Donegal, Bundoran & Wild Atlantic Way

We catch the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin where our tour manager joins us. We continue onwards to our overnight hotel in the Dublin area.

We start with a visit to Glencolmcille Folk Village. This living history ‘museum’ is a replica of a rural village, offering a glimpse into life as it was for our ancestors. Next, we call at Killybegs, Ireland’s largest fishing port with a scenic harbour and also famous for its tapestries and carpets.

Later, we check in to the Abbey Hotel in Donegal, our base for the next three nights.

We head to Donegal, where we start with a leisurely cruise on Donegal Bay. Here we can spot the seal colony on Seal Island and admire the beauty of the Bluestack Mountains. Complete with a full commentary about the history, environment and wildlife of the area, this is a lovely way to take in the stunning natural beauty of Donegal Bay.

Next, we head to the Slieve League Cliffs, one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets. We enjoy a guided minibus transfer to the Cliffs, rising almost 2,000 feet from the Atlantic, they are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe and offer outstanding panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay.

Today we make our way to Belleek Pottery, just across the border in Northern Ireland with a history spanning back to 1849. Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, the delicate products are sought after worldwide, famous for their signature translucent Parian ware, a type of porcelain that resembles marble. Browse the showroom for a unique souvenir to take home (or postage can be arranged!), learn more in the museum and watch the skilled artisans at work, creating timeless pieces by hand and preserving traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Next, we travel to Sligo for some free time and lunch at your leisure. Surrounded by rugged landscapes, this pretty coastal town boasts a castle, medieval abbey, traditional pubs and plenty of shopping opportunities.

On the way back to Donegal, we enjoy a stop in Bundoran, the most southerly town in County Donegal and a lovely seaside resort which has been delighting visitors for over two centuries. The Blue Flag beach is the perfect place to get some sea air, or why not enjoy some nostalgic entertainment at the traditional amusement arcades? There are also stunning coastal walks dotted with fairy bridges and a wishing chair.

Checking out of our hotel, we travel to Dublin where we spend an afternoon at leisure. There are plenty of historic sites, architectural splendours and iconic monuments to see from the oldest, Dublin Castle, to one of the newest, the Spire of Dublin. Or you may like to experience one of Dublin’s traditional pubs – there are 1,000 lining the city’s cobbled streets! We also have the option to join a locally guided tour of the city before spending the night in our hotel in the Dublin area.

We check out of our hotel very early to catch the ferry back to Holyhead; therefore a voucher will be provided to enjoy breakfast on board. On arrival in Holyhead, we continue our journey home.

Due to ferry times, coach pickup times may be very early in the morning.

We fly to Dublin airport and are transferred to our overnight hotel in the Dublin area.

We start with a visit to Glencolmcille Folk Village. This living history ‘museum’ is a replica of a rural village, offering a glimpse into life as it was for our ancestors. Next, we call at Killybegs, Ireland’s largest fishing port with a scenic harbour and also famous for its tapestries and carpets.

Later, we check in to the Abbey Hotel in Donegal, our base for the next three nights.

We head to Donegal, where we start with a leisurely cruise on Donegal Bay. Here we can spot the seal colony on Seal Island and admire the beauty of the Bluestack Mountains. Complete with a full commentary about the history, environment and wildlife of the area, this is a lovely way to take in the stunning natural beauty of Donegal Bay.

Next, we head to the Slieve League Cliffs, one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets. We enjoy a guided minibus transfer to the Cliffs, rising almost 2,000 feet from the Atlantic, they are among the highest sea cliffs in Europe and offer outstanding panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Sligo Mountains and Donegal Bay.

Today we make our way to Belleek Pottery, just across the border in Northern Ireland with a history spanning back to 1849. Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, the delicate products are sought after worldwide, famous for their signature translucent Parian ware, a type of porcelain that resembles marble. Browse the showroom for a unique souvenir to take home (or postage can be arranged!), learn more in the museum and watch the skilled artisans at work, creating timeless pieces by hand and preserving traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Next, we travel to Sligo for some free time and lunch at your leisure. Surrounded by rugged landscapes, this pretty coastal town boasts a castle, medieval abbey, traditional pubs and plenty of shopping opportunities.

On the way back to Donegal, we enjoy a stop in Bundoran, the most southerly town in County Donegal and a lovely seaside resort which has been delighting visitors for over two centuries. The Blue Flag beach is the perfect place to get some sea air, or why not enjoy some nostalgic entertainment at the traditional amusement arcades? There are also stunning coastal walks dotted with fairy bridges and a wishing chair.

Checking out of our hotel, we travel to Dublin where we spend an afternoon at leisure. There are plenty of historic sites, architectural splendours and iconic monuments to see from the oldest, Dublin Castle, to one of the newest, the Spire of Dublin. Or you may like to experience one of Dublin’s traditional pubs – there are 1,000 lining the city’s cobbled streets! We also have the option to join a locally guided tour of the city before spending the night in our hotel in the Dublin area.

We transfer to Dublin airport for our return flight home.