'True North' - Northern Ireland & Donegal, 5 days/4 nights

Northern Ireland and Donegal

EI
56 reviews
Duration: 5 days
Group size: 4 - 18
'True North' - Northern Ireland & Donegal, 5 days/4 nights
Northern Ireland and Donegal

56 reviews

Duration: 5 days
Group size: 4 - 18

About this trip

A unique exploration of Ireland's 'True North' in 5 days / 4 nights. One of our most popular tours and one of the few tours to focus exclusively on Northern Ireland and Donegal.


2025 NORTHERN IRELAND TOUR DATES:
June 8 - 12  **(Note: Sunday - Thurs)**
July 21 - 25 (Mon - Fri)
Aug 18 - 22 (Mon - Fri)
Sep 1 - 5 (Mon - Fri)
Sep 15 - 19 (Mon - Fri)

Oct 12 - 19  **(Note: Sunday - Thurs)** 


We at ‘Essential Ireland’ are passionate about including the beautiful and fascinating North of Ireland and Donegal in our tours. We highly recommend you visit!


Our tour-guests are fascinated by the story of Historic Derry, the beauty and legend of the Causeway, modern peaceful Belfast and its troubled past, the characters and the communities of this beautiful part of Ireland that only 25 years ago was a no-go zone for tourists and is now one of Europe’s top attractions.


On our Northern adventures we take pride into introducing you to the fun and endearing locals from both cultures and communities, the indigenous Irish community and Northern Ireland’s ethnic British culture.


We also venture into majestic Donegal, a remote magnificent corner of Ireland that is often overlooked by mainstream tours. Join us for a unique adventure!

What’s included

  • Accommodation
    Fine 4 star hotels with a warm Northern welcome
  • All transport
    a comfy modern tour-coach with room to spread out
  • all activities
    All tour activities including the famous Titanic experience
  • All breakfasts
    Yummy Irish breakfasts included every day

What’s not included

  • Lunches & dinners
    Lunches & dinners are not included, but we always make great recommendations to suit all budgets and tastes
  • Guide & Driver tips
    Our drivers & guides are paid well & fairly, tips are not expecteds but many tour guests like to give a tip for exemplary service, this is not expected but always appreciated

Available Packages

Double / Twin room
Deposit: €400
Available until 2 days before departure

Price per person sharing a room with one large bed or two beds.

€1,499
Deposit: €400
Solo traveller / single supplement
Deposit: €400

One person travelling solo or with others but sleeping solo and not sharing the bedroom. Private room for the entire tour.

€1,899
Deposit: €400


Itinerary

DAY 1:
Dublin to Belfast (& Titanic Experience)

[9am] Depart central Dublin. We pick up in one central location (the Leonardo Hotel opposite Christchurch Cathedral)


[10.30ish] Our first stop is the historic, and usually unvisited, town of Drogheda. Destroyed by Oliver Cromwell in 1649. (You’ll be hearing a lot about him on this tour!)

Visit the elaborate Church of St. Peter that resembles a grand medieval Cathedral, maybe light a candle to invoke blessing on our travels and gaze in awe at the head of St. Oliver Plunkett (yes, his fully preserved head) who was hung, drawn and quartered in London in the year of Our Lord 1663 and whose head is preserved in an ornamental glass case beside the altar! 

As a bonus, St. Peter's Church also displays a relic of the True Cross. 

History buffs will really enjoy this.


[11am] free-time to maybe find yourself a Coffee and a wee cream-bun.


[11.30] Visit Monasterboice, ancient and glorious Monastic ruins deep in the serene countryside and lush farmland of County Louth. Learn of its majestic Round Tower and its famed Celtic-Christian High Crosses, the finest in Ireland. Your guide will help you recognise the messages and stories contained in the carvings. 

This is a truly special archeological site.


[Early afternoon] Arrive in Belfast, the proud Northern capital. Everyone is free for lunch in the bustling city-centre.


[2pm] We’ll enjoy a short panoramic city tour and experience a good introduction to our temporary hometown for 2 nights.


[3pm]: The late afternoon is devoted to the epic Titanic Experience, voted the #1 visitor attraction in the world. (yes, the world!). You’ll be amazed at this state of the art visitor centre, no expense has been spared to bring to life the story of one of the most famous ships in history, built in Belfast 1912. We spend 2 hours at this brilliant attraction.


[5.30pm] Check into our central Belfast hotel. You'll be free for dinner in one of the many pubs and restaurants around our hotel, your 'Essential Ireland' guide will make plenty of recommendations. 

Some of us might meet up in the famous Victorian  ‘Crown Saloon’, just maybe the most beautiful bar in the world!

