Belfast, Galway, Northern Ireland & Atlantic Coast Small-Group Tour from Dublin – 5 Days
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- Duration
- 5 days
- Guiding Style
- Fully Guided
- Hotel Rating
- B&B Ensuite
- Start / End
- Dublin → Dublin
- Group Size
- Min 1 / Max 16
- Physical Rating
- Easy Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Highlights
Discover Ireland's history, from stunning sea cliffs to historic castles. Uncover Belfast's stories, the Celtic legends of Giant's Causeway, and the events that shaped Ireland.
Immerse yourself in the landscapes and culture of Northern Ireland, from the vibrant streets of Derry to the wild Atlantic shores of Donegal, Mayo, and Connemara, before ending with the legendary energy of Galway City.
- Explore Belfast's turbulent history on Falls Road with its iconic political murals, then discover the Titanic Quarter where the world's most famous ship was built, with optional visits to the Titanic Experience and decommissioned navy ships
- Stand among the 40,000 hexagonal basalt stones of Giant's Causeway, formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago — or choose to believe the legend of the giants who built a bridge here
- Explore Derry, Northern Ireland's lively second city, then journey into County Donegal to visit the neolithic Grianan of Aileach fort and travel through Glenveagh National Park past Mount Errigal
- Visit Carrowmore, Ireland's largest cluster of megalithic tombs, then cross into County Mayo to explore Achill Island's Keel Beach and the haunting 5,000-year-old Slievemore deserted village
- Marvel at the fairytale setting of Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian gardens, explore Connemara National Park, and end with free time in vibrant Galway City before the scenic return to Dublin
5-Day Belfast, Galway, Northern Ireland & Atlantic Coast Itinerary
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Day 1
Belfast and the Titanic Quarter
Departing Dublin, head north with a brief stop at Stephentown Pond Nature Park before reaching Belfast. In the city, start with a tour highlighting its history. First, visit the iconic Falls Road, famous for its political murals reflecting Northern Ireland's turbulent past.
Next, explore the Titanic Quarter, where the ship was built. Enjoy free time for lunch (not included) and optional activities like the Titanic Experience, a hop-on bus tour, or visiting decommissioned navy ships. Your guide will help you pick the best option.
Then, stop for tea in Ballycastle before heading to the Giant's Causeway. With its 40,000 hexagonal stones formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago, though legend tells of giants building a bridge here — you can choose which story to believe! Finally, relax in Portrush, a lovely fishing village, where you'll stay the night.
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Day 2
Derry & Donegal
Leave behind the charming village of Portrush as you make your way to Derry, Northern Ireland's lively second city and home of the hit show Derry Girls. You'll have free time to explore — take a walking or bus tour, visit museums, admire murals, or just soak in the vibrant energy. Then, we head to a dramatic hilltop fort that brings ancient history to life.
Next stop: County Donegal, beginning at Grianan of Aileach, a stunning neolithic fort dating back to 200 BC and linked to St. Patrick's baptism. Travel through Glenveagh National Park past Mount Errigal, with a lunch break (not included) in a scenic spot. Then, explore local fishing villages, stroll beaches, snap photos, and take in the culture.
With a few photo stops along the way, you'll reach Donegal by early evening. After a short orientation from your guide, enjoy time to discover the town at your own pace.
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Day 3
Carrowmore & Achill Island
Your day starts in Donegal, heading south through County Sligo with stunning views of Benbulben mountain. Along the way, enjoy a few surprise stops and a scheduled break to stretch. Just outside Sligo Town, visit Carrowmore, home to Ireland's largest cluster of megalithic tombs, some over 6,000 years old. After soaking in the site, head to Crossmolina for free time to enjoy lunch (not included).
Next, travel west to County Mayo, tragically ravaged by the Great Potato Famine. The winding roads through farmland, bogs, and moors lead to Achill Island, where you'll explore Keel Beach and the haunting remains of Slievemore's deserted village, dating back 5,000 years. The landscape offers more than beauty — it's steeped in history and solitude.
Finally, a short drive takes you to Westport, your base for the next two nights, where your guide will provide a quick orientation and drop you off at your accommodation.
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Day 4
Kylemore Abbey & Connemara National Park
Depart Westport and take a short drive to Kylemore Abbey, a stunning monastery surrounded by Victorian gardens — truly a fairytale setting. Afterward, explore Connemara National Park, known for its lush boglands and historic landmarks, followed by free time for lunch (not included).
