Holidays
Walking the Giant's Causeway Route & Donegal

Holidays

Walking the Giant's Causeway Route & Donegal

Ireland, Northern Ireland

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Walk & Trek

Guided Group

LEISURELY

Tread in the footsteps of giants along the Giant's Causeway Coastal Route and Donegal on this tour of some of Ireland's most impressive stretches of coastline

Trip Code: WGC

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

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4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

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7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

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10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

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Section:

Walking the Giant's Causeway Route & Donegal

Highlights

Hike iconic Irish landscapes including UNESCO World Heritage Site the Giant's Causeway, Slieve League Cliffs & Glenveagh National Park
Walk Ireland's most northerly peninsula and Star Wars filming location, Malin Head, where mountains meet sea
Hike through Donegal, voted National Geographic's Coolest Place on Earth in 2017
Island hopping to Rathlin Island, in search of myths and puffins

At a Glance

Group Size 2 to 8
6 days walking
Join In Belfast, end in Sligo

Accommodation & Meals

All meals included
6 nights Guesthouse

Overview

Our route takes us along the Causeway Coastal Route and the Giant’s Causeway, collectively rated the world’s best region to visit in 2018 by Lonely Planet, along the northern edge of Ireland to the dramatic mountains and glens of the Donegal, finishing at Slieve League, some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe.

Is this holiday for you?

This holiday is suitable for leisurely walkers able to cover around six miles of smooth but often unpaved terrain. This trip includes regular five and six mile walks in usually undulating but never severe coastal areas over generally good terrain. Walks will last around 2-4 hours at a leisurely pace and include cultural stops along the way. You’ll return each day from your walks to a comforta …

Why KE?

On our Irish holidays we pride ourselves on the quality of our meals, the excellence of our local expert guides, and our attention to organisational detail, meaning that you can have a world-class experience in some of the world’s most majestic scenery.

Itinerary

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Day 1

Meet in Belfast before a walk along the coastal route to the Giant's Causeway.

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Meeting in vibrant Belfast, you'll explore a region once named as the coolest place on earth by Lonely Planet. Follow the fiercely panoramic clifftop of the Causeway Coastal Route as it gets wilder and more alien upon approaching the Giant's Causeway, a fascinating geological phenomenon. Folklore claims that the Giant's Causeway was formed by two rival giants who hurled rocks at each other across the sea, while science attributes this place to a long-ago volcano. Designated as a UNESCO site, the Giant's Causeway and Causeway Coast have inspired visitors for centuries.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

L D

Time

2 hrs walking

Distance

5 KM

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Day 2

Sail out to Rathlin Island and walk it's coast full of birdlife, sea stacks and a charming lighthouse.

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Many tales of myth and mystery surround Rathlin Island, with the legend of Robert the Bruce perhaps the most famous. In 1306, the Scottish King was driven from Scotland by Edward I of England and took refuge on Rathlin Island where he watched a spider persevering again and again to bridge a gap with its web. Eventually, it succeeded. Taking heart from the spider's efforts, he returned to Scotland and eventually regained his crown. Sailing to this rugged little island today, our hiking loop takes in the bird sanctuary, home to an adorable resident puffin colony in season, unparalleled views of the stunning island coast and jagged sea stacks, and the lovely west lighthouse.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B L D

Time

4 hrs walking

Distance

8 KM

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Day 3

Cross Lough Swilly by ferry to enjoy an undulating walk along the Inishowen Peninsula.

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The ancient territory of the O'Doherty clan of Co. Donegal is among the most remote regions of Ireland. Its northern shore is on the restless Atlantic Ocean with Lough Swilly forming its western boundary and Lough Foyle to the east. This parcel of undiscovered Ireland is perfect for outdoor lovers and budding photographers. After a ferry across the lough to the Inishowen Peninsula, explore a World War II-era lookout tower and climb the gradual shoulder of little-visited Crocknasmug hill for magical coastal views. In the evening, kick back with a local pint and an open fire.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B L D

Time

3 - 4 hrs walking

Distance

8 KM

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Day 4

Visit Malin Head, Ireland's most Northerly point, a landscape full of rugged headlands and interesting archaeology.

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At the tip of the vast and wild Inishowen Peninsula is Malin Head, the northernmost point of Ireland. Jutting into the restless Atlantic Ocean, it is so other-worldly that scenes from Star Wars Episode VIII were filmed here. Malin Head is a wild, windswept landscape peppered with ancient archaeological sites. Our hike climbs over rocky hills, rugged headlands and along dramatic coastal cliffs.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B L D

Time

3 hrs walking

Distance

7 KM

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Day 5

Visit Glenveagh Castle, walk among the Derryveagh mountains and meet some of the local tweed makers.

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Glenveagh National Park is a hauntingly beautiful wilderness of craggy mountains, pristine lakes, tumbling waterfalls and enchanted native oak woodland, dominated by Mount Errigal's glittering quartzite peak. This morning we cross Lough Swilly on a local ferry for great views of one of Ireland's three glacial fjords before we continue to our day's hike along a lake to the mystical Glenveagh Castle. Here we'll wander the cultivated castle gardens set in this romantic landscape before continuing our walk along a winding path through the Derryveagh Mountains. Passing abandoned settlements and forlorn ruins, learn the history of what life was once like in this desolate wilderness. Later, meet local tweed-makers still practising their craft on a traditional handloom passed down for generations.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B L D

Time

4 hrs walking

Distance

8 KM

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Day 6

Walk along the tops of the Slieve League cliffs, some of Europe's largest and most impressive sea cliffs.

