lagan.
Included Activities
- Self-drive rental car journey
- Discovery tour of Belfast city highlights including City Hall, Albert Memorial Clock Tower, and River Lagan
Optional Activities
- Newgrange burial mounds visit with underground passageway exploration (can be booked online in advance)
Landmarks/POIs Newgrange City Hall Albert Memorial Clock Tower Big Fish - Day 2
Belfast
Spend your day exploring more of Belfast. If history interests you, the Titanic Belfast museum tells the dramatic story of that legendary ocean liner. St. Georges Market is worth a visit too, with over 250 food stalls and live Irish music playing throughout. Walking around the city, you'll come across colorful murals that show Northern Ireland's complex past. If you want some fresh air, The Gobbins hiking trail is about half an hour from the city center and offers dramatic cliff views and sea vistas.
Included Activities
- Exploration of Belfast murals and street art
- Visit to St. Georges Market
Optional Activities
- Titanic Belfast museum visit on six floors (payable on site)
- The Gobbins hiking trail along the cliffs with sea views (approximately 30 minutes from Belfast, can be booked online in advance)
Landmarks/POIs Titanic Belfast St. Georges Market The Gobbins - Day 3
Game of Thrones Locations to Derry
Drive to Dark Hedges this morning, the iconic Game of Thrones filming location with its tree-lined avenue. After that, head to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a 20-meter suspension bridge standing 30 meters high with spectacular views below. Next stop is the Giant's Causeway, where hexagonal basalt columns formed 60 million years ago create a unique natural landscape you can walk around. By evening, you'll reach Derry and explore the historic Bogside district with its twelve famous murals documenting Northern Ireland's turbulent history.
Included Activities
- Dark Hedges visit (Game of Thrones filming location)
- Giant's Causeway exploration
- Discovery tour of Derry's Bogside district with twelve famous murals
Optional Activities
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge crossing (20m long, 30m high - requires head for heights, can be booked online in advance)
Landmarks/POIs Dark Hedges Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Giant's Causeway Bogside - Day 4
Derry to Inishowen Peninsula
Start your morning by walking the historic city walls of Derry, which are preserved nearly in their original 17th-century form and give perfect views of the Peace Bridge, Guildhall, and Derry Girls Mural. Later, drive onto the Inishowen Peninsula and follow the scenic drive with beautiful views of jagged cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. End your day at Malin Head, Ireland's northernmost point, where you can stand at the edge of the vast ocean and feel that sense of freedom.
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Derry's historic city walls
- Inishowen Peninsula scenic drive to Malin Head
Landmarks/POIs Derry City Walls Peace Bridge Guildhall Malin Head - Day 5
Wild Atlantic Way to Enniskillen
Head to Glenveagh National Park in the mystical landscape around Lough Beagh where you can choose between a challenging hike through the mountains or a leisurely stroll to Glenveagh Castle. From there, follow the winding Wild Atlantic Way coastal road to the Cliffs of Slieve League, standing at 601 meters (three times higher than the famous Cliffs of Moher but far less crowded). You'll see sheep grazing near the cliff edge as you take in the Atlantic views. Drive to Enniskillen for your overnight stay.
Included Activities
- Glenveagh National Park visit with access to Lough Beagh and Glenveagh Castle
- Wild Atlantic Way coastal drive to Slieve League Cliffs
Landmarks/POIs Glenveagh National Park Glenveagh Castle Lough Beagh Cliffs of Slieve League - Day 6
Westport to Galway
Begin in the charming harbor town of Westport with its idyllic streets, small bridges, and cozy cafés where you can grab breakfast. Pass Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord, and visit the fairytale Kylemore Abbey in Connemara with its Victorian Walled Garden. Then you'll arrive in Galway, a vibrant city buzzing with street music, colorful facades, and creative energy. Explore the pubs and enjoy live Irish folk music while spending time in local conversation over a pint.
Included Activities
- Westport town exploration
- Killary Harbour viewpoint stop
- Galway city exploration and pub visits
Optional Activities
- Kylemore Abbey visit in Connemara with Victorian Walled Garden (payable locally)
Landmarks/POIs Westport Killary Harbour Kylemore Abbey Kylemore Victorian Walled Garden - Day 7
Galway to Dublin
Take one last walk through Galway's charming alleyways before heading to Dublin. Stop at Clonmacnoise to explore the quiet monastery ruins with their iconic Celtic crosses, great for photos. Continue to Dublin where you can see the General Post Office, the 120-meter-high Spire towering over the city, and cross the O'Connell Bridge with views of the River Liffey. Visit Trinity College's legendary library, wander through the Temple Bar district, and grab some pizza at Bambino before an evening of your choice.
Included Activities
- Clonmacnoise monastery ruins visit
- Dublin city walking tour including General Post Office, Spire, O'Connell Bridge, and River Liffey
- Trinity College visit
Optional Activities
- Temple Bar district exploration and drinks
- Pizza dinner at Bambino
Landmarks/POIs Clonmacnoise General Post Office Spire of Dublin O'Connell Bridge River Liffey Trinity College Temple Bar - Day 8
Departure from Dublin
Your flight leaves later today, so you have time for one last look around Dublin. Revisit your favorite spots, catch any highlights you missed, or simply enjoy a final treat from your favorite café before heading to the airport.
Optional Activities
- Optional last-minute Dublin city exploration
- Final café visit