Your Organizer


EI
Essential Ireland Tours & Travel Ltd.
56 reviews
Famous for our small-group, VIP-style, Ireland Tours (8-16 guests) 🇮🇪 Created by award-winning Irish Tour-guide Steve McPhilemy (Rick Steves' right-hand man in Ireland for over 20 years) & Irish-American travel-enthusiast Patrick Wade to provide wonderful, fun & value-for-money Irish experiences for our friends, family and international guests.

Reviews

My husband and I just returned from the most incredible tour of Ireland — and we can’t stop talking about it! From the moment we started our tour in Dublin -- to our last breathtaking views along the Wild Atlantic Way -- every moment was thoughtfully curated, relaxed, and deeply meaningful. Traveling with a small group of just seven people made a big difference in the experience -- and allowed to develop a quick camaraderie. This speaks volumes about the thoughtful pacing and welcoming environment created by Essential Ireland. Our guide, Chris, was truly exceptional. Equal parts storyteller, musician, historian, and friend, he struck the perfect balance between guiding us with rich information, entertaining us with Irish humor and song (yes, he taught us a new tune every day!), and allowing space for quiet reflection and personal exploration. He brought Ireland to life in a way that no guidebook ever could and he made sure that we saw items (such as the An Diseart Center & Gardens in Dingle) that others skip or don't realize is there. We especially appreciated the relaxed pace of the tour — leisurely Irish breakfasts, unhurried days of scenic travel and local discovery, and evenings free to explore quaint towns and enjoy the culture/pubs at our own rhythm. Each stop was memorable, but Dingle stole our hearts — a colorful, coastal gem full of charm, music, and magic. The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin was a fun and flavorful way to kick off our trip, and from there, every day brought a new highlight and deeper appreciation for Ireland’s landscape, history, and warmth. We originally chose this tour based on glowing online reviews, and now we’re adding our voices to the chorus — they were absolutely right. This wasn’t just a trip; it was a personal, special experience that we’ll cherish forever. We only wish this company offered tours in other countries — because we’d follow them anywhere.
By Cynthia W for Wild Atlantic Way 7 days (Galway, Killarney & Dingle) on Jul 15, 2025
This was a wonderful return trip to Ireland that was everything I hoped for. I had traveled with Stephen before and this time was delighted to have his brother, Chris, as a guide. Chris was a wealth of information on Irish history as we toured historic sights. (He also has a wonderful singing voice and entertained us with Irish songs as we drove.. The friends he introduced us to along the way were both friendly and inspiring. The countryside of Ireland never fails to bring a smile to my face and our route allowed us to take in its beauty. . Staying for 3 nights in Dingle at the Milltown House was perfect. Plenty of time for walks in town and along the shore. Amazing music one evenig at Milltown. The chance to meet the new Irish Wolfhound pups and play with them. The McPhilemy brothers have perfected how to introduce visitors to Ireland and leave them dreaming of when they can return.
By Judith W for Wild Atlantic Way 7 days (Galway, Killarney & Dingle) on Jul 10, 2025
We highly recommend the Wild Atlantic Way tour. Our guide Chris did a fantastic job of showing us the beauty of Ireland at both the major tourist sites but also many small unique local experiences. His knowledge of Irish history is unmatched. The tour provided the perfect mix of scheduled versus free time. Our stay at Milltown House which included an amazing falconry lesson truly felt like we were locals on holiday at our own Irish country house. Meeting the resident Irish Wolfhound Oisin was a bonus! Do not hesitate to book with Essential Ireland Tours.
By Gina A for Wild Atlantic Way 7 days (Galway, Killarney & Dingle) on Jun 12, 2025
This trip was fun, exciting, and full of adventure! The guides were amazing!! This was our favorite trip to Ireland!
By DEE T for Wild Atlantic Way 7 days (Galway, Killarney & Dingle) on May 25, 2025
We covered a lot of beautiful ground with delightful stories along the way by our guide Sam. The accommodations were first class and very conveniently located. Breakfast was always delicious. There were 12 of us on our van and everyone took turns sitting near the front but really all the seats were good. Very comfortable. With our free day, 5 of us went in the Sea Safari in Dingle. I'd highly recommend that too. We used the company that was on the Main Street and booked it when we were there. The go out every 3 hours and provide all the gear for warmth. A few people ate at Doyle's but reservations were required. So plan ahead for that. I guess it's well worth it. All the beef is grass fed I think and the fish is as fresh as it gets. We never had a bad meal. We got back to Dublin in time for the Celtic Nights dinner and show. $55 for a 3 course meal, music and a dancing show. FYI: The Free Now app works best for all Uber/Taxi service.
By Lisa M for Wild Atlantic Way 7 days (Galway, Killarney & Dingle) on May 20, 2025
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