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The final hike is also one of the most impressive. The Slieve League Cliffs are some of Europe's highest cliffs - three times taller than the Cliffs of Moher. Our hike takes us on the little-travelled Pilgrim's Path, a route used for Christian pilgrimages for centuries. You'll get the chance to do something few visitors get to do: stand atop the edge of the Slieve League Cliffs. There are terrific views of the cliffs, the Atlantic Ocean, the mountains of Sligo and Donegal Bay. This evening, enjoy a delicious farewell dinner together in a local restaurant.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B L D

Time

4 hrs walking

Distance

6 KM

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Day 7

Departure day, with stops in 'Yeat's Country' Co. Sligo, before departing in Sligo town.

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This morning, we say goodbye to the Wild Atlantic Way coast in Donegal, and transfer to Co. Sligo, or "Yeats Country," so nicknamed since Ireland's national poet W.B. Yeats drew great inspiration from Sligo's landscapes and natural beauty. Along the way, we'll stop at Yeats' grave, tucked under the shadow of Sligo's iconic mountain Ben Bulben, before making our way to Sligo town.

Meals

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The Route

Point

Transfer

Boat

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

Holiday

General

Equipment

What's Included

A professional and English-speaking guide
All transport throughout the trip starting in Belfast and finishing in Sligo
All accomodation as described
Meals as listed in the meal plan
6 days of hiking along the dramatic coastline and landscapes of Northern Ireland and Donegal
Entrance and admission fees as stated in the itinerary incl. all boat trips

What's not Included

Travel Insurance
Visa fees (if applicable)
Airport transfers
Drinks
Miscellaneous personal expenses

Important Notice

This holiday is operated in association with Wilderness Ireland, and they sell their own customers directly on to this trip also. KE acts as an agent for Wilderness Ireland and by booking this holiday you are entering into an agreement directly with Wilderness Ireland under the terms of their booking conditions.

Joining Arrangements & Transfers

You will be met by your Wilderness Ireland Guide at the Lanyon Place Train Station in Belfast at 12 pm.
You will be returned to Sligo MacDiarmada Railway Station by 12:00 pm on the final day of your trip

Meal Plan

Breakfast is provided each morning, as well as lunch and snacks throughout the trip. Dinner is provided every night.
All meals are included in the price of this trip as marked on the daily itinerary. Local pubs and restaurants offer a wide choice of local dishes.
On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

Food & Water

Water is drinkable from the taps on this holiday. Please fill your personal bottles for your day in the morning. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

Accommodation

This trip features accommodations chosen for their excellent location, service and comfort. All accomm odations provide breakfast. Whether you're looking for the liveliness of a traditional Irish music session or the sound of the crashing waves, all the accommodations we use on the Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal Hiking Trip play an exciting part in your journey through the northern part of the Emerald Isle!
We do not charge single person supplements to people booking on their own. However, you will be expected to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you specifically require a single room you will have to pay the single supplement charge of €300 but this is subject to availability.

Group Leader & Support Staff

The group will be led by an experienced and qualified leader.

Baggage Allowance

There is no weight limit for your luggage on this holiday, however you will need to be able to lift and move your own luggage easily. There is also limited room in the transfer vehicles, and so one bag to be transferred and one day pack per person is ideal.

Group Size & Holiday Status

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in the ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

Passport & Visas

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

Health & Vaccinations

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips. You will need to carry your own treatment for the allergy with you, as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' are not carried as standard by KE leaders and staff. You should inform your leader on arrival of your allergy, and let them know where you keep your adrenaline pen.

Currency

In Northern Ireland, days one and two, pound sterling (GBP) is used. From day three onwards, use the Euro in Ireland. Make sure to carry both currencies with you for this trip.

Travel Aware

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

Single Use Plastic

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

Travel Insurance

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct. Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

Equipment List

The following checklist should help you with your packing. As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum.

You should bring the following items:

Hiking boots (trail shoes are not suitable)
Socks
Trekking trousers
Waterproof overtrousers
Underwear
Baselayer shirts (1 short sleeve, 1 long sleeve)
Fleece jacket or warm jumper
Waterproof jacket
Thermal gloves
Warm and waterproof gloves or mittens
Sunhat
Warm hat
Sunglasses
Daypack 25 – 35 litres should be sufficient
Headtorch and spare batteries
Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
Water bottles 1 litre (x2) (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)
Washbag and toiletries
Antibacterial hand wash
Basic First Aid Kit including: antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, tick tweezers, antihistamines, re-hydration salts

The following items are optional:

Travel shoes / Trainers
Gaiters
Spare laces
Shorts
Shirts (e.g. T-shirts)
Thermal baselayer - leggings
Thermos flask
Trekking poles
Insect repellant
Camera
Travel clothes
Pen-knife (note: always pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
Repair kit – (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)
Midge net
Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

Recommended Outdoor Retailers

Many of the equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive a 12.5% discount with Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need. The discount code can be downloaded from your MyKE account and you can use this code at the checkout, either in store or online.

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