In Clifden, famous for the first transatlantic flight and its picturesque castle, enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of its cosy spots. The afternoon is flexible, with your guide adjusting the route based on the group's interests and weather. You may visit the Twelve Bens mountains or the breathtaking Sky Road, where land and sky meet at sunset.
Return to Westport in the evening.
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Day 5
Galway & Return to Dublin
Travel inland past Lough Mask to the charming village of Cong, tucked in Ireland's lake district. Known for its rows of stone cottages, Cong was the setting for the John Wayne classic The Quiet Man. You're free here to explore the film museum or stroll through the restored 12th-century Cong Abbey.
Next, wind through the stunning Maam Valley, a dramatic mountain pass full of natural beauty. Then it's on to Galway City — a vibrant harbour town where lively markets meet cosy pubs and top-tier restaurants. It's no wonder Galway has inspired countless songs and stories. With postcard views, great food, and friendly locals, Galway is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
After lunch (not included), there's an optional stop at Kilbeggan Distillery — the world's oldest licensed distillery — for a dram or two. End the day with a scenic, relaxing drive back to Dublin, the perfect close to your five-day journey.
What's Included
Accommodation
- 4 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast
What should I expect from a B&B?
B&Bs are traditionally small family owned and run properties offering a handful of guest rooms. They are usually residential properties, so they tend to be located on the outskirts of towns and you should be prepared for a 20–30 minute walk to local facilities like pubs and restaurants.
It's unusual for a B&B to offer any additional services like concierge, porterage, evening meals or room-service. Wi-fi is usually, but not always available and it's worth bearing in mind that access can be unreliable in more remote locations.
If you have difficulty with stairs, please request a ground-floor room (subject to availability, upon request only) as lifts will not be available in this type of property.
Guide
- Experienced English-speaking driver-guide throughout
Meals
- 4 breakfasts
Transport
- 16-seat mini-coach throughout
- Passengers are entitled to 1 piece of checked luggage (20 kg / 44 lbs). Checked luggage will be stowed in the luggage compartment and is not accessible until drop-off.
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Arrival & departure transfers
- Food and drinks
- Entry fees to visitor attractions unless specified
- Other activities and services not listed under Included
Additional Information
- You will receive an e-ticket for this tour.
- This tour operates year-round, subject to availability.
- On departures from 6th to 13th May 2026, this tour will overnight in Derry on Day 1 rather than Portrush, due to an event taking place in Portrush.
- Tour reference code: 319984
Dates & Availability
Frequently Asked Questions
The tour includes 4 nights en-suite B&B accommodation with daily breakfast, and transportation by 16-seat mini-coach with an experienced English-speaking driver-guide throughout. Entry fees to visitor attractions are not included unless specified.
The tour starts and ends in Dublin. You depart from Dublin on Day 1 and return to Dublin on the evening of Day 5, after visiting Galway City and an optional stop at Kilbeggan Distillery.
You stay 1 night in Portrush, 1 night in Donegal, and 2 nights in Westport — with B&B en-suite accommodation and daily breakfast included. Note: on departures from 6th to 13th May 2026, the tour overnights in Derry on Day 1 rather than Portrush due to a local event. B&Bs are traditionally small, family-owned properties usually located on the outskirts of towns, so guests should be prepared for a short walk to local facilities. Lifts are not available; if you have difficulty with stairs, please request a ground-floor room in advance (subject to availability).
Yes. On Day 1 the tour visits Giant's Causeway, with its 40,000 hexagonal basalt stones formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago — though legend tells of giants building a bridge here. You'll have time to explore this iconic landmark.
In Belfast you'll take a city tour highlighting its history, visit the iconic Falls Road with its political murals, and explore the Titanic Quarter where the ship was built. There is free time for lunch and optional activities including the Titanic Experience, a hop-on bus tour, or visiting decommissioned navy ships.
Yes. On Day 4 the tour visits Kylemore Abbey, a stunning monastery surrounded by Victorian gardens in the heart of Connemara. After exploring the abbey, the tour continues into Connemara National Park and on to Clifden.
The Grianan of Aileach is a stunning neolithic hilltop fort in County Donegal dating back to 200 BC, linked to St. Patrick's baptism. The tour visits it on Day 2 as part of the journey through County Donegal.
The tour starts from US $1,504 per person, reduced from the standard price of US $2,350 — a saving of 36%. Price may vary by departure date.