Seven days with Ireland’s most famous storyteller – Willie Drennan of the Ulster Folk Orchestra. Easy walking with lots of cultural insight.
Ireland's quiet green hills are laced pathways that take you from one enchanted place to another, through shady glens, wee villages, timeless moorlands, peat bogs, rugged cliffs, mountains, and along miles of white sandy beaches. The legendary little people and massive giants are rarely seen these days but Irish villagers, including musicians, provide smiles that will light up your day with delightful frequency. Starting in Belfast, you will first follow the coastal trail, and explore the highlights of the city before embarking on a short drive to County Antrim’s hilly north. You will stop to visit Slemish Mountain, where St. Patrick slaved over his sheep, before visiting the magnificent waterfalls in Glenariff, the most impressive of the Nine Glens. Following the Antrim Coast, you will visit several picturesque hamlets with fine views across to Scotland, as close as twelve miles away! The Giant’s Causeway, the Carrickarede Rope Bridge, the oldest distillery in the world at Bushmills, and the mystical ruins of Dunluce Castle all contribute to this exceptionally rich experience. On day seven, you will walk the fascinating walls of Londonderry, then visit the Ulster-American Folk park before returning to Belfast, pleasantly tired, and amazed that such an enchanting part of the world has remained so untouched by tourism. This is an exceptional opportunity, whose memories you’ll cherish for a long time!
Day 1:
Meet 14:00 in Belfast. Afternoon tour of historic Belfast: Belfast Castle/Cave Hill, Titanic Quarter, Cathedral Quarter, University Area/Botanic Gardens/Ulster Museum. D
Tara Lodge, Belfast
Day 2:
Walk on Down coastal path. Finish with transfer to Broughshane. Stop at Slemish Mountain enroute. BLD
Marlagh Lodge, Ballymena
Day 3:
Glens of Antrim. Following the Antrim coast, you will turn inland to wander through the forested Glenariff Glen, which is famous for its beautiful gardens and fairy lore. The highlight is the enormous waterfall at the bottom of the shady glen. From Glenariff, cross the moorland to Glenaan where you'll find Ossian's Grave, just before reaching Antrim's coast at the picturesque village of Cushendall. Finish with a walk along the shore to the medieval ruins of Layde Church and its burial ground. Glenarm Castle--forest walks,walled garden, coastal path. BL
Same lodging
Day 4:
Today’s highlights include Glenarrif, the Cushendall coastal path to Layde Church ruins at Cushendun, a quaint beachfront village. Finish with a transfer to Bushmills, where you will stay next to the most famous Irish distillery. BLD
Bushmills Inn, Bushmills
Day 5:
Carrick-a-Rede, Giant's Causeway, Portbalintrae, Bushmills Distillery, Dunluce Castle. Following the North Antrim coast, you will visit the rope bridge at Carrickarede, which sways back and forth 100 feet above the sea, over to a wee island used by salmon fishermen! Afterwards you can recover your wits making your way from Ballintoy Harbour along the beautiful beach of Whitepark Bay to the tiny hamlet of Port Braddon, near the fantastic Giant's Causeway. You can explore the marvel of the causeway, with its unique rock formation. Finn McCool, who was trying to get over to Scotland, built this centuries ago. Modern scientists, however, challenge this belief. Walking paths lead from the causeway up to cliffs, where you will have splendid views. At day’s end, you will have time to investigate dinner options near the Bushmills Distillery. BL
Same lodging
Day 6:
Walk around the walls of Londonderry, where Willie will give you a detailed appreciation of “the troubles”. Afterwards, hike through Gortin Glen, where peace reigns perennially! BLD
Same lodging; or
Clanabogan Country House, Omagh
Day 7:
Morning walk through the Ulster American Folk Park. Follow the emigrant trail as you journey from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full scale emigrant sailing ship leading to the log cabins of the American Frontier. Meet an array of costumed characters on your way with traditional crafts to show, tales to tell and food to share. Transfer back to Belfast after lunch. BL
| Start: | Belfast International Airport, UK, 14:00 day one, or a downtown Belfast hotel, at approximately 15:00 |
| Finish: | Belfast, 12:00 day seven. See www.aircoach.ie for economical transfers between Dublin and Belfast if desired |
| Guided Cost: | $3295 (per person, double occ., includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage handling, van and guide support, maps, taxes) |
| Self-Guided: | Not yet available |
| Single Occupancy: | $665 |
| Route Notes: | Moderate walks on easy terrain, including footpaths, beaches, and quiet roads, with some hills. Water resistant footwear can be important. The warmth of Irish hospitality will charm and amaze you |
| 2012 Guided Dates: | Sept 16-22. Add your own dates (learn more) |
| 2013 Guided Dates: | Jun 23-29; Aug 18-24; Sept 15-21. Add your own dates (learn more) |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You choose! We confirm within 48 hours. The following dates are already confirmed: |
All details are subject to change without notice.
